How does everyone handle rivals? Do you make a project clock for them and have them advance it? Or do they just show up randomly out of the blue? Finding it tricky to weave rivals into the story
How does everyone handle rivals?
How does everyone handle rivals?
Use them when you’re inspired to, or when a player goes after them. They’re a tool, not a requirement.
I like to have the creation complications as the players use them. A lot of time’s rivals are the most interesting NPCs on the character sheet and they are still worth +1D if you use them in downtime, so whenever my players do I either have them create some kind of complication (like when Roslyn told Elke where she could find the book she wanted…in the burnt out Dimmer Sisters manor that still had some wards left behind) or start a clock for them (Like Augus, learning what mischief Hix been up to)
I love the fact that you begin to play with a friend and a rival. It feels like your scoundrel have a connection with Doskvol, and is not just a random isolated guy. We use friends/rivals mostly to roleplay, as they provide good drives for stories and situations.
Usually my own players bring them to the table, in example. A player of mine who plays a Lurk has a locksmith as his rival. They used to be partners in crime, but there was treason.. anyway, the Lurk had to open a lockbox to steal important documents, but no one has to know that the lurk was responsable. Then, my player auto-devil-bargain himself telling me “what if the lockbox is made by my Rival, then I cannot help myself and leave a letter with my signature… if I open it, I leave the letter inside SENDS MY REGARDS TO THE LOCKSMITH, and if I fail, I leave the letter outside, like YOU ARE GETTING BETTER”
I found that hilarious! We had a good laugh, and I love the fact that was all brought by my player. I really enjoy when the players provide their creative input to the game.