Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Fantasy Politics - NPC Boons

NPCs can award more treasure than gold....
(Dragon Age: Inquisition)
Largely described in the Paizo Game Mastery Guide book, NPC boons are a non-treasure way of granting the characters some kind of benefit for helping an NPC with a little problem.  In a political quagmire of intrigue and eventfulness, these become all the more valuable.  While there are a variety of useful boons, the following are likely the most vital in a political situation, particularly when influential figures and wealthy recluses are avoiding or ignorant of the PCs cause.
  1. Letter of Recommendation
  2. Favourable Introduction
  3. Invitation to an Event
  4. Influences Another on Your Behalf
  5. Teaches Local Etiquette
  6. Describes Local Connections
  7. Provides Blackmail Material
  8. Assists in the Creation of a Scandal
  9. Causes a Scene as a Distraction
  10. Grants Minor, Landless Title
  11. Discounts an Item for the Cause
  12. Provides Appropriate Attire
  13. Provides Entertainment at an Event
  14. Functions as an Escort for VIP
  15. Provides Public Approval
  16. Conceals a Secret of Yours
  17. Provides Free Room and Board
  18. Provides Free Transportation
There's doubtless dozens more to choose from, so feel free to mention them in the comments box below.

3 comments:

  1. Living Forgotten Realms had non-monetary player rewards for each adventure. The provide a variety of good ideas boons, and some banes for rewards. Although I am not a fan of 4e, the adventures (and rewards ideas) are very creative.

    http://www.livingforgottenrealms.com/

    David S.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I particularly like the cultural ones. PCs can always find other ways to afford items or get something done, but having people grease the social wheels or explain the local area and customs is a nice favour you can't easily get any other way.

    ReplyDelete