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Message: <blockquote data-quote="lukelightning" data-source="post: 2969086" data-attributes="member: 9745">You bet! I made a mysterious mage named Aristaeos who was secretly helping the PCs; they kept seeing his handiwork (blasted remains of goblins that were going to ambush them, etc.)When they finally met him, they weren't sure if he was actually trustworthy; since the Pcs goal was to get into an ancient vault there was a good chance he was the cliche "sure I'll tell you how to get in and help you and when you get the treasure from the vault surprise I'm fireballing you and taking it for myself!"So sure enough, they get into the vault and Aristaeos pops in again full of helpful advice.  The players were totally prepared for a double cross...then in the next room they saw a sarcophagus with Aristaeos's name on it.Yup, he was a ghost all along.  Basically he had a duty to guard the vault and ensure only the right people get the special magic item within.Of course he might not count as a "Gandalf" because once returning to his tomb he passed on.  I'm not a big fan of long-term Gandalf figures. I particularly detest Elminster.  They are fine if they are "stationary", as in a resource the PCs can go to if they need, but the randomly showing up and helping and giving advice (or orders) and being ubiquitous is kind of annoying.</blockquote>