So I've been playing with the same group of friends for 15+ years. I'm the least experienced DM out of our group and have had to really get creative to keep my friends on track without railroading.
My buddy always loves to play turncoat if he can in any game. He's done it a few times in campaigns but it didn't feel like it didn't belong. As a new DM though I wanna get him bought into being the best he can be just cuz he'll become the big bad.
What he doesn't know is I also wanna give at least one other player a "turncoat" condition, that if met, makes them the big bad.
Anyone that's tried this have any tips on how to make something like this feel fun?
I feel letting the party individually design their own boss in secret then using spells to hide who they truly are could be a good starting point.
If the BBEG is evil then does everyone mask as good? If so how could that work with an entirely evil party just faking to be good? Power grab at the end? Wanna avoid free for all pvp if possible.
Do I basically have an open discussion with each person "in private", have them write most their story before we even begin, then weave them together?
What would be some good ways to keep someone from being outed instantly by detection spells?
I had the idea at work but have just been kinda brainstorming so I can build a story around this mechanic. Any help is appreciated.