Awards / titles earned in character background


Pathfinder Society

5/5

I was reading the Guide to Absalom, and somewhere in the titles section, I started to wonder. Based on my primary character's history, it would make a lot of sense for him to be a Bronze Sword ... possibly even a Silver. I wouldn't be inclined to claim Gold Sword for quite a few levels yet, but eventually, that's where he'd wind up (assuming he survives, etc).

So, can I claim that honor and/or wear the pin? There's no mechanism for determining if it's fair, but it would be an interesting RP tidbit when I'm having dealings within Absalom. It's been indicated that anything which doesn't have a direct mechanical impact is fair game, but does that extend to stuff like this?

Similarly, could a cleric claim the title Ecclesial? I mean, a wizard could easily write any big magic school into his background, and in the long run, it's the same, right? There's specific requirements for any of these things, but they're not things that could be acquired during normal PFS play.

I guess any RP advantage to stuff like this is just a matter of rewarding people for doing their homework, but that's a good thing, right?

5/5

Character background has no affect on the game, unless supported by a mechanical rule. There are vanities in the Pathfinder Society Field Guide that allow you to gain benefits from belonging to several organizations outside of the Society. Andorans can join the Eagle Knights, members of Cheliax can join the HellKnights, Osirians can join the Risen Guard, and Taldor offers noble titles and memberships to the Lion Blade and the Ulfen Guard.

You could proclaim yourself a private in the town militia, the lord commander of the city watch, or the divine imperial ruler of a given nation. Unless you have something built into your character giving you that rank and title, you will be treated the same as any other character in your group by the NPCs in a given scenario/module.

Sczarni 2/5

Brian Lefebvre wrote:

Character background has no affect on the game, unless supported by a mechanical rule. There are vanities in the Pathfinder Society Field Guide that allow you to gain benefits from belonging to several organizations outside of the Society. Andorans can join the Eagle Knights, members of Cheliax can join the HellKnights, Osirians can join the Risen Guard, and Taldor offers noble titles and memberships to the Lion Blade and the Ulfen Guard.

You could proclaim yourself a private in the town militia, the lord commander of the city watch, or the divine imperial ruler of a given nation. Unless you have something built into your character giving you that rank and title, you will be treated the same as any other character in your group by the NPCs in a given scenario/module.

Except in the back of their minds people may very well think you're a crazy person.

5/5

Jack-of-Blades wrote:
Except in the back of their minds people may very well think you're a crazy person.

Right, and that's the part that's problematic.

Liberty's Edge 5/5

The problem I have with the idea of titles is when folks try to make a new 1st level character with some title that typically only experienced veterans would be able to attain.

A brand new 1st level Cleric is not going to be a High Priest just as a new 1st level Wizard is not going to be the grand poobah of arcane order xyz.

Play your character a bit, sure, have him start with the dream of becoming a bronze, silver and eventually gold sword. Build him as you see fit for what your vision of a bronze, silver or gold sword is.

By the time you are 9th to 12th level, chances are no typical NPC will know the differences. It might not give you the mechanical benefits that a rank in sword would typically give, but you probably wouldn't necessarily be laughed at for the claim either.

I think part of the problem is realistic expectations based on the actual power level of the character in relation to the required power level to attain such a rank.

2/5

You could also look for a trait or feat that represents a gladiatorial background, and use that to justify your claims for having a Bronze/Silver Sword pin. It's not required, but it would add authenticity to your claim. As an example, I took the Noble Scion feat at first level when I wanted one of my characters to be descended from Cheliax's House Henderthane.

Sovereign Court *

Andrew Christian wrote:
The problem I have with the idea of titles is when folks try to make a new 1st level character with some title that typically only experienced veterans would be able to attain. ...

Except that some families add names to children as a sign of potential. Or that they are member of a family which is in itself a title.

To the OP, look for traits that represent the gold pin (to you). Some backstory, minor game effect, perfectly legal and you get two. :)

Grand Lodge 5/5

Patrick Harris @ SD wrote:

I was reading the Guide to Absalom, and somewhere in the titles section, I started to wonder. Based on my primary character's history, it would make a lot of sense for him to be a Bronze Sword ... possibly even a Silver. I wouldn't be inclined to claim Gold Sword for quite a few levels yet, but eventually, that's where he'd wind up (assuming he survives, etc).

So, can I claim that honor and/or wear the pin? There's no mechanism for determining if it's fair, but it would be an interesting RP tidbit when I'm having dealings within Absalom. It's been indicated that anything which doesn't have a direct mechanical impact is fair game, but does that extend to stuff like this?

