Settlements

Entangled by Fate

Whenever Adventurers enter a town, they will usually be met with some sort of incident. The characters are caught in the tapestry of fate and so they are far more likely to be met by unusual events both good and bad. The more the characters rely on Fate to help them, the more they are entangled by fate and have noteworthy events occur around them.

These events are typically quite minor in nature, and usually serve to ensure that few Settlement Entrances are mundane or uninteresting, but may also lead to other story hooks or adventures.

Supplies and Equipment

Upon entering a Settlement, Characters are usually able to resupply their Equipment Packs and any food or other supplies they may have used. Purchasing or repairing equipment requires somebody with the correct Skills and Tools to be found and might not be available in every Settlement.

Allies

In town, the party will usually try to meet up with their Allies. These Allies might be able to help them with supplies or services, but it’s usually a good idea to check up on Allies anyway. It's nice to be nice. Skilled Allies may be able to help with more serious issues, but any Allies may be able to help the Party by giving a place to stay, a hot meal, or simple assistance.

Acquaintances

Acquaintances are people that members of the party have dealt with in the past, though they may not have maintained a close relationship with. These are people they might be able to find to assist them in some manner, such as when their services may be required once more, but are not reliable or particularly friendly. They may be past employers or hired help, or simply somebody they have encountered previously.

Rivals

Sometimes, people don’t get along. When a party enters a town, they may encounter one or more of their Rivals. These are people that are not outwardly hostile towards the main group, but may result in a Social Encounter and these Rivals will often be competing for certain goals or resources. They may even sway Acquaintances or important individuals away from dealing with the party.

Enemies

Sometimes, the party makes a powerful or tenacious enemy. This is a person or group that will seek the demise or disgrace of the party and work towards this. The party may encounter agents from this enemy when they enter certain settlements. Particularly powerful enemies may even be in control of certain towns or cities, and may put in efforts to have the party expelled.

Family

Certain Party Members may even have family that can assist the group. While immediate relatives such as parents or siblings are likely to be Allies, they may fall into any group, even Enemies. If a party member is in their home town and their family still lives there, they should probably visit them. Mothers tend to worry.

If a party member has a family of their own, such as a spouse and/or children, these would also likely require spending time with and should be visited whenever possible or the character may face life in the doghouse.

Tavern

Taverns are a good location for Adventurers to rest, but may also be used to find information, listen to rumours, meet with people, hire individuals, or make shady dealings.

Smithy

Smithies are good for Adventurers to buy, repair, and maybe even sell Weapons and Armour.

Market

Markets are ideal for buying and selling both items and information. Money traders and lenders might also be found here.

Notice Board

Notice boards are the main place for Adventurers to find jobs and quests, or to post notices with requests of their own.

Docks

Docks are mainly used for travel and trading, but are also great sources of information, hirelings, shady characters, and illicit services.

Fort

Forts refer to any guard post or defensive location. These may be used by Adventurers for defence, supply stockpiles, holding cells, or infirmaries. The ruling seat for the settlement might also be found here.

Library

Libraries can be rare but are often very useful for gathering certain kinds of information. These might be the houses of educated individuals and may also serve as alchemists, healers, or magic-users.

Available Resources

During Downtime, Adventurers will need somewhere to live. If they have Allies, such as Family, they might be able to stay with them, but otherwise they may need to spend Finance Points on accommodation and sustenance.

Trades or Skills

Characters with trades or skills may work during their downtime. This might mean they gain Finance Points, equipment for the party, or other resources. Characters with appropriate skills may create equipment such as Potions, Weapons, or Armour. Depending on supply cost, creating these might still cost Finance Points.

Extended Stays

Adventurers may be encouraged to stay within a Settlement for an extended duration due to the Season, harsh weather, or other world events. When this is the case, you may organise what the Party and each of the Characters do during the duration, or you may skip it altogether. This should be agreed upon by the Players and GM.

Additional Encounters

Extended Downtime in a Settlement may involve additional Encounters, similar to those upon Entering the Settlement. This is up to the GM or may be rolled for.

Summer

The Summertime is usually the most active time for most creatures. The weather is often more clear, though there may be storm or rainy seasons. Many warlords or monsters might begin their excursions or invasions so they have more time before Winter. This season is often the default for adventures.

Autumn

The Autumn Harvest often causes increased activity in many Settlements as they prepare for the Winter. During this time, Adventurers are in demand to protect labourers from monsters and perform tasks before the weather gets too bad. Food stores might be raided and areas might be invaded as both people and monsters seek shelter for the Winter.

Winter

The Calm of Winter can be dangerous as resources run low. Little food can be found in winter, and the weather means that Adventuring is more difficult. Thankfully, monsters and other threats are often idle as they too take refuge from the cold. However, certain creatures may cause trouble if they are starving or seeking to take Advantage of the Calm. Harsh weather might also cause issues that require the Adventurer's attention.

Spring

The Spring Thaw is often a time of activity as creatures wake from their slumbers and Settlements get back to work. Adventurers may be required to clear monsters or bandits from where they settled over the Winter. Floods from rains and thawing ice might cause issues or may even uncover secrets.