The Scarlet Citadel (S&P 45)

[Bjorn the Barbarian]

I just finished reading "The Scarlet Citadel" written by Ronald Toland in this month's Signs & Portents Roleplayer (#45).

The article was excellent and contained a wealth of information on the citadel and its strange occupants, as well as suggestions on how to use it in your campaigns.

However, I do have one complaint. Although the author was thorough in explaining the layout of the citadel and its environs, there was no map! I have found this to be a problem in some of Mongoose's publications. :?

If Mongoose is going to publish excellent articles such as "The Scarlet Citadel", then it would behoove them to publish a map or layout with the article.

Just my 2 coppers.

 

[The King]

I didn't read it yet but noted with pleasure that Pelias's stats were given. I think he is the only great sorcerer whose info was lacking.

 

[Spectator]

I looked at the spell lists and noted that both scholars listed wated two perfectly good spells on Oriental Magic such as: Darting serpent and Warrior Trance.

Other than Shapeshifter, the oriental magic spells are next to worthless (Too much PP on limited returns).

Hell, pelias should have got Gelid bones.

I've been thinking about house ruling Oriental Magic with some more worthwhile spells like levitation, spiderclimb, feather fall, and jump spells adapted from deedle-dee.

 

[VincentDarlage]

The darting serpent spell does seem to reflect how fast Tsotha-lanti was able to move in the story.

Although the stats seem the same for Tsotha-lanti as in Scrolls of Skelos, his description is written better.

 

[Majestic7]

Hmm, if I'd ever use Pelias, I'd definetely change him though. Instead of sacrifical feats, I'd give him Debaucher. It seems more like his style, as he is mentioned to like wine and women - makes sense that he would get more power from the orgies as well. I'd likewise replace many of his spells, mainly either Warrior Trance or Darting Serpent with Gelid Bones. It makes no sense to have just basic curse otherwise. Another option would be to replace curses with counterspells. Too few high level NPC wizards seem to have warding spells anyway. I'd think defensive magic to be their priority, if they have magical opponents - and most do.

What comes to Darting Serpent and Warrior Trance as useless spells, I've houseruled them to last longer to make them more worthwhile.