A slightly different idea, but one that is feasible with scripting. On several quests, you deal with slave holding types of creatures from gnolls, to orogs, to goblins, etc.

I'm suggesting that a system is set up so that a new character can log in, and if a party is doing one of these quests, a portal is available in the start area that you can walk through. You then wind up in a cage in the quest area and the players on the quest will be able to rescue you.

It'd be a terrific way for a new character to make friends.

The only draw back is how to keep the monsters in the quest area from killing you in the cage, but I'm sure that can be rectified with some minor adjustments to locations.

Grade A awesome idea. Implement pls.

If this can be done, it will be great. Trouble, though, if somebody decides to kill said new player for their 100gp starting gold...

With the option to take the portal the player should start with nothing but a slave outfit probably. I mean the slavers woulda took the coin anyway right?.

This would be a very interesting way to start. I endorse it.

Comments:

I think maybe an XP bonus (even just the 500 like starting in the underdark) and no gold would be fine.

What happens to your PC if the party fails for whatever reason, which is a real possibility on the goblin or orog forts?

erglion What happens to your PC if the party fails for whatever reason, which is a real possibility on the goblin or orog forts?

Reroll?

:P

I think this is a great idea and would efiniately try it is it proved possible..

The idea of shouting and screaming for help from your cage/cell as the adventurers fight the creatures would be a great way to start your character.

It would give great immersion for the whole slave thing..

I love it! Definately sounds awesome.

My idea that I have is that you should ignore Oroborous' suggestion. Consequently, let it be known that henceforth, any reference to ideas in this thread are in reference to my idea unless specifically stated otherwise.

Because LTS has weighed in for this issue, we as a DM team are going to have to oppose this idea.

I like *edit* Oro's *edit* idea entirely. The gobbo fort quest is a good one to test this on. The location of where the slaves are have no monsters immediately nearby to see them, (they are the same prison cell setup as in the portal quest) which will remove the possibility of them being killed before the rescuers can arrive.

Also the seeker who gives the quest states that there might, in fact, be slaves there to start with. His dialogue could be modified so that if in the end, the rescued person (who should now be part of the party), can be counted for extra xp. If the rescued slave doesn't survive the trip out, then the dialogue should offer an option to state that they didn't survive and no xp is given.

Well, and on the Yaun-ti quest, you can shove prisoners in a cell. Easy enough and out of the way.

He meant Oroborous' idea.

Might be the problem that this would have to be scheduled, pretty much like a prelude.

Sitting in a cage for 3 hours hoping some PCs are going to raid might be a bit boring, ya know?

Just being a voice of caution.

I think the idea was that the portal would only appear in the start area IF someone is already actively accepted the quest. Most people don't venture out to the Gobbo fort quest giver unless they're going to make a serious attempt at the quest.

Also on a related note, a jail cell might save the 'slave' from physical harm if the door is locked, but it wont save them from ranged spells of enemy casters.

The Beggar Because LTS has weighed in for this issue, we as a DM team are going to have to oppose this idea.

Solidarity, my brothers.

all joking aside, does that mean this request is dead? or......?

I am against it. Because LTS said no.

Screw LTS.

Still, this sounds like too much hassle. If you really want to start a character like this then just create one and ask a DM to drop you in the QA of the next random powerquesting party's path. I am sure they'll be delighted you interrupt their XP grinding with RP.