Here is the edict of the Order of the Cockatrice:
The cavalier must keep his own interests and aims above those of all others. He must always accept payment when it is due, rewards when earned, and an even (or greater) share of loot. The cavalier must take every opportunity to increase his own stature, prestige, and power.
My group is a newly put together group and I have a player with a Cavalier. They are trying to figure out how the party's loot split will be. There is a bit of heartache over the Cavalier's edict. How they figure out how to split loot is up to them, but as a GM I've been asked to give a ruling on what the above means, in relation to when will the Cavalier lose his Order's Challenge ability for 24 hours.
Obvioulsy when there is a payment for services rendered and reward earned for some task, he must accept and not delay payment. No charity. No "you can pay me later." But what about the even share of the loot? How do you split up a magical amulet? The first two examples in the list (reward and payment) suggest when earned or when due. Loot is technically earned when found and claimed. But such a descripter is not put on loot and is not very pracitcal. Must the cavilier claim an equal portion of loot at every rest? At the end of the adventure? What if the adventure is seemless? Every time they get ready to sell?
Is an even share of non-sold items on a per item basis? Or is it on a GP value share?
Normally, I would play this situation by ear. Knowing players as I do, I doubt it would be that big of an issue. But I was asked the question.
Thoughts?
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Cockatrice is supposed to be greedy and selfish, and the splitting would probably be done by value.
I'd say that he'd probably demand that the party member who gets the amulet give him something with a value roughly equal to what his share is supposed to be (such as taking 500gp in a 4 person party if it was a ring of protection +1). If this isn't possible, then they simply claim ransom on it (they take it and refuse to give it back until they get their share, selling it if necessary).
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16, 2011 Top 32
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I would rule that a cavalier in the Order of the Cockatrice can delay payment, as long as there is an even bigger favor owed. "I'll put off my fair share, even considering how much more I contributed than the rest of you mooks, IF you agree to owe me a HUGE favor, redeemable at a time of my choosing! Agreed?"
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I thought that order was going to be npc-only as it mitigates heavily against working within a group (such as an adventuring party).
I think this should be resolved in-character. The party will split the treasure and the Cavalier will argue strongly that he should have a larger share ("I killed it, I deserve more." "I saved you, I deserve some of your share." etc.)
As long as he gets at-least an even share then he is keeping to the spirit of his order if he tries to get more.
He should also demand the prestige items ("You can have 50 coins, I'll have the ruby." "You can have the strongbox of alchemical supplies worth 1,00gp, I will have the diadem worth the same for my share" etc.)
This will be a difficult one to roleplay without causing conflict in the group as he will, I presume, try to take credit for every praiseworthy act the party have engaged in.