It is said that grief does not change you, it reveals you. This can certainly be true in a roleplaying game context- whether missing a beloved NPC, mourning the loss of a favourite character who rolled poorly, or even the loss of another player who has left the table. This should also be seen in NPCs during the game- unlike a pre-programmed video game, NPCs should notice when people they love die, whether that's from a dragon attack, a party of murderhobos invading, or a vile plot.
Here are some plot hooks you can use to spark off an adventure, themed around grief, loss, and mourning. 1 - Denial: “Most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it.” -George R. R. Martin Driven onwards by rage, a friend has passed into death without realizing it, awakening as a revenant to seek vengeance. Bearing horrific wounds, they seek out their friends for aid in locating their enemy. 2 - Anger: "My father was slaughtered by a six-fingered man. He was a great swordmaker, my father. When the six-fingered man appeared and requested a special sword, my father took the job. He slaved a year before it was done. The six-fingered man returned and demanded it, but at one tenth his promised price. My father refused. Without a word, the six-fingered man slashed him through the heart. I loved my father. So naturally, I challenged his murderer to a duel. I failed." -Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride An NPC asks for assistance in a quest of vengeance against someone protected by legal or illegal means. 3 - Bargaining: “Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.” -J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings An NPC has been arrested for their role in a death in a different city or kingdom, and faces extradition under guard. However, other parties are trying to kill them off early. Do they deserve to be protected from these people, and will their crimes warrant the punishment they may face? 4 - Depression: “There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” -Laurell K. Hamilton, Mistral's Kiss Facing the loss of lifestyle and happiness resulting from a spouse's death, an NPC begs for help in relocating. This will involve sorting out debts and owed favours that cannot be paid any more. 5 - Acceptance: “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” -Lao Tzu An NPC long ago sold their soul for power, and their debt has come due. While they have made peace with the time that has passed, they ask the PCs to look after the family they have left behind. 6 - With Great Power...: "You're not just anyone. One day, you're going to have to make a choice. You'll have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be. Whoever that man is, good character or bad, he's going to change the world." -Jonathon Kent, Man of Steel A good person dies protecting the PCs or other NPCs from harm, leaving them with a debt to pay. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 14 December 2021. Comments are closed.
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