Dear Layonara Community,
As you have likely noticed, events pertaining to the Dragon Storm Campaign plot have been picking up as late and seeming to point toward a significant conflict at some point in the near future. This would, in fact, be a correct assessment. In order to help you and us prepare for this, we'd like to advise you of the following planned timeline of events.
The plot finale will occur approximately two months from today on or around the weekend of March 19th, 2011. This is subject to change depending on scheduling and other considerations, but that is currently our target. The finale may actually be multiple events, structured to let characters of varying level ranges and interests to have meaningful participation. We haven't worked this out with 100% certainty yet, but this is at least the plan. We'll try to have something firm within a month prior to the event so you can plan accordingly as well.
Between now and the finale, you, the community, may use this time to prepare and plan. If there is something you want to try to do or investigate, let us know as soon as possible so that we can plan for them and assist you in your efforts. What you do now will shape the landscape for the finale. Whether that ends up being a good thing or a bad thing is up to you.
As a word of advice, we strongly suggest you talk amongst yourselves, hold meetings, review every bit of information about the campaign so far, no matter how old it may be. I know that recent events have made personal security something of a concern for PCs and their friends/families, but if you all need a safe place to meet, there is a room designed just for this in Bydell Castle now (added as of version 3.30). It is adjacent to, but not part of, the Aragenite library/temple there, but it has a separate door and is not consecrated ground, so clergy and paladins need not worry about violating their oaths. Use this time wisely. Ask questions, send letters and make plans.
For disclosure and transparency, we have already determined the conditions for success and failure to varying degrees. There are multiple conditions for each and a spectrum of success and failure, so there is no "One Right Way" to pass the campaign. We are not "railroading" anything, but rather we have come to an agreement upon what sorts of things constitute an "ideal" success, partial success and so on. The better prepared you are to face the challenges ahead, the better things will hopefully go. Also, in this case, preparedness is not just a matter of having plenty of weapons, scrolls and potions (though they'll surely help) but also of having some important pieces of information at your disposal.
I would also like to give this one piece of advice:
All keys needed to unlock the best possible outcome of this Campaign are out there. For the best possible outcome, you'll need more than muscle. Play smart.
On that note, good luck!
Lastly, I know there's been rumors floating around that the end of this campaign means the end of NWN Layo. I want to set anyone's mind at ease who may be thinking this and state that this is not the plan. For the foreseeable future, NWN Layo will continue under the same conditions it has for the last couple of years. This of course may change as time goes on, but it will not be due to the campaign wrapping up.
If there are any questions about this post, please ask below or via PM.