D&D General Sandbox style: Rumors say a +1 sword is in a cave nearby. Go get it?

[DarkCrisis]

You are fresh level 1 characters. You are playing in a sandbox style game. You have many options to explore. Caves and temples and whatever. Riches and glory and treasure no matter where you go.

One rumor says a cave full of monsters has a magic (+1) sword hidden somewhere inside. Is it worth it to you to seek out this sword? You are level 1 and have no magic items. Plus, who knows what's in the other areas to explore. It's JUST a +1 sword after all.

Would it make a difference if it was AD&D/OSR/Shadowdark etc?

Basically: Is it worth going out of the parties way to get JUST a +1 sword?

 

[Shardstone]

Yeah why not? Unless there are cooler plot hooks.

 

[jgsugden]

That is like asking a friend whether they would go out to a bar to get a beer. If you asked, they might reply, "Sure - I want to hang out with you. I don't care where."

Or, they might say, "Depends on the type of beer and the bar."

Or they might say, "I don't drink beer."

Your players might say, "Sounds like we have a hook - let's go!"

Or they might say, "Depends on the type of sword and the monsters ... what else can we find out?"

Or they might say, "I'm a wizard. I don't use swords."

In the end, trying to predict which option PCs will select is a fools game.

 

[Incenjucar]

I once provided the PCs with information that a frost brand was said to be hidden in a frost giant lair, when they were much lower level than even basic frost giants, and they just said nope we'll just keep hanging out with the cannibal snow elves where it's safe.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Is the name of the sword, "+1 Sword"? Or is it called "Blood Sword Maximus!!!!" (the exclamation marks are actually inscribed on the sword)

As a player, I'd be more willing to seek out a legendary sword with a cool backstory that has no magical properties than a boring +1 sword.

 

[ezo]

Basically: Is it worth going out of the parties way to get JUST a +1 sword?

Why is it "JUST" a +1 sword? It is a MAGICAL sword for crying out loud.

Yes, I would look into it. While magical weapons aren't nearly as vital to 5E as in the AD&D days ("you need a +1 or better weapon to hit" and such), I would at least go check it out. I might not risk my neck for it, but then again as an adventurer maybe I would?

Otherwise, yes, calling it "the lost sword of King Grergic" which is "rumored to be magical" would be more appealing story-wise. Hopefully story-wise it is not "JUST a +1 sword".

Finally, is it a sword I can use? If I am a sword and board guy, I don't want a greatsword for instance.

 

[Reynard]

In 5E? Meh.

In basic or AD&D or 3.0? Hell yes.

 

[DarkCrisis]

Why is it "JUST" a +1 sword? It is a MAGICAL sword for crying out loud.

Yes, I would look into it. While magical weapons aren't nearly as vital to 5E as in the AD&D days ("you need a +1 or better weapon to hit" and such), I would at least go check it out. I might not risk my neck for it, but then again as an adventurer maybe I would?

Otherwise, yes, calling it "the lost sword of King Grergic" which is "rumored to be magical" would be more appealing story-wise. Hopefully story-wise it is not "JUST a +1 sword".

Finally, is it a sword I can use? If I am a sword and board guy, I don't want a greatsword for instance.

Would you be disappointed if the "the lost sword of King Grergic" was a mere +1 sword?

 

[KYRON45]

As a first level pc if I heard there were cookies in a near by cave I’d go check it out!!

 

[KYRON45]

In 5E? Meh.

In basic or AD&D or 3.0? Hell yes.

What it is isn’t the hook. That it’s there is the hook.

Kids these days.