Affairs of State
Concept: Set in Drannor, this is a tale of political intrigue in which the party begins in a behind-the-scenes investigatory role, but may rise to prominence, or not, depending on their decisions, which will affect the future make-up of societal powers.
Background
The Duke of Saint Cuthbert, James Vallis, has been enjoying the prosperity of his region for a decade, and sunk into refined debauchery. His son Prince Edward appears set to take on the mantle of rulership, having assumed honorary control of the defense forces a year ago.
Edward's half-brother Prince John, while being older and wiser, is lame, sickly, and a recluse.
Setup
One party member will need to have a long relationship with Prince John, have an adventuring background, and be currently employed in some sort of security role on his rural estate, like Captain of the Guard, or Personal Bodyguard, or Security Chief, or "Fixer", or similar.
Prince John will summon this party member, and ask her/him to gather a few trusted cohorts for an undercover investigation, which may require stealth and possibly violence, but will certainly require secrecy and political/diplomatic maneuvering.
Character Creation
150 points total:
- max 100 in attributes
- max 50 in disadvantages
Prince John's employee gets a 15-point Patron advantage for free.
Everyone might not need them, but given the setting and circumstances, putting points into Diplomacy, Social Regard, Status, Contacts, Administrative Rank, Charisma, Favor, Merchant Rank, Wealth, Patrons, Reputation, Area Knowledge, Security Clearance, Signature Gear, Acting, Sex Appeal, Fasttalk, Carousing, Detect Lies, Economics, Politics, Current Affairs, Heraldry, Leadership, and so forth, may come in handy. That's not to say an expert swordsman, cranky mage, or slithering rogue won't be useful -- it all depends on the decisions the party makes.
Everyone should know the one party member who works for Prince John and a long-term trust relationship, even if it's from "back in the day". He or she would not have contacted you for this mission otherwise.
Standard demi-human human races (elf, dwarf, halfling, half-orc) must take a 10-point Unusual Background for developing a long term trust relationship with Prince John's employee.