Quickleaf
Legend
I got to thinking about a hero's reputation. Sometimes the stories are true, but it seems that there are always those rumors that exaggerate or flat out distort a hero's past and personality.
What sorts of tall tales could circulate around PCs that would be fun to role-play?
I plan to incorporate this "tall tales" concept in an adventure I'm writing... Here are a handful of ideas to get you started:
1. A Magic Boar
The PC has a magic boar which they stole from a demon prince. During many adventures the boar has saved the PC's life. The boar can cross continents in a single bound, glowing like a second sun or shooting star when it moves. NPCs, especially children, will ask to pet the boar. Their enemies who believe the tall tale will plot to kill or capture the non-existent boar. When they walk into a shop to buy something, they find the crafter had a tapestry depicting the PC on a golden boar. Should demons appear in town, the townsfolk are quick to point them to the PC who "stole their boar."
2. Stone Child
The PC is the offspring of stone giants, and is at least 12 feet tall. Everyone comments on how much shorter the PC appears in person. Arrows bounce off the PC's skin; in fact the PC demonstrated this to a neighboring kingdom when the queen expressed disbelief. Haughty nobles might demand a demonstration or take offense. Sages "know" the PC carries a terrible curse, causing them to turn to a stone statue as did their forefathers. Benevolent NPCs may insist on helping the PC break the curse. If stone giants are in the area, one of them may feel insulted at the PC's "false claims", while another searches desperately for his long lost sibling.
3. Pride & Anger
The PC's anger is legendary, having leveled entire mountains in their wrath when their brother tried to help them in battle. Everyone speaks in a soothing voice to the PC. Noble lords hire gentle musicians to play for the PCs at dinner, and continually inquire how the PC feels. The slightest sign of anger results in trembling knees and quick words to console and calm the PC. As long as they don't get angry. Enemies who believe this tall tale will arrange little situations to get the PCs angry at their host or other NPC allies. And no one, would ever, EVER, think to insult the PC by helping them in battle (like that foolish brother of theirs).
What sorts of tall tales could circulate around PCs that would be fun to role-play?
I plan to incorporate this "tall tales" concept in an adventure I'm writing... Here are a handful of ideas to get you started:
1. A Magic Boar
The PC has a magic boar which they stole from a demon prince. During many adventures the boar has saved the PC's life. The boar can cross continents in a single bound, glowing like a second sun or shooting star when it moves. NPCs, especially children, will ask to pet the boar. Their enemies who believe the tall tale will plot to kill or capture the non-existent boar. When they walk into a shop to buy something, they find the crafter had a tapestry depicting the PC on a golden boar. Should demons appear in town, the townsfolk are quick to point them to the PC who "stole their boar."
2. Stone Child
The PC is the offspring of stone giants, and is at least 12 feet tall. Everyone comments on how much shorter the PC appears in person. Arrows bounce off the PC's skin; in fact the PC demonstrated this to a neighboring kingdom when the queen expressed disbelief. Haughty nobles might demand a demonstration or take offense. Sages "know" the PC carries a terrible curse, causing them to turn to a stone statue as did their forefathers. Benevolent NPCs may insist on helping the PC break the curse. If stone giants are in the area, one of them may feel insulted at the PC's "false claims", while another searches desperately for his long lost sibling.
3. Pride & Anger
The PC's anger is legendary, having leveled entire mountains in their wrath when their brother tried to help them in battle. Everyone speaks in a soothing voice to the PC. Noble lords hire gentle musicians to play for the PCs at dinner, and continually inquire how the PC feels. The slightest sign of anger results in trembling knees and quick words to console and calm the PC. As long as they don't get angry. Enemies who believe this tall tale will arrange little situations to get the PCs angry at their host or other NPC allies. And no one, would ever, EVER, think to insult the PC by helping them in battle (like that foolish brother of theirs).
