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Message: <blockquote data-quote="LostSoul" data-source="post: 5173788" data-attributes="member: 386">Let's do an example.Carrion, a tiefling Warlock, is looking for a stout warrior to protect him in battle.  He finds himself in the streets of Fallcrest, a level 5 settlement.  He's level 1 and he's looking for someone level 1 as well.Carrion has the skill "Blasphemous Whispers", which is defined as such: He can speak with his patron when in the arms of a wanton.  He decides that it'll be easiest to find someone if he heads to the Lucky Gnome Taphouse and pays for comfort.The DM decides that this is a Cha roll, so Carrion adds his Cha modifier (+2) to the trained skill modifier (+5) and adds another +5 for Fallcrest's level.  The DM would have added another bonus if Carrion had detailed a scoundrel-type, since those abound in Fallcrest, but Carrion didn't.Carrion rolls an 18.  This is a Moderate result; consulting the table this means he finds an NPC of 2 levels lower.  Since he was looking for a level 1 NPC, this means...??  I should probably come up with something for that scenario.  I'll just say that it's capped at level 1 for now.  Anyway!The DM rolls for the Agenda, Behavioural Traits, and Secrets of the NPC.  Agenda: Needs money.  Behavioural Trait: Honourable, follows rigid code.  Secret: Noble in hiding.  The DM decides that what we have here is a human knight whose family once held land in the Nentir Vale.  He still carries a title to the land, but this would put him at odds with a powerful NPC in the Vale.  That's all we need to know for now; the DM can figure out who and where at a later date.The DM describes Carrion's interaction with his patron while in the throes of passion.  Carrion sees this man working with some of Amros Kamroth's "enforcers", collecting rent, looking slightly upset with his co-worker's brutish methods.  He makes note of the fancy sword and good-but-tarnished plate he wears.Carrion heads out to the tavern where Amros' men hang out.  He strikes a conversation with this man, named Hume Dets.  The DM makes a reaction roll; 5 - Hostile.  Carrion needs 8 successes in a negotiation with Hume.Carrion begins: "I am looking for a good strong arm to serve me.  You look like you could use a better job."Hume: "With a tiefling?"Carrion rolls a standard Cha check since he has no skills that apply to that action, against Hume's Will defense of 14.  Carrion succeeds.  He can tell that Hume does want a different job, but of course he's not convinced he should be working with Carrion.Carrion: "Our people may have been tainted, but not all of us are.  I do not dabble in the infernal arts like my ancestors."  (Carrion realizes that this is going to get him into trouble later on, but he goes with it.)Hume: "hmm..."Carrion rolls his Cha again, adding in "Tongue of the Devil".  This time the DC is set by Hume's passive Per.  Carrion succeeds again.Hume: "I am looking to get out of this line of work.  It's not good on the soul.  What it is that you wish to do?"Carrion: "I need a good strong arm to help me explore the ruins of Watcher's Hill and look for signs of my ancestors."Hume: "Watcher's Hill... they say it's haunted."Carrion rolls a Cha check.  The DM offers a +2 bonus because Hume is also looking to reclaim what his ancestors lost.  He succeeds again.Hume: "Still, it's better work than collecting rent for a greedy tyrant.  What are you going to pay?"Carrion: "A share of any loot found."Carrion rolls and succeeds.Hume: "I am not a rich man.  I need whatever money I can get.  A share of the loot will do, but I need a cash payment up-front - in case nothing is found.  100 gold pieces is what I require."Carrion: "I am not rich either; the best I can do is 50."Carrions rolls and fails.Hume: "Then we have little to talk about."Carrion: "May I ask why you need the money?  Maybe we can work something out."Carrion rolls and fails.Hume: "My business is my own.  I'm sorry, but I can't negotiate on this."Carrion: "Very well... I will raise the money you need, somehow."The DM rules this an automatic success.Hume: "I would be willing to help you.  But I will not work for a grave-robber, a scoundrel, a devil-worshipper, or cultist.  This is a wild and untamed land.  How can I be sure you are none of these things?"Carrion: "The world is in a dark age, and it's good to be cautious.  All we have is our word and our good names.  You can trust me when I say I am none of these things."Carrion lies with his Tongue of the Devil; he succeeds again.Hume: "Very well.  I can help you, but I'm already employed with Amros Kamroth.  I'm not a rich man, and I won't renege on a contract.  I'll inform Amros that this will be my last month of service and then I will be free to hunt for your lost ancestors."Carrion: "That suits me fine."The DM rules this an automatic success.Now we have the details of our contract worked out; what will set off a conflict between henchman and PC; and an interesting NPC ready to rock and roll.</blockquote>

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