D&D 5E (2014) Salior Variant: Bad Reputation

[radja]

Most people will not report you to the authorities... but word will spread. One day, that mushroom soup you are eating without planning to pay may contain a death cap mushroom. Peasants can find those quite easily...

 

[MasterTrancer]

This doesn't seem to be that different than the Pirate variant of sailor.

It actually is the Pirate variant [emoji6]

 

[MasterTrancer]

This is something I really like about the Wilderlands. It's a dangerous world where only the fittest survive. If someone reached 40 years, you can be sure that he has seen and survived things. You might mess with the average peasant, but the innkeeper will surely have a few levels in a class.

The average innkeeper is a 20th level Fighter (Champion, per 5E rules), OR 20th level Rogue (Thief. If you're lucky) [emoji6]

 

[Ravenheart87]

The average innkeeper is a 20th level Fighter (Champion, per 5E rules), OR 20th level Rogue (Thief. If you're lucky) [emoji6]

Maybe in WoW.

 

[Tanaka Chris]

You punched the Captain of the guard's Son, Grandmother, uncle or whatever.

Not being reported to the authorities and not being noticed by the authorities are two very different scenarios I'd say.

 

[MasterTrancer]

Maybe in WoW.

Well, in BECMI and in 2E (aka AD&D) at least [emoji6]

 

[Mallus]

The Bad Reputation ability is a characterization tool. It has no bearing on the meat-and-drink challenges that form the core of (most) D&D play, ie killing monsters & gaining treasure & gaining levels & saving-the-world type stuff.

It offers no protection when dealing with important peoples, critical negotiations, etc. So why nerf/undermine it --if you allowed that particular Background in the first place?

Unless the central challenges of the campaign include the acquiring of daily meals and figuring out how to commit petty quality-of-life crimes, I see no need for action here.

(unless I'm missing something...)

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

Three words: Dread Pirate Roberts.
As a PC, they can get away with it due to their swagger or charm, applied as needed. I'd encourage that viewpoint in the player rather than the football hooligan viewpoint that you fear.
Otherwise, why be an adventurer and do all these good things? Assuming part of their adventures includes rescuing people, defeating the bad guys etc.
Unless you're playing an evil PC campaign, in which case, no trubba anyway. Also, try that shiznitz on a desert tribe settlement or an isolated hill town inland and they'll be all, "the what pirate who?", and "Jolly Roger this (stab)!", surely.

 

[Derren]

I find this a rather strange perk as to me this is a big disadvantage.
Unless you are in a pirate friendly town the only thing this known bad reputation will lead to is you getting jumped by a mob and strung up on the nearest tree.
Pirates did not have a good reputation...

 

[Mallus]

Unless you are in a pirate friendly town the only thing this known bad reputation will lead to is you getting jumped by a mob and strung up on the nearest tree.
Pirates did not have a good reputation...

Because the first thing average citizens do when encountering famous criminals with fearsome reputations is form up into mobs and attack them!