This is an entry for a contest – tell us about one of your traps…!
Once I was so bored that I invented the (I think) ultimate trap. My players entered a small valley secluded from the outside world. It was truly a heavenly, Eden-like place full of beautiful scenery, peaceful – but also not without it’s small problems – every few months local fauna suffered “berserk” syndrome and acted wild and violent – it was a time where the local population hid in a small stronghold and had to be protected.
Did I mention “local folk”? Nice people, intelligent, beautiful, very tolerant and open to various possibilities, eternally young, courtesy of strange fruits growing only in said valley.
…I think you get a picture. Yes, it was THE UTOPIA.
So, the PCs entered the place, spent some time there, began to feel like at home. After 5 or 6 sessions the players thought they were supposed to move, and that’s when the Trap sprung.
“I understand that you want to have new adventures guys, but why should your PCs bother? They are happy there, they act as protectors and guardians, they are practically worshiped, and their needs are all fulfilled. Face it, they have everything they really need – both place to call their own, appreciation, and a bit of danger enough to treat it seriously, but not enough to make them move out. They are at home.”
Realization. Shock. Long discussions. Dice rolling. A few separate sessions dedicated to beating “the trap”.
I’m proud of myself.
JesterRaiin
