How do you scare your PCs?

[KaosKlerik]

For me, the thing that scares the players most is conspiracy. Or the feeling of conspiracy, at least. Finding tidbits of info that make it feel the characters are being watched or plotted against, perhaps including associates or friends, people they can't simply whack.

The thought of other forces in the dungeon, working in competition with them. Finding things moved or rifled through. Evidence of other adventurers camps, etc.

Another way to smell of a plot is to say that some of the people in the town they frequent has suddenly become colder. They are civil and polite, but no longer as friendly and won't answer any questions about anything being wrong.

The reason could be somthing completely unrelated, like the taxes were just raised, but bad-mouthing the burgermeister is a punishable offense.

 

[palleomortis]

Or I could give them all rotten tomatos and see how many times the players are hit. Then throw a dart in, and one bleeds to death, while the others think he is joking with the tomatos as blood. That would be intresting.

 

[KaosKlerik]

With my group, anything that does Charisma damage has them shaking . Hits points? pffft! But heaven forfend the hair gets mussed.

3 words - permanant level drain

 

[palleomortis]

I havn't done my homeworck, can someone tell me what CON damage does, and is it permanent?

 

[Grishnak]

I find that when I've DM'd that players are more afraid of their characters being alone and when I'm being nice to them. Being nice is something a DM doesn't do.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Con damage affects the PC's overall health. It has the immediate effect of lowering your HP and all of your other Con bonuses (saving throws, certain skills, etc).

Its permanence (and the permanence of any Stat damage) depends on WHY the stat was damaged.

 

[fafhrd]

I havn't done my homeworck, can someone tell me what CON damage does, and is it permanent?

CON damage is usually ameliorated at the rate of one point per 8 hour rest cycle. CON drain is its nastier, permanent(unless restored) relative.

 

[palleomortis]

So when they hit 0, do they die, or just black out? Both seem to make sens.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Con 0 means you're stone dead.

 

[palleomortis]

wooohoooo!!!