I'm relatively new to DMing, done a few one shots and have currently started my 'Magnum Opus', a 100+ session campaign that involves 2 seperate groups in parallel worlds (with occasional crossovers).
Im 3 sessions on both of them and am already thinking about PC deaths, Ive never killed off a character before, and i have a few ideas for way down the line (sessions 10-15 being the earliest I'd like to do it).
Basically i have a PC in one group who is a 95 year old human monk that had been searching for enlightenment his whole life (still hasn't found it). After they finish this mission in about 10 sessions time (though probably more), i was going to hold a tournament which both groups could be part off, meeting their counterparts from the parallel world for the first time and possibly gaining some insight.
After the tournament, I envisage a scene of celebration where the PCs party into the night amongst their new found friends before parting ways the next morning, however during the party the monk gains a feeling that has been growing throughout the tournament and he suddenly realises what it is.
All his life he's locked himself away in monastery after monastery, always denying himself the luxuries of life, never having any true friends. However here surrounded by those he's fought with and shared many days and nights together, is where he finds his path the enlightenment. He can see the door that he needs to pass through to obtain it and gains enough insight to know what it will take. Whilst he is mentally prepared, it will also require a strong body, and despite all his training age has taken its toll. He knows that it is now or never, if he doesn't take this chance, he won't have another. But he knows if he takes it, he will achieve enlightenment briefly but it will kill him.
And so the PC can choose whether he wants to fulfil his life goal or continue knowing that he'll never achieve it. So he can die surrounded by his friends with a smile on his face. Not all hero deaths need to heroic.
What do you guys think? Is this a bit mean or do you reckon there's better ways to do something like this?
If your player is amiable to the idea I see no problem with it. This is, however, one of the very few things in D&D I see as needing to be discussed with your player before being presented at the table. If your player isn't ready to lay down their sheet and retire the character, then it may be received poorly. The story, the way you've described it, and the potential for a very clandestine moment is very possible, I hope it works the way you're envisioning it.
Hi guys,
I'm relatively new to DMing, done a few one shots and have currently started my 'Magnum Opus', a 100+ session campaign that involves 2 seperate groups in parallel worlds (with occasional crossovers).
Im 3 sessions on both of them and am already thinking about PC deaths, Ive never killed off a character before, and i have a few ideas for way down the line (sessions 10-15 being the earliest I'd like to do it).
Basically i have a PC in one group who is a 95 year old human monk that had been searching for enlightenment his whole life (still hasn't found it). After they finish this mission in about 10 sessions time (though probably more), i was going to hold a tournament which both groups could be part off, meeting their counterparts from the parallel world for the first time and possibly gaining some insight.
After the tournament, I envisage a scene of celebration where the PCs party into the night amongst their new found friends before parting ways the next morning, however during the party the monk gains a feeling that has been growing throughout the tournament and he suddenly realises what it is.
All his life he's locked himself away in monastery after monastery, always denying himself the luxuries of life, never having any true friends. However here surrounded by those he's fought with and shared many days and nights together, is where he finds his path the enlightenment. He can see the door that he needs to pass through to obtain it and gains enough insight to know what it will take. Whilst he is mentally prepared, it will also require a strong body, and despite all his training age has taken its toll. He knows that it is now or never, if he doesn't take this chance, he won't have another. But he knows if he takes it, he will achieve enlightenment briefly but it will kill him.
And so the PC can choose whether he wants to fulfil his life goal or continue knowing that he'll never achieve it. So he can die surrounded by his friends with a smile on his face. Not all hero deaths need to heroic.
What do you guys think? Is this a bit mean or do you reckon there's better ways to do something like this?
If your player is amiable to the idea I see no problem with it. This is, however, one of the very few things in D&D I see as needing to be discussed with your player before being presented at the table. If your player isn't ready to lay down their sheet and retire the character, then it may be received poorly. The story, the way you've described it, and the potential for a very clandestine moment is very possible, I hope it works the way you're envisioning it.