First, I don't think any of my players read this board, but if you do don't read this thread.
Okay, so, I've been running a game for about a year or so. Back in November, I placed a simple, masterwork shortsword in a side-adventure. The PCs almost didn't take it, which would have been a pity. In the end, though, the exact character I'd hoped actually did grab it.
Since then, it has slowly been revealed to be an intelligent weapon that is cloaked to hide its magic aura. Its purpose is to aid wizards in accumulating as much power as posible. It's taught its bearer a couple of spells and given some advice, telepathically, as well as demonstrating a couple of pretty cool powers. On the other hand, it has also urged the bearer to keep its existence quiet.
So far, she has complied, even going so far as outright lying to the other PCs. Only the warlock has seen anything unusual and he's decided to let her play her hand. The wizard PC, and all the players, are bloody freaked by a sword wanting to remain secret. The wizard is willing to give it a go, though, since the sword said it'd like to see her as guildmaster. She has been leaving the sword in her inn room an aweful lot, though, so she can have secret conversations with various people.
Now, the bastardry (to be revealed in another couple levels): The sword is nothing special in any way, shape, or form, other than being masterworked. It is, instead, and item possesed by a glabrezu (as per BovD). Actually, that's not even true. The wizard willing lowered her resistance against the demon, which allowed it to slip into her body. The glabrezu has been doing little more than playing watcher and talking to the wizard, but started off giving aid to her. He is working to corrupt her, and has begun her downward trend. I'll be interested to see how far the PC takes this.
So, is that bastardy enough?
I don't know about RBDMness, but I know it sounds fuckin' cool to me. I hope you keep us updated on what happens.
It's fun to see the possession rules put to good effect. :) Does the sword have a Nystul's Aura on it to make it look magical?
Quote from: Name LipsIt's fun to see the possession rules put to good effect. :) Does the sword have a Nystul's Aura on it to make it look magical?
Nope. It just told her that it was "cloaked" with a Misdirection spell. That way, she'd get all the glory.
Besides, if anyone found out she had such an ally, especially other guild wizards, who knows what their envy or fear might drive them to do? And, even those who you know to be loyal (other PCs) may have conflicting loyalties (say, to a religion or knightly order) that would prompt them to disclose the information. In general, the fewer people who know a secret, the easier it is to keep -- and keep yourself safe.
Besides, it's not like the simple act of keeping a secret is a betrayal, right? Especially if you're still helping your friends.
Did I mention I really, really like demons (at least as subtle antogonists)?
Actually, I'm kinda looking forward to the time when she "comes clean" (as she knows it) with the group. The demon will say, "Fine, cast away your weapon." Then, it'll still talk to her, since it's already moved to possessing her.
She's already unaware that she has no secrets from her "sword" and cannot really leave it "in her room".
That sounds pretty neat to me. :)
Quote from: SobekShe's already unaware that she has no secrets from her "sword" and cannot really leave it "in her room".
Excelent. Talk about the "enemy within". Corruption has always been my favourite gming trick. It's so nice when you have willing participants. And the best part, not a drop of blood has been spilt. Not yet ;)
Regards,
David R