Boon System
The
medieval meaning of “boon” was “favor” as in receiving favor or doing a favor.
When a Supplicant was awarded a Boon from a Patron it meant performing a duty
for some reward. Often the reward was received in advance, and it was a matter
of honor to perform the duty.
In Credence the boon system works
exactly in this way. Think of this equation:
|
Boon = Duty + Means + Time |
where Duty is a task that must be
performed, Means is some object or money or other favor or reward, and Time is
when it must be done by.
As an example, the Steward of
your Guild may ask your Character to deliver a parcel to the Guild master of
the next town today. He may provide you with a horse or a companion to keep you
safe. Your Character is the Supplicant, the Steward is the Patron. The
Duty is the parcel delivered. The Means is the horse or companion. The
Time is today.
Another example: your House may
fit you out for an expedition, expecting you to return with wealth and spoils.
The city Gate Guard is always
looking for somebody to kill the pesky rats that swarm outside the walls. Just
ask! He may let you in or out without paying the toll.
A
boon is a sort of contract. That means it is between two parties, it is created
and agreed upon, and it obligates the receiver to some action. It can be
delegated. And it has consequences when it expires or is completed.
Creating boons
A
boon can be created during a conversation, when one party agrees to perform a
duty in return for some consideration. It is a granted privilege in return for
service among other things. The history of boons granted to the target
player is available - Patrons have a very long memory, and will know if they
have been cheated in the past!
A
Boon is not created by
·
an
exchange of goods
·
a
financial transaction
A
Boon is
·
promising
to watch the Shop for another Character
·
assuming
a Guild position of leadership
·
returning
a fallen comrade's goods to his House
Automatic boons
A
boon might be created by an act – taking weapons from your house armory means
the house will expect something in return - spoils, improved skills,
participation in a Tournament.
A
boon may be thrust upon you. A companion dying in a fracas on the road binds
you in honor to return his bones to sacred ground, return his goods to his
house, and enter his saga into the scrolls of his town.
Your
Character is obligated to accept Boons from a Patron that outranks them - the
House Master can bind all newbies in the House to participate in a Tournament.
Delegating boons
You
may pay someone to perform a duty for you. This creates a new boon, which may
complete a boon you already had. For instance you may place a package with a
caravan to be delivered, and pay for the service. Once this is completed, your
boon to your Steward is completed as well. If it is not completed (the caravan
absconds with the package) you are still on the hook to the Steward.
Responsibility for a duty cannot be traded!
Philosopy Boon System Honor Craft Design Home
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Credence:
an MMP world of Consequences |
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Credence Software |