The problem of keeping magic items scarce...

[Face]

One idea

I believe it was Talislantia that had a mechanism that might work for you. This one system had a maximum number of magical items that can be used by any one PC. If a PC has more items than the limit NONE of their magic items function until they get back down below the maximum.

 

[Quartz]

If the PCs are bedecked with magic items, then perhaps powerful NPCs might take an interest. If an archmage shows up with demons in tow, can the PCs really object? But this smacks of GM fiat, especially if you don't discuss it with them beforehand.

Perhaps a better solution would be to get the PCs to voluntarily surrender their items? Suppose the twonky is in the hands of someone they can't kill: they'll have to trade for it. Trade their precious magic items, of course. Maybe as renowned heroes, they're invited to the Duke's party? Of course, they're expected to give a significant gift... Maybe people start recognising one of the items as something belonging to a powerful order of knights: do they keep it hidden, or do they journey to the order's headquarters to return the item? Maybe the item is associated with a villain: do they keep it, discard it, hide it, or what?

Whatever you decide, I strongly recommend you discuss it with your players.

 

[Old One]

But eventually they will be high enough level to kill the King, everyone on the King's council, everyone who doesn't immediately swear undying loyalty to the party, etc.

Which, in a way, make my point.

If the [generic fantasy] Kingdom's Ruler knows that adventuring groups, left unmonitored and/or unchecked will eventually rise in power to rival the Ruler, would he/she/it not take steps early (and often) to eliminate said threats (which could be via making them allies, keeping a check on their power or through outright elimination)?

It doesn't necessarily have to be an adversarial relationship. For instance, the huge treasure haul the modern day salvage company just brought in has a "split" with the government of England. Many "adventurers" from the historical past were underwritten (or allowed to operate) via royal fiat, with the express agreement that x% of all spoils went to the king in consideration for protection, letters of marque, land grants or other mechanisms.

~ OO

 

[Nifft]

But eventually they will be high enough level to kill the King, everyone on the King's council, everyone who doesn't immediately swear undying loyalty to the party, etc.

You're assuming the king is some fat guy who sits on a throne for a living. He isn't. That guy was killed 20 generations ago.

Today's king is the toughest adventurer ever. He knows your kind, because you are the "challenges" he "overcomes" to stay in power. He didn't retire from killin' things and takin' stuff, he just learned that the best haul per kill ratio comes from assaulting a party who's just gotten back from an adventure.

Hail to the king, baby. Because as soon as you're high enough level to give him some XP, he's coming for you.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Particle_Man]

You mean...(gasp!) the dreaded DMNPC? Say it ain't so!

You're assuming the king is some fat guy who sits on a throne for a living. He isn't. That guy was killed 20 generations ago.

Today's king is the toughest adventurer ever. He knows your kind, because you are the "challenges" he "overcomes" to stay in power. He didn't retire from killin' things and takin' stuff, he just learned that the best haul per kill ratio comes from assaulting a party who's just gotten back from an adventure.

Hail to the king, baby. Because as soon as you're high enough level to give him some XP, he's coming for you.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Nifft]

You mean...(gasp!) the dreaded DMNPC? Say it ain't so!

Yep, it's the DM's old character. He got too big for that old campaign, so he established a stronghold, formed a kingdom, and you are playing in it. Pray he leaves to conquer a planar metropolis before you hit 12th level!

Cheers, -- N

 

[VirgilCaine]

What can I do?

Play a game that is meant to have a low-magic state. Which means, amazingly, playing a different game than 3.5 D&D. It's not meant to do everything--it's meant to do exactly what is in the Core rules and not much else. Specifically not what you're doing.

 

[Old One]

Yep, it's the DM's old character. He got too big for that old campaign, so he established a stronghold, formed a kingdom, and you are playing in it. Pray he leaves to conquer a planar metropolis before you hit 12th level!

Cheers, -- N

12th???

You are letting them last way too long...

They would be getting way too big for their britches by 7th...maybe 8th...that's when you bring the hammer down !

~ OO

 

[MichaelSomething]

Well one option is to talk with your characters out of the game. Tell them, 'Hey, my campaign is based on the idea that magic items are very rare. You guys have too many of them."

However, if that isn't your style, you could try the following plot:

Why are magic items rare? Because they can be deadly! Magic items are radioactive in large amounts. That +3 sword isn't so hot when it deals CON damage to you.

The PCs are tasked with fetching some mystic item for some dude. However, when said mystic item is in the presense of magic items (like the ones the PCs have) the items become destoryed and a big, powerful, evil monster appears. The dude (who is a BBEG) says, "I would have never been able to summon my all powerful monster of doom if you PCs didn't have so many magical items! Thank you so much! HAHAHA!"

 

[S'mon]

But eventually they will be high enough level to kill the King, everyone on the King's council, everyone who doesn't immediately swear undying loyalty to the party, etc.

Then they should be King!

Edit: If you want a stable campaign world plus ruthless SOBs mercenary adventurer PCs, then rulers should resemble the Invincible Overlord from City State of the Invincible Overlord - the meanest SOB of them all. Historically such characters were very common, in much of the world they still are. If the monarch is weak, chances are the real ruler is the guy standing beside him - Harold Godwinson to King Edward the Confessor is a good example, except of course Harold turned out to be only the second-meanest SOB around.