So, how do I keep my party from running amok in 7 Days to the Grave without being too heavy handed? They're very aggressive, and already tried to attack the Queen as she fled from the botched execution of Trinia. I can easily see them distrusting Davaulus and the Queen's Physicians on sight and deciding to track/monitor their comings and goings.
I like the overall plot, but I'm a little disappointed with most of the "middle missions" as they don't directly contribute to the story. I was hoping there would be more of an investigation, but only the Direption and Carowyn Manor missions seem to bear directly on the plot. The other three are basically filler missions for XP. My party is already at level 8 (they started "late" after already going through some other adventures) so it's not a big deal if they miss the unnecessary missions, but I also don't want them shortcircuiting the entire chapter and jumping straight to Hospice of the Blessed Maiden.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
If they choose to track them, let them. Adapt to their actions.
BUT, since they have already attacked the Queen, they should also be on the wanted list for their actions (reducing the support or contact they would have with many NPCs), and even if they do all sorts of nice things and meet the goals of investigating things, their social reward/reputation should not be as good at the end. The Queen flat out won't offer kind words and support for a group of slavering bloodthirsty individuals who tried to attack her.
Let them know in game that they just made their own lives harder. Make them worry about getting around because they have to stay out of sight. Let them see the wanted poster with the reward for them and start wondering who might turn them in for the cash.
If they decide to just start attacking everything, they are liable to get their butts handed to them, 8th level or no. Especially if they decide to try it against the Guards, Maidens, or Palace.
As for the parts not directly contributing, while yes they are filler missions, they also serve to show the PC's that other things are happening in the city. Not everything in the city involves the plot, some of it serves to show how the citizens are affected and how others are reacting. Opportunists, snake oil sales, influxes of other creatures taking advantage of the situation.
You raise good points. They're not definitively associated with the attack on the Queen, as it merely consisted of the druid casting Spike Stones at the Queen and her guards as they fled down a tunnel into the castle, and this was in the midst of the chaos of Blackjack and Trinia's escape, with nobles and commoners scattering everywhere. They did, however, rush the execution platform to help Blackjack, but didn't engage anyone and ended up fleeing after they saw more guards swarming in from the castle. They can plausibly say they were trying to stop Blackjack from escaping but couldn't get there in time. But suspicions have probably been raised and they may have some run-ins with Hell Knights or Grey Maidens on their/Trinia's trail.
Vencarlo, with whom they have a good relationship, will suggest they escort Trinia out of town and lay low for a while. He may end up relaying a message from Cressida asking they return to help deal with the plague and investigate the "WMD attack" from the Direption. By the time they get back the plague should be in full swing.
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Well, you could also say that while it isn't provable, the casting might have been seen by one or two individuals.
That information could come in handy later on for some NPC.. either as blackmail or something to put the "authorities" onto them and take the PC's attention off of the NPC.
I could see Boule, for example, keeping that tidbit handy for later if the PC's uncover certain documents........
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Well, you could also say that while it isn't provable, the casting might have been seen by one or two individuals.
That information could come in handy later on for some NPC.. either as blackmail or something to put the "authorities" onto them and take the PC's attention off of the NPC.
I could see Boule, for example, keeping that tidbit handy for later if the PC's uncover certain documents........
I like that! I love intrigue-driven plots so that's a great idea.
BTW, I've decided to tie in some the "middle missions" as follows: in the Direption they'll find the evidence of Urgathoa but not Andaisin. Instead, the wererat rebellion is another element of Andaisin's deception, and the wererats' lair contains letters promising weapons and supplies if Girrigz and his followers drive rat swarms into the city to add to the chaos. Finally, poor Giotorri (whom they already happened to visit in their exploration of the city) has been passed some of the tainted coins and his discerning eye caught there's something wrong with them. If the Party explores his workshop, they'll find his stash of coins has been sorted into two piles, with a magnifying glass still out on his desk.
Thanks again for your responses!