Source
r/3d6•
sequentialsilence

My players just “commandeered” a bandit (read kidnapped). How can I make him powerful enough to backstab them without them realizing it?

Simple level 1 encounter a couple bandits attack the party, and instead of killing them all they take one and make him a “meat shield”. I want this “meat shield” to eventually turn on them for killing his friends. Probably around level 5 before he turns. I was thinking of having him team up with the BBEG and lead them to him, before turning and joining BBEG. My question is how can I make him continue to appear as a worthless bandit while in reality he’s becoming a legitimate threat?

Posted Apr 29, 2019, 1:47 AM UTC

311
Pendip•

Personally, I wouldn't try to make him powerful enough. I'd try to make him smart enough. If you're patient, and find the right place and time, it doesn't take much power to cause serious problems for people. He can pass information, sabotage an objective, cause them to lose something important, etc.

If you go this route, I don't think you can foresee the solution. Play it by ear. Have him try to gain their confidence, over time. Maybe he tells a good story about how he wound up a bandit, and gains some sympathy. Maybe he passes up chances to escape, because he's "a man of his word". Eventually, maybe he even takes some risks on behalf of the party. And you watch, and wait. The chance may never come; if it never comes because the players are just careful, well, good for them.

But you have a new plot card in your pocket. If the chance to screw them over ever comes up, he does it hard, especially if he thinks he can get the hell out of Dodge afterwards. Because the opportunity arose in play, it will naturally fit into the plot. This will, I think, seem much more authentic than boosting his power and having him actually attack someone.

5
Aapacman•

Probably Lycanthropy or something similar is the easiest method ... He will get a little sick but depending on your players it might go unnoticed...

He'll go from like a 1CR bandit to a 13CR vampire.

2
sequentialsilenceOP•

I like this one, the bandit becomes the BBEG. Especially since where they’re going has vampires. It might be a little interesting to pull off.

2
Aapacman•

Unlike Lycanthropy the bandit doesn't have to go wild and crazy. He might look a little more pale, and eventually he will need to feed and have sunlight sensitivity but comparatively much more subtle than a werewolf transformation.

2
Brightredaperture•

Actually gets burned by sunlight, taking damage

Subtle

Pick one

1
moherren•

Mastermind Rogue. If he takes this path he could begin acting like the Stockholm syndrome is setting in and he could help them from a distance while hiding from the real danger. When he attacks I wouldn't use his sneak attack feature at all and maybe even make attack rolls with disadvantage to make him seem much weaker than he actually is. If he's in melee range with an enemy have him use the dodge action then the help bonus action, but only tell them that he used the help action so he comes off as selfless and willing to help the group. Maybe even have him thank the party for getting him out of the gang.

Then once he has their trust he could lead them in a direction with some "helpful advice" of your choice.

2
Vaegeli•

I think the easiest way to do this would be for the BBEG to give the bandit a weapon or artifact as part of the deal of “betraying” them.

1
TibernusRex•

Funny thing about Paladins in 5e- they just kinda happen. You believe in something real, real hard, you make it the very core of your being, and eventually just... pop. You're a Paladin now.

Oath of Vengeance seems fitting- and Vengeance can be patient indeed.

Now I know what you're thinking- he'd still get stomped in a fight- and you're absolutely right.

And that's where Revenants come in.

1
moherren•

Isn't there a formality to the whole oath taking process?

2
TibernusRex•

There's not much formality to any of it at this point. I'm certain that some groups and organizations would place an amount of ritual around it, but there's no explicit need for such.

The important thing is the oath itself and the individual's commitment to it. As long as both are present, you're good to go on your merry smiting way.

2
Aapacman•

You could also retcon an intricate back plot where he was actually a much more powerful creature that can shapeshift or disguise itself by other means, sent to infiltrate the bandits before being captured by the party.

0