Hey everyone. My group has just started running CotCT and only two session in, I may have already hit a small snag.
Learning that Vancaskerkin is in over his head and was simply trying to feed the citizens of Old Korosa (not having any idea that his "friends" were working side jobs doling out Soylent Green, Our urban ranger offers him a chance to redeem himself and allows him to escape via a rope from the second floor office knowing that in Korvosa treason is punishable by torture and execution; no appeal is allowed. The urban ranger had been duped at a young age and is clearly sympathetic. The ranger plans to meet up with Verik at a prearranged spot with an offer to assist him pay the act of kindness forward. The ranger feels that Verik (eventual cohort?) has more to offer the city than his life and Korvosa needs all the help she can get
Some of the group is upset that he would make this decision without consulting them but is willing to discuss the matter for resolution.
Our alchemist is not a big fan of the 17 year old batman-esque urban ranger and his blatant disregard for the law. He has indicated his intention (to me the gm) to track down Vancaskerkin and brink him to justice. At the same time, having only met the ranger just recently has taken it upon himself to teach him a lesson in respect (his character's pride is hurt) and sell out the ranger to Cressida.
I have just started to formulate ideas and options to allow some of this to occur without forcing my group on rail road tracks, but would prefer not to see a huge rift in the party before the game has really begun.
Our alchemist is new to gaming and I would rather not squash his first real attempt and role playing his character.
So..... that being said, after devouring all the boards and seeing the excellent contributions and feedback, I'm hoping some of you might have some great ideas. (if people still actively view this board. I know I'm a little late to jump on this adventure's bandwagon).
To help provide further insight, our group hangs out beyond the gaming table and everyone is having a great time thus far. There's no REAL hurt feelings.
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If you want a quick solution to Verik's future, you could have him head straight to his lover Vimanda and then have the guards find his corpse, either partially eaten or killed with a curved blade. Cressida has enough on her plate and probably doesn't have time to fuss over a rebellious adventurer, especially if Verik is found dead and his plan has been foiled. She might instead use this as leverage to persuade the urban ranger to continue running missions for her. She might even like his style (she is friends with some chaotic characters, I'd compare her to Commissioner Gordan) though a half hearted lecture might be in order.
Keep in mind that being exceedingly lawful in the Crimson Throne could end up getting players in trouble as the tyrant queen gains control. If your alchemist starts selling out players to Sabine and the Grey Maidens rather than Croft, it'll be a whole different story. But anyway it sounds like a tense, interesting turn. I'm curious how they will end up handling Trinia, since that will likely cause them to divide on a similar issue. It sounds like the urban ranger might have a future as the next Blackjack.
Hey everyone. My group has just started running CotCT and only two session in, I may have already hit a small snag.
Our alchemist is not a big fan of the 17 year old batman-esque urban ranger and his blatant disregard for the law. He has indicated his intention (to me the gm) to track down Vancaskerkin and brink him to justice. At the same time, having only met the ranger just recently has taken it upon himself to teach him a lesson in respect (his character's pride is hurt) and sell out the ranger to Cressida.
Our alchemist is new to gaming and I would rather not squash his first real attempt and role playing his character.
Squash it. That kind of player antagonism will derail a game in a heartbeat. Since you mentioned he's new the player probably doesn't fully realize how destructive it is to act against another player.
I don't see any scenario where letting things go as the alchemist plans that won't run a high risk of derailing your game.
If you let the Alchemist go through with his plans, it sets the tone for player vs player conflict. PVP destroys more games than it enhances, it takes mature players to handle PVP without hurt feelings, an a new player with little experience probably won't like the outcome of his characters actions.
Most of CotCT is rebelling against the legal government. The ranger's character fits perfectly with the theme of the AP. Come Trinia, and later on, Seven Days to the Grave, that Alchemist is going to find his principles very much so unwelcome in the group.
Cressida Croft is unlikely going to be very harsh on the Ranger, as she herself acts against the Queen's orders. If the situation is explained to her, about Verik just wanting to help and his 'friends' doing the bad things, then she may just sweep it under the rug. If that happens, the Alchemist may get the hint that Korvosa isn't really a 'Lawful' city, at least not at the moment. I could see Cressida fining the ranger for his actions if you feel the Ranger shouldn't get away scott-free.
This Alchemist sounds like the kind of person where the party knocks him out whenever they discuss plans or strategy, since he seems to always want to follow the rules. You should take the player aside, and let him know about what possible outcomes will result from selling out player characters for doing what they feel to be the right thing.
I dont see this as a huge issue.
He let Verik go. How did he get all the information? Or did it just become apparent that Verik didn't know about the dead bodies?
The dead bodies wasnt the mission, that was 'extra' the mission, the purpose in going there was Deserting/ Rogue Guardsmen.
What information did the character glean from Verik? Any Idea why he did what he did?
There IS valuable information there, letting the guy go might make it easier to eventually find some stuff out.
This could possibly be the rangers angle.
simply saying something like "did you want me to run him through, or are you going to let me find out more information, my way?" would suffice.
However, not returning with Verik in a box, or delivering him for justice technically wouldnt get the characters paid their reward. as they didn't complete the task, yet. However they did shut down operations at all the worlds meat, and come up with another nasty little surprise so there is room to negotiate the reward.
So depending on how quick your ranger is on his feet, I'd let the alchemist do what he will.
Think about this alchemists actions, how exactly safe is it for him to "go off" on his own in Korvosa right now? I mean he's not going to do this with his party, he's going to rat, so where are the rest of the guys when he's doing this? I'd role play it out.
I think it's likely the PC might find himself facing a mob, or getting jumped by an otyugh in the street whilst out on his lonesome. IF he survives (and id give him a little help to get away) he might learn his lesson in wandering off alone.
If it doesn't happen now, wandering off later is going to just get more dangerous. I say let the alchemist deal himself his own desert.
I guess it depends on your players. I'd let it play out...plus, you don't have to reveal that it was another PC that turned rat. I'd just have chips fall where they do and leave it a mystery as to how things got tipped off. Besides, this kind of intrigue is perfect in a CotCT campaign.
Seriously, run with it. Squashing it seems rail roady to me. You want to encourage players to act in character and to really get into the RP aspect of things, not squash it.