The tadpole doesn’t kill you or take over your brain though
You know, that might have been cool, though.
Imagine if the tadpole's hold on you increased over time. Every so many long rests, the character develops another tadpole power. You don't choose them by getting extra tadpoles, but rather the power simply develops.
That was my (miss)understandng from EA ...
And just when you get all the powers... ceremorphosis. That's it. You cease to exist and a mind flayer is born.
Exactly!
Your companions could travel on without you and Withers refuse you service (and help) until you get your act together.
You could adjust a number of factors. For example, Gale. Kaboom unless meeting Elminster in X days. Kaboom unless finding some item in Act 2, etc. Not necessarily a recommended game mode, but probably possible.
Excellent ideas! As to Gale - this already exists - I had Gale die on me when fighting Gnolls, I left his stinking corpse in Camp ("I leave Companion in your care" dialogue with Withers) and two days later the git exploded and ended my Honour Mode run ...
