Random Events

[Grinster]

Just wnated to know what the general concensus might be on how often you should incorporate a random event (as defined in chapter five of the BR rules) into game play? Also, should a character be able to use regency or the expenditure of gold bars to affect the final resolution check in their favor?

My apologies if I have placed this in the wrong thread, I realize now it probably should have gone in the Royal Library.

[Sorontar]

I have moved it to the Royal Library.

For people's reference, the BR wiki copy of what ch 5 says on random events is at http://www.birthright.net/brwiki/index.php/Random_event#Domain_events

Sorontar

[Grinster]

Thank you for moving this to the correct location and the reference.

So since the resolution of the event can be based on a regent or his/her court using standard or court actions, wouldn't the expenditure of regency or gold be allowed to sway the final event resolution die roll?

[JakobLiar]

Alright, I have a question to ask then, as I've pondered a similar question: Is this rolled for one PC and then selected either at random/rolled or specific? or all the PCs?

[Sorontar]

One thing wasn't made totally clear by you Grinster. Are you playing AD&D or D&D3.5? (I suspect 3.5 because of the ch5 reference) I don't know whether there is any difference between the rules about domain events for them, but it might help people put things in perspective.

Sorontar

[Grinster]

I use 3.5 with the BR rules.

I don't often use random events, maybe once every 6-months of game time. But when I can use them to spice up the plot line, this question invariably arises. It's an area that has never really been all that clear.

[JakobLiar]

I might have to use 3.5 with some of my friends still not responding to my text messages about running a 2E game. I last texted three weeks ago. :) I assume they are trying to convince me to run a 3.5. Anyways, still curious of anyone's opinion of my above question. I assume it means for each domain. :D

[irdeggman]

Alright, I have a question to ask then, as I've pondered a similar question: Is this rolled for one PC and then selected either at random/rolled or specific? or all the PCs?


Your choice as DM.

In general the rules suggest picking 1 area to focus on for the center of action.

These random actions also help determine adventure hooks by the way.

I would roll for all PCs in the area of action, unless I had already "planned" an adventure hook to set up. 1 PC shouldn't have a disadvantage by having to respond to a random event while the others don't.

[Grinster]

I do normally use them for adventure hooks, if needed, and also to remind PC regents that large organizations such as guilds, churches, or realms are not always smooth running machines - problems can and do occur, and their reactions to those problems can have some pretty interesting consequences.

But as I've already stated, I try to be pretty frugal in my use of random events.

Thanks for the insight.

[JakobLiar]

Thanks for the response. I'll definitely look forward to implementing that when it comes to the game time. Thanks again. :)

[AndrewTall]

As might be guessed from the wiki page I made:

http://www.birthright.net/brwiki/index.php/User:AndrewTall/Random_events

I'm quite a fan of random events, but on a 'does it sound fun, then lets have it' basis, I'd generally auto-resolve any that came up during a busy patch or that the pc's weren't interested in doing.

I'd make random events more common for domains that are large, complex, or both for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the need for a large domain to fragment via strong vassals (i.e. interesting npc's).

[Lawgiver]

It's been forever since I've been by, but thought I'd poke my head in. The following is a list of random events (not 100% done) from 10+ years ago.

If nothing else it's a source of inspiration for your own ideas:
http://fan_of_enoch.tripod.com/general_rules/expanded_random_events_table.htm

[AndrewTall]

Hmmm :) digs out the never-ending to-do list...

I've now added the examples from Lawgiver's list...