|
|
|
Spacegamer.com - Standard Barony Mission:
This uses the Tarot Card to Generate a "Standard" Mission on the Fly as described in Designing Fantasy Missions as part of the Barony Set. (Standard means it is not focused exclusively on an Underworld.) No attempt is made here to define each of the finer points.
To begin, determine who the mission is offered to and call them the Party Leader (to accept / reject Mission).
Note: This mission is temporary. Copy it out now if you want it. (It pastes nicely into Word.)
Mission Title:
Party Leader:
Patron:
- 8 Swords: Divine Test or Demigod; similar to a divine summoning, but in this case players' Patron will be a lesser (or before unknown) force of divinity. The demigods aspire to be gods; players may be instructed to accept a test ("to prove their worth") or spread word of new power ("by controlling worldly affairs"). In a fantasy world, men are screaming divine prophesy everyday. Players must capture power, control region and eliminate competition to truly establish a new religion or even cult, but in mean time the demigod needs something done. If the players refuse, demigods usually have very little power (at least now) in world ("no bolts of lightning crash from above"). At Referee's option (or when combined with major card Devil), these tests can be demonic deceptions ("must keep the players down to earth, not rampaging every time they have a dream"). Inverted, Wizard or Immortal; a person who controls a device, force or power, else has innate abilities beyond imagination. Problem with magic is that it is not absolutely predictable -- if so it would be science or cook-book. Magic is magical; mostly processes that were discovered by trial and error with cause and effect reasoning (i.e. flawed logic). Though these men at times can kill with a simple snap of the finger ("to heighten drama of story"), most of the time their abilities require considerable ritual (and lucky timing) before conjuring their greatest manifestations. Like tides of oceans, their power also crests and falls (in seemingly random cycles). Patron needs players for a task in a place or at a time that his power ebbs ("I'm immortal, but please no tests").
- Fool: Patron is indecisive (or simply a flake) and would rather have the mysterious forces of fate (or luck) decide most actions; he will be vague on details and often detrimental to the players' strategy. Though as is normally the case, this indecision (or failure to provide the players with all the details of their quest) will become apparent after the players accept and begin their challenge -- else why would they follow the orders of a fool? Inverted, Patron is grossly reckless or adventuresome; again, this will cause mishap that could have been avoided. Such a Patron often sends the players on a Mission, then boldly boasts of doing so - players lose surprise - or worse aggravates the Rival increasing his ire for those the Patron employs (like the players). Fool (inverted or not) picked at the start of the scenario generation is, in a word, bad; the sooner the players discover this flaw in their Patron, the safer they will be. If they enter the Climax without knowledge of their Patron's incompetence, they will most likely walk straight into a trap ("may the gods be with them then").
Mission:
- (Inverted) 2 Cups: Locate a missing person. Inverted, locate a person lost in an ill-fated expedition into the underworld, but rumored to survive.
- (Inverted) Magician: At least one player must pretend to be something he is not, in order for the Mission to succeed. Inverted, this misconception must be played on the Patron as well.
Obstacle:
- 3 Rods: An alternate mission becomes available during the course of this mission -- a more profitable one. Inverted, after the players set off, their Patron will divide his efforts to pursue another mission. His help after the start or promised reward for finishing may be limited -- "my wealth is now committed to another quest; give me time to complete that deed and then I will give you want you need".
- Justice: In foreign lands (any place players do not speak the language or know local customs) obscure laws or practices will hamper their plans. Inverted, all court cases during the mission will end unfavorably (Referee decides how unfavorably); does not apply to cases were players use magic powers to influence the result.
- (Inverted) Sun: In an unrelated circumstance, one of the players will find a map to a buried treasure or ancient crypt (this map will become a distraction to the players plans). Inverted, during the encounters of travel one player will discover a secret fact or information of special value (spell of power or clue to a future mission or personal quest).
- Chariot: Opposition will retreat and evade constantly from the players. Inverted, right before the Climax, the players receive word that the mission or Patron has changed slightly. Referee decides specifics, but increase or decrease magnitude of mission, finances, opposition, etc.
Motivation:
- (Inverted) King Cups: Pure and just motive. Inverted, monumental or decisively patriotic motive.
Finances:
- 7 Cups: Neither very wealthy or very poor, yet has anything required for the scenario -- Referee use discretion. Inverted, Patron has anything needed for the mission, but it takes him time to acquire these items (the more unusual the more time -- Referee decides).
- Wheel of Fortune: Reshuffle the deck and continue.
Rival:
- 9 Cups: Foreign or Exotic Emperor. Inverted, Ambassador from Distant Land.
- High Priestess: Person controls great magic. Inverted, by reputation only, really has no ability out of the ordinary.
Phases
On the way to the Mission Climax, the Party will travel through three game Phases which may be short or long (depending on the Tarot cards drawn). These represent the obstacles and challenges along the way to the Ultimate Climax of the Mission.
(A) Initial Successes:
(B) Challenges on the Journey:
(C) Final Travel to the Climax:
Climax Flow:
Referee creates the flow of the climax OR refer to Designing Fantasy Missions!!!
Come on Back and maybe we'll have a generator in for you. Otherwise, use the Temple and Castles from our Legacy tools. (Hey, or buy the books!!!!!)
Epilogue:
|
|
|