I am a new DM. i just placed a cursed ring with some treasure. The wizard touched it identify it which triggered the ring. She failed a wisdom save and basically put it on thinking it was just a cool ring. Identify came up with nothing. That is all I had plan thus far. So here are my questions.
1. The Curse - I was planning to slowly, over time start decreasing her HP max (we play online so I have access to her character sheet. I can do it without her knowing) and eventually hint at her being weaker if she doesn't pick up on it. Eventually she'll figure it out. A greater restoration spell or a remove curse spell can fix it. Thoughts? Is that a dick move?
2. I didn't really think of the mechanics of what it means to "think the ring is cool". I just though she is cursed. But would it be a charmed effect? The Paladin in the party just leveled up and got Aura of Devotion which states that a creature within 10' can't be charmed. Would you guys say this is technically a charm? A curse? Would you say that in the aura she doesn't have any thoughts on the ring? It seems weird to be like, as you walk close to the paladin you dont feel an attachment to the ring anymore.
(1) I'm not going to go so far as to call it a dick move, but I wouldn't do it. Usually, anything that rewards players in-game for picking up on something out-of-game gets a negative response—they may not trust you anymore. (Heck, I've got some players who dislike mystery adventures and the like because they don't want their personal clue-finding skill to affect their character.) That said, I do feel Remove Curse is too easy to obtain in 5e (even if your characters are low-level, a large town likely has a mage willing to cast it for 100 gold or so). I'm not sure how to remedy this, unless the characters are low-level and happen to be on a long Fellowship-esque quest far from civilization. Maybe someone else has some suggestions.
(2) Unless something specifically inflicts the charmed condition, it is not a charm, so don't worry! The Aura of Devotion doesn't apply.
(1) I'm not going to go so far as to call it a dick move, but I wouldn't do it. Usually, anything that rewards players in-game for picking up on something out-of-game gets a negative response—they may not trust you anymore. (Heck, I've got some players who dislike mystery adventures and the like because they don't want their personal clue-finding skill to affect their character.) That said, I do feel Remove Curse is too easy to obtain in 5e (even if your characters are low-level, a large town likely has a mage willing to cast it for 100 gold or so). I'm not sure how to remedy this, unless the characters are low-level and happen to be on a long Fellowship-esque quest far from civilization. Maybe someone else has some suggestions.
I give Remove Curse material components that vary with the curse. Generally not super exotic, things like wolfsbane, but you'll need to do research and could be hard to get in some areas.
I would give the ring some positive qualities as well. And maybe just a one-time ding to her hp. It’s more interesting if it’s a choice about whether or not the benefits outweigh the drawbacks when deciding if she wants to have it removed. Steady decline in hp (to the point she could die) would never outweigh the benefit. That’s why I suggest a one time hp loss. Is x hp (scaling by level, like, I don’t know 5+1 per level) lost worth being able to learn a new cantrip, or getting an extra spell slot? Not to mention the attunement. Then if she keeps it for a while, you can have it start to talk to her. Now you’ve really got something.
All that is to say, don’t hide things from her, make her make choices.
(1) I'm not going to go so far as to call it a dick move, but I wouldn't do it. Usually, anything that rewards players in-game for picking up on something out-of-game gets a negative response—they may not trust you anymore. (Heck, I've got some players who dislike mystery adventures and the like because they don't want their personal clue-finding skill to affect their character.)
Just to clarify. It would be better if I just up front say that she feels weaker and tell her her hp max has gone down. So the feeling weaker in the in game clue. And maybe eventually tell the party that they start to notice she is not looking so well.
Doing anything to someone's character without telling that person imo is breaking the contract of the game - THEY have complete control over their character, YOU have control over the environment/ world. I'd feel shitty having my HP constantly being reduced if I was that player, even knowing it's a cursed item
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I know what you're thinking: "In that flurry of blows, did he use all his ki points, or save one?" Well, are ya feeling lucky, punk?
Doing anything to someone's character without telling that person imo is breaking the contract of the game - THEY have complete control over their character, YOU have control over the environment/ world. I'd feel shitty having my HP constantly being reduced if I was that player, even knowing it's a cursed item
Plus, if the character is stored somewhere like here, they might think the changes are a glitch in the site and correct it back
I wonder if the curse could be tweaked to be both the benefit and the curse.
You say they investigated the ring and, on a failed wisdom save, were compelled to pick it up (effectively). This could be the curse:
Ring of Importance
When you first see this ring, if it is not being worn, you must pass a Wisdom save (DC15) or be compelled to put it on. Putting on the ring attunes you to it.
Whilst wearing the ring, you are viewed as important by any who see you - people will assume that you are the leader of the party. Friendly creatures who can understand you will generally carry out your commands.
Curse: This also works in combat - enemies will consider you to be important, and will focus their attacks on you.
Now I write it out, that seems kinda meh.
I don't know whether this would have any real effect on the game, but what about if it were "The Ring of False Health"?
Effect: whenever you would gain HP, you instead gain temporary hit points equal to the maximum that could have been rolled. Your temporary HP can never exceed your HP maximum.
Curse: whilst attuned to this item, you can never gain HP - it is always Temporary HP. Effects which increase your maximum HP still do, but your current HP will never increase.
I don't know how much stuff bypasses temporary HP, but this could be an interesting twist - max healing, but only temporarily!
I think im gonna give her advantage on persuasion checks and be the focus of attacks in battle. It actually works out well. As the wizard she is the most vulnerable. So it will be interesting to see if she wants to keep it.
