Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 xpochian Feb 03, 2012 0:00:57	Hey all, just wondering if I could tap the expertise of this board. Basically, I'm hoping to introduce a semi-regular villain for the PCs to battle, while not the BBEG, an arch nemesis would do just fine. We play 3.5 Realms, focused around the Delimbiyr Vale, mid-power game, no min-maxers, and as DM, I try to keep challenges appropriate. There are three 10th level PCs, a warlock, a hexblade and a rogue, and the warlock's cleric cohort, with the general alignment being CG, although, the hexblade is CN. Anyhow, here are my thoughts so far: the PCs are exploring a location that is heavily flavoured using the events from The Tearing of the Weave, and come across a Mirror of Opposition, and regular hilarity ensues. Now, since the warlock is a devout follower of Mystra, and has an exalted feat, I figure that her opposite, a la mirror, would probably have a vile feat, and be devoted to Shar. Considering this battle happens in a temple of Shar, I was going to say that the duplicate became far more aware of itself, perhaps blessed by the Dark Lady, and would attempt to escape what was a losing battle. So, my thoughts are now turned to "How can I amp up this nemesis, so that she is dangerous and memorable, but in ways that aren't a TPK?" My plan was for her to, upon becoming more self aware and realizing the nature of her origin, still being dedicated to trying to kill the party, but dealing with the PC that "spawned" her in such a way that keeps the hero alive but incapacitated, so the duplicate can live on. And finally, the super fun part: I was wondering how an insanely dangerous warlock duplicate that was presumably blessed by Shar herself may go about doing the above, and amassing boatloads of personal power as well - in a manner that was believable enough, insofar as both gaming and for RP reasons as well. One idea was for her to perhaps become a draining but intelligent undead - meaning she could pursue her prey for years without old age kicking in - and then, perhaps after she's drained enough, she's secured enough of a "soul" that she's not directly tied to the PC? Another thought would be that she, being partially created by Shar, would attempt to address her lack of soul with an infusion of shadowstuff, perhaps even initially taking out known enemies of the PCs, while she frantically searches for a sustaining darkness, maybe even tricking them into thinking that she's a potential ally. Finally, I was playing with the idea of her somehow altering her warlock heritage (or pact, as it's known in 4e), throwing her lot in with a cadre of Shar-friendly devils; the thought here would be that, she would temporarily be given a soul to enact her vengeance - maybe a rival fiend used his pull to get her name on an arcanely arcanely worded Faustian contract, and, not wishing to admit that they were wrong or tricked, the original pact-bearer stuck to the exact letter of the bargain and gave her a slice of his own dark soul, rather than humiliatingly admit he was legally out-maneuvered by a "magically-fabricated and entirely mortal" jurist. So, a lot going on there, but just wondering if anyone had two copper's to contribute?
#2 sfdragon Feb 03, 2012 0:23:33	she could have found her true name too... which would be spoken in reverse of the pc's name and commanded herself.... granted life by shar... eitherway. Mr. Miscilanious and or Delta should be around as my mind just went blank. on that note, you could also go over to candlekeep.com and ask them there. Most of the FR fans and players went there at the onslaught of 4e realms.
#3 Dark_Wizard_02 Feb 03, 2012 0:33:04	If the warlock is CG, go with LE for the Anti-Warlock. Coincidentally, this makes the Anti suitable for the Hellfire Warlock PrC, which offers some decent and distinct abilities if built right. As DM you can even fudge the rules slightly to beef her up, perhaps give the Anti full Warlock invocation progression as well. You don't have to go full out with the nemesis, but it gives you reasonable options if she needs them. Also don't go with a Shar devotee, that's expected and obvious. Instead mess with the PCs' perception of what is right. Mystra allows LE followers, make this a Mystra/Weave fanatic. She is blessed by Mystra! I would go so far as to make this nemesis a rumored "Spellfire" wielder. Warlock/Hellfire Warlock can emulate some of this well enough, maybe give her the channeler feat if that helps. Hype up her status with the church and have her 'fall' by going mad with the 'Spellfire' flowing through her, overwhelming her. Or she can start out as mad but has done well in hiding her crimes until the PCs uncover her plans. Nothing says nemesis more than the actual former paragon of an ideal. Make the nemesis a horror, a terror, and flawed but with just a hint of something reasonable. Make it so this nemesis is very much like the mirrored character, but just that little extra twist. This could have been that PC, but the nemesis made that fateful divergence to her life of infamy.
#4 Mr_Miscellany Feb 07, 2012 10:25:23	Does the PC what got "mirrored" have a lot of wealth and contacts? I've found it's fun with plots like this to have the duplicate come around after the PCs have left an area where they're done business and cause lots of trouble by reversing agreements, treating anyone especially rudely that the normal PC would treat nicely, and basically ruining the single PC's reputation (and the group's to a lesser extent). Sounds like you have an interesting time in store for your players. Good job.
#5 Andrekan Feb 11, 2012 9:14:53	Remember too, Opposites Attract!  Though their life goals oppose each other they physically would be attracted to one another and thats why they might blast away, argue, and plot against one another but never are able to cut the tie that binds (could be a Mystra Link).  Maybe they have to work together for some purpose but it leaves a bitter taste in their crawls and eventually grows into deadly jealousy match or did she do that for spite.  Perhaps she did that just because she could!
#6 sfdragon Feb 11, 2012 22:55:21	I always wondered something about mirrors of opposition... if it is to copy the onlooker  and produce an exact opposite, would a mirror peoduce a male from when a female looks in it...... opposites and all....