Stat Blocs for Frenemies

Adventure in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Learn more at our website: http://www.cubicle7.co.uk/our-games/the-one-ring/
Post Reply
Glorelendil
Posts: 5160
Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 5:20 pm

Stat Blocs for Frenemies

Post by Glorelendil » Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:29 pm

I'm working on writing an adventure in which a Loremaster Character is initially an ally of the heroes, and may even assist them in journeys or other tasks, but will eventually betray them. However, it is unlikely they will actually fight him, although it's possible. More relevant will be his common skills.

How should I treat his stat block, for the LM?

1) Like an adversary, with ratings for common skill groups rather than individual skills, plus hate, special abilities, endurance, etc.

2) Like a friendly LM Character, with traits and relevant skills but little else?

I'm thinking start with #2, and include a couple of mechanical ways that his presence helps (sort of like how Baldor hinders the thugs without making his own attack rolls.).

The, later in the adventure after he betrays them, I can include an adversary stat block.

What do you think? Does having two different stat blocks, representing his two sides, make sense?

If so, let's say he's got Lore: 4 but Battle: 0. What do I give the adversary version for Vocation? (It's unlikely to matter, but I like to get these things right...)
The Munchkin Formerly Known as Elfcrusher
Journey Computer | Combat Simulator | Bestiary | Weapon Calculator

zedturtle
Posts: 3289
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:03 am

Re: Stat Blocs for Frenemies

Post by zedturtle » Mon Jan 05, 2015 6:18 pm

I would look at Gerald et al from Tales. And detail as much as needed.
Jacob Rodgers, occasional nitwit.

This space intentionally blank.

Stormcrow
Posts: 1352
Joined: Sat May 18, 2013 2:56 pm
Location: Ronkonkoma, NY
Contact:

Re: Stat Blocs for Frenemies

Post by Stormcrow » Mon Jan 05, 2015 7:01 pm

Write up whatever stats you need to play the character; ignore whatever you don't need. You don't have to put characters in classifying boxes, neither do you have to follow a format used by Cubicle7.

For Loremaster characters who aren't going to fight, it's more important to make note of their personalities and motivations than any game stats.

Woodclaw
Posts: 408
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 1:48 pm
Location: Como, Italia

Re: Stat Blocs for Frenemies

Post by Woodclaw » Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:38 am

I think that the best possible model are Beorn stats from the Loremaster Book. Pretty much that was the model I used when I had to stat my combat support NPCs.
"What is the point of having free will if one cannot occasionally spit in the eye of destiny?" ("Gentleman" John Marcone)

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests