Greetings!

In one of my Thandor campaigns, the group has recently launched a campaign of exploration. The group are in command of a small army--a "reconnaissance in strength" of 60,000 troops, divided into (6) Tumens, each consisting of roughly 10,000 troops. The group has been engaged in a large war to seek out and crush opposing enemies of the area--various smaller tribal kingdoms that are resisting the Yomoggu invasion. The Player Characters in this current circumstance, have joined up with the Yomoggu tribes, and have risen in command as their deeds, loyalty, and prestige have been demonstrated.

The Player Characters have been traveling and fighting amidst a hot, desolate, arid desert environment. Many swift-moving cavalry attacks, raids, and pitched battles, punctuated by storming various fortified villages, towns, and cities. The general area within their zone of responsibility has become relatively pacified, for now--and they have been traveling up through the Kyben Pass, climbing higher and higher into forest-shrouded slopes, beautiful mountain valleys, and harrowing clifftop vistas.

Advanced scouts have reported to them that lands further to the south, that they have advanced into, are much different. These lands are dense jungles, and vibrant, green farmlands and rich, fertile grasslands.

it is a very interesting series of adventure scenarios I have going for them. there are always many different things going on and developing, all at the same time.

(1): Hostile mountain tribes attacking them frequently
(2): Some mountain tribes are very different, and greet the party with generosity, hospitality, and even friendship.
(3): Strange animals are often encountered;
(4): Monsters frequently attack the party.
(5): Back on the base side, where the party established a fortified base camp, those forces must deal with supply caravans, as well as periodic raids and attacks by enemy tribes. the party is aware that the enemy kingdoms still have formidable armies that can be committed to battle given various opportunities.
(6): Up in the high mountain valleys, the player characters have discovered a series of ancient ruins.
(7): In a nearby area, a mighty plateau features an ancient stone circle of monoliths. the mighty plateau overlooks a shimmering lake, far below.
(: Meanwhile, on the southern jungle side, the player characters have had mixed results--there are several villages that have befriended them, while several other villages have sternly rejected them as foreign barbarians. local, organized tribal forces have been making increasing attacks and raids against forces serving under the player character's command.

So, that is what has been going on so far.

Have you had your players embark on fantastic journeys of exploration?

What other ideas should I consider, for animals, monsters, treasures, and more?

And thank you, as well, for your ideas, questions, commentary and other contributions.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

I've actually been working on something similar, grand exploration, but without the armies. We played some of it out so far, just the beginning. I'm looking forward to different cultures and customs encountered along the way. I have plenty of ideas, but I'm a little conflicted because I have preferences for certain cultures, while not wanting to force their hands. Further, I kinda would like it if they decided to settle down in one of the cultures. But then I might not get them to visit some of the other areas I've been planning. Although I might be able to get them involved in trading caravans and such in that case.

Quote from: Baron on May 16, 2023, 11:46:14 PM
I've actually been working on something similar, grand exploration, but without the armies. We played some of it out so far, just the beginning. I'm looking forward to different cultures and customs encountered along the way. I have plenty of ideas, but I'm a little conflicted because I have preferences for certain cultures, while not wanting to force their hands. Further, I kinda would like it if they decided to settle down in one of the cultures. But then I might not get them to visit some of the other areas I've been planning. Although I might be able to get them involved in trading caravans and such in that case.

Greetings!

Yeah, Baron! I sometimes have the same problems! There are often some pretty significant advantages for players to settle down within Culture A, but yes, wait, they haven't explored Culture B,C, or D yet! *Laughing*

That is a certain trade off in keeping them going. I have several places that Player Characters have serious interest in making stronger social connections, setting up a base, all kinds of good things.

Exploration opens up all kinds of very interesting struggles and problems! I also like the new opportunities that array themselves, from new friends, learning new lore, new skills, new clothing, food, languages. Then, of course, there are new sights to see, new geography, new fantastic locations! It is such a great experience for a campaign!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

As for settling down, a few party members need to establish a relationship with either a temple or spell-casting "guild." Once they've done that, they'll be kind of stuck using that culture as a base from that point on. So I'm going to have to break the fourth wall when they come across a good opportunity, to give them an informed choice.

Quote from: Baron on May 17, 2023, 04:11:41 PM
As for settling down, a few party members need to establish a relationship with either a temple or spell-casting "guild." Once they've done that, they'll be kind of stuck using that culture as a base from that point on. So I'm going to have to break the fourth wall when they come across a good opportunity, to give them an informed choice.

Greetings!

Temples! Yeah, my friend! I always like getting the player characters involved with local temples. Temples are a major social center and focal point for communities. Lots of great opportunities with temples, staff, and the different priests.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Just some fun reading I recommend on the subject: the original journals of Louis and Clark are chock full of great details, from the extensive preparation and supply gathering beforehand, to negotiations with natives, freezing, starvation, whitewater, and worst of all grizzly attacks!

Someday I'll do a take on Journey to the West/Monkey King where a band of heroes travels to recover sacred scrolls or something from a distant land to save the princess or whatever.  The journey will be the main thing.  Hell, maybe I'll use Pundit's supplements for that.  Just haven't quite gotten around to it as other things keep distracting me.  And I'd like an Asian-themed RPG I really like and understand to set it in.  Or I'll just go back to AD&D Oriental Adventures or maybe use the new Wuxia book Joseph Bloch is dropping in a couple weeks.

Quote from: Persimmon on May 18, 2023, 07:13:47 PM
Someday I'll do a take on Journey to the West/Monkey King where a band of heroes travels to recover sacred scrolls or something from a distant land to save the princess or whatever.  The journey will be the main thing.  Hell, maybe I'll use Pundit's supplements for that.  Just haven't quite gotten around to it as other things keep distracting me.  And I'd like an Asian-themed RPG I really like and understand to set it in.  Or I'll just go back to AD&D Oriental Adventures or maybe use the new Wuxia book Joseph Bloch is dropping in a couple weeks.

Greetings!

It is very rewarding and fun, Persimmon! It is really neat, because the primary mission, such as there is, is to explore! Their entire mission is to make maps, catalogue animals and plants, make friends where they can, slaughter who they must. On the way, they get to experience new cultures, new tribes, languages, food, clothing, all kinds of stuff!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: Zalman on May 18, 2023, 08:47:26 AM
Just some fun reading I recommend on the subject: the original journals of Louis and Clark are chock full of great details, from the extensive preparation and supply gathering beforehand, to negotiations with natives, freezing, starvation, whitewater, and worst of all grizzly attacks!

Greetings!

That is an excellent suggestion, Zalman! There are definitely various accounts and resources concerning the Old West and the Frontier that can be very interesting and helpful!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK