Okay, i'm brand new to Pen and Paper games but i'm trying to be a DM for the first time and for a new group and was just thinking of adventures i might set up in the future, and i came up with one idea that might not be completely original but i feel that it could work if implemented correctly. The reason i need help is because there are a lot of spells out there and i don't nearly know enough of them to see if this idea is viable. But here goes!
"Perception is reality" this is the theme that i wanted to go with, imagine a dungeon or building what have you that is run by a very powerful wizard and taunts your PCs saying "Perception is reality" before they enter said dungeon. in the beginning it starts off somewhat standard with the rogue scouting ahead for traps or however these types of scenarios tend to happen. this is where it gets tricky to explain and probably even more tricky to pull off. The dungeon needs to be filled with monsters and traps, the CR level for this should be much higher than the heroes could normally accomplish on their own. Keeping this in mind, all these monsters and traps are hidden until they are "Perceived".
All PCs will be making checks whether this is done by the Player or done secretly by the GM. for ever major check that a character FAILS he gains stats, +1 to everything possibly. For every check that they PASS they then Perceive the threat (Be it monster or trap or what have you) and have to deal with it accordingly. Now this will very quickly make your PCs very over powered very quickly, but keep in mind that you have filled the dungeon with WAAAY more than the characters should be able to handle before. Also- with higher stats (Higher perception) they will be facing more and more and more obstacles! because they continually percieve more. and they could 'accidentally' perceive more in a battle and become overrun.
Now heres how you tone it down. every few rooms you have a small room with blind wizard enemies. they are chained or other wise restrained to their "Position" and they can only do one thing. Drain the stats of your PCs and they will continue to drain their stats until the PCs either kill the wizards or move out of their range. This gives the players a choice, Be overpowered but run the risk of dealing with too many enemies too quickly? or try to stay status quo and bypass as many of the denizens to make it to the final boss. The players might not even recognize these enemy wizards as a benefit and kill them off too quickly.
If i'm not making sense let me know and i will try to clarify. Keep in mind that i'm really new to P&P games and have just thought of this on a whim. i would love your advice on this subject! or any glaring flaws that i haven't seen yet (or wouldn't know)
All PCs will be making checks whether this is done by the Player or done secretly by the GM. for ever major check that a character FAILS he gains stats, +1 to everything possibly. For every check that they PASS they then Perceive the threat (Be it monster or trap or what have you) and have to deal with it accordingly. Now this will very quickly make your PCs very over powered very quickly, but keep in mind that you have filled the dungeon with WAAAY more than the characters should be able to handle before. Also- with higher stats (Higher perception) they will be facing more and more and more obstacles! because they continually percieve more. and they could 'accidentally' perceive more in a battle and become overrun.
So if they don't see a threat or fight, they become stronger, and don't have to fight it? Once they start seeing threats, they start fighting things, but they're buffed to the ceiling? Also, what happens if they tweak to what's going on and voluntarily blindfold themselves and stuff cotton/wax in their ears?
It's an interesting concept, but since you mention you are new to the game, it might be best to get some experience before you start playing with out-of-level challenges like this. Even if the party will be boosted to fight things outside of their level, something unpredictable could happen and slay them too easily. Also, casters don't boost the same way warriors do, and some challenges are designed for one particular type to contribute more than others- if you aren't really certain of what boosts will do what to who, this complex of a setup could blow up on people.
It's inventive, and with this kind of creativity, doubtless you have other good adventures in store for the party. Welcome to the game!
Oh i wasn't planning on actually trying this any time soon. and you wouldn't be buffed to the ceiling too quickly, its not like every character is going to miss every check for the first three rooms.
Blindfolding themselfs was an idea i was thinking about that could be a possibility, i would say its a good idea- but not EVERY enemy would be a perception. Maybe all "Perceptions" are just illusions that don't do any damage or deal non lethal damage.
I didn't realize that mages don't scale the same way warriors do, i'm going to have to think of something for them then.
But yes you're right its very difficult to do i was just pondering on the idea.