Fun RP Session for High Level PCs and Major NPCs

[Chrion]

My players and I are about to get back into a game that we have been playing for a very long time (over a year at this point), but that we have taken a significant break time-wise from. In addition, some new characters will be joining the party. I want to make something that will give them a chance to reunite, so to speak, with each other, to get to know the new characters, and to get reacquainted with the major NPCs that they have been dealing with in their HQ. The obvious setting, I think, would be some kind of party that would be going on at their base, but I want something more, some interesting thing to happen to make it more than just kind of a meet-and-greet, but I also don't want it to be negative or conflicting in any way. The players have been through a lot of negative stuff in the game and I want them to have a chance to have a fun time together with each other and with the NPCs. I'm struggling to come up with anything though besides the general party\festival setting. The PCs are also lvl 13 at this point, so they are pretty powerful. Anyway, I'm looking for some fun, low stakes, RP stuff to do to kick off the next leg of the game.

[Sysryke]

First thought is to make it a theme party. Introduce a scavenger hunt or a murder mystery to the party (real or arranged by the hosts) mix the group into teams of old, new, and NPC characters, and set up a little light hearted competition. Maybe even mix and match the contrived challenges with a real interruption/danger to the party, so that the characters have to go from friendly competition, to relying on one and other to defeat the threat. Without knowing more about the particulars of your game, story, group, and characters, it's difficult to get more specific.

[*Khan*]

Let them be honoured guest invited to a cityfestival by the npc.
Another major npc in conflict with the inviting npc has plotted to make the PC unaware deliver a serious infective disease to the city.
Look up the “horrifying diseases” like “Bloody End”.

The outcome calls for lot of diplomacy, detective work, coorporation, leadership and quick decisions.

[Smallfoot]

Chrion wrote:

...I want something more, some interesting thing to happen to make it more than just kind of a meet-and-greet, but I also don't want it to be negative or conflicting in any way. The players have been through a lot of negative stuff in the game and I want them to have a chance to have a fun time together with each other and with the NPCs. I'm struggling to come up with anything though besides the general party\festival setting. The PCs are also lvl 13 at this point, so they are pretty powerful. Anyway, I'm looking for some fun, low stakes, RP stuff to do to kick off the next leg of the game.

For a low-stakes setting, a local celebration is fine. Make it a deal where the temples of various gods sponsor different activities, including friendly competitions. For example, the Abadarians would have a contest of lightning calculation or puzzle-solving. The Shelynites would sponsor almost any performing arts. And of course the Cayden Caileanites would hold the drinking contest(s). That should give you plenty of reasons for the PCs and NPCs to meet and mix. Think of the games of skill (maybe without the rigging) at a typical county fair, if you're familiar with that. If your city is big enough, have competitions between the various quarters or neighborhoods of the city - races on foot, races on horseback, feats of strength. Throw small rocks for accuracy and a big rock for distance. Target shooting with spears and bows. Lots of ways to have the players roll some dice without worrying about whether it's going to get a PC killed.

[SheepishEidolon]

Well, if you don't want a party, do it like Carrion Crown and start with a burial. Which doesn't have to be the classic Christian mourning in black - maybe some old friend passed peacefully, after a fulfilled life, and it's more about remembering than sadness. Maybe it was rather an ambiguous figure, or even an enemy that faded to the background a while ago. No matter how the relationship was, all adventurers are invited (both the veterans and new ones), probably with the promise of inheriting something.

I'd limit the amount of other guests, better make them interesting than numerous. It's a perfect opportunity to let other NPCs from the past reappear. Maybe they became redeemed by the actions of the PCs, maybe they grudgingly accept they are no match anymore, maybe they will try something unpleasant. Since the burial is just a frame to meet, I'd keep speeches very short and let the PCs interact as they want most of the time.

Finally the heritage could be pretty much anything: An old house, a pet, intelligent magic items, a key, a treasure map etc.. As long as it leads to new adventures... It's up to you whether the heritage is entirely nice, a double-edged sword or a mean trap.

[Chrion]

These are all great suggestions!

[AwesomenessDog]

SheepishEidolon wrote:

Well, if you don't want a party, do it like Carrion Crown and start with a burial. Which doesn't have to be the classic Christian mourning in black - maybe some old friend passed peacefully, after a fulfilled life, and it's more about remembering than sadness. Maybe it was rather an ambiguous figure, or even an enemy that faded to the background a while ago. No matter how the relationship was, all adventurers are invited (both the veterans and new ones), probably with the promise of inheriting something.

Make it a good 'ole fashion Irish wake.