In the event of a TPK...?

[GlassJaw]

I am running a session tonight (first Dungeon Adventure Path) and it's the first time in a long while where, depending on what the PC's do, there is a strong possibility for a TPK.

So for those that have participated in, been the administer of, or have come close to a TPK, what were your plans post-TPK?

Choose all that apply!

 

[Warehouse23]

Drek. I've never felt so unanimous before.

(Yes, that does mean I want to play M&M )

 

[Templeton580]

*

 

[Crothian]

Continue the campaign with the same characters...only now it is interesting

 

[Warehouse23]

Surely the PCs have made friends of powerful good clerics who are willing to raise them so that they might continue their quest for glory and honor?

 

[Sir Brennen]

When you wake up...

Well... unless the DM is really trying hard, it's unlikely that all party members are actually past -10 HP. If necessary, I personally would probably fudge a little to prevent this from happening.

Also, with a TPK (even if not everyone is truly dead, but might as well be), I would ask the players which route they want to take: new characters, new game, or.... try the following scenario...

Have some or all of the PCs declared "merely unconscious" (above -10 HP), and they wake up imprisoned by the bad guys (or hanging upside down to be eaten later, or perhaps simply stranded somewhere) Jailbreak adventures are always fun. The bodies of any truly dead party members might be kept nearby, to be questioned by the BBEG with Speak With Dead (or stored for food...), so they could be recovered for a Raise Dead.

Players of dead PCs could either play new PCs attempting to rescue survivors (or temporary NPCs, in the event their original characters are raised.) With the right group of players, the players without characters could even play NPC villians attempting to prevent the survivors from escaping.

As "penalty" for getting themselves all killed, I wouldn't allow the party to recover 100% of their gear, if they escape. Knowing the BBEG has your magical shield strapped to his arm can be surprisingly motivating for a character

So, if you think a TPK is possible, you might think about a "when the party wakes up..." scenario, and go from there...

 

[diaglo]

roll 3d6 in order str, int, wis, con, dex, cha and start at 1st lvl.

 

[werk]

Surely the PCs have made friends of powerful good clerics who are willing to raise them so that they might continue their quest for glory and honor?

NO, No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

and...no.

This is not nintendo, you do not have infinite lives.

 

[Li Shenron]

Depends on how the players feel, since we would surely decide all together.

 

[GlassJaw]

This is not nintendo, you do not have infinite lives.

Since that's one my players in the group, I'm assuming he was joking. The real question is though is this poll for real or is it just my way of scaring the players before the game tonight. Only time will tell....