Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Tonguez" data-source="post: 9287693" data-attributes="member: 1125">1 We have the goals so now establish NPC motives, instincts and standard behaviour/actionsThe DukeMotive is to maintain stability, secure the marches and uphold Duchal authority -His instinct is to uphold the law and nobility, but also the welfare of his domainThe Dukes Actions are diplomatic but pragmatic, he is looking for strategic gain +The (ig)Noble FamilyMotive is to reclaim their ancestral birthright and wealthTheir instinct is to maintain their status and privilege in the name of family honourThe noble family behave with a sense of entitlement, relying on their noble right to sway the duke.The time is set to gather the claimants, the PCs then set about using the ‘downtime to gather information about the duke's concerns about the frontier border (motive), rivalries amongst the nobility, the current status of the noble family, their history with the castle and rumors of the hidden tunnels beneath. They also make contact with a rival noble who agrees to support their claim in return for concessions.Then the Court convenes with the Duke and his advisors who ask each claimant to present their case. (DM: 5 rounds each getting a step towards or away from goal). Any reputation advantage can be invoked.The PCs start by presenting their case to the duke, they can? - use persuasion to emphasise their capability to secure the castle and protecting frontier security<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">use insight to discern motives of the Duke, the Family, Other</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">pledge fidelity to the Court and investment in the frontier</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">challenge the capacity of the noble family, given the abandonment of the castle</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">reveal rumours/secrets about castle/noble family/rivals/duke</li> </ul>The Family counter the claim by presenting their ancient deed and<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">appealing to law and birthright, invoking historical ties to the land and family’s service to the domain (lore)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">warning caution about setting precedent for any ruffian or bandit to claim an estate (persuasion)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">presenting the duke with valuable gift as sign of esteem</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">casting dispersions on PCs as uncouth ruffians, casting doubt on their capacity (deception)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">calling on support of aristocracy (charisma)</li> </ul></blockquote>

Verification