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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JohnF" data-source="post: 8402232" data-attributes="member: 88851">I had a similar scenario going last year in a 5e game when the Cavalier Prince PC returned home from an adventure with a love interest. I thought it would be fun to introduce a noble's daughter he just barely knew who had fully expected to be betrothed to him some day (as per their fathers' casual discussions). She was quite unhappy. Vengeance ensued.To avoid shallow stereotypes, I layered these elements into the character and plotlines:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I connected the looming Big Bad that had been lurking in the shadows for months to her noble family line (not originally planned that way, but made an awesome reveal).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Her interferences and occasional "attacks" mostly failed along the way, but each time, she still gained something in the attempt, and those gains made her continually more formidable and, eventually, powerful.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">her desire for revenge against the Cavalier Prince and his new bride never went away, but it did evolve as she evolved, eventually to go from "I want him to suffer" to "I want him to suffer and I want his kingdom."</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Having the PCs wonder about redeeming her (it's not her fault if she felt wronged) or defeating her (can some of her "villainy" be justified as an awful by-product of harsh patriarchy?) was a treat!</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">She ultimately became incredibly pivotal to the big finale, being instrumental in the near-success of the Big Bad (also not originally planned). Sadly, she could not be redeemed and fought to the bloody end.</li> </ul><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">She might try to find ways to call the legitimacy of the noble's family line into question.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If the noble PC adventures much and tales of his deeds get around, she might try to have those stories twisted using bawdy, scandalous, or villainous half-truths.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">She would most definitely seek out a noble look-alike to create shenanigans to frame or embarrass the real noble.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">She needs a "crew" to help her with her schemes. The more colorful the bunch, the better. Maybe the anti-party version of the PC noble's party, or a group of variously scorned or ruined nobles, or a collection of past "wronged" bad guys the PCs have defeated. When more than money is the motivation, you get great storytelling!</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Does the noble PC have a rival anywhere? Or do the other PCs have a rival? She could find ways to support the growth or power of that individual.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">She could just slash his tires. All the time.</li> </ul>I hope it's a lot of fun!</blockquote>

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