Leadership: Special Power?

[Hannibal Barca]

I have yet to see this explained adequately. Does anyone know an example where the +1 modifier to your Leadership score from having a "special power" would apply? (p 106 DMG)

Also, "great reknown" and "fairness and generosity" are ambiguous as well. Are there any references outside of Unearthed Arcana that explain these in greater detail?

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I think these criteria are meant to be ambiguous, leaving the DM to determine whether the bonuses apply or not.

 

[shilsen]

An example? Sure:

Do you live in a huge fortress in the middle of a blasted land, are served by lots of orcs and some people riding overgrown elephants, make rings of power as a hobby, spend your time in the shape of a flaming eye, and are persecuted by midgets with a smoking problem? Then you get the +1 for "special power".

 

[Thanee]

IMHO special power is something, which not many people possess. For example, in the FR, being a spellcaster wouldn't qualify, but being one of the Spellfire wielders might. In a low magic world, being a spellcaster might be enough.

Great reknown would apply, if there are songs written to your deeds, you are known beyond the boundaries of the kingdom/land/continent you live and adventure in, or at least all throughout.

Fairness and generosity is just that. You are known for your fair judgement and that you share your wealth with others, like your followers, even beyond just giving away your excess wealth, but actual sharing.

Each of these are pure roleplaying requirements, you cannot spend x % of your wealth on becoming "generous". In all cases it is up to the DM to judge, whether the bonus applies or not in this specific campaign. The requirements for qualification will certainly vary from campaign to campaign and from DM to DM.

Yes, they are ambiguous.

Bye
Thanee

 

[ThirdWizard]

I tend to rule that a "Special Power" is something not normally possessed by someone of your class or race.

 

[Hannibal Barca]

Thanks Thanee.