Organizations with more crunch

[OfValenar]

Hi all,

Inspired by the Elves of Valenar I thought I might make up a Class/Prestige Class, but after perusing the organizations in Five Nations it occurred to me it might be better to simply make up an organization. This is better for two reasons: It’s simpler, and it means players can still have their own class but be tied together by an organization with a few similar perks.

My whole idea is based on a kind of “Jedi” type Valenar warband. These Elves are slightly different to the very aggressive Tairnadal (and are probably from the Aereni), although still martial focused their philosophy has a more altruistic, spiritually selfless approach to helping the people of Eberron.

Anyhow, I thought they could be bound by a common religious organization rather than be a class.

The trouble is I find the organizations in the Five Nations (Royal Eyes of Aundair, Order of Rekkenmark, The Argentum) a little light on with the crunch. Mostly the only effect joining an organization (mechanically) has is:

- Gather information check bonuses
- A magic item
- Bonuses to influencing others in the organization
- Followers
- A percentage in gold of retrieved items

So these seem a little light on for my liking. Do you think adding class-like abilities would unbalance the game too much? Do you know of any other D&D material that has more crunchier organizations?

Cheers,
Lorenzo.

 

[shilsen]

Take a look at PHB2. It introduces the idea of Affiliations, which is a crunchy approach to organizations. It provides multiple examples of organizations, ranging from giant world-spanning ones to modest ones which are focused in one ward of a city. And depending on a combination of one's character's mechanics, achievements and roleplaying, a member of the affiliation has a certain score and rank, which provides certain benefits. There are also tools for crafting your own organizations. It's a very well-done system and I think you'd find that quite handy.

 

[OfValenar]

Take a look at PHB2.

Awesome! Thanks a lot for the tip, I'll check it out.

- Lorenzo.

 

[Claudius Gaius]

You might also want to take a look at Heartstones in The Practical Enchanter. They're a handy way to provide the members of a particular group with a few special talents and some cohesion.

 

[OfValenar]

So I got my little mitts on the PHB2 and it is exaclty what I was looking for - lots of cool ideas for creating your own Affiliation. Thanks again.

You might also want to take a look at Heartstones in The Practical Enchanter.

Cheers, i'll check it out.

- Lorenzo.

 

[shilsen]

So I got my little mitts on the PHB2 and it is exaclty what I was looking for - lots of cool ideas for creating your own Affiliation. Thanks again.

Glad to help.

 

[Claudius Gaius]

you're quite welcome. Have a good game!