So me and my group decided to use the rules for resurrection that CR uses. But Now I would like to include the ressurection of an NPC in the story, specifically the sibling of a character. How would you handle that? If I use the rules as they are, even if the ritual is perfect, there is still a 5% chance that the dead won't be brought back. But in the case that this happens, wouldn't the narrative be lessened? I could fudge the roll, but it being an important roll, it will probably be shown to the players (we are using roll20 at the moment). Otherwise they might feel as tho I am trying to lie, and I don't want them to beleive that if it is done for one NPC, then their characters are safe too. And, well, I don't like fudging rolls.
What is the role of the NPC in the planned narrative? Are they crucial to plot developments, or just there for support, fun, and RP opportunities?
If you want to use the rules unaltered, and you don't want to fudge the rolls, then there is a 5% chance that you'll lose the NPC. I don't see a way around that.
If they are "plot essential", and assuming you don't want to change either of those conditions, the only way out I see is having an alternative means of filling in the role that the NPC was to play in the narrative. They are to provide resources? Have another means to get that to the Party. Information? Plan a different means that the Party can find out what they would have told them. I would probably break it up so if the NPC was to perform more than one useful function in the plot, now there are multiple things which each perform one function. This is so it doesn't look like you replaced the NPC with something identical.
If they were there for non-plot-essential reasons ... I'd let them die, and not replace them with anything. Tragedy and loss are legitimate parts of a story.
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Why would the narrative be lessened? It would just be different.
This. I feel like if the party has as much attachment to the NPC where this is even a concern of yours, it will be powerful either way the rolls make this situation. Loss can be a huge character builder for anyone. AND loss after being given hope can be even stronger and can open up some really great RP opportunities.
Hehe. I've killed three players' parents. An entire town. Three islands that they freed from a spell.
Things die in my world because of player choices. There is zero holding back and while it sucks. They appreciate that there are consequences. It makes them think more.
I don't believe the narrative would be weakened. Sure, everyone (you included!) will be upset, but D&D isn't supposed to make everyone happy all the time. Death, whether it's a PC or NPC, sucks. But without it, there's no thrill of victory, no excitement when the dice roll, and no moments of sadness that bring people together. So I suggest let the dice fall where they will.
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Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
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So me and my group decided to use the rules for resurrection that CR uses. But Now I would like to include the ressurection of an NPC in the story, specifically the sibling of a character.
How would you handle that?
If I use the rules as they are, even if the ritual is perfect, there is still a 5% chance that the dead won't be brought back. But in the case that this happens, wouldn't the narrative be lessened? I could fudge the roll, but it being an important roll, it will probably be shown to the players (we are using roll20 at the moment). Otherwise they might feel as tho I am trying to lie, and I don't want them to beleive that if it is done for one NPC, then their characters are safe too. And, well, I don't like fudging rolls.
Dungeon Master in the world of Greyhawk,
Rawilow
What is the role of the NPC in the planned narrative? Are they crucial to plot developments, or just there for support, fun, and RP opportunities?
If you want to use the rules unaltered, and you don't want to fudge the rolls, then there is a 5% chance that you'll lose the NPC. I don't see a way around that.
If they are "plot essential", and assuming you don't want to change either of those conditions, the only way out I see is having an alternative means of filling in the role that the NPC was to play in the narrative. They are to provide resources? Have another means to get that to the Party. Information? Plan a different means that the Party can find out what they would have told them. I would probably break it up so if the NPC was to perform more than one useful function in the plot, now there are multiple things which each perform one function. This is so it doesn't look like you replaced the NPC with something identical.
If they were there for non-plot-essential reasons ... I'd let them die, and not replace them with anything. Tragedy and loss are legitimate parts of a story.
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
Why would the narrative be lessened? It would just be different.
This. I feel like if the party has as much attachment to the NPC where this is even a concern of yours, it will be powerful either way the rolls make this situation. Loss can be a huge character builder for anyone. AND loss after being given hope can be even stronger and can open up some really great RP opportunities.
Hehe. I've killed three players' parents. An entire town. Three islands that they freed from a spell.
Things die in my world because of player choices. There is zero holding back and while it sucks. They appreciate that there are consequences. It makes them think more.
I don't believe the narrative would be weakened. Sure, everyone (you included!) will be upset, but D&D isn't supposed to make everyone happy all the time. Death, whether it's a PC or NPC, sucks. But without it, there's no thrill of victory, no excitement when the dice roll, and no moments of sadness that bring people together. So I suggest let the dice fall where they will.
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club