Kill The Duergar Or Myconid

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

4

0

Share

So, you're a Dungeon Master (DM) facing a classic dilemma: your players are about to encounter a choice. Do they ally with the suspicious, seemingly helpful Myconids, or side with the overtly hostile Duergar? Both options present unique challenges and rewards, and choosing the "right" path isn't always clear. Let's break down the pros and cons to help you guide your players through this potentially deadly decision.

The Duergar: Brute Force and Potential Betrayal

Duergar, the gray dwarves of the Underdark, are known for their aggression and cunning. They're physically powerful, skilled in combat, and often harbor dark ambitions. Allying with them might offer:

• Immediate Strength: Duergar provide immediate military support. Their strength in numbers can help overcome immediate threats.
• Access to Resources: Duergar control valuable resources within their territory, which could be beneficial to your players' goals.

However, working with Duergar is inherently risky:

• Betrayal: Duergar are notoriously untrustworthy. Any perceived weakness on your player's part could result in swift betrayal and violence.
• Moral Implications: Siding with the Duergar often involves committing morally questionable acts. This can lead to internal conflict within the party and potentially impact their reputations.
• Long-Term Consequences: Even if the Duergar fulfill their end of the bargain, future conflicts with other factions (especially those opposed to the Duergar) are virtually guaranteed.

The Myconids: Unpredictability and Hidden Dangers

Myconids, the fungal folk of the Underdark, present a more ambiguous threat. Their seemingly peaceful nature can mask a surprising depth of power and manipulation. Allying with them could offer:

• Unique Abilities: Myconids possess abilities that may be invaluable, such as spore-based communication and potent fungal poisons.
• Strategic Insight: Their vast subterranean network provides them with knowledge that could be critical in navigating the Underdark.
• A Different Perspective: Interacting with Myconids offers a unique and compelling perspective on the Underdark's complex ecology and power dynamics.

Yet, working with Myconids presents its own difficulties:

• Hidden Motives: Their motivations can be inscrutable, making it difficult to determine whether they're truly helpful or merely manipulating the players.
• Potential Dangers: While not overtly aggressive, Myconids can be dangerous if provoked. Their fungal powers can be deadly.
• Unconventional Methods: Their methods are often unconventional and may clash with the players' preferred approaches to problem-solving.

The DM's Role: Setting the Stage

The key to making this choice meaningful lies in setting the stage correctly. Clearly establish the stakes of each alliance, highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks. Consider:

• Providing clues: Subtly hint at the true nature of both factions through environmental details, NPC interactions, and overheard conversations.
• Creating moral dilemmas: Force the players to confront the moral implications of their choice, creating internal conflict within the party.
• Offering consequences: Ensure there are meaningful consequences for the players' decision, regardless of which faction they choose.

Ultimately, the best choice for your players depends on their playstyle and character motivations. The goal isn't to present a "right" answer, but rather to create a compelling narrative that allows them to shape the story through their choices. Enjoy the ensuing chaos!