Character Contradiction [Archive] - Wizards Community

Character Contradiction [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Drow813
03-05-08, 08:49 PM Ok so I've come across a problem in my current game. First a little backround on it:
There are three countries, Emor-a militaristic nation, Talquia- a feudalism monarchy, and Iglacia- a Republic. Talquia has been enslaving and butchering all races other then human within its borders. Iglacia and Talquia are in a cold war with masses of troops sitting on their borders. After the first session Emor invaded Talquia.

Now the problem: My character is a Knight of Talquia who currently left the country temporaily, he is a very strong patriot but regardless has no opinion on the enslaving. He would give his life for his country. My party partner is a good bard from Iglacia. Now with Emor invading Talquia it would be totally in character for my character to want to return home to protect king and country right? Well my friend has no reason to come which would destroy the party and break my roleplay.

Any idea what I can do? Thanks in advance. :)
twad
03-05-08, 09:05 PM - maybe your character would want to investigate why the other country attacked. What caused it? Who was the first to strike? Is it some sort of plot?

- or "what can a single man can do in a large-scale invasion?" ; Aka: Save the people, be a hero (for a slaver country?!)..

- Maybe save the slaves too and take them all, people and slaves as equals under your wing, as the great hero savior of Talquia. Then kick the king out of his throne, for being a bad guy. Kick the butt of unhappy slavers and the inevitable ninja assasins. Become king, good times.

- or do same thing, the hero part, then get power, invade Emor land completely and also break the invasion. Get promoted. Invade the other country after ploting against it to make it look like the bad guy. Kick king out of throne. Obliterate bands of goody-two-shoes. Become Evil Overlord of the planet. Good times.

- Or investigate why Inglacia isnt doing anything? Do they get ready to strike the two others when they will be weak? That ammount of troops on the border will certainly make a move now that Emor has weakened a part of his line to invade. Or maybe this is part of a greater plan...

The bard, coming from the third party could come, since he is not a hostile and even if he was, is your friend i guess. Friends come before duty, or else the game derails and stops being funny.
the dmg
03-05-08, 11:09 PM Ok so I've come across a problem in my current game. First a little backround on it:
There are three countries, Emor-a militaristic nation, Talquia- a feudalism monarchy, and Iglacia- a Republic. Talquia has been enslaving and butchering all races other then human within its borders. Iglacia and Talquia are in a cold war with masses of troops sitting on their borders. After the first session Emor invaded Talquia.

Now the problem: My character is a Knight of Talquia who currently left the country temporaily, he is a very strong patriot but regardless has no opinion on the enslaving. He would give his life for his country. My party partner is a good bard from Iglacia. Now with Emor invading Talquia it would be totally in character for my character to want to return home to protect king and country right? Well my friend has no reason to come which would destroy the party and break my roleplay.

How would you say your relationship is with the bard from Iglacia so far? Does your character trust him? Where exactly is your party?

I would use twad's suggestion of conducting a personal investigation, but to add a twist, your character could use the party to have them help him in a way that would not draw suspicion from the bard.
I_roll_ones
03-05-08, 11:17 PM If the country is at war, who is dealing with bandits and such? Help will be hard to find, and if people are used to mercenaries(Adventurers), there might be competition from the army who are also hiring these guys.

Tell the bard such, and see if you can interest him in gold.
WilliamTanner
03-06-08, 02:06 PM The bard has a reason to come to Talquia. With his bardic experience in gathering information and memorizing details, he is an excellent spy for Iglacia. And he's under the protection of a Knight of the Land. This is a choice opportunity for him.
sblaxman
03-06-08, 02:30 PM If he is a knight for the country, he most likely has legal and moral obligations to return home and defend it. If he breaks the oaths he swore to become a knight by not returning, he'll most likely forfeit his rank and position, and may become a criminal in the kingdom and wanted for treason + cowardice.

If you are DM, you could have him return and be sent on a mission as stated by posters above, but I do think there should be some serious repercusions for him if he does not check in.
twad
03-06-08, 02:39 PM If he is a knight for the country, he most likely has legal and moral obligations to return home and defend it. If he breaks the oaths he swore to become a knight by not returning, he'll most likely forfeit his rank and position, and may become a criminal in the kingdom and wanted for treason + cowardice.

If you are DM, you could have him return and be sent on a mission as stated by posters above, but I do think there should be some serious repercusions for him if he does not check in.

But i think the kingdom have more pressing matters than taking care of a single knight.. something like stoping an invasion.

Oh, and since the country was using slaves and killing all non-humans, one can expect to see the local slaves and hunted races to get out of hiding and actively help the invaders with information, mostly. About troops, terrain, supply lines, fortifications and enemy movements... maybe some sabotage and assasinations. And this will make a big difference in the invasion efforts.
kelvinaw273
03-07-08, 09:30 AM Ok so I've come across a problem in my current game. First a little backround on it:
There are three countries, Emor-a militaristic nation, Talquia- a feudalism monarchy, and Iglacia- a Republic. Talquia has been enslaving and butchering all races other then human within its borders. Iglacia and Talquia are in a cold war with masses of troops sitting on their borders. After the first session Emor invaded Talquia.

