Backup characters and danger

[Rule Hound]

As a rule from the beginning we discussed that character deaths are not simply going to "happen" between games without very good reason, and never without a ST present.

This is because based on the timeline, Storyline, feudal system and such we feel it important that the ST's make sure everything is handled fairly and so we can give appropriate warnings about the potential side effects/consequences based on the system.

This is not to say you can not attack and kill other players. We are all for character conflict and we have tried to design the game to allow everyone to play their characters how they see fit. We just feel the need to make aware anything your character should know but that may be overlooked by us as players.

The other reason is that we do not want someone to simply show up to game and then learn their character is dead after they spent the last few weeks getting ready and possibly even drove several hours to come play.

But, power to you if you want to attack someone and best of luck.

IF you want to track and hunt someone between games that is OK. If you successfully encounter them we will then put a time freeze on the scene and everyone involved will be informed and then the scene will be run at the start of game. But everyone involved will know that there is a possibility that they could die so they can all be prepared if it comes to pass.

With hidden allies, hidden powers and such you may not know what someone is capable of so do not assume that just because you are very tough that you are guaranteed to win. ANYONE can get lucky with a stake or maybe they have a power that tips the balance a retainer you did not consider... Or, it may go down just as you planned and you will walk through them and win.

Either way, we will warn you to be prepared and we are always trying very hard to be fair to all involved.


As storytellers. We will NOT simply kill your characters outright just because. We will not interfere with NPC's between characters involved in combat to tip the balance. 

We will however, run your retainers, bodyguards or act on things that have been set up and arranged previous to events that led to the combat.

Don't get me wrong, there are scenarios in the story that you can encounter that may very well cause a NPC to try to kill you. These events are written into the story and we are trying really hard not to simply pull a situation out of our hat that was not planned for.

Also, your downtime actions can put your character in danger. There are clues and things in play that when chased may cause someone to encounter a guardian or NPC that is hostile. You can actively go looking for something that is almost guaranteed to end in combat.

You want to hunt that sleeping Methuselah? expect them to be protected in some way.

The roads are dangerous. Other players are dangerous. But we as ST's will try to be as fair as we can.

[Rule Hound]

So, back to the title of this thread.

Keep a backup character in mind and possibly even written ready to play.

If you played a 70 point character you must choose a 60pt, 50pt or 40pt next. The only way to refresh what you have already played is to play the other two, boon purchased point values, or play a 40pt character (which refreshes all options next time).

If you find you want to give up your character. Please do not simply request someone to off them.

1) They should have a in character reason, not based on out of character knowledge that their character would if they knew you were baring your neck.
2) They need to be aware of the possible repercussions depending on your station and value.
3) If it was something that their character may have wanted to do and possibly been setting up then great. We will sit down run the scene and you can suck their soul if you want also.

We have many ways we can incorporate a characters disappearance or demise into the story to provide some drama for everyone. Just let us know. We are not going to force you to play something you do not want to. We may even have options we can devise and open up that will make you find new invigoration in playing your current character.

[Jaak Alemayehu, Shango Kholo]

Q1: what of boons owed for Retired characters? In case we have situations where a player racks up debt, then retires.

Q2: are we able to rejoin the same Duchy with Replacements? Or do we have to join a different city?

[Storyteller]

A1) That is why we want you to come us first before so we can if need be make the character an NPC to fulfill their obligations or if is situation straightforward then we can integrate the retirement of the character into a plot. We want everyone to be having fun when they are playing. For example your great concept of a complete hermit character that hates to interact with other people does not give you enjoyment and just leaves you sitting in a corner by yourself. If this concept is no fun come to us first and talk about how we can help and if you decide you no longer wish to play that character the we can work something out. We WILL NOT remove your character because you have made a mess and feel you cannot get out of the situation, we will talk about the situation and find a solution that does not negatively impact the game.

A2) From this point on any new character joining the game will be considered a FREE AGENT and will be available to any duchy. The only exception is if a group of 4-5 player join the game then they have the option of creating a new duchy.