Paladin of Torm / PCs Frustrated with Cormyr

[Truth Seeker]

Wow, now FR Gods are answering messageboards. How cool is that?

No, no...keep this in mind, avatar...avatar.

Where the REAL Torm were visited us...none of us, would be able to type, or at least, see his Mighty presence.

 

[HeavyG]

Usually, Lawful Good characters like laws because they benefit the common good, not for their own sake. Hence, if ALL that the local authorities do for them is harass them and put obstacles in their ways, then sure they are going to be disabused.

Ideally, when adventuring in a Lawful and (mostly) Good nation, there should be a sense that yes, the laws make some things inconvenient, but that they are there for a purpose - they help people and such. Thus, as a DM in this situation, it might be good to have the law be on the PCs' side sometimes, help them on their (assumedly lawful) adventures. It would cut down on frustration.

Not that I know that this is the problem here. But most DMs, and me the first, tend to forget that "The Man" might help PCs too. Especially Lawful Good PCs. A paladin of Torm in Cormyr should find the Purple Dragons to be allies more often than enemies or obstacles.

 

[J_D]

One other thing might be useful to keep in mind, especially for the paladin of Torm...

The Steel Regent (or Steel Princess, depending on what year you are playing in) Alusair is herself a follower of Torm. There are probably a number of Torm-worshippers in the Purple Dragons too, although probably not a majority. The Purple Dragons should at least initially have a favorable reaction to the paladin, which should only change for the worse if he or those he associates with really step on their cranks with their actions in the city.

 

[dreaded_beast]

The Steel Regent (or Steel Princess, depending on what year you are playing in) Alusair is herself a follower of Torm.

Hehe, didn't know that.

Right now the campaign is set in DR 1364 or something like that, Year of the Wyvern. It's taking place between the 3rd Ed FRCS and the 2nd FR Campaign Set, although Kelemvor is already a deity. Tilverton is still around and Azoun is alive.

I may keep this in mind, since my player's Paladin of Torm may have an influence in Alusair becoming a follower of Torm in the future. I have to check the FRCS to be sure though, hehe.

Thanks for the responses. I'm getting really excited preparing to run next session, with all these ideas coming up: chance to change laws for the better, the law actually helping out the PCs for a chance, Alusair the Steel Regent...

Cool.

 

[Argus Decimus Mokira]

Hey,

I made great use of the policies of Cormyrians towards adventurers in my game. I think showing the effects of the local law on adventuring is a great idea, ESPECIALLY since it annoys the PCs. This game is about overcoming challenges, after all, and that shouldn't be restricted to monsters and traps. I'll make two suggestions that aided me in reducing player frustration (note: not CHARACTER frustration).

1) Give ad hoc xp for dealing with the law. Call it roleplaying rewards or whatever. Adventuring in Cormyr costs money/resources and time before the characters even step into the dungeon (or what have you). As such, they should be rewarded for following the books (especially the Lawful types). Maybe throw 'em a CR = party level for major accomplishments (such as obtaining the adventuring charter), and CR = party level-1 or 2 for getting the writs. Naturally, this means that the PCs can't just say "oh, we go and get the charter." It will need to be role-played out, with appropriate Diplomacy, Bluff, and Sense Motive checks.

2) Make sure to throw in a couple of examples of the law actually working as it should. The Cormyrian adventuring charters weren't set up in a vacuum, so they should work for the good of the people more often than not. The PCs should witness the Purple Dragons repelling some evil creature, arresting an adventuring group that did not acquire the proper writs (make sure that the NPC party is not worthy of sympathy), or even finally, if grudgingly, acknowledging the good that your PCs are doing. Perhaps the paladin might even be offered a position with the Purple Dragons?

Just some ideas. I hope they help.

-Matt

 

[Whimsical]

They have passed the test!

I would suggest that the next adventure hook come from the Purple Dragons. They could approach the party and inform them that they have been watching them and have been impressed with the work they do. Because they have demonstrated that they are a proper lawful adventuring party and are now worthy, the Purple Dragons would like to offer the PCs the right to access one of those restricted areas that only worthy adventuring parties may access.

This invitation could come from the PD that was being inflexible with them in the past, or it could come from the quiet second in command that has been quietly observing and admiring the party, and the adventure opportunity may be more "off the books" than if it came from the main PD.

During the breifing, they get to learn the secret of why those areas are off limits. Then during their adventuring they get to learn a greater secret of Cormyr that even the purple dragons didn't know. The PD then may want to swear the PCs to secrecy.

As you can tell, I beleve that secrets make great treasure.

 

[daTim]

When a giant dragon attacks the city dont be supprised if they sit back and dont do anything. After all, they dont have an adventuring writ to act upon! They are just obeying the law's.

At least that's what our party would do