I've been thinking of starting a new campaign where the PCs play peasants that happen to be under the rule of a tyrant. Obviously it would be about working together to bring him down. What would be some ideas to really get them to hate this guy? In a PG-13 kinda way. Thanks!
Public Flogging of them or some of thier loved ones.
Imprisoning thier families in the royal dungeon.
Courting one of the PCs betrothed.
Having the guy always get away during any initial confrontations. Dangle opportunities in front of thier noses and snatch it away.
If the PC's have an item in their possession the ruler wants. He asks for it, but will offer nothing in return... he is just assuming that they will give him the object because of his rank...
The tyrant wants to re-issue electrum coins. He prohibits wizards from having weapons other than daggers. He forces people to stick to their chosen professions, not shop around for careers. He'll penalize you for changing your overall look on life. Sorcerers are hunted to extinction.
In short, he's 2e-ifying the whole countryside :\
EDIT: Forgot one .. the tyrant forces all halflings to eat, eat and eat until they're "up to shape".
- Ban the use of horses for non-farming purposes.
- Have a roadtax on non-farmer travel of 70% of goods carried.
- Make it required by law that one must register every bit of armor they have by the National Preotection Agency, and have them pay Defensive taxes on it.
- Forbid the exchange of gold for work done. Make it known that quests are evil.
- Remove the alcoholic beverages from inns and bars.
- Have him speak in a highpitched, French-accented voice.
Do what you do to any "kid" if you want them to hate you: Take their favorite stuff.
Look at what the players like most of their equipment, and confiscate it. Preferably with a thin excuse like "My wife needs that silver dagger more than you"...