Well, one of my players is running a Varisian Illusionist who decided to tattoo himself with the Sihedron Rune. Now last session ended with Hemlock briefing the party about the first murders.
1) So, what effect, if any, does having the tattoo inscribed on himself have on the player?
2) How can I use this for additional mayhem and confusion.
For added wackiness, he happens to be Aldern's obsession (Envy), as well as the one wearing the Sihedron medallion.
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I don't know if the tattoo itself would have too much of an effect on the character, since it generally sounds like there is a pretty intensive ritual involved in preparing someone to be sacrificed.
With that said, that doesn't mean he has to know that. Having himself marked that way can sound all well and good to him, a showing of runes and magic of thassilonian times, but it sounds like they are just about to start seeing some bodies who bear that same mark, and are likely to find more then they want to in the upcoming adventure. I'd really emphasize that point to the player, make sure he is always watching his back and nervous that he may have called something down upon himself.
Especially with aldern after him a bit, don't be afraid to have an extra NPC or two who the character has come to like(but who isn't important to the story) turn up as one of the victims, both to make him feel he might be at fault and to let aldern strike more directly at him in a way.
-Tarlane
In Hook Mountain it becomes clear that those who have the Sihedron tattooed on them also fuel the runeforge, so the illusionist's death would feed that runewell also... once your group hits Hook Mountain they all should realize that something is definitely wrong with the symbol
Creative Director
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Getting the Sihedron tattooed on you is only one part of the process... he'll need to be subjected to a lengthy ritual to "align" his spirit to the runewell before he has to worry about being soul sucked into it after he dies. That said... I'd certainly play up the fact that as the campaign progresses... more and more folk with the mark on them are turning up dead! :)
I'd certainly play up the fact that as the campaign progresses... more and more folk with the mark on them are turning up dead! :)
I intend to! :D
I think I was unable to hide my glee when the player announced his intention to mark himself.
I've slowed down the time advancement a lot, and even decided to invite the PCs to Aldern's wedding. I was undecided at that point which PC to target with his obsession, but between the Tattoo, and the fact that the Illusionist outdanced Aldern at his own wedding....Envy for the win!
Instead of writing a long, detailed article about your player's situation, let me give you the short version:
screwed³
Getting the Sihedron tattooed on you is only one part of the process... he'll need to be subjected to a lengthy ritual to "align" his spirit to the runewell before he has to worry about being soul sucked into it after he dies.
What about all the gamblers in Turtleback Ferry?
What about all the gamblers in Turtleback Ferry?
That's what caused me to post this thread. I guess Xanesha's sister could have put them to sleep and done the rituals at the same time she was tattoing them though.
But I'm leaning towards "screwing" with my player's mind. I'll let hints drop that the ritual can be cast using a sample of blood...that'll make him paranoid enough.
Instead of writing a long, detailed article about your player's situation, let me give you the short version:
screwed³
Getting the Sihedron tattooed on you is only one part of the process... he'll need to be subjected to a lengthy ritual to "align" his spirit to the runewell before he has to worry about being soul sucked into it after he dies.What about all the gamblers in Turtleback Ferry?
Sounds like Paradise was *really* a den of perverse practices. I rather like the idea, actually. People get shifty and evasive if you ask about exactly what went on there.
For our version we decided that a ritualist with training was needed to do the marking, so that the PC would actually be okay--but he needn't know that! Also pain, and some element of degradation or psychological trauma. That seemed to fit all the cases we know of. And it has to be done while you're still alive. But it must be something fairly quick, and not overwhelmingly destructive, to explain Lucrezia's success in Turtleback Ferry.
My PCs enlisted the Turtleback Ferry priest to de-Sihedron the whole town, one by one--we figured it would take about three months. They were really disturbed by the idea of Karzoug taking those souls.
Mary
Sounds like Paradise was *really* a den of perverse practices. I rather like the idea, actually. People get shifty and evasive if you ask about exactly what went on there.For our version we decided that a ritualist with training was needed to do the marking, so that the PC would actually be okay--but he needn't know that! Also pain, and some element of degradation or psychological trauma. That seemed to fit all the cases we know of. And it has to be done while you're still alive. But it must be something fairly quick, and not overwhelmingly destructive, to explain Lucrezia's success in Turtleback Ferry.
Oh, I expect him to start feeling paranoid soon enough. Last night it just begun dawning on him that "His Lordship's" Obsession had been following him for most of the year. When he finally realizes what the carving of the symbols means...
If Xanesha survives, I think she'll get one of her sister's to start sending nightmares to him :D And if he's ever caught alive....