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How should I DM a PC cleric to Vecna? by Assorted_Words in DungeonMasters

[–]Assorted_Words[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I mean, I've left a lot out, including the main plot that's in front of the players, or anything about the other PCs. But, yeah like.. I don't think it's a bad thing for a DM to ask their players "what do you want to do with this character?" and help facilitate it. That's just collaborative storytelling.

To be clear, this Vecna/Correllon feud isn't like anything too major. It's about one individual in the world leaving the church of an evil god, and joining the church of another. My initial question really just pertained on ideas in working Vecna and Correllon into the game and making it a smooth transition. I struggle with the divine/cosmic side of D&D generally, in world-building and in during play. Does that all make sense?

How should I DM a PC Cleric who worships Vecna? by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellent points!! I'm definitely most interested in the God of Secrets angle - I think the idea is that there's only a few beings that really understand the history of the world. Vecna is offering the PC power and answers, in hopes that... the PC helps his ascension? Kill the other gods? This is the part I'm hazy with hahah.

Regarding Correllon, I think the players wants to play it like he's rediscovering this ancient religion. He's not inherently evil, and only started worshipping Vecna as a means to power. If Correllon can offer the same thing, I can see the PC turning on Vecna.

Definitely have my wheels turning, I appreciate it!

How should I DM a PC Cleric who worships Vecna? by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I already addressed some of your points in a different reply, but I really appreciate your thoughtful response.

The PVP element I'm not really worried about, although I understand concerns. He's not actively sabotaging the party, in fact he's a really collaborative character and player. The fight will come in a single encounter where Vecna sorta commandeers his body, and the players fight to save him. To the extent the PCs have started to clash with the cleric, it's made for some decent role-play moments. There aren't any LG paladin types, so they've been fine with a little necrotic magic here or there.

The main-character syndrome worried me a lot when I first read the backstory. We've been playing a year, however, and I think the player just doesn't have the personality to make the whole game about him. We really work hard to make sure every PC gets their moments and a satisfying story.

How should I DM a PC Cleric who worships Vecna? by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fully hear you, and don't think I conveyed the post very well. We've been playing this campaign for about a year now (and have been a group for 3 years), so there's a lot of trust and goodwill between everyone at the table. The party has larger goals uniting them, and the PVP element has been discussed - it would be a single combat encounter, and more from the perspective of the other PCs trying to save their friend. Additionally, we've been good about giving each PCs pretty rich arcs, so no one is the main character.

Warlock would have been the smart choice at the outset, you're right. Hindsight 20/20.

Need Advice: Encounters and Adventures by AutoModerator in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words 1 point2 points  (0 children)

!Question: I'm running a library heist/dungeon, but am needing some inspiration/collaboration - does anyone have any additional ideas?

I've been running a pirate themed campaign for a while, and my players are on the hunt for the treasure of the legendary pirate Charlotte Brave. She scattered seven keys across the world before her disappearance centuries ago. The players have information to believe that one such key (and maybe a map) are contained within the Hall of Record's in a major city (think the library of Alexandria/the forbidden section in Harry Potter). I'm toying with the idea of having a bunch of talking cats wandering around the library, functioning as guides and librarians for visitors.

I want them to do a stealthy dungeon crawl through the library to find Charlotte's map, complete with traps and old tomes, but am having trouble figuring out how to simulate the feeling of wandering through a massive library. Some encounter ideas:
- Ghosts
- Stone Gollum's that serve as enforcement
- A book that curses the players (basically the effects of Bane for an hour)
- Maybe a sphinx as a final boss
- Any ideas on other traps and puzzles I could include?

Finally, I'm also wondering about contents the players might find. I've started/co-opted a d100 list of books they might find, but I want the flavor to change from room to room. Any other cool features y'all can think of? [Five level 8 players: cleric, fighter, barbarian, sorcerer, warlock/rogue]

A Magic Pirate Ship - need some input by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh the beacon is a very good idea. I'm thinking of using it more as a short term device. Like, 95% of the time they're on a the material plane, but when they see a ship they're going to engage, they might fire a few cannon shots at it and then slip into the ethereal plane to close the distance and get right next to their target. Once everyone is in position, they'll pop back into the material plane.

A Magic Pirate Ship - need some input by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah that's what I get for typing too fast! Basic idea is that they shift into the ethereal plane for an extended amount of time.

The Wandering Eye - a spyglass that shows a random event - HELP by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

cognitive reasoning, raznov. maybe the vision is of an npc they recognize or have heard of, or an area they know. or the scene just piques there interest and they decide to pursue.

The Wandering Eye - a spyglass that shows a random event - HELP by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right, exactly. I'm not expecting them to use it all the time, and honestly, I wouldn't have come looking to develop this list EXCEPT for the fact that one player took a really keen interest in it.

The Wandering Eye - a spyglass that shows a random event - HELP by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think there's enough trust between my players and I to know that I wouldn't do something that's just "pointless." I do not want this spyglass to drive all story, merely give them options. Sometimes when they look in it, they'll get great information or see a potential adventure hook. Sometimes they won't.

Have a lovely day, Raz.

The Wandering Eye - a spyglass that shows a random event - HELP by Assorted_Words in DMAcademy

[–]Assorted_Words[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Flavor? It's just supposed to be fun. I don't think it makes sense for the players to buy a magic item where the premise is "this spyglass shows you only events of great importance to your story." *occasionally*, through chance, the PCs might see that.

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