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Post by copperdragon on Jun 23, 2017 9:16:33 GMT -8
I'm running a group through the Reavers of Harkenwold adventure for D&D 4e, and one of the potential plot threads has (in my opinion) a really weak hook. The adventure itself is a bit of a sandbox, so I don't even know that the PCs will venture down this path, but in the event they do I want a stronger hook than the one provided.
The setup: An outside mercenary force has invaded the small barony of Harkenwold. The PCs help bring about an uprising and ultimately save the area from the evil clutches of the mercenaries.
Here's where the weak hook comes in. One potential scenario has the PCs seeking the aid of the local tribe of elves on behalf of the barony. The elves recognize the threat the mercenaries pose, but are content for now to sit back and watch events unfold. After all, according to the elves, the people of Harkenwold would not step up to aid them if their situations were reversed, so why should the elves help? However, the elves would be willing to help if the PCs would simply clear an undead wizard and his goblin lackeys out of a nearby tower. The elves would take this as a gesture of selflessness and, therefore, feel an obligation to return the favor.
For me, this just feels cheesy, but maybe I'm being to critical. Any thoughts? Does the hook actually seem fair? Or is there "better" way of dangling the thread? Any feedback is much appreciated.
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Post by OFTHEHILLPEOPLE on Jun 23, 2017 10:52:23 GMT -8
Having the players "prove themselves" is pretty fair for a reclusive tribe of Elves. But you don't have to do that particular trial if you don't want to . Think of one that makes more sense to you or that lines up with the beliefs and motivation of the characters and go with that. Got a Cleric in the party? Maybe the Elves see an opportunity to have someone with holy powers cleanse a mystical glade of some evil presence.
Essentially what I'm hearing from the story is "These Elves are fickle and need to be placated to actually help out." So find something that makes sense or work with your players on how they could forward the story without the Elves involved.
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Post by chronovore on Jun 23, 2017 23:09:54 GMT -8
I'm not familiar with the setting, but if I were trying to set up a hook where the Mercenaries are shown to be evil, and the elves are shown to be ambivalent, I'd make it STOOPIDLY OBVIOUS for all the party.
I'd have the party encounter a small scouting group from the Mercenaries, an advance patrol, caught harassing a farmstead. The Mercs had smelled fresh bread, seen that the farmer had slaughtered a calf for someone's birthday feast, and invited themselves rather disruptively to the festivities. If the party chooses not to interfere, escalate: the farm's owner is outright killed in front of his children while the Mercs laugh.
After the fight, have a PC notice a group of elves moves deeper into the nearby treeline. The PC realizes that the elves have impassively watched the entire scene before departing.
No, I'm not known for subtlety.
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Post by The Northman on Jun 24, 2017 11:43:29 GMT -8
Your main issue is the Golden Exclamation Quest Giver (TM) nature of the favor-trading, yeah?
You could twist it a bit to make it something the elves *can't* do for themselves. Maybe there's a connection between the leader of the elves and the wizard that his people can't find out about, and sending his own warriors would likely lead to questions he can't have. But if someone could take out the loose end...
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Post by copperdragon on Jul 8, 2017 4:08:13 GMT -8
A big (and late -- sorry) thank you to you guys. I had been thinking about this scenario for too long and really needed some outside perspective. I appreciate the help!
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thegrimace
Initiate Douchebag
Posts: 45
Preferred Game Systems: Anything
Currently Playing: D&D 5.0, Pathfinder, L5R
Currently Running: L5R
Favorite Species of Monkey: Evil
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Post by thegrimace on Aug 4, 2017 15:43:12 GMT -8
I think a lot of it just has to do with the nuance of how you present the situation. As-stated it's a bit thin, and seems like a big jump to randomly go fight some wizard with the hopes of engendering support from the elves, but, it's all about context and presentation.
Perhaps the party overhears or is present for a conversation between the chieftain and his top warriors. They express concern about the mercenaries, but frustration that their warriors are tied up watching the other side of their territory because of the wizard and goblins. This way the players are shown that the wizard is a nuisance, and that the elves might be willing to help, but need to be freed up.
Perhaps the mercenaries start raiding further and further, and attack some of the elves on the outskirts. maybe one wounded elven farmer isn't enough to bring the tribe to war, but it's certainly enough to come up in conversation as a trigger point.
Perhaps certain elves (not necessarily the leadership) are more vocal about their opposition to the mercenaries, but aren't equipped to fight (maybe there's an armory in that wizard tower), or are too busy fending off goblins, or are distraught because the wizard turned their kin into zombies... once that's dealt with, they'd be happy to help.
Perhaps the tribe is ambivalent about getting involved, but if convinced that they could wrangle a good trade deal or land grab from the barony, they could be convinced.
Or perhaps a skilled negotiator could convince the aloof elves that by rescuing the hoomans, they'll show themselves to be better than their non-elven neighbors.
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