Advice on a game concept [Archive] - Wizards Community

Advice on a game concept [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Osbi-Wan
05-06-04, 08:04 AM At the end of my previous campaign I sowed the seeds for my next campaign with the inclusion of a specific weapon. But at the time I had not made up my mind the true potential of the weapon because I had intended it to be the main focus of the next campaign, and wasn't sure where to go with it.

My concept is that the player wielding the weapon would be controlled by some form of intelligence in the weapon. I thought I could achieve this using an intelligent item, or the essence of some object possessing being. I then wanted the player to become the big bad of the campaign, but in a subtle Darth Sidious kind of way. So that although there would be the standard ongoing stories and plot threads, behind the scenes there would be this ongoing arc of the player working to their own ends to gain more power, both political and physical.

Of course I intended to do this in complete collusion with the player so we could come up with the personality and goals. But the player will not actually be involved with the plotting or planning of the game itself. And, I envision the player being able to act out their previous personality in the presence of the rest of the group whilst secretly plotting and scheming. If any direct actions need to be taken by the player then solo sessions can be run.

The question I have is how do I best handle the intelligent item/possessing force from a game perspective? I have been scouring the books for inspiration. I don't think intelligent items really do the trick here. And I thought possession from the Book of Vile Darkness had promise, but I am not so sure long term. I don't know whether there are any spells or creatures (Lich's) out there that may do the trick.

So any suggestions on this point? And any thoughts on the concept?

Thanks in advance.

Osbi-Wan
Yorlum
05-06-04, 08:10 AM My suggestion is to start by coloring the player's perceptions, through use of notes and asides, to taint their PoV.

EG, when describing a man they see on the street, send the PC a note describing him as furtively watching you.

Do that enough and the PC will start to view the world as evil and suspect that someone is out to 'get' him.

Of course the party will see that he's a little nuts, as everything is really just fine, it is just the weapon gradually tainting him...
Lord Gwydion
05-07-04, 12:57 AM If the player is in on it with you, why do you need an established mechanic/monster/spell effect to pull it off?

Just say it's so. You're the DM, after all.
The Morninglord
05-07-04, 07:42 AM You may want to take a look at the Fiend of Possesion PrC from Fiend Folio for your weapon personality. The Book of Vile Darkness discusses possession, and may give you some advice (like the fact that the possessor may have the ability to give the possessed benefits if it behaves as the possessor wants it to). You could probably create a personality for the weapon, which would take control of the character from time to time (allthough you could possibly let the player control both personalities).
wizzydog
05-07-04, 05:44 PM they way i would do it is to put a one of a kind gem or something in the sword and have that gem or whatever do all sorts of stuff you ewant to. After all you're the Dm you can do what ever u want to.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Osbi-Wan 05-06-04, 08:04 AM	At the end of my previous campaign I sowed the seeds for my next campaign with the inclusion of a specific weapon. But at the time I had not made up my mind the true potential of the weapon because I had intended it to be the main focus of the next campaign, and wasn't sure where to go with it. My concept is that the player wielding the weapon would be controlled by some form of intelligence in the weapon. I thought I could achieve this using an intelligent item, or the essence of some object possessing being. I then wanted the player to become the big bad of the campaign, but in a subtle Darth Sidious kind of way. So that although there would be the standard ongoing stories and plot threads, behind the scenes there would be this ongoing arc of the player working to their own ends to gain more power, both political and physical. Of course I intended to do this in complete collusion with the player so we could come up with the personality and goals. But the player will not actually be involved with the plotting or planning of the game itself. And, I envision the player being able to act out their previous personality in the presence of the rest of the group whilst secretly plotting and scheming. If any direct actions need to be taken by the player then solo sessions can be run. The question I have is how do I best handle the intelligent item/possessing force from a game perspective? I have been scouring the books for inspiration. I don't think intelligent items really do the trick here. And I thought possession from the Book of Vile Darkness had promise, but I am not so sure long term. I don't know whether there are any spells or creatures (Lich's) out there that may do the trick. So any suggestions on this point? And any thoughts on the concept? Thanks in advance. Osbi-Wan
Yorlum 05-06-04, 08:10 AM	My suggestion is to start by coloring the player's perceptions, through use of notes and asides, to taint their PoV. EG, when describing a man they see on the street, send the PC a note describing him as furtively watching you. Do that enough and the PC will start to view the world as evil and suspect that someone is out to 'get' him. Of course the party will see that he's a little nuts, as everything is really just fine, it is just the weapon gradually tainting him...
Lord Gwydion 05-07-04, 12:57 AM	If the player is in on it with you, why do you need an established mechanic/monster/spell effect to pull it off? Just say it's so. You're the DM, after all.
The Morninglord 05-07-04, 07:42 AM	You may want to take a look at the Fiend of Possesion PrC from Fiend Folio for your weapon personality. The Book of Vile Darkness discusses possession, and may give you some advice (like the fact that the possessor may have the ability to give the possessed benefits if it behaves as the possessor wants it to). You could probably create a personality for the weapon, which would take control of the character from time to time (allthough you could possibly let the player control both personalities).
wizzydog 05-07-04, 05:44 PM	they way i would do it is to put a one of a kind gem or something in the sword and have that gem or whatever do all sorts of stuff you ewant to. After all you're the Dm you can do what ever u want to.