Devilish Plot

[Markn]

So, this isn't really a plot per se but I'm hoping to get some suggestions for a specific point in my campaign. This is a level 1-3 adventure and the PC's have temporarily gone to Avernus, the first layer of Hell.

While in Hell, they have stumbled across Zamnaster, the Prince of Imps (I changed his name for anyone out there who recognizes the Prince of Imps title) who has extorted the party into retreving a gem for him that contains 666 souls.

The PC's have to travel to a location called Darkspine which is essentially a tower that stands within a large pool of magma. Zamnaster, and all devils of his retinue, have been warded from this location which is the reason Zamnaster requires the PC's help to gain the Gem of Souls.

The gem has been protected by several means. There are the typical monsters and traps but beyond that I have in mind that the PC's have to pass some tests to gain access to the gem. I haven't given too much thought yet as to who Zamansters opponent was and why he has warded the place so that might provide some clues. What I have come up with so far is that the PC's need to pass a test of the heart, a test of the mind and a test of the body. Now this is where I am hitting an inspirational roadblock. Keeping in mind that the PC's are in hell, I would like to have some interesting tests that force the PC's into some tough choices or at least make them question the morality of those choices. I am looking for help/suggestions on what the test could be and how they could be implemented .

In case anyone cares, I am running a 4e campaign.

Thanks for your help and suggestions and I hope this is in the right area.

 

[fba827]

a test of body sounds like a physical challenge/trap/monster/obstacle to overcome
a test of mind sounds like a puzzle
a test of heart sounds like something bearing a 'i'm good not this evil devil' type thing.

Perhaps for the last one (a test of heart) they can find the final altar room (or whatever) with the item. once there they basically have to decide between the item or saving a guy in a cage -- both items in a cage but once you save one cage the other cage drops. The "guy" is just an illusion though to see if the PCs really do have heart.

Corny? yes. but a possible thing (or variation) to consider.

 

[chronoplasm]

Tests of body+mind+heart sounds a little cliche.

Lets take some inspiration from the good old Satanic Bible!

How about a test of Glamour (seduction)
a test of Wonder (kindness)
and a test of Evil Eye (intimidation)

Test #1 (Glamour):
You are in a demonic tavern. You have to get the hot succubus to tell you her name.

Test #2 (Wonder):
You need to retrieve a key. This key however is inside the belly of a guttony demon. To retrieve the key, you must give the demon some kind of treat, like cookies.

Test #3 (Evil Eye):
There is a door that is guarded by a great and powerful demon. You cannot defeat this demon in battle, but you don't have to since it is actually a coward. To pass this test, you must scare the demon away somehow.

 

[Markn]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I like the succubus name idea and the cage idea.

I'm also not opposed to changing the cliche idea to some other named trial if a strong theme is found.

I've given a bit more thought in regards to who put these tests in place. A fiend, by the name, Inajira (name actually comes from a Yugoloth in Ravenloft but I really like the name so I am using it) is the enemy of Zamnaster. The reason I use the term fiend is because I haven't decided what he is - A devil, a demon or something else.

I have decided that I will use Inajira in the future as an enemy who will portray himself as an ally using the name Arijani (again this idea comes from Ravenlonft and smart PC's may have a chance to recognize their doom before they're suckered in by their so called ally if they remember back to this incident and put 2 and 2 together being that Arijani is the reverse of Inajira).

Anyways, I am thinking demon would not work - its just not their style. Which kind of leaves me with devil.

So at this point, I have a devil who has warded Darkspine from another devil and his retinue.

Assuming, I go with the suggestions that I listed above that I like, how would you implement them? As skill challenges? Also if we could flesh out those ideas a bit more that would be great too!

Thanks for you help!

 

[chronoplasm]

The Succubus:

You are in an abyssal bar. There is a demonic bartender, a sexy succubus, and her ugly friend there having some drinks. Theres some lame infernal pop music playing on the juke box with the same three lyrics repeating over and over. A demon is dancing wildly on the checkerboard dance floor.

1) Get the demon to teach you how to dance. This works like a game of Simon using minis where the DM will move the demon across the grid in various patterns and the players must repeat those patterns when their turn comes up. That, or you could just use a game of Simon.

2) You need to set the mood. Change the music on the juke-box to something romantic.

3) You need to take care of the ugly friend first. One of your party members is going to have to take one for the team.

4) By the Succubus a drink. If you tip the bartender well he might give you some advice.

5) Introduce yourself to the Succubus. She will make eye contact with you. Make a successful will save or you will spaz out.

6) If the will save is successful, you may attempt the dance with the Succubus. If you can succeed through three rounds, she will tell you her name.

 

[fba827]

a totally random idea (but it diverges somewhat from your 3 tests).. instead of 3 tests, make 7 tests... each one themed after one of the deadly sins

greed, lust, sloth, glutonny, pride, wrath, envy.

but yeah, i don't know how easy some of those themes will be so it may not be a great idea.

 

[chronoplasm]

The sloth puzzle would be easy.
You see a man being ripped apart by demons. If you do anything, you fail.
The trick is to stand there and do nothing.

 

[Markn]

Interesting idea, fba827.

Chronoplasm, that is certainly an interesting idea. I would like to find ways of including the entire party in the challenge so I need something that would keep everybody busy (or assisting) in getting the succubus's name.

Oh and one change of plans. Inajira is now a Rakshasa. I think that will open up some possibilities...

 

[chronoplasm]

Maybe the Succubus has an entourage of ugly demon girls with her? Like minions! You have to take out the minions before you can take on the elite. That should be the controller's specialty.

Heh. It could be interesting if social encounters worked like combat encounters.
The controller is able to clear away large numbers of 'minions'.
The striker is the front-man, doing most of the 'damage' while his defender and leader support him and make him look good.
It make sense.

Wizards are the types to draw a crowd.
Rogues and Rangers flirt with the hot chick.
The Fighter or the Paladin is your wing man.
The Cleric or the Warlord makes sure your fly isn't open or anything.

They say that love is a battle field. Perhaps you must fight the Succubus with flirting glances and light conversation. It's a team effort!