So I’m coming up on my actual campaign soon “woooo!” and since one of my party members is Tycherosi I wanted to ask… I’m under the impression that a lot of people in the Isles just distrust Tycherosi because of the whole demonic blood thing, but I feel like it’s a bit harsh to penalise all interactions with others that aren’t of the same heritage via lowered effect.
He specifically wants to play a Whisper who’s also a smooth-talker so I was looking for real-play examples on how to handle this sort of thing. I really want to impress the Tycherosi situation on the player without making it seem like I’m punishing the character concept. Any help is greatly appreciated
I suppose in the real world, even people with biases and prejudices will often have people who they consider exceptions to their rule. Maybe that could be an interesting roleplay opportunity. Put the player in an interaction with someone who is very anti-Tchyerosi, but has grown to like the player’s character so much that they forget they are Tycherosi, then while they’re having a nice friendly conversation, have them get really angry or insulting about some nearby Tycherosi and see how they react.
You could also make the world react more to the Tycherosi race as a whole (e.g. graffiti, protests, etc.) but minimalise it in 1:1 interactions with the PC since people need to make a living, so even if they are resentful/fearful, money is money.
One way to balance it would be to have scholars and curious people (wealthy and poor) who are drawn to the exotic reputation of the Tycherosi. They are willing to pay and do favors and the character is in demand.
Another way to balance the down sides is to make people who DON’T like or trust the Tycherosi superstitious and ignorant about what they can and cannot do. So, they are easier to threaten with the Evil Eye, or by pretending to curse them, and so on. Maybe it’s harder to be friends with the bluecoat who despises all things touched by demons–but you’ve got added effect to intimidate him.
Tip from someone who has ran a few campaigns dealing with prejudices and social mores, don’t forget to enforce them on the other players too. The Tycherosi might have it worst, but the poor are also looked down on, as are perhaps women, middle class and nobles have to obey strict codes of honor and conduct or face scandals that can ruin careers or force people into a duel…If you focus too much on the Tycherosi, he’ll feel annoyed, but if you turn social expectations and prejudice into a way to make Duskvol oppressive and into a theme, I’ve found it to really work…And to make the characters and their “gang” a place where they don’t have to obey those rules true safe havens the characters crave.
I’m hoping my player will go that route, he’s a new player and he may fall back on being the nice guy for social interactions, hopefully when he meets some really scummy characters he’ll get more used to the scoundrel lifestyle, as it were 😛
Jason Lee I like the idea of graffiti and protests, right now I picture that sort of stuff being focused more on the Skovs but maybe Tycherosi are shifting towards that place in Duskvol too? If the superstition blows away we’re looking at just another part of the imperium for Akorosi to pick on
Bavo Th. Thankfully I also have someone playing a Skovlan and they’ve given me explicit permission to spotlight the oppression their character experienced after the Skovlan War of Unity ended. It’s my first time starting a campaign with the intention of highlighting social issues throughout and I only hope I can pull it off with some level of grace.
Benjamin herder Make sure NPC’s, high or low, also act according to these things. Then it all falls into place. And let your players comment and give suggestions, I’m sure you’ll do fine!
Thanks! One day I hope I will live up to my own “God of Roleplaying” Adam Koebel and his super dope gming, until then it’s practice, practice, and asking for advice on forums 😛
Heh, we all flail our way into being a good DM for the players that happen to find our games. Just keep at it and you’ll find what works for you and your group.
Maybe the reputation is a hindrance sometimes and a help other times? Like, maybe people are always asking to score some primo ghost essence off him, because they think all Tycherosi are into that sort of thing. Maybe his threats carry additional weight, etc.