Difference between revisions of "Leverage (sage ability)"

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[[File:Leverage (sage ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Leverage (sage ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
'''Leverage''' is an [[Knowledge Points|authority]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] that permits the character to impose a favour upon an existing [[Follower|follower]]. The [[Non-player Character|non-player character]] must have been an associate of the character for at least a month, and the individual must be confirmed as a follower by the DM.
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'''Leverage''' is an [[Knowledge Points|authority]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Politics (sage study)|Politics]], allowing the character to call upon a [[Follower|follower]] for a favour. The follower must have been associated with the character for at least a month and must be officially recognised as such by the DM.
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The skilled character can invoke leverage once every six months, requesting up to one week of service from the follower. During this period, the follower is considered a temporary "[[Retainer|retainer]]," while the character assumes the role of a "liege." The follower's acceptance is automatic — no die roll is required. For the duration of the week, the retainer follows the liege's orders out of duty and obligation. However, if the follower's [[Morale|morale]] is 6 or higher, treat it as 5 for the duration of the service.
  
The skilled character may leverage the follower once every six months, asking up to one week's service, transforming the follower into a temporary "vassal" and the character into a "liege." Acceptance is assumed; no die is neededDuring the week, the vassal is bound to the liege's service. He or she will act as ordered, as a matter of honour; if the vassal's [[Morale|morale]] is 6 or more, treat as a morale of 5.
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There is no limit to how many followers a character can leverage at once, apart from the total number they haveFollowers must be earned through game playOne of its strongest aspects is its flexibility — it doesn't force retainers into suicidal loyalty but instead acknowledges that followers have agency, particularly when sent on independent missions. The morale reduction adds another layer of nuance, subtly reducing blind obedience and reinforcing the idea that followers are still individuals with their own fears and concerns.
 
 
Any number of followers can be invoked in this manner, limited only by however many the character has.  
 
  
 
== Missions ==
 
== Missions ==
So long as the vassal remains in the liege's company, the vassal agrees to face whatever danger the liege intends. However, if the vassal is sent on a mission, out of the character's company, expect the vassal to use his or her own judgement, with survival being more important than success. Furthermore, the mission cannot require more than one week of the vassal's time.
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When serving in the liege's company, the retainer accepts whatever risks or dangers the liege faces. If sent on a separate mission, however, the retainer prioritises survival over success. The mission must also be reasonable in scope, requiring no more than one week of the retainer's time.
  
During this time, however, the vassal will undertake to perform any duties that have been asked, including undertaking creative tasks, fetch things, converse with associates or spread goodwill, bear a message, guard a location and other things of this nature.
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During this time, the retainer will faithfully carry out any requested tasks, such as undertaking creative work, retrieving objects, conversing with associates, spreading goodwill, delivering messages, guarding a location or other similar duties.
  
 
== Donations ==
 
== Donations ==
Leverage may be used to make a request of [[Coin (monetary unit)|money]], which needn't be paid back. As ever, requests can be made six months or more apart — but no more than 50 g.p. can be asked. These gifts are described as "donations," expressed with the intent that the money will be used for "good purposes" and not merely to line the leveraging character's pocket.
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Leverage may also be used to request a financial contribution from a follower, known as a "donation," which does not need to be repaid. This request, like service, can be made only once every six months. However, the amount given is limited to a maximum of 50 g.p. per request. These donations are expected to be for a meaningful or noble purpose rather than personal enrichment.
  
  
 
See also,<br>
 
See also,<br>
[[Politics (sage study)]]<br>
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[[Schmooze (sage ability)]]<br>
[[Schmooze (sage ability)]]
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[[The Church (sage field)]]
  
[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Don't Review until 2023]]
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[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 16:03, 18 March 2025

Leverage (sage ability).jpg

Leverage is an authority-status sage ability in the study of Politics, allowing the character to call upon a follower for a favour. The follower must have been associated with the character for at least a month and must be officially recognised as such by the DM.

The skilled character can invoke leverage once every six months, requesting up to one week of service from the follower. During this period, the follower is considered a temporary "retainer," while the character assumes the role of a "liege." The follower's acceptance is automatic — no die roll is required. For the duration of the week, the retainer follows the liege's orders out of duty and obligation. However, if the follower's morale is 6 or higher, treat it as 5 for the duration of the service.

There is no limit to how many followers a character can leverage at once, apart from the total number they have. Followers must be earned through game play. One of its strongest aspects is its flexibility — it doesn't force retainers into suicidal loyalty but instead acknowledges that followers have agency, particularly when sent on independent missions. The morale reduction adds another layer of nuance, subtly reducing blind obedience and reinforcing the idea that followers are still individuals with their own fears and concerns.

Missions

When serving in the liege's company, the retainer accepts whatever risks or dangers the liege faces. If sent on a separate mission, however, the retainer prioritises survival over success. The mission must also be reasonable in scope, requiring no more than one week of the retainer's time.

During this time, the retainer will faithfully carry out any requested tasks, such as undertaking creative work, retrieving objects, conversing with associates, spreading goodwill, delivering messages, guarding a location or other similar duties.

Donations

Leverage may also be used to request a financial contribution from a follower, known as a "donation," which does not need to be repaid. This request, like service, can be made only once every six months. However, the amount given is limited to a maximum of 50 g.p. per request. These donations are expected to be for a meaningful or noble purpose rather than personal enrichment.


See also,
Schmooze (sage ability)
The Church (sage field)