10 Red Herrings for RPG Game Masters

Jan 25

Red herrings are a great tool for game masters to use in their tabletop roleplaying games. They add an element of mystery and uncertainty to the game, keeping players engaged and on their toes. Introducing a red herring into the game can create a sense of intrigue and excitement, as players try to uncover the truth behind a situation or quest.

Not only do red herrings keep players engaged, but they also provide an opportunity for players to flex their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. As players work to uncover the truth behind a red herring, they must use their knowledge and skills to navigate through the story. This not only adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, but it also helps players to develop their abilities and become better players. Here is a list of 10 red herrings you can use in your RPG game tonight!

The Missing Heirloom: A valuable family heirloom has gone missing, and the players are tasked with finding it. The heirloom is said to have immense power and whoever possesses it will become the most powerful person in the land. The players will follow leads, interview suspects, and search for clues, but in the end, they will discover that the true purpose of the quest was to distract them while the real villain, an evil sorcerer, makes their move to take over the kingdom. The heirloom was nothing more than a fabrication.
The Haunted House: The players are sent to investigate a haunted house, where strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and unexplainable occurrences have been reported. The villagers are terrified, and the players are their last hope to put an end to the haunting. As they explore the house, they will find evidence of a ghostly presence, such as cold spots, ghostly whispers, and mysterious symbols. But after the final confrontation, the players will discover that the ghostly activity was just a cover for a group of thieves using the house as a hideout.
The False Prophet: A charismatic religious leader gains a following among the people, but the players soon discover that he is not who he claims to be and is actually a powerful demon in disguise. The demon has been manipulating the minds of the people, using his false teachings to gain power and influence. The players will have to navigate through the prophet's loyal followers and uncover the truth about his true identity before he can unleash his true power.
The Lost City: The players stumble upon an ancient lost city, hidden deep in the jungle. The city is said to be filled with untold riches and powerful magic. As the players explore the city, they will find evidence of a great civilization, with impressive architecture and intricate carvings. But as they delve deeper into the city, they will find that it is actually a trap set by an ancient dragon to lure adventurers to their doom. The dragon has been waiting for centuries for someone to discover the city and has set deadly traps and illusions to protect his hoard.
The Monster in the Lake: The players are sent to investigate a monster terrorizing a nearby lake, where villagers have reported sightings of a giant creature with tentacles and glowing eyes. The players will have to brave the lake, armed with weapons and spells, ready to face the beast. But it turns out the creature is just a giant catfish that has been mistakenly identified as a monster. The catfish has been living in the lake for decades and has grown to an enormous size, scaring the villagers with its size and unexpected appearance.
Related Article: 10 Best Worldbuilding Tips for your Roleplaying Games!
The Bandit King: The players are asked to take out a notorious bandit king, who has been terrorizing the local towns and villages. The bandit king is said to be ruthless and cunning, and the players will have to track him down and defeat him in battle. But it turns out the bandit king is actually a decoy, and the real leader is a powerful wizard hiding in the shadows. The wizard has been using the bandit king as a distraction, while he plots to take over the kingdom.
The Missing Person: A local person has gone missing, and the players are asked to find them. The person is said to be a valuable member of the community, and the villagers are worried about their safety. The players will have to interview suspects, search for clues, and follow leads to find the missing person. But it turns out the person was not missing at all, and had just gone on vacation. The villagers panicked and asked for the players' help, not realizing that the person was just taking a much-needed break. The players will feel a bit disappointed, but they will have gained valuable experience in solving mysteries.
The Lost Treasure: The players are given a map to a treasure, said to be hidden in a remote and dangerous location. The treasure is said to be worth a fortune, and the players will have to brave treacherous terrain and face deadly creatures to find it. But it turns out the treasure is just a pile of worthless trinkets, and the real treasure is somewhere else. The map was a fake, created by a group of thieves to distract the players while they make their move. The players will have to use their wits and skills to uncover the true location of the treasure.
The Witch's Curse: The players are asked to break a curse placed on a local village, where crops have been failing, and strange illnesses have been plaguing the inhabitants. The villagers believe that a witch has cursed them, and the players will have to track down the witch and put an end to her curse. But it turns out the curse is just a rumor spread by a group of mischievous druids, who have been playing pranks on the villagers. The players will have to use their diplomacy and charm to convince the druids to stop their mischief.
The False Flag: The players are asked to stop a group of raiders, who have been terrorizing the local towns and villages. The raiders are said to be ruthless and violent, and the players will have to track them down and defeat them in battle. But it turns out the raiders are actually working for the local lord as a distraction while they make their move against a rival. The players will have to navigate through the complicated political landscape and discover the truth behind the raiders' true identity.

These are 10 examples of red herrings that can be used to keep players on their toes and create an element of surprise in your RPG campaigns. Remember, as a game master, you should use red herrings sparingly and not make them too obvious or else the players will catch on quickly. But when used correctly, red herrings can add an extra layer of excitement to your game and keep players guessing until the very end. They also give the players the opportunity to flex their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills as they attempt to uncover the true nature of the situation. Have fun!

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