Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 harveywh Jul 05, 2010 17:26:00	This appears to be the best forum for this, but let me know if it is not. I have an NPC that I want to continuously pop up throughout my compaign.  However, he is hiding from a specific evil for the time being.  To combat this, I want him to be under a spell of sorts which 'reprograms' him to have a different backstory.  This will be an important theme in my campaign, so I want to make sure I get it right. In addition to this, there will be a physical component so that his body thinks it is weaker than it is.  For instance, he is a lvl 18 character, but functions as if he is a lvl 3 character.  He will fall 'dying' when he passes the 0 hp for his lvl, but not actually have any of the death consequences.  I was also looking at him arising with his full lvl 18 abilities if he somehow happens to reach his lvl 18 bloodied value. I'd also like to have his appearance magically altered by this, but that certainly can be a different spell.  Worse comes to worse, it can be simply using a disguise kit, though that would have other implications for a person who doesn't realize they are hiding. ---------------------- My players were not supposed to figure out that this NPC was more than meets the eye yet, but they already have in their first encounter with him.  In the D&D books I've looked into so far, I haven't found anything quite yet that matches what I want.  Someone mentioned the 9th level 2e spell 'reprogramming' that made up some memories, but this seemed a bit too simple. I was thinking of just making up a special lvl 18 ritual (seems to be the appropriate route) and calling it 'Greater Reprogramming".  Give it a high component cost with a target that must be willing, and I think it fits alright. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this?  This is my first D&D campaign, so I have little experience making up spells.  Any specific 4e books or spells you know of would be appreciated.
#2 Bandikoot Jul 06, 2010 1:46:51	When situations like this appear in fantasy literature it's usually a high level spell/ritual or a curse so I think the idea of a ritual is a perfectly fine way to go.  On the other hand, unless you plan for your PCs to actually get ahold of said ritual and be able to use it, there isn't any reason to knock yourself out trying to figure out exactly the right comonent costs, casting times, or level.  Just do a little DM handwaving.