Similarly, could a cleric claim the title Ecclesial? I mean, a wizard could easily write any big magic school into his background, and in the long run, it's the same, right? There's specific requirements for any of these things, but they're not things that could be acquired during normal PFS play.

I guess any RP advantage to stuff like this is just a matter of rewarding people for doing their homework, but that's a good thing, right?

It sounds like you're adding to character background which is great and encouraged. If you are looking to earn a character title (say in PFS), then you can spend the prestige to earn the title. Usually the prestige is such you have to play at least 2-7 adventures and not spend your prestige on anything else.

I think this system is great since it follows the logic, you meet people, people notice your traits, then you are known as "Title".

Silver Crusade 4/5

The problem is that he's not talking about titles that are in the Pathfinder Society Field Guide with an existing PA cost. And really, this could apply to anyone.

When I made my first cleric character, I asked what title I should call her by. Priestess? Sister? Adept? I ended up calling her "Sister Isabella", and she introduced herself as a cleric of Sarenrae. Now that she's 6th level, she introduces herself as a priestess of Sarenrae, but still goes by the "Sister" name. But there's no real guide to this sort of stuff - I made it up as I went.

Shadow Lodge 4/5 ****

I am Farak, the most powerful mage in all Absalom. Do not be fooled by that pretender Thorne.

Scarab Sages 2/5

Farak, the Most Powerful Mage wrote:

I am Farak, the most powerful mage in all Absalom. Do not be fooled by that pretender Thorne.

I believe this dispute must be resolved by a cook off. I shall, of course, be the impartial judge. Upon what date shall I set this challenge?

Shadow Lodge 4/5

Alexander Damocles wrote:
Farak, the Most Powerful Mage wrote:

I am Farak, the most powerful mage in all Absalom. Do not be fooled by that pretender Thorne.

I believe this dispute must be resolved by a cook off. I shall, of course, be the impartial judge. Upon what date shall I set this challenge?

Cook off? Cookin' what? They's both claimin' to be powerful mages. Me think they should have ta fight livin' dragons by themselves er somethin' ta settle it. So if ya mean who can cook a live dragon fastest, then that could be fun ta watch.

Scarab Sages 2/5

Mash wrote:
Alexander Damocles wrote:
Farak, the Most Powerful Mage wrote:

I am Farak, the most powerful mage in all Absalom. Do not be fooled by that pretender Thorne.

I believe this dispute must be resolved by a cook off. I shall, of course, be the impartial judge. Upon what date shall I set this challenge?

Cook off? Cookin' what? They's both claimin' to be powerful mages. Me think they should have ta fight livin' dragons by themselves er somethin' ta settle it. So if ya mean who can cook a live dragon fastest, then that could be fun ta watch.

Thorne makes absolutely wonderful cookies. I highly suspect he in fact uses magic during their creation.

Now, I like your idea better however. I'll balance the point spread between speed of kill and the taste of the finished dish.

Grand Lodge 4/5

Alexander Damocles wrote:
Mash wrote:
Alexander Damocles wrote:
Farak, the Most Powerful Mage wrote:

I am Farak, the most powerful mage in all Absalom. Do not be fooled by that pretender Thorne.

I believe this dispute must be resolved by a cook off. I shall, of course, be the impartial judge. Upon what date shall I set this challenge?

Cook off? Cookin' what? They's both claimin' to be powerful mages. Me think they should have ta fight livin' dragons by themselves er somethin' ta settle it. So if ya mean who can cook a live dragon fastest, then that could be fun ta watch.

Thorne makes absolutely wonderful cookies. I highly suspect he in fact uses magic during their creation.

Now, I like your idea better however. I'll balance the point spread between speed of kill and the taste of the finished dish.

I think they should both have to go up against Hanuway, all by their lonesomes.

Hanuway is hungry, I didn't let him eat the Fighter yesterday.

Spoiler:
Hanuway is an adult Brine dragon, CR 11, and should be a fair match even for a 12th level or higher spellcaster.

Of course, they have to last until the 4th day of the Ruby Phoenix Tournament to meet him...

Liberty's Edge 5/5

Galdur XXI wrote:
Andrew Christian wrote:
The problem I have with the idea of titles is when folks try to make a new 1st level character with some title that typically only experienced veterans would be able to attain. ...

Except that some families add names to children as a sign of potential. Or that they are member of a family which is in itself a title.

To the OP, look for traits that represent the gold pin (to you). Some backstory, minor game effect, perfectly legal and you get two. :)

If you want an appropriate title, become a member of the appropriate faction and spend PP on the appropriate title.

You can be the son of a Baron, and can call yourself a Baron, but you cannot carry the weight of the title unless you've earned it in one way or another.

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