[D&D-5e] War and Romance

[Haelmaxan]

I think Otto is about as complete as I can muster.

[Seekr34]

Originally Posted by A7ice

Yeah, because good players always find a way to screw it.

Ahh, but a great dm/gm knows how to wing it or have back up plan

[CrackedPepper]

I have contingencies. (If all else fails, I have my DM stick to pop a knot on some heads.) ;p

[penbeast0]

They give you guys sticks? I always thought you were just supposed to be smarter than we are.

[CrackedPepper]

Being smart is all good, but a smart whack with a stick is satisfying.

[Aisede]

*Thinks of Yoda*

[CrackedPepper]

I have the height down!

[The Rat Queen]

You can get more with a kind word and a big stick than you can with just a kind word!

[purplerook]

@CrackedPepper,

A couple of questions about the background.

Open Carry laws

You mentioned Young Nobles running around with dull blades. There's an option, 'Strike-to-Subdue', which allows melee attacks to do stunning damage (rather than lethal). This sounds like it would be an option for the 'duels' as well as when PC wants to render someone unconscious but not dead. By the way, it only works for melee weapons, not magical or ranged attacks.

What about people running around in social situations (e.g., this ball/festival, on the streets) with weapons and or armor? Are there social differences about who can have armor and or weapons - e.g., noblemen can have guards with armor and weapons, but commoners cannot wear armor or carry weapons.

Festival

When you initially mentioned a Festival, I thought of a Renaissance Faire—daytime, open air, lots of vendors (food, entertainment, beverages).

Then I heard Castle Konrad and Ball, which sounds like a limited admittance situation, plus indoors and at night.

Specifically, it sounds like the PCs' first job will be getting into the Castle/Ball—e.g., getting a Steal/Forge Invite, Getting a job as one of the staff, or breaking in.

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by Seekr34

A good DM/GM always have a plan

Not always. There's a game, Urban Shadows (PbtA), whose goal is 'play to find out what will happen'. The GM (Master of Ceremonies) creates Factions (with goals and abilities), and the PCs interact with the various factions to see how the story will unfold.

Rather than a plan, the MC creates a structure and then responds to what the various PCs do. For example, my character ran into a Demon planning to take over the world (they'd tried it a millennia ago and gotten banished). I convinced the Demon I'd help them become the Top Demon if they limited their world domination plans to other Demons. One of the Factions that was supposed to be a significant opposition became an ally.

The real trick was 1) asking what they wanted, 2) Listening, and 3)Helping cast what they needed to do to get what they wanted in a more favorable approach.

[The Rat Queen]

Originally Posted by purplerook

Specifically, it sounds like the PCs' first job will be getting into the Castle/Ball—e.g., getting a Steal/Forge Invite, Getting a job as one of the staff, or breaking in.

Or being a noble.

[Classic Gamer]

You mean my charming demeanor isn’t enough to get me an invitation?

[purplerook]

Originally Posted by The Rat Queen

Or being a noble.

Ah yes. The perks of an accident of birth.

Which brings another interesting question, can a Noble bring their retinue - eg guards, servants, hanger-ons?

[CrackedPepper]

The festival is outside and takes place during the daylight hours. At night, there will be galas that have a tighter guest list than the festival itself. All weapons and armor are prohibited for both; this includes blunted blades or even tiny knives. Only Blue Hats and Gold Guards are allowed weapons, and they are limited to clubs or saps until the festival is over. Those who break these rules will be subject to harsh punishments.

Guards and bodyguards aren't allowed, except for the Duke and his family. The Duke's guards are allowed their weapons and armor. Nobles cannot bring their retinue. Spots are left open for non-nobles so that the middle class and low-born can participate.

Edit: Special consideration will be afforded to the Clergy, so they will be welcome at all events.

[Hiruma Kohaku]

I’ll have my character completed before the deadline. If she is selected (or if not selected feel free to make her an NPC if you want), would it be possible if she cooked the food used at the ball at night? She makes magical food (wine and pastries made from Goodberries which can be cast every short rest with pact magic and last 24 hours) which can be served to the nobility to satisfy their gluttony and promote her skills.