Now the problem: My character is a Knight of Talquia who currently left the country temporaily, he is a very strong patriot but regardless has no opinion on the enslaving. He would give his life for his country. My party partner is a good bard from Iglacia. Now with Emor invading Talquia it would be totally in character for my character to want to return home to protect king and country right? Well my friend has no reason to come which would destroy the party and break my roleplay.

Any idea what I can do? Thanks in advance. :)

Re-work your back story: You are a knight of the nation, but of the 'Old School' who regard Justice as paramount to Loyalty. You have met non-humans and now believe them to be as deserving of rights as humans.

Seriously, I think you need to mould your concept with the DMs help to better fit the campaign.
Drow813
03-07-08, 03:12 PM The bard and I are friends, but we have only known each other a few weeks, so we arent such good friends that he would risk life and limb for a country he dislikes.
sblaxman
03-07-08, 05:49 PM But i think the kingdom have more pressing matters than taking care of a single knight.. something like stoping an invasion.

What I meant was, if he is a knight in the nation, they will likely call on him to come help stop the invasion. If he is so far way that he is out of contact, he may be exempt, but if he knows of the war, he is probably expected to check in. If war breaks out and an officer doesn't call in to check in, he'll likely be arrested when he shows up.

Not saying you need to play it that way, it's just a way it can be played out. It depends on what you mean by a knight. In my mind and in my games, knights are a social caste that have specific obligations, but if you are playing them differently then it's a different story.
twad
03-07-08, 07:15 PM What I meant was, if he is a knight in the nation, they will likely call on him to come help stop the invasion. If he is so far way that he is out of contact, he may be exempt, but if he knows of the war, he is probably expected to check in. If war breaks out and an officer doesn't call in to check in, he'll likely be arrested when he shows up.

Not saying you need to play it that way, it's just a way it can be played out. It depends on what you mean by a knight. In my mind and in my games, knights are a social caste that have specific obligations, but if you are playing them differently then it's a different story.

Good point, i didnt see it that way.

