Oofta
Legend
I hate it when video games do they do that. Even worse if it happens during a D&D game. YMMV of course, different people play for different reasons.
D&D 5E Villains that are supposed to escape
I hate it when video games do they do that. Even worse if it happens during a D&D game. YMMV of course, different people play for different reasons.
Tony Vargas
Legend
Exactly. The DM /can/ narrate a villain's escape if he and his group are playing for a dramatic story arc, or, he can narrate his capture/death because the players like 'getting it right' and subverting genre tropes - or he can call for checks, set DCs, and 'let the dice fall where they may' like an old-school wargaming judge. They're each equally valid under the 5e DM's role - a big part of the way it delivers on it's goal of supporting multiple playstyles.
I have some rules for adventure design that I apply in my own campaigns, and that I think module writers should also consider:
[size=-2]*Technically, this is not entirely true. Sometimes the Thunderdome is visible.[/size]
- If you expect the PCs to attack it, they will talk to it.
- If you expect the PCs to talk to it, they will attack it.
- If you think the PCs can't possibly win a battle, they will.
- If you think the PCs will surrender to obviously superior force, they won't.
- Nothing on earth is deadlier than a PC who sees the enemy escaping combat. They have the cunning of Napoleon, the luck of a three-time Powerball jackpot winner, and the tenacity of a halfling defending dinner. All battles involving PCs take place in an invisible Thunderdome*: Two sides enter, one side leaves.
[size=-2]*Technically, this is not entirely true. Sometimes the Thunderdome is visible.[/size]
Tony Vargas
Legend
Ah, so you know my players!
Charlaquin
Goblin Queen (She/Her/Hers)
Are there actually any 5e modules that do this?
It depends. If I’ve got a good rapport with the players and I have a strong sense that they’d be accepting of me just narrating the villain’s escape, then sure. On the other hand, one of the things I enjoy most about D&D is the power the PCs have to say “screw what the plot says is supposed to happen, we make our own fate.” And that’s something I would never want to take away from the players.
Sacrosanct
Legend
I think horde of the dragon queen does something similar. I recall something like that anyway
Charlaquin
Goblin Queen (She/Her/Hers)
That sounds right. It’s been a while since I read HotDQ, but I do remember it being horribly railroady.
MonsterEnvy
Legend
One villain has a teleporter to get away, but I think that's it. No villains other then that are assumed to escape.
Sacrosanct
Legend
And if I recall, it was early in with the bad guy who also happens to leave behind his greatsword that added 2d6 acid damage or something. I recall that being the most eyebrow raising thing. Lower level PC with a greatsword +2d6 extra damage. It was odd, from a design/balance standpoint
