Fun things to do at a VIP ball

Discussion on game mastering Fading Suns. May contain spoilers; caution is recommended!
User avatar
Sir Marco
Posts: 78
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:30 am
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Fun things to do at a VIP ball

Postby Sir Marco » Tue Dec 20, 2011 11:17 am

There's also the consideration as to their Patron. Whose mission was it? Was it for the Empire or for a local noble.

If it's a local noble who is hosting the party for something they did for him there would be strong Family overtones with a nod to the Empire as they used a Questing Knight and thus had the "Empires" help in the success of the mission.

If it was an Imperial mission well then it would be as Empire as any USO party. No nod needed to the local family since Everyone serves the emperor. Of course THAT could lead to some interesting snubs.

Local Questing Knight Chapter leader intentionally snubs the baron by NOT including the local family crest. When asked they are told it's an Imperial Affair and local politics have no sway there. Thus pushing the whole Imperial boundary.

User avatar
Angelman
Posts: 1034
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:11 am
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Fun things to do at a VIP ball

Postby Angelman » Tue Dec 20, 2011 1:24 pm

Let me see if I can shed some light on this.

A dangerous Ukari terrorist as escaped from custody in Acheon (he basically walked out of prison, using PSI powers his guard's greatly underestimated and killing two al-Malik jailers in the process). He was charged of several accounts of murder in the 1st degree, primarily against al-Malik personnel/on al-Malik lands (Criticorum & Aylon), but has also conducted acts of terrorism in other lands and is associated with an alien rights terrorism organization. The Phoenix Company decides to intervene, pulls rank, and takes over the case (the al-Malik are happy with this arrangement as the troublesome Ukari becomes less their problem - "Let the Emperor deal with him"). The local Phoenix Company chapter gives the assignment of tracking down and catching the Ukari terrorist to the Questing Knight Sir Edgard Butler York of Ravenna (I have yet to device more background for this character). He is more of a field coordinator, courtier, and manager than a hero, and no-where in his job description does it say that he personally have to handle the problem, only that he has to take care of the situation, so Sir Butler York issues a gentleman's competition to catch the Ukari.

Two cadres respond, and they happen to be rivaling vassal cadres vying for the favor of their patron, Baron Dawud Keddah on Grail (landed noble, Keddah patriot, and moderately wealthy). Sir Butler York isn't particularly wealthy, although he has some personal income derived from investments and rewards earned from past assignments - enough to keep himself in high society, but not enough to finance an expensive manhunt. So, instead of a cash reward, he will host a party/ball in the honor of the cadre who successfully captures the Ukari terrorist. Sir Butler York has enough connections in Acheon to be able to invite some interesting VIPs, and several influential people will be trying to acquire invitations to suck up to a Questing Knight. Although the party will be in the cadre's honor (whichever of the two rivaling cadres manage to catch the crook), most people will not come to the party on their account.

As inspiration for the party/ball I'm currently playing around with the Firefly episode Shindig and the 'dinner scene' on Arakeen from Dune.

I think that's about what I have at the moment (in addition to loads of excellent suggestions here). Any more suggestions? :)
Writer, editor, & developer for:
. (Fading Suns Revised: PG, GMG, Criticorum Discord)
(numerous projects)

User avatar
Sir Marco
Posts: 78
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:30 am
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Fun things to do at a VIP ball

Postby Sir Marco » Tue Dec 20, 2011 3:04 pm

So I could totally see some interpretations based on how the party is described.

If Butler goes 100% Imperial then the AL-Malik's might take it as a slight. He might even say some things that MIGHT paint the Al-Malik security forces as inept. "It was a good thing we Questing Knights were here to capture this evil villain!"

He could also use the party to elevate his status. Talks up the winners and by coat tails, since he "found" the talent he himself will gain status. Imaging the reaction if one of the players starts to act the fool or worse.

If the PC's understand graceful tongue they could catch the Al-Malik slandering the party hidden in complements. Then they could either rectify the situation or distance themselves from the attack.

Calvin
Posts: 39
Joined: Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:44 pm
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Fun things to do at a VIP ball

Postby Calvin » Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:01 am

The man sounds more socially adept than that. Instead of bashing local sensibilities with Imperial might, he could try and frame it as the necessary cooperation of Imperial and local authorities. No need to make his al-Malik friends lose face over something like this. More boisterous PCs will be politely nudged to keep things level. He's still not a local though... There is room for catastrophic misinterpretations of varying subtlety.

If he has that kind of connections, there could be a whole range of guests. He gets a few of the important people on, others and their hangarounds decide it's not worth missing... And soon you have all sorts of weird guilder types, priests and minor nobility on the set.


[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Return to “For Game Masters”



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests