I have a group of players that enjoy doses of horror and elements of the occult, and it came up that an evil campaign might be a good idea. So better or worse, I decided to get my hands on The Hellfire Compact. I haven't started this campaign as of yet, but am gathering the materials together. I just wanted to ask a couple of things;
1. From what I've stated, what classes should I present as the options to the group? Should I even restrict options?
2. I will be getting Horror Adventures when it comes out. Would it be perhaps best to wait until I have that book on hand so some of the options (such as archetypes) are available to the players, or should I go ahead and begin the campaign as soon as I can get everyone together?
3. Naturally, I am starting off with the Hellfire Compact. How can I weave horror into this and later modules, both in terms of thematics and overall feel, or should the evil actions they will be committing be sufficient?
Well, here's the question: do you want the evil PCs to be the SOURCE of the horror, or the victims of it?
Well, here's the question: do you want the evil PCs to be the SOURCE of the horror, or the victims of it?
I suppose a little of both.
I want them to feel the weight of their actions over time, for them to leave lasting effects on their characters'. I want them to be victims, subjected to the horrors of both the nation they are dealing with and the potential horrors of a rebellion, but I want part of that being their own deeds bringing it upon them.
And, as a side note... I really hope none of it turns into card-carrying villainy. I hope to find ways to make them feel somehow justified in their actions, even if their justification is purely selfish, rather than hinge upon everyone doing things for the sake of being evil.
Why not just wait for Strange Aeons?
Why not just wait for Strange Aeons?
Hell's Vengeance already has several modules out, and while Lovecraft horror is something I adore, it isn't quite the flavor my group is all for.
I would wait for Horror Adventures. It'll have a archetypes that will give some mechanical benefits tied to evil actions or alignment, that way a desire for power can be a little more integral to the characters.
I would only restrict classes you'll have issues with as a GM. (I find Gunslinger and Magus difficult to balance for, and recommend against them, for instance.) Obviously Paldin isn't going to fit, but that's why Antipaladins Coke in three alignments.