You’ve crafted a cunning BBEG with a grand plan to unlock a mystical door for your D&D campaign. The blueprint seems flawless, until your players throw a curveball by pilfering the key. Suddenly, the BBEG’s masterstroke unravels, leaving you at a crossroads.
I’m going to show you how you can transform this unexpected twist into an opportunity for a campaign of unparalleled depth.
Breaking Down the Backfire
The first question you need to ask is why did the BBEG’s plan backfire? Was it a strategic oversight? Or were your players just that brilliant?
It could be a lot of factors – the players’ resourcefulness, maybe they used a magic item in a way you didn’t expect, or it was just a well-timed use of their abilities. Identifying the root cause is key to shaping the narrative that follows.
Honoring Player Agency
Whatever you do, DO NOT diminish your players’ agency. As the DM you may be really disappointed that the players don’t get to experience the cool story you had planned. But like Sly Flourish says, remember that you are a fan of these heroes. Their triumph over the BBEG’s plan is a feat to be celebrated!
Sure you could just say, “Oh that macguffin was just a decoy. The real one is somewhere else entirely.” But to maintain the momentum and the fun, we need to explore avenues that will honor their ingenuity without overshadowing it.
Watch the video for strategies to make a comeback!
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