How do I get my players out of this mess?

[Aazenius]

Lots of good advice Lord Zardoz, unfortunately I've done what most of you have advised me not to do. I've used the Time Travel route.

I've also done something that most good DM's probably never do... i've changed some facts about my campaign halfway through... to fit the story I now have.

I've decided against have Shar take away the sun's fire, in favor of a mad Half-Fiend, Arch-Lich who wishes to create an army of darkness to snuff out all life. The Arch-Lich has not actually taken away the sun's warmth, instead he has changed it so that it puts off negative energy. The sun is still darkened, but seen through the eyes of undead, they would see a globe of ultraviolet light which seems to empower them.

Here is why I sent them back in time. The arch lich found and destroyed the certain artifacts that would twart his plans. Now the players must find these artifacts before they are destroyed... most likely they will run into some of the Arch Liches minions while trying to accomplish this. Ultimately they will have to face him in combat... and it won't be pretty!

 

[Lord Zardoz]

Thanks for the approval of my suggestions. I figured that they came too late anyway though.

Changing campaign details half way through to fit what is going on is not the sign of a good DM or a bad DM. At least, not in and of its self. Its really a non-issue if you choose to change things that the players have not yet encountered anyway. As long as it serves to make the game more fun or more consistent, its a good move.

Though stylistically speaking, Arch-Liches are just a bit cliched to me. I would have made it an insanly powerful half fiend cloud giant sorcerer type. But thats me.

END COMMUNICATION