Edge of Dreams
2010-01-31, 04:13 AM
So, I'm planning to have the party in my 4e D&D game encounter a sphinx that is guarding an oracle. Rather than ask traditional "riddles", I'd like the sphinx to ask questions that could have many different answers. It'll be a combination of the player's ingenuity and a couple skill checks to see if they give an answer that satisfies the sphinx. Literal answers could work with high enough skill checks in the relevant knowledge, but cleverer and more metaphorical answers would give bigger bonuses on the skill check to impress the sphinx.
I'd also like to give the party the option of challenging the sphinx as individuals or as a group. As individuals, each would be asked a question, and if they answer successfully, that character gets to see the oracle and ask it a question. As a group, they would be told they all have to participate, and there would be the possibility of none, only one, or all of them being allowed in to see the oracle based on how well they do.
Finally, I'd like the questions to be tailored to the individual party members. Here's what I've got so far, but I'd love any suggestions or ideas you might have.
For the Goliath Warden who wants to explore the Underdark to understand it and keep balance between it and the surface - "What is at the bottom of the world?"
For the Invoker who *steals* his power from the Raven Queen (think 3.5's Ur-priest flavor) - "There are many gods, some known, some unknown. Who is greatest?" (definite bonus points if he answers with something other than a god, e.g. the primordials)
For the bloodthirsty Ranger - "The warrior and hunter slays many men, many beasts. What is hardest to kill?"
For the slightly mad Artificer - ?
For the Drow Sorcerer who wants revenge on the family that exiled her - ?
I still need an idea for a question for the group option, something along the same lines but a little more challenging.
I need to go look at the DMG and errata again and decide how closely to follow the skill challenge rules (yes, I'm familiar with the changes and the problems with direct skill challenges). If the party chooses the individual challenges, I'd like to have the difficulty such that about half of them succeed.
Anyone else ever done something close to this?
Anyway, thanks for any help and ideas you might have.
I'd also like to give the party the option of challenging the sphinx as individuals or as a group. As individuals, each would be asked a question, and if they answer successfully, that character gets to see the oracle and ask it a question. As a group, they would be told they all have to participate, and there would be the possibility of none, only one, or all of them being allowed in to see the oracle based on how well they do.
Finally, I'd like the questions to be tailored to the individual party members. Here's what I've got so far, but I'd love any suggestions or ideas you might have.
For the Goliath Warden who wants to explore the Underdark to understand it and keep balance between it and the surface - "What is at the bottom of the world?"
For the Invoker who *steals* his power from the Raven Queen (think 3.5's Ur-priest flavor) - "There are many gods, some known, some unknown. Who is greatest?" (definite bonus points if he answers with something other than a god, e.g. the primordials)
For the bloodthirsty Ranger - "The warrior and hunter slays many men, many beasts. What is hardest to kill?"
For the slightly mad Artificer - ?
For the Drow Sorcerer who wants revenge on the family that exiled her - ?
I still need an idea for a question for the group option, something along the same lines but a little more challenging.
I need to go look at the DMG and errata again and decide how closely to follow the skill challenge rules (yes, I'm familiar with the changes and the problems with direct skill challenges). If the party chooses the individual challenges, I'd like to have the difficulty such that about half of them succeed.
Anyone else ever done something close to this?
Anyway, thanks for any help and ideas you might have.