Doing anything to someone's character without telling that person imo is breaking the contract of the game - THEY have complete control over their character, YOU have control over the environment/ world. I'd feel shitty having my HP constantly being reduced if I was that player, even knowing it's a cursed item
Plus, if the character is stored somewhere like here, they might think the changes are a glitch in the site and correct it back
Doing anything to someone's character without telling that person imo is breaking the contract of the game - THEY have complete control over their character, YOU have control over the environment/ world. I'd feel shitty having my HP constantly being reduced if I was that player, even knowing it's a cursed item
Noted. Im new so thats why i ask things here that seem iffy. So i appreciate the feedback.
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Hello!
I am a new DM. i just placed a cursed ring with some treasure. The wizard touched it identify it which triggered the ring. She failed a wisdom save and basically put it on thinking it was just a cool ring. Identify came up with nothing. That is all I had plan thus far. So here are my questions.
1. The Curse - I was planning to slowly, over time start decreasing her HP max (we play online so I have access to her character sheet. I can do it without her knowing) and eventually hint at her being weaker if she doesn't pick up on it. Eventually she'll figure it out. A greater restoration spell or a remove curse spell can fix it. Thoughts? Is that a dick move?
2. I didn't really think of the mechanics of what it means to "think the ring is cool". I just though she is cursed. But would it be a charmed effect? The Paladin in the party just leveled up and got Aura of Devotion which states that a creature within 10' can't be charmed. Would you guys say this is technically a charm? A curse? Would you say that in the aura she doesn't have any thoughts on the ring? It seems weird to be like, as you walk close to the paladin you dont feel an attachment to the ring anymore.
Thank you for the advice
(1) I'm not going to go so far as to call it a dick move, but I wouldn't do it. Usually, anything that rewards players in-game for picking up on something out-of-game gets a negative response—they may not trust you anymore. (Heck, I've got some players who dislike mystery adventures and the like because they don't want their personal clue-finding skill to affect their character.) That said, I do feel Remove Curse is too easy to obtain in 5e (even if your characters are low-level, a large town likely has a mage willing to cast it for 100 gold or so). I'm not sure how to remedy this, unless the characters are low-level and happen to be on a long Fellowship-esque quest far from civilization. Maybe someone else has some suggestions.
(2) Unless something specifically inflicts the charmed condition, it is not a charm, so don't worry! The Aura of Devotion doesn't apply.
Wizard (Gandalf) of the Tolkien Club
I give Remove Curse material components that vary with the curse. Generally not super exotic, things like wolfsbane, but you'll need to do research and could be hard to get in some areas.
I would give the ring some positive qualities as well. And maybe just a one-time ding to her hp. It’s more interesting if it’s a choice about whether or not the benefits outweigh the drawbacks when deciding if she wants to have it removed. Steady decline in hp (to the point she could die) would never outweigh the benefit. That’s why I suggest a one time hp loss. Is x hp (scaling by level, like, I don’t know 5+1 per level) lost worth being able to learn a new cantrip, or getting an extra spell slot? Not to mention the attunement.
Then if she keeps it for a while, you can have it start to talk to her. Now you’ve really got something.
All that is to say, don’t hide things from her, make her make choices.
Just to clarify. It would be better if I just up front say that she feels weaker and tell her her hp max has gone down. So the feeling weaker in the in game clue. And maybe eventually tell the party that they start to notice she is not looking so well.
ooh, thats a good idea, Maybe a permanent -2 to hp every time she rolls for level up. for some positive exchange.
Doing anything to someone's character without telling that person imo is breaking the contract of the game - THEY have complete control over their character, YOU have control over the environment/ world. I'd feel shitty having my HP constantly being reduced if I was that player, even knowing it's a cursed item
I know what you're thinking: "In that flurry of blows, did he use all his ki points, or save one?" Well, are ya feeling lucky, punk?
Plus, if the character is stored somewhere like here, they might think the changes are a glitch in the site and correct it back
I wonder if the curse could be tweaked to be both the benefit and the curse.
You say they investigated the ring and, on a failed wisdom save, were compelled to pick it up (effectively). This could be the curse:
Ring of Importance
When you first see this ring, if it is not being worn, you must pass a Wisdom save (DC15) or be compelled to put it on. Putting on the ring attunes you to it.
Whilst wearing the ring, you are viewed as important by any who see you - people will assume that you are the leader of the party. Friendly creatures who can understand you will generally carry out your commands.
Curse: This also works in combat - enemies will consider you to be important, and will focus their attacks on you.
Now I write it out, that seems kinda meh.
I don't know whether this would have any real effect on the game, but what about if it were "The Ring of False Health"?
Effect: whenever you would gain HP, you instead gain temporary hit points equal to the maximum that could have been rolled. Your temporary HP can never exceed your HP maximum.
Curse: whilst attuned to this item, you can never gain HP - it is always Temporary HP. Effects which increase your maximum HP still do, but your current HP will never increase.
I don't know how much stuff bypasses temporary HP, but this could be an interesting twist - max healing, but only temporarily!
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Ooh! I like the concept of the ring of importance.
I think im gonna give her advantage on persuasion checks and be the focus of attacks in battle. It actually works out well. As the wizard she is the most vulnerable. So it will be interesting to see if she wants to keep it.
Good point
Noted. Im new so thats why i ask things here that seem iffy. So i appreciate the feedback.