Hibbs, Philip
10-29-1997, 06:32 PM
> I'd also like to get suggestions for any
> specific rules changes you've found you've had
> to make to get BR to run properly in your games.
Probably the biggest weakness that I have come across in the Birthright
rules is Espionage.
A foreign power engages in espionage against you. You have the option of
spending GB or RP against them, therefore you know that espionage is
occurring. Can you afford to take the risk that it is not an
assassination? How is the chance of assassination determined? Is it
resolved like the "Assassination" Random Event? Is it reasonable that I
can spend a million gold pieces on determining whether Marlae Roesone's
intentions are true, and still guarantee anonymity?
I suggest the following (untested) system:
"Espionage Level" is a holding, which starts at half the character's
level (rounded up) for non-thieves, or full level for thieves. When a
thief rises a level, he gets +1, when a non-thief rises to an odd level,
he gets +1. Espionage Level can be raised as an action, which may be a
Lieutenant action if the Lieutenant is a thief. Base cost is the new
Espionage Level in GB, roll d20, needs 10 + new espionage level -
regent's highest Guild holding. example: Argrath's Espionage is 6, his
best Guild is 5, he spends 7GB, and must roll 12+ (10 + 7 - 5).
Espionage Level determines the maximum that the regent can spend
secretly. If he spends more than this, the target regent may spend
against him. If he spends more than double this, the target regent
automatically knows who is plotting, if he spends more than three times
this, the target finds out exactly what the Espionage action is about.
A regent may spend up to his Espionage Level in GB on counter-espionage
during Maintenance Costs. These GB act against any and all Espionage
against the regent that turn. If this occurs, the DM rolls d20 over 20 -
GB spent on counter-espionage, if successful, the regent knows
immediately that espionage is occurring and may spend against it.
Example: Harrek has Espionage Level 4, and wishes to spend 4 GB on
counter-espionage. Argrath spies on him to determine if he wears ladies
underwear. The DM then rolls d20, if he gets over 16 (20-4), Harrek
knows that something is afoot, and can spend more. Argrath's attempt is
already at -4.
I believe this system will clarify the situation regarding espionage,
and will go a long way to prevent excessive abuse of the system by
overly-powerful thief regents. It's quite possible to design a regent
with 70+ GB income, and assassinate Prince Darien Avan on the second
turn.
philip.hibbs@tnt.co.uk or phibbs@compuserve.com
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/phibbs
> specific rules changes you've found you've had
> to make to get BR to run properly in your games.
Probably the biggest weakness that I have come across in the Birthright
rules is Espionage.
A foreign power engages in espionage against you. You have the option of
spending GB or RP against them, therefore you know that espionage is
occurring. Can you afford to take the risk that it is not an
assassination? How is the chance of assassination determined? Is it
resolved like the "Assassination" Random Event? Is it reasonable that I
can spend a million gold pieces on determining whether Marlae Roesone's
intentions are true, and still guarantee anonymity?
I suggest the following (untested) system:
"Espionage Level" is a holding, which starts at half the character's
level (rounded up) for non-thieves, or full level for thieves. When a
thief rises a level, he gets +1, when a non-thief rises to an odd level,
he gets +1. Espionage Level can be raised as an action, which may be a
Lieutenant action if the Lieutenant is a thief. Base cost is the new
Espionage Level in GB, roll d20, needs 10 + new espionage level -
regent's highest Guild holding. example: Argrath's Espionage is 6, his
best Guild is 5, he spends 7GB, and must roll 12+ (10 + 7 - 5).
Espionage Level determines the maximum that the regent can spend
secretly. If he spends more than this, the target regent may spend
against him. If he spends more than double this, the target regent
automatically knows who is plotting, if he spends more than three times
this, the target finds out exactly what the Espionage action is about.
A regent may spend up to his Espionage Level in GB on counter-espionage
during Maintenance Costs. These GB act against any and all Espionage
against the regent that turn. If this occurs, the DM rolls d20 over 20 -
GB spent on counter-espionage, if successful, the regent knows
immediately that espionage is occurring and may spend against it.
Example: Harrek has Espionage Level 4, and wishes to spend 4 GB on
counter-espionage. Argrath spies on him to determine if he wears ladies
underwear. The DM then rolls d20, if he gets over 16 (20-4), Harrek
knows that something is afoot, and can spend more. Argrath's attempt is
already at -4.
I believe this system will clarify the situation regarding espionage,
and will go a long way to prevent excessive abuse of the system by
overly-powerful thief regents. It's quite possible to design a regent
with 70+ GB income, and assassinate Prince Darien Avan on the second
turn.
philip.hibbs@tnt.co.uk or phibbs@compuserve.com
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/phibbs