Question about being "Claimed by Darkon"

[FiranDarcalus]

Ok, was hoping to pick everyone's brains about this.

In my new game I just started, I have a group of 4 players. 3 of the characters are natives of Darkon, while one of them is from Borca. At some point in the game, they are all going to be heading back to Darkon as right now they met up in Mordent. Now, in 3.5's Gaz 2, 'S' talks about how Darkonians are well aware of the phenomenon of being "Claimed" by Darkon, but "consider it a taboo topic for polite conversation....Thus, despite this widespread awareness of Darkon's memory leeching soil, most newcomers are still taken entirely by surprise when Darkon comes to claim them." (P. 24). It also mentions how natives will instead talk about Darkon as a crossroads where people sort of rediscover their roots.

My question is this: would it make sense that the characters would warn the Borcan PC about Darkon's unique nature, or would they not discuss it? I realize we could say that it's up to the characters, but what do you think would make 'sense' in the context of a Darkonina native? My player's often look to me for how they should react in given situations based on the nation they're from, as they are not well versed in Ravenloft lore. And if they do warn the character, how do I ensure that we have the adventure in Darkon, given that the PC would probably be reluctant to go, not knowing exactly when his time will be up.

Any feedback on this would be great. I've used Darkon before, but in the past, all the characters were natives, so it didn't matter.

Thanks!

[Mephisto of the FoS]

I would keep it as a lore skill thing with a DC deciding what is known but always as lore which can be false. Also Borca does not share borders with Darkon and that may give a minus to the DC dice. I remember there was a rule about Legend Lore in 2e for this, I think under the Arcanist class description in Domains of Dread.

On the other hand you can always keep it a secret or disguise it in the way you already mentioned "Darkon is a place were everyone find their roots" it is vague and doesn't mention any memory leeching. It may actually make the PCs want to go there out of curiosity.

Curiosity leeched the cat.

[alhoon]

My suggestion is... let the players decide what they will tell. I would use Mephisto's DC to see If the Darkonese characters know/believe this rumor and how much they know. Yes, it is widespread knowledge but that doesn't mean EVERYONE knows. Not to mention that there are story-reasons for it to not be known. Azalin can, I think, modify the memories of Darkonese people too; he may have decided for reasons to wipe that part of lore from people's minds.

[Igor the Henchman]

I agree with alhoon. I'd give the players the same summary you did in your original post, explain to them that it's a taboo subject for most native Darkonians. I think that's enough information for them to decide how they want to handle it. It all boils down to this: do they feel that the Borcan PC is a close enough friend/colleague that they feel comfortable pulling them aside and give them "the talk"? Ask them if their characters would consider the phenomenon a good thing ("So many people find their roots and embrace our culture!") or something sinister that their new companion needs to be warned about.

[Mephisto of the FoS]

I believe players shouldn't be familiar with mechanics as by knowing mechanics the atmosphere of the game can be spoiled.

[FiranDarcalus]

Thanks guys!

Appreciate the suggestions. Some good questions to ask them as well when the time comes. Let them decide what they will do with the info. I really like the idea of putting the ball in their court in the sense of asking them if being claimed really is a bad thing or not. Their characters might buy into the whole "everyone finds their roots in Darkon". It might not even be something they really understand. Maybe they buy the official line from the Crown.

[Teravala]

Would knowledge (planes) be applicable here, as it pertains to knowledge of the fundamental workings of the plane of racenloft, and presumably of the various domains the player has knowledge about?

[Igor the Henchman]

Would knowledge (planes) be applicable here, as it pertains to knowledge of the fundamental workings of the plane of racenloft, and presumably of the various domains the player has knowledge about?

Definitely an applicable skill, but since the 3E books say that it should be reserved for rare scholars most whom are darklords themselves, and that new characters are all but forbidden to put points in it, it might not be as helpful for this situation.

[Mephisto of the FoS]

Also I believe Knowledge (planes) has been replaced by Knowledge (Ravenloft) as mentioned used mainly by some darklords and scholars such as members of the FoS.

[Igor the Henchman]

Also I believe Knowledge (planes) has been replaced by Knowledge (Ravenloft) as mentioned used mainly by some darklords and scholars such as members of the FoS.

Replaced by "Knowledge (Ravenloft)" in the 3E book, but renamed back to "Knowledge (planes)" in the 3.5 one, I believe.

[FiranDarcalus]

My group and I are using 5th ed rules, so it would likely either be an Arcana or History check in 5th ed.

I really miss the old knowledge skills of 3rd ed.

[Teravala]

Would knowledge (planes) be applicable here, as it pertains to knowledge of the fundamental workings of the plane of racenloft, and presumably of the various domains the player has knowledge about?

Definitely an applicable skill, but since the 3E books say that it should be reserved for rare scholars most whom are darklords themselves, and that new characters are all but forbidden to put points in it, it might not be as helpful for this situation.

I definitely don't let players start with it, but I almost always end up either letting them prestige into classes and gain it that way, or after they have adventured and learned more about the nature of the world I give it to them myself. I definitely agree it is esoteric knowledge, and should be treated as such. But after a certain power level, your character is gonna start catching on to a few things.

[Teravala]

My group and I are using 5th ed rules, so it would likely either be an Arcana or History check in 5th ed.

I really miss the old knowledge skills of 3rd ed.

my condolences. Not trying to edition hate, but IMO 5th edition is where Ravenloft goes to die.

[Teravala]

Also I believe Knowledge (planes) has been replaced by Knowledge (Ravenloft) as mentioned used mainly by some darklords and scholars such as members of the FoS.

I believe you're correct, or rather it is still knowledge (planes) but only relative to Ravenloft, so effectively the same thing as what you said. Either way, definitely obscure knowledge, but not unobtainable, especially if your party wanders into the mid to high teens for levels.

[FiranDarcalus]

My group and I are using 5th ed rules, so it would likely either be an Arcana or History check in 5th ed.

I really miss the old knowledge skills of 3rd ed.

my condolences. Not trying to edition hate, but IMO 5th edition is where Ravenloft goes to die.

Condolences accepted. I'm not super keen on 5th Ed either, but couldn't convince my group to go Pathfinder 2E.