Welcome back, folks. Today we’re venturing into the shadowy side of AD&D—demonic possession. We're talking about high-level demons hijacking your party members and turning allies into foes. Now, it’s not every day you see possession rules baked into the gameplay, but this variant gives it to us, claws out. Here’s the setup: only the real heavy-hitters—Level IV demons or higher—can pull off a possession, but they’ll need a certain amulet on hand near by to do the job. Miss that saving throw, and you’ve got a demon in the driver’s seat. Exorcism? Possible, but painful—painful for both the cleric and the possessed, and with no guaranteed happy ending. This is high-stakes gameplay, folks, with just the right mix of dread, tension, and tactical risk. Get ready to learn how these rules add a new edge to your campaign, turning dungeon-crawling into a fight not just for survival, but for control on today’s podcast!
Demonic possession, often absent in D&D lore, allows powerful demons (level IV or higher) to control the bodies of mortals. Only specific demons can possess adventurers, requiring an amulet to remain nearby. Possession involves a saving throw, and a failed save leads to the victim being controlled by the demon. Exorcism is possible but painful, with varying outcomes for both the cleric and the possessed. Once exorcised, the demon cannot repossess the body, but it can return if certain conditions are met.
Highlights -🔑
Demonic Possession: Only high-level demons can possess mortals. 👹
Possession Mechanics: Requires an amulet and a failed saving throw. 🎲
Exorcism Process: Painful for both cleric and victim, with various outcomes. ⛪
Possession Effects: Victim retains armor class but uses the demon’s attack level. ⚔️
Demon Control: The demon controls the victim’s actions without penalty. 🧙♂️
Amulet Importance: The amulet’s presence is crucial for possession. 💎
Death and Repossession: Demons can attempt repossession upon death of the host. ☠️
Key Insights -📚
Mechanics of Possession: The strict rules surrounding possession highlight the tactical depth of D&D gameplay. By introducing a chance-based element for possession, this mechanic adds unpredictability to encounters and ensures that no character is safe. 🎲
Role of the Amulet: The requirement for an amulet to be nearby emphasizes the connection between the demon and its host. This element encourages players to strategize around item management, leading to a more immersive game experience. 💎
Character Dynamics: The ability for demons to control any party member enhances group dynamics. Players must remain vigilant, as trust and cooperation become crucial in navigating dungeons where possession can occur. 🤝
Exorcism Complexity: The painful exorcism process introduces a moral dilemma for clerics and enhances role-playing opportunities. It forces characters to weigh the risks of attempting to save a possessed ally against their own safety. ⛪
Demon Behavior: The varied outcomes for demons post-exorcism (staying in spiritual form, fleeing, or continuing the fight) reflect their unpredictable nature. This unpredictability can keep players on edge, making encounters more thrilling. 👹
Possession Consequences: By allowing possessed characters to use the demon’s attack level, the game creates high-stakes scenarios. Players must be prepared to combat their friends, adding a layer of tension to the gameplay. ⚔️
Limitations on Possession: The stipulation that only one demon can possess a body at a time ensures balance, preventing overwhelming situations for players. This rule maintains fairness and encourages strategic planning during encounters. ⚖️
Dragon Magazine Source, P32 link-