Campaign Idea: "In The End..."

This is the story of how your character dies. Nothing you can do will change the fact that your character be dead when the game is over, maybe well before then. Your character knows this undeniable fact. This means that what you do with your character is more important than any other character you've ever played.

Every character discovers a strange mark on their bodies. Usually on the chest over the heart, sometimes on a hand, arm, head, or back. Some marks are 'common' and shared by more than one person. Others are unique.

Those who have the marks have access to power unknown to others of their species. They can do things others can only dream of doing. In D&D game terms, they can take PC classes while others are limited to NPC classes.

Nobody knows why some people gain marks. Some are born with them, others do not receive the mark until late in life. Many blame a long forgotten and immortal heritage. They call the marked Scions, Kin, or Brood. Others believe the marked are cursed or mutated. Nobody really knows.

Whatever the reason, all the marked are doomed the moment the mark appears. Many say they can feel the power burning them up from the inside. They say no physical body was ever intended to channel the power of the marks. Eventually, the power consumes them entirely.

In D&D game terms, every time the character takes new PC level, roll a 1d20. If the roll is less than or equal to the new level, the power has exceeded their ability to contain it. It's called eruption, and it will kill the character. The next time the character uses any PC class ability (rage, spells, wildshape, any bonus feat that requires activation of some kind) they erupt and die in an explosion of power.

The player can avoid this if they accept a -1 Constitution ability drain. This is permanent, but allows full use of all class abilities until the character levels again. Furthermore, they next time the level, the 1d20 roll suffers a -1. If the character's Constitution ever reaches 0, they erupt and die.

If the character is about to erupt, the player can delay eruption by suffering -1 hp per round. When the character's hit points reach 0, they erupt and die.

If they roll above the new level, they contain the power successfully until the next level.

Of greater concern than being ripped apart by the power inside them is the monsters that hunt them. Most monsters seek out the marked. Some consume the marked character to enhance their own power. Demons and Devils require the marked to improve their own power. Angels and archons seek out the marked, although that relationship is less well understood. Undead typically hunt, fear, or worship the marked. Legends say the Tarrasque only awakens when there are too many marked in the world and it exists to keep their numbers in check.

But, your character is going to die. Either doing something heroic, villainous, or an explosion of uncontrolled power.

also an option.