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A concept I have been kicking around in my (mostly empty) head is the idea that there would be a rear base (Oleg's) support npc or team of npcs to help and support the party.
Primarily I was thinking of a scribe research npc to help with any research on flora/fauna, redraw maps (with party cartographers help) and maybe just be a good info/intel guy. Could provide for some comic but real value help (think Dr. Marcus Brody from Raiders) and maybe serve as a non-optimized backup caster (Expert/wizard or cleric would be good). Could make for some good role-playing situations, scenario leads and serve as a tether to the civilized world.
Of course depending on the relationship with the party, they will either have him as a retainer who will need to be paid or friend which they support by giving coin, items, etc. He would need money for cartography and mapping equipment, books, and possibly the building of a small residence/office which can be right near the trading post and can serve as a private den for the PCs if they don't want to be around other people while talking up their next moves. Since I plan on using spies, politics and some more intrigue as the campaign unfolds this kind of lodge/safe house may be invaluable (plus whatever bolt hole they may set up in the wilderness).
A second npc would work with the first - maybe a weapon and armor smith who can help make or repair the party’s gear. Also a strong and reliable guy, maybe throw him in if the party needs muscle or some backup. Could be an ex-forester or ranger who is lame (bum leg) with some experience but little ability to travel for long periods (but can still kick ass). The party's adventures and exploits serve as his experiences by proxy.
Both npcs would probably use the fast track (vs. medium) but would only get a fraction of xp based upon what the party brings back, needs researched, worked on, etc so they would advance at around the same rate as the pcs.
Also to a point of DM style: I try to make my npcs as real and as involved as possible, the assumptions of these npcs is they are not fodder or there to be abused and or exploited. If a party is detached or disinterested in the fates of those who help them then I would be inclined to run these guys as strictly business and just another resource which needs direct compensation for services.
I have considered doing this as well. My thought was some sort of envoy to Restov, so I can easily include news from home, the promotion thing in at Stolen Land's conclusion etc. was considering a female for possible romantic ties later. Also I usually add an NPC or at least a connection to some sort of church based group (usually Sarenrae) for the party to sell evil items to. Most good parties would have issues with selling, say, an unholy sword or evil holy object back into circulation. The church group buys these items to destroy them, thus giving my PCs a morality friendly way to profit from such things. any way...
I agree that a good NPC tie can help anchor the party to the real world.
You might want to use Crystal Frazir's Hirelings as a start for a support squad...
http://paizo.com/store/downloads/cCreative/v5748btpy8dr6&source=search
And its FREE!
You might want to use Crystal Frazir's Hirelings as a start for a support squad...
http://paizo.com/store/downloads/cCreative/v5748btpy8dr6&source=search
And its FREE!
in my random event deck for KM i have a cards for hirelings to turn up....whether 'sturdy' to act baggage guards, or skilled to help with....erm skills.
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You might want to use Crystal Frazir's Hirelings as a start for a support squad...
http://paizo.com/store/downloads/cCreative/v5748btpy8dr6&source=search
And its FREE!
Thanks for the link! awesome document!
I have a fighter with the leadership feat that will now have a new way to recuperate mental stat damage! LOL! :) (also known as hangovers!)
You might want to use Crystal Frazir's Hirelings as a start for a support squad...
http://paizo.com/store/downloads/cCreative/v5748btpy8dr6&source=search
And its FREE!
Thanks for the link! awesome document!
I have a fighter with the leadership feat that will now have a new way to recuperate mental stat damage! LOL! :) (also known as hangovers!)
Thank Crystal. I love this sort of document and these guys are going to show up in both my campaigns (ROTR and KM)
You could always use Keston and Jhod for the purpose. They show up pretty quick anyways. Wouldn't take but a small change to their personalities/backstory.
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You might want to use Crystal Frazir's Hirelings as a start for a support squad...
http://paizo.com/store/downloads/cCreative/v5748btpy8dr6&source=search
And its FREE!
I actually plan on all of them using + Keston and Jhod (in their original roles). I just wanted the PCs to bring along their own guy(s) - again not 100% optimized as a PC but a solid expert/wizard or cleric that is trustworthy, and can also be useful (spells or good discrete research and intel). Anando Veresisi is probably the closest fill for this role with no casting ability and he's an aristocrat, not an expert (still usefull as a steward).
As soon as PC start turning over the gold I want that place populated ASAP! That means the hirelings free doc, the ones included in the mod and any weird or unique characters/outcast I can think of adding or anyone is willing to offer.
I stated in another thread that this whole setup reminds me of Deadwood – at its inception, which means claim jumpers for all those nice goldmines, trappers, scoundrels and thieves and every other outcast or free spirit looking to make a fortune.
Thanks for all the feedback; I have another idea (involving more NPCs) which I will post in a new entry. Hopefully it will open up some dialogue and you guys can respond so I can steal your ideas.
Since there seems to be some openings for political intrigue and such, have one of the NPC support folks be a spy. This will hit the PCs hard when it gets revealed that their favorite alchemist/groom/sage/whatever has betrayed them.
You could also keep up with a mechanic whereby the traitor may become loyal enough to the PCs to turn; say a running total of Cha rolls to exceed x.