When Players Ruin Your Evil Plans

[TarionzCousin]

As to having one BBEG that a plot hinges on, don't do it, or if you must then don't put the BBEG in a position where the PCs can get at him......ever.

Or have a surefire, drop-dead, guaranteed (and mechanically legal) way of him escaping. Give your BBEG a high-level artifact that allows him to escape.

Players may feel cheated by this, but they should also be motivated to get the BBEG (and perhaps, follow your plot ideas).

My favorite escape clause is the "I escape but leave all of my gear behind" method. Either use gaseous form plus superfast fly speed, or something similar. That way the players at least get some loot and a clue or two when the BBEG slips through their fingers.

 

[ExploderWizard]

My favorite escape clause is the "I escape but leave all of my gear behind" method. Either use gaseous form plus superfast fly speed, or something similar. That way the players at least get some loot and a clue or two when the BBEG slips through their fingers.

Players might actually prefer this. You can shear a sheep many times but only skin it once.

 

[Wolf1066]

Players might actually prefer this. You can shear a sheep many times but only skin it once.

"Must give out more experience..."

You've just used one of my favourite philosophies.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

I no longer even bother to think up solutions to the problems that I throw at the PCs. It's their whole JOB to ruin the evil plans of my NPCs. However they eventually do that was the correct way to do that.

If a named NPC escapes, that named NPC may become a recurring villain. If they kill that NPC, he's only going to be recurring if he can crawl his rotting corpse out of his grave, or if he can worm his howling soul back from Hell.

Cheers, -- N

I will add one caveat to this philosophy - I always come up with at least one way the mission can be solved. This will not be the only way, but it ensures that there will be a way, that they can complete the mission.

The Auld Grump, because Mission: Impossible is only fun because it isn't impossible.

 

[Wolf1066]

and players love to hate BBEG who leave them presents and refuse to die

And then there are the times you just wish you could give out XP for XP comments...

 

[TarionzCousin]

You've just used one of my favourite philosophies.

Note to self: "Wolf likes sheep."

I guess that's to be expected when one lives in New Zealand.

 

[Nifft]

Note to self: "Wolf likes sheep."

I guess that's to be expected when one lives in New Zealand.

It's a myth that New Zealanders "like sheep".

(They only say that to get the sheep into bed...)

Sheers, -- N

 

[TheAuldGrump]

It's a myth that New Zealanders "like sheep".

(They only say that to get the sheep into bed...)

Sheers, -- N

[Insert Billy Connolly Routine]

The Auld Grump, who would insert a link, but Mr. Connolly is not exactly Grandma friendly. If you really need to know, then go to YouTube and look up Billy Connolly and sheep....

 

[Wolf1066]

You guys are beginning to sound just like the bloody Aussies...

 

[Wolf1066]

[Insert Billy Connolly Routine]

I've already given you too much XP, apparently. You deserve it for the Billy Connolly reference.