Timeline for How do I make a creature feel impressive without scaring my players away?
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
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| Feb 27, 2020 at 19:12 | comment | added | Loid Thanead | @DanB I think we're not entirely on the same wavelength. Short version: the question is specifically about how to describe a monster that the party sees as awe-inspiring, while still letting the party know they can take it. I have already accounted for other approaches. They can decide not to go into the room altogether and it will still be fun (I believe). Essenially, I'm doing as your answer suggests. :) If you'd like to discuss this further, I've set up a chat: chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/104971/… | |
| Feb 27, 2020 at 18:12 | comment | added | Dan B | @LoidThanead I had some thoughts about your most recent comment, and I've updated my answer. Cheers! | |
| Feb 27, 2020 at 18:12 | history | edited | Dan B | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
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| Feb 27, 2020 at 16:01 | comment | added | Darth Pseudonym | @LoidThanead Both options have their places. Sometimes "fight or die" is the correct answer; sometimes "fight or lose something" is fine. It depends on the scenario you want to build. If you do "fight or die" too often it can certainly become a railroad, and as characters level up they tend to develop more ways to escape that you can't reasonably block without being a jerk about it (such as Teleport spells), but there's nothing wrong with once in a while putting your players in Thunderdome. | |
| Feb 27, 2020 at 7:47 | comment | added | Loid Thanead | @DarthPseudonym I see what you mean. Though, I feel there is an important difference between those physical and emotional reasons. Physically forcing the issue leaves players no real choice. Either they fight, or the characters die and the game ends. Putting a strong emotional reason to fight still leaves them the option not to - and face losing the thing they care about. The game continues and they face the consequences. | |
| Feb 26, 2020 at 22:01 | comment | added | Darth Pseudonym | @LoidThanead The point is well taken, though. Why does ANY hero face a dangerously powerful monster? It's because the lich has something they need, or the dragon is threatening something they value, or they literally can't escape from the rancor pit until the fight is over. Escape should simply not be an option, for either physical or emotional reasons. | |
| Feb 25, 2020 at 17:45 | comment | added | Loid Thanead | I'm not sure the first suggestion isn't railroading a bit too heavily. I'm looking for ways to help the party feel they can handle the encounter, not force them to fight no matter what. However, I like your second suggestion. Basically, clearly telegraph (some of) the potential ways to solve the encounter, right? | |
| Feb 25, 2020 at 16:34 | history | answered | Dan B | CC BY-SA 4.0 |