So I have a group of players that like to attack people they think are enemies before they talk at all. Normally it's not a huge problem but they attacked a group of Mages that had a powerful magic artifact. The barbarian then destroyed all the mages research notes(he hate any book that isnt mostly pictures). The artifact makes single use magic items but as a side effect opens a Hellgate (oblivion style) somewhere in the kingdom. But seeing as they killed the Mages and destroyed the research notes they don't know that it does that and now they've used it 30+ times. How do I give them that info without just GIVING them that info?
If it were me... I wouldn't give them the information.
It sounds like you're homebrewing, so what if a village or town or city asks the players to deal with recently opened Hellgate? Then it emerges that Hellgates have been opening all around the kingdom. Someone in authority asks the players to figure out what's causing the invasion of Hellgates.
As they investigate, they'll keep using the artifact. And the invasion will get worse.
Eventually, they'll figure out that the mages they killed were part of an organization (possibly good or neutral since the mages hadn't been using the artifact apparently?) with an artifact that creates single-use magic items and opens Hellgates.
And they'll realize THEY are the villains opening the kingdom up to an infernal invasion.
Oops.
"We found the enemy, Your Majesty, and it is us."
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Blood Frenzy. The quipper has advantage on melee attack rolls against any creature that doesn't have all its hit points.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage.
one of the rules I've given myself for campaigns is There is more than one way to find out something. Now, I agree with the previous reply in general direction. I also offer this suggestion. When they use the artifact, by "chance" the hellgate appears in an area visible to or in the vicinity of the party. Have this occur enough times that it's not a fluke.
So I have a group of players that like to attack people they think are enemies before they talk at all. Normally it's not a huge problem but they attacked a group of Mages that had a powerful magic artifact. The barbarian then destroyed all the mages research notes(he hate any book that isnt mostly pictures). The artifact makes single use magic items but as a side effect opens a Hellgate (oblivion style) somewhere in the kingdom. But seeing as they killed the Mages and destroyed the research notes they don't know that it does that and now they've used it 30+ times. How do I give them that info without just GIVING them that info?
If it were me... I wouldn't give them the information.
It sounds like you're homebrewing, so what if a village or town or city asks the players to deal with recently opened Hellgate? Then it emerges that Hellgates have been opening all around the kingdom. Someone in authority asks the players to figure out what's causing the invasion of Hellgates.
As they investigate, they'll keep using the artifact. And the invasion will get worse.
Eventually, they'll figure out that the mages they killed were part of an organization (possibly good or neutral since the mages hadn't been using the artifact apparently?) with an artifact that creates single-use magic items and opens Hellgates.
And they'll realize THEY are the villains opening the kingdom up to an infernal invasion.
Oops.
"We found the enemy, Your Majesty, and it is us."
Blood Frenzy. The quipper has advantage on melee attack rolls against any creature that doesn't have all its hit points.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage.
one of the rules I've given myself for campaigns is There is more than one way to find out something. Now, I agree with the previous reply in general direction. I also offer this suggestion. When they use the artifact, by "chance" the hellgate appears in an area visible to or in the vicinity of the party. Have this occur enough times that it's not a fluke.
Ya I like that I could "roll" for a random placement and it could just be close to them.
Thanks for the advice
Haha. Got to love barbarian who destroys books without pictures :D
My current projects, One click download PDFs:
- Clam Island campaign questbook: https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/By3s5Uqqf (Levels 1-4)
- Frostglade Tundra campaign questbook: https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/SyZ_4eEyKE (Levels 1-4)
- Goldfish Archipelago campaign questbook: https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/-3HajWXM (Sequel to Clam Island, Levels 5-8)
Lol ya not the first time they've missed out on something good because the Barbarian wouldn't let them read. Lol