So I am currently running a campaign. We are about nine sessions in. Two newbies who have never played dnd ever want to join for one session. Kinda like a "guest character." My current plan to run for them is:
My players are currently traveling. They meet the new PC's. While traveling together they meet a quack who directs them to loot inside a cave. Now it'd be like a Mines of Moria-esque deal. Should they accept the plot hook, they will get a bunch of loot. But the main prize is a "puzzle rod." It looks a lot like the spy glass from A Series of Unfortunate Events, but it is not a spy glass. Three chunks of the puzzle pieces are missing from it. Along inside the loot is a map leading to the three chunks. Around when they reach the loot I would end the session.
So now that the rest of the players are back to the OG group they have a map leading them to the missing puzzle pieces and a rod. IF they get all the pieces (to get each of the pieces is a mini dungeon) they will get a rod. some legendary rod.
My question: What should the rod be, and is it a good idea
You could give the rod the ability to absorb magic (almost like how a lightning rod attracts and redirects lightning) so that it acts as a way to use Counterspell. To make it a bit more powerful, the rod can absorb the spell and then the holder can expel it (almost like a mix of counterspell and the Arcane Trickster ability Spell Thief)
Another idea that comes to mind is something like Thor's hammer (how it's depicted in the Avenger's movies, not in mythology), where you lift it up, summon lightning and then can dispel it in lightning bolts. These both seem quite powerful, so it depends on how high of a level your OG players are.
I think it sounds like a great idea. I wonder if you could tie in what it does with why it was put into pieces? This could open up into another storyline. Why was the rod split into pieces, because its good, or bad? What if it is powerful enough, that when its assembled, something evil that has been looking for it, now is aware of its existence AND location again. Could be an ongoing thing where bad guys keep suddenly appearing and trying to get the rod from them. Ultimately, culminating into the boss battle levels down the road. LOL OH MY! Ha ha, may need to scribble that one down for myself. I won't use a rod though.
So I am currently running a campaign. We are about nine sessions in. Two newbies who have never played dnd ever want to join for one session. Kinda like a "guest character." My current plan to run for them is:
My players are currently traveling. They meet the new PC's. While traveling together they meet a quack who directs them to loot inside a cave. Now it'd be like a Mines of Moria-esque deal. Should they accept the plot hook, they will get a bunch of loot. But the main prize is a "puzzle rod." It looks a lot like the spy glass from A Series of Unfortunate Events, but it is not a spy glass. Three chunks of the puzzle pieces are missing from it. Along inside the loot is a map leading to the three chunks. Around when they reach the loot I would end the session.
So now that the rest of the players are back to the OG group they have a map leading them to the missing puzzle pieces and a rod. IF they get all the pieces (to get each of the pieces is a mini dungeon) they will get a rod. some legendary rod.
My question: What should the rod be, and is it a good idea
A New DM up against the World
You could give the rod the ability to absorb magic (almost like how a lightning rod attracts and redirects lightning) so that it acts as a way to use Counterspell. To make it a bit more powerful, the rod can absorb the spell and then the holder can expel it (almost like a mix of counterspell and the Arcane Trickster ability Spell Thief)
Another idea that comes to mind is something like Thor's hammer (how it's depicted in the Avenger's movies, not in mythology), where you lift it up, summon lightning and then can dispel it in lightning bolts. These both seem quite powerful, so it depends on how high of a level your OG players are.
I think it sounds like a great idea. I wonder if you could tie in what it does with why it was put into pieces? This could open up into another storyline. Why was the rod split into pieces, because its good, or bad? What if it is powerful enough, that when its assembled, something evil that has been looking for it, now is aware of its existence AND location again. Could be an ongoing thing where bad guys keep suddenly appearing and trying to get the rod from them. Ultimately, culminating into the boss battle levels down the road. LOL OH MY! Ha ha, may need to scribble that one down for myself. I won't use a rod though.
Use it if you want!
A New DM up against the World
I'm still new myself. But you can totally use it for you. Thank you for inspiring me.