Opinions on adventure concept?

[nikolai]

One of the standard fantasy plots is the quest. This can be done with a twist: so that when the players get to the end the ancient tome has crumbled, the staff of power has rotted or the sword has be destroyed by rust. Or you can have the object of the quest, unbeknown to the players, be something abstract. So an ancient king could have been buried with "all the treasures of his kingdom"; the PCs go looking for gold and silver, but the treasure turns out to be the representations of the king's law, the church, his people - in other words a metaphor for his rule.

Now if you want to add injury to insult you could do something like this. A noble warrior battled against an Ancient Evil centuries ago, when he was slain in the final battle he was burried with his sword in hand so he could protect his people even in death. The PCs disturb his tomb, releasing the aforementioned Ancient Evil that had been imprisoned there for centuries.

What do you think? How do you think players will react to being sent on a wild goose chase? Any idea how these motifs could be done well?

 

[Piratecat]

Now if you want to add injury to insult you could do something like this. A noble warrior battled against an Ancient Evil centuries ago, when he was slain in the final battle he was burried with his sword in hand so he could protect his people even in death. The PCs disturb his tomb, releasing the aforementioned Ancient Evil that had been imprisoned there for centuries.

Heh - that exact plot was a major tournament at last year's GenCon.

 

[nikolai]

Heh - that exact plot [Ancient Evil being accidently released] was a major tournament at last year's GenCon.

Was is well done? What did the players think? Is there anyway I could get hold of some details?

 

[Piratecat]

It was pure combat; a paladin locked an evil demon in his holy sword, but the sword corrupted the angel who guarded the paladin's tomb. When the tomb was uncovered, everything went to hell.

I really like your ideas for abstract and ceremonial items. These, including items of historical importance, are a realistic source of "treasure."

 

[Desdichado]

I'm all for it. Then again, I don't think my players are obsessive loot hogs, which may be why games like this could work.

 

[mmadsen]

What do you think? How do you think players will react to being sent on a wild goose chase? Any idea how these motifs could be done well?

In some ways, I love the idea, but I have to admit that many players would just be [peeved] that they almost got killed (numerous times) for nothing. Of course, if you decide to reward them somehow, it can ruin the feel you were going for.

 

[the Jester]

I love the idea. Watch out though; if the players go through hell to get the loot and find out that the loot is a collection of scrolls and books of law, they may be upset. Of course, if they can sell said collection to a historical society for good cash, that both adds another adventure hook (find a buyer) and makes the loot more interesting, but not all players have the patience for that sort of thing.

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

It may not be traditional treasure, but it could have some interesting knock on effects.

The current society of the kingdom in question could be extremely pleased to get a look at their history. Make the PCs big time heros - throw money, women and dice at them, etc.

On the other hand, these may contradict the current society completely and lead to revolution, war and massive bloodshed. Perhaps the kings will is there, giving all land to the peasants, telling how the main church betrayed him and should be disbanded, etc.

Could be a great 'reward' if they decide to flog the stuff to the highest bidder without reading it?

It may well irritate the hell out of them, how do you think your players would react?

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

Their rewards could also be social rather than monetary: titles, small domains on the outskirts of the kingdom, etc. In other words, the items may have little monetary value, but can lead to the PC's becoming rich nonetheless.

 

[nikolai]

It may not be traditional treasure, but it could have some interesting knock on effects.

The current society of the kingdom in question could be extremely pleased to get a look at their history. Make the PCs big time heros - throw money, women and dice at them, etc.

I think the PCs need to get something, even if it's just knowledge of some sort from the quest. As long as what they've done isn't just futile and pointless I think they'll be okay.