Looking at plot hooks from the other side

[Delemental]

So, you know how several adventures for low-level characters start by having a local noble recruit the PC's to perform some task, like guarding a caravan, or investigating a series of crimes, and so on? And sometimes you're left wondering why the noble doesn't just have his own people do the job?

Well, in our game recently (average party level 11-12), one of the PC's was named a duchess. The main city in her duchy, however, is currently infested with crime, and the watch is woefully undermanned. As our group has brainstormed ways to improve the situation, we hit upon an idea - why not recruit adventurers to help? We can have them do things like protect incoming caravans from brigands, or investigate crimes that the city watch is too overwhemed to look into, or as a brute squad to bust up the lower echelons of the criminal guilds.

So yes, we have come full circle. We have become the NPC nobles providing the plot hooks for low-level adventurers. One of us should build a tavern in the city which is comprised of nothing but dark corners. Or perhaps start storing our valuables in underground vaults, and then placing traps and monsters in the vault to protect our goods.

Just sharing an amusing turn of events.

 

[The Thayan Menace]

Now all you have to do is betray your new hirelings, and you'll be able to experience a classic plot twist from the other side of the fence.

 

[BSF]

Nifty. I have played in games where our group owned a tavern. I have even done a little of the nobility thing. But not quite with that twist on it. Congratulations, it sounds like fun. Now you need the DM to create an NPC adventuring group that plots to overthrow you so they can take your stuff and rule the realm.

 

[blargney the second]

That's cool! I want to try that now
-blarg

 

[Wycen]

Back in the day when Fantasy Hero was our sword and sorcery of choice, we had a guy run a campaign based on the idea that many groups of adventurers would be called upon and a tournament of sorts was to take place. All the adventuring teams would compete against each other in things like aquiring certain spell components, the first to cross a certain path, take care of troublesome lizardmen, etc. The reward was being made members of the aristocracy.

We never actually finished the arc, I think interparty conflict derailed the plot, or maybe it was when the other adventuring teams started turning nasty. Anyway, I'd like to play a game where the shoe is on the other foot.

 

[Delemental]

Nifty. I have played in games where our group owned a tavern. I have even done a little of the nobility thing. But not quite with that twist on it. Congratulations, it sounds like fun. Now you need the DM to create an NPC adventuring group that plots to overthrow you so they can take your stuff and rule the realm.

I'm just waiting for the first group of adventurers that come to apply for the job that talk to us like crap and don't respect our legal authority because "they're PC's and can get away with it". It'll be fun blasting them to little pieces.

 

[Mithran]

Now don't do that. They are just young PC's who don't know any better. Torture that leaves no permanent damage is the way to go.

 

[the Jester]

Heh, I've seen this on multiple (nearly many) occasions myself with high-level groups.