Venture-Agent, Minnesota—Minneapolis
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If we take an archetype associated with a group, can we claim we are a member of the group? Pact worlds provided a number of archetypes with mechanics that fit with the associated group(s) but are not necessarily the strongest option.
- Examples
- Arcanamirium Sage as a member of the Arcanamirium
- Skyfire Centurion as a member of the Skyfire Legion
- Star Knight as a member of the Knights of Golarian or the Hellknights
- Steward Officer as a member of the Stewards
The reason I’m asking:
I have a character that I would like to be a member of the Stewards as well as a Starfinder. They have no infamy and have participated in adventures that should be in line with such a position.
In PFS, there usually was a prestige cost associated with officially joining such a group. I do not know of any such mechanism in SFS.
A related question that others would probably like answered is if taking the archetypes are required for membership.
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I'll have to check the exact text when I get home, but I have a Social Boon that grants membership in the Knights of Golarion. Even has a stipulation that if I gain infamy the Boon gets crossed out.
That boon actually makes you an unofficial knight, not an official one, but I see no reason you couldn't be an official one either with or without the archetype, obviously you would gain no mechanical benefit without the archetype.
Venture-Agent, Minnesota
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BOON VS ARCHETYPE
Starting with Knights of Golarian...
I'll have to check the exact text when I get home, but I have a Social Boon that grants membership in the Knights of Golarion. Even has a stipulation that if I gain infamy the Boon gets crossed out.
I think that it’s helpful to look at the exact text of these things, because I have that boon too.
"The Knights of Golarion have noticed your actions and offered you their support. You hold an unofficial title of ""knight errant"" and are expected to act with honor while performing your Starfinder Society duties. The Knights of Golarion are a crusading army with strong ties to the goddess Iomedae. They crusade against evil and have a particular enmity with evil outsiders.
Benefit: When you have this boon slotted, you gain a +2 insight bonus on all skill checks made to influence members of the Knights of Golarion (Starfinder Core Rulebook 478). You gain a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls made against evil dragons and evil outsiders. If you ever gain Infamy while this boon is slotted, cross this boon off your Chronicle sheet."
The boon, while nice, offers you an honorary title in the organization. My guess is that you would be viewed by the Knights of Golarian the same way Librarians view the folks who are active in Friends of the Library — with distinct warmth, but with no actual authority! If someone wants to be a true Knight of Golarian, I think they have to take the Star Knight archetype.
...and back to the Stewards!
I actually think that choosing to give yourself an archetype for the Stewards and taking all the mechanical tradeoffs shows that you have a much more dedicated character link to the organization. You’ve made sacrifices to get there, and so you should be considered a member of the Stewards — even if only a rookie for now!
But Hilary, does this mean that I can wave around my Stewards Badge and Arrest NPCs?
That depends. If you are on duty with the Starfinders, I have to assume that you’re like an off-duty or out-of-jurisdiction cop. Before you make that collar, you’re going to have to check in with local law enforcement, explain the situation, and work with them.
(The other issue you might face is that Stewards are an inter-planetary organization with little local authority. Stewards can pursue criminals across the Pact Worlds, as well as negotiate agreements to maintain the often complex and fraught relationships between member worlds. They prefer the use of soft power over military might, in an effort to maintain the fragile equilibrium of the Pact Worlds.)
On the other hand... If you follow protocols and contact local law enforcement, they’re likely to treat you with respect when you request backup. I would let your GM know about your archetype from the beginning and explain that you are a member of the Stewards — it’s certainly not something to surprise a GM with, but could add a lot of depth and interest to an adventure!
Hmm
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...and back to the Stewards!
I actually think that choosing to give yourself an archetype for the Stewards and taking all the mechanical tradeoffs shows that you have a much more dedicated character link to the organization. You’ve made sacrifices to get there, and so you should be considered a member of the Stewards — even if only a rookie for now!
But Hilary, does this mean that I can wave around my Stewards Badge and Arrest NPCs?That depends. If you are on duty with the Starfinders, I have to assume that you’re like an off-duty or out-of-jurisdiction cop. Before you make that collar, you’re going to have to check in with local law enforcement, explain the situation, and work with them.
(The other issue you might face is that Stewards are an inter-planetary organization with little local authority. Stewards can pursue criminals across the Pact Worlds, as well as negotiate agreements to maintain the often complex and fraught relationships between member worlds. They prefer the use of soft power over military might, in an effort to maintain the fragile equilibrium of the Pact Worlds.)
On the other hand... If you follow protocols and contact local law enforcement, they’re likely to treat you with respect when you request backup. I would let your GM know about your archetype from the beginning and explain that you are a member of the Stewards — it’s certainly not something to surprise a GM with, but could add a lot of depth and interest to an adventure!
I'm gonna remind you of this when I get my badge and start dispensing cow-justice! Moo-ve along, citizens!
