So I have an idea for an encounter that I will be using in my upcoming campaign.
Step 1: Hand my table a magnetic board with some of those magnetic letters kids use to spell naughty words on fridges. (Or just use the scrabble letters I already have.)
Step 2: Wait for them to spell something.
Step 3: Make an encounter out of it.
For example, the word Treasure opens a door that contains gold. The word Weapons produces a room with Caryatids holding some nice swords. The word Open doesn't open the door, but it does open a pit trap beneath the player who spelled it. I also have a few encounters planned should they spell any naughty or anatomical words, and at least two people at the table are likely to spell them. Not every word or phrase should spawn a beastie or open a room.
Each PC gets to spell one word per day so it could take some thought. They'll have had hints. There is more than one way I've planned for them to advance, and if they get close enough or if they can find another word that reasonably helps that could work too. (I'm not going to disclose that here.)
As I'd like to see what encounters I should be prepared for so I don't need to do AS much instant prep, what words or phrases can you come up with using the letters available on a scrabble set? If you'd like to suggest an encounter that comes with the word/phrase, I'm all for it. CR 6 or 7 is what I'm aiming for here, although if they spell the word Demon or any other high level encounter... eep!
Thanks for helping