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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pukunui" data-source="post: 9361314" data-attributes="member: 54629">Hey [USER=6702445]@jayoungr[/USER]: That's a real conundrum! I fed your predicament into Gemini AI. It agreed that your "initial ideas do feel a bit like railroading". It came up with these alternatives:1. Kreeg is willing but unable:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Play up Kreeg's desperation. He's grateful for being rescued and terrified of his infernal pact. He readily agrees to help, but...</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The puzzle box is magically warded.  He can't physically touch it, or the magic harms him. This could be due to a remnant of the infernal contract or a protective measure by Lulu.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This throws the problem back to the players. They need to find a way to bypass the wards or learn more about the box.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This could lead them to Candlekeep for research or to seek Lulu's help (if they haven't already encountered her).</li> </ul>2. The puzzle box has a mind of its own:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Kreeg can touch the box, but it refuses to open for him.  Strange whispers or visions emanate from it, hinting at a deeper connection to Lulu or the events in Avernus.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This foreshadows the box's true purpose and the coming journey. The players might need to use their skills or gather more information to unlock it.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This still allows them to avoid Candlekeep entirely if they manage to decipher the clues on their own.</li> </ul>3. Kreeg opens the box but there are consequences:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Kreeg, desperate to escape his fate, opens the box in a reckless attempt.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Instead of revealing the contract, the box releases a minor infernal presence (imp, lemure) that attacks Kreeg and the party.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This throws them into immediate danger and highlights the true nature of the box's connection to Avernus.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Kreeg, weakened by the ordeal, becomes even more desperate to break his contract, potentially offering valuable information or a new bargaining chip for the players.</li> </ul>4. The information broker:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Kreeg, though grateful, knows nothing about the box. He spent all his energy on retrieving it for Lulu.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">He reveals Lulu is an information broker who deals in infernal contracts.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This gives the players a new objective: find Lulu and potentially bargain with her for information or a way to break Kreeg's contract.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This could lead them to new locations or introduce new allies/enemies depending on Lulu's disposition.</li> </ul>Maybe one (or a mix) of those ideas will help?</blockquote>

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