This idea can be useful in a number of ways. It provides good flavor and is effective in making important NPC's more noticeable. PCs with the appropriate skills will be able to glean more information from the heraldry. Proud PCs can be divested of extra loot as they decorate their gear. I like the specific examples given. They create a sense of real places and people. Not all of these need be serious, of course. I am reminded of inscriptions found on ancient sling stones: "Take this," "Ouch," "Catch!" or "For Pompey's backside" (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sling_(weapon)#Ammunition)
great idea, It does not just have to be armour either it can also be designs on your sword, staff, jewellery and more I will definitely use this idea. 5/5 for you! Go to Comment
I really like this. It's focused yet full of good advice and detailed explanations that really get the idea across. The examples are specific to standard fantasy, but that is ok. It is enough that I can extrapolate it out into different settings and genres.
As I was reading it I realized that I am often guilty of not following this advice. I like to jump into the action as the GM and keep things moving. However, that means I tend to forget to describe the larger setting; just because I can see it in my mind doesn't mean that the players can see it in theirs. (In fact, I believe someone said as much when I was running Hollen's Prize.)
Good article and one that I will have to keep in mind for future sessions. Go to Comment
((Fine, I will start it. ;) We are a site that is partial to the number 30 after all))
A drunk barbarian thinks that one of the characters has stole his horse. His friends are just as drunk and are backing up his friend's words with metal.
They get their pocket picked but, when the pocket picker gets pinched, his guild is there to claim the purse and the caught pick pocket....with force.
A character's horse steps on a sharp nail in the road and bucks running into a family knocking them to the ground. The father doesn't stop to ask questions or listen to excuses, he attacks immediately. Let's see if they can be gentle with him.
Initially thinking the items were legit, a shop owner buys some of the character's booty. Soon after he finds out it is a forgery/fake/illusion and sends his brute squad after them for "compensation."
A man jumps out of a doorway and knocks the characters off their horse, punches them in the face and is off before the character knows his ups and downs. Soon after some others come out of the building and the chase is on.
A crazed leper is forcefully begging and trying to grab the players cloak to kiss> He seems legitimately sincere in his humbled comments and blissfully unaware that anything is wrong with him> After being treated rudely for a couple minutes he will suddenly turn crazed and lunge with a dagger>
Their drinks have been drugged, but not professionally. They are conscience enough through the drugged haze to realize they are being rolled and robbed. the would be thieves are as inept at fighting as they are with drugs so it isn't that hard to escape...probably.
A branch across the road. A detour through a tight trail with a trip rope. Some obvious signs of artificial camouflage on both sides of the road. Yet nobody is around.
The sound of galloping horses quickly overtake the group. It would be a mini-stampede if it wasn't for the men controlling them. They wield large pikes and menacingly attempt to push the players off the road. If the players resist, it gets physical...fast. Unfortunately for the resisting players, these are the kings men and an even larger entourage plus one each king in a very big hurry.
This isn't spectacular by any means and some require more work than simply the rolling of a random die roll. The arena one for instance.
However, I enjoy the idea of random happenings to a group. I had a cut purse try to steal the coin purse of a player who caught him. After some yelling, threats of personal and bodily harm that would scar the young boys psyche, the youth ended up being a hireling of sorts for the player running errands and gaining information and hard to get items of illegal nature. Go to Comment
Articles (Character) (Gaming - In General)
This idea can be useful in a number of ways. It provides good flavor and is effective in making important NPC's more noticeable. PCs with the appropriate skills will be able to glean more information from the heraldry. Proud PCs can be divested of extra loot as they decorate their gear. I like the specific examples given. They create a sense of real places and people. Not all of these need be serious, of course. I am reminded of inscriptions found on ancient sling stones: "Take this," "Ouch," "Catch!" or "For Pompey's backside" (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sling_(weapon)#Ammunition)
Go to Comment