So, my party recently came across a deck of many things while adventuring. Most of the draws were pretty straight forward, but I could use some advice on one.
The party archeologist drew Flames and The Fates (see above link for card specifics!).
As it so happens, a few months back (in game) the party defeated a powerful anti-paladin warlord. At the time of death, a Balor demon lord appeared, telling him his time was up because he had failed the Abyss. The anti-paladin, shocked, pointed out the archeologist he had just slain as a payment to avoid his fate... but uh-oh, the archeologist had avoided death using hero points!
So, I figured the Flames card would be a cool way to have the Balor return, angry about what happened (the anti-paladin was a pretty destructive force in the game, no doubt making his demon lord proud)and ready to take revenge.
However, the player also drew The Fates, and can probably just reverse his draw if and when the Balor appears.
I'm looking for any advice on how I might be able to have the Balor stick around long enough to fight the party and/or rain on the archeologist's parade.
Before anyone gets the wrong idea, the player would be perfectly okay with it, and probably even excited at being able to fight a pretty iconic monster. There is just no way, in-game, he would not use his fate card to reverse the ordeal and spare his comrades from danger (in fact, he has been saving it just in case). The party is of an appropriate level where a CR 24 would be a tough, but doable challenge, and there would of course be nice rewards for defeating him.
So, any way around The Fates? Or is it just cruel to try and force it? I appreciate any help!
Could you have someone pick-pocket the card?
Might even be a cool mini-adventure to get his great treasure back.
That, or put him in situations where the Fates card would be quite helpful, and keep tempting him to use it. Nothing impossible, just difficult.
The latter may be more fun.
Have the balor send some agents/emissaries to collect the PC.
Have the agates card stay with the APEC so he actually has to pull it out and use it to avoid the situation. Then have the balor send a succubus to steal the card and sub a fake one in its place.
Hey, these are already some great ideas!
While a pick-pocket would be unlikely, having it stolen could be a possibility. *hehehe*
I do like the idea of tempting him to use it, and in fact that might work well with tonyz's suggestion of having agents come first. His character has a low wisdom, so he roleplays him as impulsive and perhaps a bit reckless... this could turn out pretty fun for our game!
Thank you, fellas!