| CHRIS BROADDUS |
Hey all!
So, I'm running my first campaign of Rise of the Runelords and I've got a bit of a dilemma on my hand. My party just fought and (barely) defeated Xanesha.
Since Xanesha is all about manipulation and control, I thought it would be cool for her to target one of the characters, Tarimm, (who is obsessed with getting more powerful to avenge his father's death) and invade his dreams with promises of immense power. She'd often tell him to avoid places that would further reveal her plans in an effort to stop him and the party.
When they climbed the Shadow Clock and reached the top, the party wanted to rest for a second and rebuff themselves up, sensing a fight incoming, but I had the Major Image demon rattle them and threaten them from above and also had Xanesha charm Tarimm to lure him onto the rooftop with more promises of power. The rest of the party followed. PERFECT.
On top of the roof, the Major Image demon offered Tarimm all the power he could want IF he killed his companions. I was hoping this would be a turning point for the character, having to choose between revenge and the companions he's been adventuring with, and finally giving him the chance to make the group a cohesive unit! Or so I thought... until Tarimm willingly choose to attack his "friends." Immediately, this put a rift in the party. Assuming the illusion was controlling Tarimm, our cleric flew up to it and tried to attack, succeeded his will save and recognized it as fake and informed the group. Annoyed, Xanesha engaged them.
Tarimm, furious he had been duped, rejoined the group to fight Xanesha. During the fight our rogue and our monk both died. Towards the end, when it looked grim, Tarimm began praying to Lamashtu for help (something he's never done before in front of the group). The cleric and Tarimm finished off Xanesha with some lucky crits, but when the battle was over the cleric confronted Tarimm for not only attacking them, but worshipping Lamashtu (the cleric is from Sandpoint and obviously resent... [/QUOTE
I agree with talking to all the players involved before hand. I think having a few raise dead spells cast, while maybe outside of what may be available to the party, would be fine. You can easily say that because of their service this was performed but they may still owe favors to the Lord Mayor, the church or whatever.
Tarimm is more problematic. I don't see how he can remain in the party. I would agree that a recurring villain would be a good idea. Maybe have the player role up a character who is the brother of Tarimm (I know, an old cliché) who is also seeking vengeance. You could have a Boromir/Faramir thing going and he could reveal to the party later "Would it trouble you to know that Tarimm was my brother" moment and explain to the party that while they both sought vengeance, Tarimm was too hasty/headstrong and was seduced by Lamashtu.
Anyway, the players should be commended on good play. It wasn't a situation where the players or DM did something silly and are sorry for PKs. Good role playing all around. ]