When used creatively, these puzzles will add another layer of depth to any dungeon. Throughout the annals of D&D, several puzzles have become popular thanks to their classic nature and versatility. They can tell a story, get players to think about the nature of a D&D adventure, or simply be entertaining. ![]() Puzzles can accomplish a variety of things. RELATED: 10 Tricks For DMs That Make D&D Easier For Everyone A fantastic way to do this is to incorporate puzzles. A DM must keep their players on their toes with something that feels distinct to whatever dungeon or crypt the party is adventuring through. By choosing not to take that evil step to solve what appears to be the Cunning challenge, they'd beat the Heart challenge.In Dungeons & Dragons, convoluted politics, in-game role-playing, and stabbing baddies to death can get stale for a group of players. The winning move is to quit the challenge and elect not to solve the puzzle. As they say in War Games, the only way to win is to decide not to play. Instead, they'd need to realize that doing the horrible thing is wrong and elect not to do it. However, realizing that isn't what they need to do to beat the challenge. They'd be provided with a fairly simple puzzle where the answer is to do something cruel, such as sacrifice an animal. ![]() ![]() The puzzle would begin with a description of Cunning and Guile. Perhaps that solution is to elect not to help either group? However, this isn't the trial of Heart - it is the Trial of Cunning and the PCs need to come up with a less obvious solution that benefits both sides equally and fairly. Either obvious approach appears to create as much bad as good. There would be two obvious options where one group is benefitted and the other group is harmed, while the obvious other answer reverses the benefits and harms. In the moral dilemma, they'd be provided with a choice between aiding two warring factions desiring to eliminate each other. The moral dilemma would begin with a description of what true and goodly Heart is. That will make it harder for them to superficially focus on one concept.Īfter the battle, they'd be faced with a moral dilemma. Suggestion - Set the PCs up to believe they are in the Trial of Cunning when they are in fact in the Trial of Heart, and that they are in the Trial of Heart when in the Trial of Cunning. Or, if they pursue the task that helps others, the orb can pulse a deeper shade of red, and at the end, it can turn into a magic item they will be able to use, or it can be used later as a way to gain the trust of a faction or NPC who knows of the item. This might give them the hint that they should abandon the task and do the other one. You could even give them a glass heart shaped glowing orb.and if they choose to do the task that benefits themselves, as they progress in the task, the orb can begin to crack. The other choice involves doing something that will benefit others. ![]() One of the choices involves doing something that will benefit them. Trial of Heart might be a situation where the PCs are presented with two choices. See if the PCs can figure out a way to get more $ from the sale or for them to determine which of the buyers need the item for the best reason (avoid selling to the one that has evil ll to the one that will put the item to the best use). Then give them a few options as to how they can sell the item.maybe have 2 or 3 interested buyers. If the creature is way too powerful to fight, it forces the PCs to steal, bargain, buy, etc. If you don't want to make it contrived, the test of cunning could also be a test to acquire some item from an NPC or monster without fighting. You can also present them with areas in the maze where they need to use character skills to continue (How will they get through a wall of fire? Or get over a seemingly bottomless pit? Of course, depending on level and access to magic, some of these can be easier or harder). Of course this will test player rather than character, but you can have ways for the characters to make checks to get clues/hints. At different intersections there can be puzzles, riddles, locks, etc.(3 chests."Where is fancy bred.is it in gold, silver or lead - pick the right chest! - one of my favorite Shakespeare riddles). Trial of Cunning can be to navigate a strange maze.
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