this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2025
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D&D Next - 5e Discussion

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Hi folks, DM here.

So my party is going through Goodman Games 5e conversion of The Lost City. They are level 5.

I had them encounter a random wayward rock gnome merchant, who was seeking gems. He sold the party a Ring of Mind Shielding.

One of the effects is that, if you die while wearing it, your soul becomes embedded in the ring. If there is a soul in the ring, it can communicate telepathically with its wearer.

I decided, on a lark, after they looted it, that there would already be a soul in the ring, making it a sentient item of sorts. However, when they asked me who, I stuttered for a second and named one of the "dead gods" of the campaign, Usamagarus. Who is the missing god of magic, wisdom, knowledge, etc. And, I decided to roleplay him as a senile, forgetful wizard, also on a lark when they tried to communicate with him. He claims he committed suicide voluntarily after he stopped being worshipped.

Okay, now I need ideas. You're a senile wizardry God type character that's been trapped in a ring for 700 years. I won't goals, quirks, etc. assuming he has real no interest in being reincorporated.

So far I've mostly been pondering mannerisms, playing grampa Simpson "back in my day" stuff.

Anyway, should be fun ๐Ÿ˜Š

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[โ€“] dumples@midwest.social 11 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

If you want to be really meta have him reference spells from older editions that don't exist anymore. Especially as suggestions that they won't even work for. The other interesting idea is have him be an expert on things so old but know nothing about recent events.

[โ€“] troyunrau@lemmy.ca 8 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Mechanically, I can give them advantage on history checks from his era or something. And roleplay it.

I like the old spells thing. I have a book full of 2e spells converted to 5e. He could even teach the wizard random spells from that.

[โ€“] dumples@midwest.social 3 points 2 weeks ago

You could also random or as requested use older rules for the same spell name. I.e. the fireball does volume now like from AD&D

[โ€“] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Lol he definitely calls them Tanar'ri and Baatezu

[โ€“] dumples@midwest.social 4 points 2 weeks ago

For sure. Lots of older lore and names. Especially unhelpful things