I need a plot to string together a group of encounters

[fissionessence]

The PCs have learned that they need to collect seven clues in order to figure out where they need to go next.

They know that [most of] these clues are in the possession of various cult leaders across the city, whose identities they don't know.

They already have one clue, so presumably I've got about six encounters to 'feed' them, one after another, until they have all their clues.

I'd like to get some kind of plot or something to turn the string of encounters into something more than just 'meaningless' combat scenarios.

Any ideas? I realize I didn't give a lot of details, so if you need more info just ask.

~

[GandalfMithrandir]

you could have the cult leaders all be connected somehow, you could make the PCs investigate the overarching cult before going and taking on the individual leaders, and finally a huge fight with whoever is holing together the greater cult, which could be what the clues are pointing toward, so you would hold it right under their noses before letting them find out what it was
just a helpful thought.

[fba827]

(very random stream of thought on this, sorry for not being more coherent )


well there is already a connection because they know each has a clue related to some overall goal.
I can forsee some encounters (not necessarily combat encounters) to ask around and figure out who another one of these cult leaders is.
They may also notice some pattern, maybe each of these cult leaders is in a different section of the city.
Or (because you never know what the PCs will really end up doing) they could just try and bypass the cult leaders, figure out what the connecting organization is (i.e. what are these clues related to and go to -that- source) and from there either deal with the source directly OR backstep downwards from that source to the individual cult leaders (since presumably it will be easier to figure out who is involved when you're at the source rather than running around the city aimlessly).

Perhaps all the cult leaders look alike (clones or septuplets, whatever).
And I doubt the cult leaders would leave the saftey of their base, but instead send goons after the PCs if they are causing trouble. Thus, the PCs would have to find the cult base and get the cult leaders there.

[fissionessence]

I ended up creating a group of law enforcement who arrested the PCs after they defeated a cult member. The 'law' claimed the 'crime scene', including the clue the PCs would have found. The PCs were accused of being cult members, and when they talked their way out of that, they were charged with vigilantism. They managed to get released, but are charged with no more vigilantism at risk of another arrest and full charges. And their clue is in the possession of the law, so they'll have to find a way to get that if they want to complete their puzzle.

So now there's something interesting going on parallel to the search for the clues. As the players [probably] continue their search, they will encounter the law again most likely, and that dynamic can develop session to session as an interesting backdrop to 'the search for the clues'. Also, the leader of the 'law group' has some qualities that seem to be mysteriously related to one of the PCs, so that should be interesting as well.

Thanks for the suggestions.

~ fissionessence

[Infiniti2000]

I guess it's too late now, one day is not enough time to let us respond!

Anyway, 7 clues makes me think of the rod of seven parts. Of course, you probably don't want such a powerful artifact in your game, but if you haven't decided what form the clues take yet, maybe their pieces to a puzzle--literally. Each cult member was given one piece and only when all are together does the magic form to show you a picture of ... a secret hiding place or a name or the picture of the overall leader.

[fissionessence]

Originally Posted by Infiniti2000

I guess it's too late now, one day is not enough time to let us respond!

Hehe yeah I know. I figured I'd find a solution, but started to panic when I only had one day to go

Anyway, 7 clues makes me think of the rod of seven parts. Of course, you probably don't want such a powerful artifact in your game, but if you haven't decided what form the clues take yet, maybe their pieces to a puzzle--literally. Each cult member was given one piece and only when all are together does the magic form to show you a picture of ... a secret hiding place or a name or the picture of the overall leader.

Well I had already made the clues (through another post a month or so ago here ). In fact, the PCs had already received one when I posted this thread!

~ fissionessence