Skill challenge question - how would you...

[Bumbles]

If I were to put PC's in this kind of situation, I would not kill them by choice. The conversion to CE option would be there, and any number of others. Ultimately, I'd let any reasonable attempt at a skill work. Combat would however, be futile against the Big Bad, if not outright impossible. Although I suppose I might reward a sufficiently inspired attempt with a "Ha-ha, bold little adventurer aren't you?" that counts as some sort of amused respect.

 

[Piratecat]

Writing this, it occurs to me that I'd like to see a "skill challenge generator" over in the ddi bonus tool section (or at Asmor's site!) Select your difficulty, select your skills, write your descriptions, and the app does your formatting for you.

 

[Jack99]

Complexity 5 (12 successes before 6 failures)

Remember that the number of failures has been errataed to always be 3. Unless of course you do not play with errata

 

[Klaus]

Remember that the number of failures has been errataed to always be 3. Unless of course you do not play with errata

I wasn't aware of that!

And awesome avatar!

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Writing this, it occurs to me that I'd like to see a "skill challenge generator" over in the ddi bonus tool section (or at Asmor's site!) Select your difficulty, select your skills, write your descriptions, and the app does your formatting for you.

I challenge Asmor to be faster than WotC.

 

[Pbartender]

As such, I think my two challenges are going to be "give him a reason not to turn the dragonborn paladin PC's bones into molten metal" and then "prove that you're useful enough to him that he won't chain you to a burning iron grate."

I'll want to dwell on pride - in appearance, accomplishments and power, I think. He'll be very interested in history, and has a task that the PCs can do in exchange for living. Heck, he'll even reward them for it, or grant them infernal power. This thread is giving me some good ideas on how to accomplish that.

I'd make it three challenges... Two short ones (like you suggested above) that are apparently scary, but ultimately easy and one that is longer, outwardly safe, but far more dangerous on a long term scale, like so:

Challenge #1: "Why shouldn't I kill you now?"

Challenge #2: "What use are you to me?"

Challenge #3: "Talk to my lawyers, and they'll work out the details of the contract."

The PCs are transported to Hell, were they have to negotiate the conditions of their contract with one of Cenox's infernal barristers. This helps you in a couple of ways.

First, it gets Cenox out of the scene fairly quickly. He's far too powerful for the PCs, and you want to get rid of the temptation to fight a Lord of Hell ASAP. Likewise, once the PCs have "agreed" to work with him, there's no need for him to take valuable time out of his schedule to putter over the details of the paperwork... that's what he's got imps for.

Second, it puts the PCs into a situation a little more appropriate for their level, but still dangerous. They obviously won't be able to fight their way out of the hells, but will be sent home safely* once the contract is finalized.

Third, it provides the opportunity for long-term Rat Bastardry... The success of that third challenge would determine what the final contract looks like. If the players aren't paying attention, or do poorly during the skill challenge, the contract could end up lousy with fine print, terms, conditions and loop holes the consequences of which might not show up until much, much later in the campaign.

*If you wanted to add a fourth skill challenge and add just a smidge of comedy, have one last skill challenge that involves the PCs trying to find their own way out of the labyrinth of demonic "office cubicles" that they find themselves in, based on the elaborate directions the imp-lawyer has given them.

 

[Vyvyan Basterd]

I'd set it up a skill challenge to get Juiblex, Lord of Slime invited to the king's dinner party....this sounds familiar....

 

[Piratecat]

I wasn't aware of that!

Claudio, check here: it's a big difference!

Official D&D Updates

 

[Jack99]

And awesome avatar!

How do you think I get my xp?

 

[Pbartender]

How do you think I get my xp?

With your charming personality?