An NPC dilemma [Archive] - Wizards Community

An NPC dilemma [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Dedekind
08-27-03, 01:13 PM Kanniggit, if you are reading this, don't.

So I have had an NPC of higher level who has been instrumental to several plot hooks. Now I think the ultimate hook is for this guy to get captured and the PCs need to rescure him.

The problem is, I want the rescue to lead to further exploration and then to startling revelations. But I don't want the PCs to invite the NPC to go along after they rescue him. The NPC is of similar level and powerful (in his own right), and hence I don't him to detract from the PCs being heroic.

Any ideas on how to make this work?

A few specifics:
Party level = 16th
NPC level = 16th (10 Rogue, 6 Spymaster)
Location of NPC after being captured = Castle Thrasmotnir, palace of the fire giant King Mogthrasir. (This is the Against the Giants module converted to 3E)

TIA,

Dedekind
Khayless
08-27-03, 01:48 PM Have the party be paid to rescue the NPC and take him back to the city. If they aren't capable of teleporting, provide them with a refuge stick to return the NPC to home so he can tend to his "pressing duties" post haste!
Theocracity
08-27-03, 02:10 PM Perhaps he's been crippled by the BBEG, or at the least is very sick when they rescue him. He wouldn't be in any condition to continue the adventure, and could get some sympathy points from the characters for his state.
ieattrollsforbreakfast
08-27-03, 02:57 PM Perhaps he dies on the journey home?
Or perhaps he becomes insane from claustrophobia (sp?) from being locked in a small, dark hole.
Or how about he just says 'no' when they ask.
Another reason could be that he must go see his family and friends, because I think I would if I'd been captured and only just got back.
Erus
08-27-03, 03:41 PM Being captured, tortured, maimed and othewise made to feel extremely uncomfortable would lead a person to reassess their values and paths in life. This guy sounds like he needs to take some time off and evaluate his life, decide what he wants, and maybe marry himself a cute little wife & raise some spyletts. All that should take just long enough for your PCs to go on without him...

Erus.
Fable
08-27-03, 04:15 PM In similar situations I have had my NPCs have pressing duties elsewhere. NPCs have lives of their own and business to attend. Good luck.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dedekind 08-27-03, 01:13 PM	Kanniggit, if you are reading this, don't. So I have had an NPC of higher level who has been instrumental to several plot hooks. Now I think the ultimate hook is for this guy to get captured and the PCs need to rescure him. The problem is, I want the rescue to lead to further exploration and then to startling revelations. But I don't want the PCs to invite the NPC to go along after they rescue him. The NPC is of similar level and powerful (in his own right), and hence I don't him to detract from the PCs being heroic. Any ideas on how to make this work? A few specifics: Party level = 16th NPC level = 16th (10 Rogue, 6 Spymaster) Location of NPC after being captured = Castle Thrasmotnir, palace of the fire giant King Mogthrasir. (This is the Against the Giants module converted to 3E) TIA, Dedekind
Khayless 08-27-03, 01:48 PM	Have the party be paid to rescue the NPC and take him back to the city. If they aren't capable of teleporting, provide them with a refuge stick to return the NPC to home so he can tend to his "pressing duties" post haste!
Theocracity 08-27-03, 02:10 PM	Perhaps he's been crippled by the BBEG, or at the least is very sick when they rescue him. He wouldn't be in any condition to continue the adventure, and could get some sympathy points from the characters for his state.
ieattrollsforbreakfast 08-27-03, 02:57 PM	Perhaps he dies on the journey home? Or perhaps he becomes insane from claustrophobia (sp?) from being locked in a small, dark hole. Or how about he just says 'no' when they ask. Another reason could be that he must go see his family and friends, because I think I would if I'd been captured and only just got back.
Erus 08-27-03, 03:41 PM	Being captured, tortured, maimed and othewise made to feel extremely uncomfortable would lead a person to reassess their values and paths in life. This guy sounds like he needs to take some time off and evaluate his life, decide what he wants, and maybe marry himself a cute little wife & raise some spyletts. All that should take just long enough for your PCs to go on without him... Erus.
Fable 08-27-03, 04:15 PM	In similar situations I have had my NPCs have pressing duties elsewhere. NPCs have lives of their own and business to attend. Good luck.