I am starting a new campaign in a generic setting and looking to the online community to be my muse. I will be the DM, the three players are my kids ages 14 through 20; the youngest is the only girl. She will be a ranger; her brothers will both be monks.
Background
Campaign starts in a remote isolated monastery. An ancient relic, guarded by the monks, is stolen. Two young monks are charged with pursuing the thief and retrieving the relic. Being unfamiliar with life outside the monastery, they are joined by a local guide in the nearby village. Together, the three set out.
Influences: Kung Fu Panda; Circle of Iron; Kung Fu; anything Jackie Chan
My questions
How can the party track the thief?
The monk players are really in to roleplaying the naivete of their characters: what are some social encounters that could prove enjoyable?
What is motivating the thief?
Where are they going?
What does everyone think of this idea? There is no relic: this is how the elder monks give the younger monks experience and knowledge of the outside world. Would this be too disappointing once learned? Does the ranger know the truth and "find" the trail of the "thief"? (One player knowing a secret the others do not will not cause group dynamic problems in this case.)
Thanks,
FB