So.. DROW813, is your knight the kind without "responsabilities" or one who does have responsabilities with his nation? By the sound of it he looks like a famed warrior (to have gotten the title of knight in the first place)..
Drow813
03-07-08, 08:57 PM He is the second son of a vassal lord of Talquia, I guess that comes with some responsibility, however he asked to leave the country and and the order temporarily unless something came up in order to see the world and adventure.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Drow813 03-05-08, 08:49 PM	Ok so I've come across a problem in my current game. First a little backround on it: There are three countries, Emor-a militaristic nation, Talquia- a feudalism monarchy, and Iglacia- a Republic. Talquia has been enslaving and butchering all races other then human within its borders. Iglacia and Talquia are in a cold war with masses of troops sitting on their borders. After the first session Emor invaded Talquia. Now the problem: My character is a Knight of Talquia who currently left the country temporaily, he is a very strong patriot but regardless has no opinion on the enslaving. He would give his life for his country. My party partner is a good bard from Iglacia. Now with Emor invading Talquia it would be totally in character for my character to want to return home to protect king and country right? Well my friend has no reason to come which would destroy the party and break my roleplay. Any idea what I can do? Thanks in advance. :)
twad 03-05-08, 09:05 PM	- maybe your character would want to investigate why the other country attacked. What caused it? Who was the first to strike? Is it some sort of plot? - or "what can a single man can do in a large-scale invasion?" ; Aka: Save the people, be a hero (for a slaver country?!).. - Maybe save the slaves too and take them all, people and slaves as equals under your wing, as the great hero savior of Talquia. Then kick the king out of his throne, for being a bad guy. Kick the butt of unhappy slavers and the inevitable ninja assasins. Become king, good times. - or do same thing, the hero part, then get power, invade Emor land completely and also break the invasion. Get promoted. Invade the other country after ploting against it to make it look like the bad guy. Kick king out of throne. Obliterate bands of goody-two-shoes. Become Evil Overlord of the planet. Good times. - Or investigate why Inglacia isnt doing anything? Do they get ready to strike the two others when they will be weak? That ammount of troops on the border will certainly make a move now that Emor has weakened a part of his line to invade. Or maybe this is part of a greater plan... The bard, coming from the third party could come, since he is not a hostile and even if he was, is your friend i guess. Friends come before duty, or else the game derails and stops being funny.
the dmg 03-05-08, 11:09 PM	Ok so I've come across a problem in my current game. First a little backround on it: There are three countries, Emor-a militaristic nation, Talquia- a feudalism monarchy, and Iglacia- a Republic. Talquia has been enslaving and butchering all races other then human within its borders. Iglacia and Talquia are in a cold war with masses of troops sitting on their borders. After the first session Emor invaded Talquia. Now the problem: My character is a Knight of Talquia who currently left the country temporaily, he is a very strong patriot but regardless has no opinion on the enslaving. He would give his life for his country. My party partner is a good bard from Iglacia. Now with Emor invading Talquia it would be totally in character for my character to want to return home to protect king and country right? Well my friend has no reason to come which would destroy the party and break my roleplay. How would you say your relationship is with the bard from Iglacia so far? Does your character trust him? Where exactly is your party? I would use twad's suggestion of conducting a personal investigation, but to add a twist, your character could use the party to have them help him in a way that would not draw suspicion from the bard.
I_roll_ones 03-05-08, 11:17 PM	If the country is at war, who is dealing with bandits and such? Help will be hard to find, and if people are used to mercenaries(Adventurers), there might be competition from the army who are also hiring these guys. Tell the bard such, and see if you can interest him in gold.
WilliamTanner 03-06-08, 02:06 PM	The bard has a reason to come to Talquia. With his bardic experience in gathering information and memorizing details, he is an excellent spy for Iglacia. And he's under the protection of a Knight of the Land. This is a choice opportunity for him.
sblaxman 03-06-08, 02:30 PM	If he is a knight for the country, he most likely has legal and moral obligations to return home and defend it. If he breaks the oaths he swore to become a knight by not returning, he'll most likely forfeit his rank and position, and may become a criminal in the kingdom and wanted for treason + cowardice. If you are DM, you could have him return and be sent on a mission as stated by posters above, but I do think there should be some serious repercusions for him if he does not check in.
twad 03-06-08, 02:39 PM	If he is a knight for the country, he most likely has legal and moral obligations to return home and defend it. If he breaks the oaths he swore to become a knight by not returning, he'll most likely forfeit his rank and position, and may become a criminal in the kingdom and wanted for treason + cowardice. If you are DM, you could have him return and be sent on a mission as stated by posters above, but I do think there should be some serious repercusions for him if he does not check in. But i think the kingdom have more pressing matters than taking care of a single knight.. something like stoping an invasion. Oh, and since the country was using slaves and killing all non-humans, one can expect to see the local slaves and hunted races to get out of hiding and actively help the invaders with information, mostly. About troops, terrain, supply lines, fortifications and enemy movements... maybe some sabotage and assasinations. And this will make a big difference in the invasion efforts.
kelvinaw273 03-07-08, 09:30 AM	Ok so I've come across a problem in my current game. First a little backround on it: There are three countries, Emor-a militaristic nation, Talquia- a feudalism monarchy, and Iglacia- a Republic. Talquia has been enslaving and butchering all races other then human within its borders. Iglacia and Talquia are in a cold war with masses of troops sitting on their borders. After the first session Emor invaded Talquia. Now the problem: My character is a Knight of Talquia who currently left the country temporaily, he is a very strong patriot but regardless has no opinion on the enslaving. He would give his life for his country. My party partner is a good bard from Iglacia. Now with Emor invading Talquia it would be totally in character for my character to want to return home to protect king and country right? Well my friend has no reason to come which would destroy the party and break my roleplay. Any idea what I can do? Thanks in advance. :) Re-work your back story: You are a knight of the nation, but of the 'Old School' who regard Justice as paramount to Loyalty. You have met non-humans and now believe them to be as deserving of rights as humans. Seriously, I think you need to mould your concept with the DMs help to better fit the campaign.
Drow813 03-07-08, 03:12 PM	The bard and I are friends, but we have only known each other a few weeks, so we arent such good friends that he would risk life and limb for a country he dislikes.
sblaxman 03-07-08, 05:49 PM	But i think the kingdom have more pressing matters than taking care of a single knight.. something like stoping an invasion. What I meant was, if he is a knight in the nation, they will likely call on him to come help stop the invasion. If he is so far way that he is out of contact, he may be exempt, but if he knows of the war, he is probably expected to check in. If war breaks out and an officer doesn't call in to check in, he'll likely be arrested when he shows up. Not saying you need to play it that way, it's just a way it can be played out. It depends on what you mean by a knight. In my mind and in my games, knights are a social caste that have specific obligations, but if you are playing them differently then it's a different story.
twad 03-07-08, 07:15 PM	What I meant was, if he is a knight in the nation, they will likely call on him to come help stop the invasion. If he is so far way that he is out of contact, he may be exempt, but if he knows of the war, he is probably expected to check in. If war breaks out and an officer doesn't call in to check in, he'll likely be arrested when he shows up. Not saying you need to play it that way, it's just a way it can be played out. It depends on what you mean by a knight. In my mind and in my games, knights are a social caste that have specific obligations, but if you are playing them differently then it's a different story. Good point, i didnt see it that way. So.. DROW813, is your knight the kind without "responsabilities" or one who does have responsabilities with his nation? By the sound of it he looks like a famed warrior (to have gotten the title of knight in the first place)..
Drow813 03-07-08, 08:57 PM	He is the second son of a vassal lord of Talquia, I guess that comes with some responsibility, however he asked to leave the country and and the order temporarily unless something came up in order to see the world and adventure.