Difference between revisions of "Leverage (sage ability)"

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Enables the character to request favours without entering into an ally's debt, as was described in [[Schmooze (sage ability)|schmoozing]]. This is done through the accumulation of allies, for each new ally provides the potential for dirt upon every other ally who is known to both the ally and the character.
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[[File:Leverage (sage ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
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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 value of the skill is, like functionary, in gaining multiple allies within a single [[Locality|locality]]. Even the lowliest ally, a beggar or a charwoman, will tend to accumulate information upon other locals, however high might be their status. Therefore, whenever an additional ally is gained, the player should make two checks.
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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.
:#When a new ally is obtained, roll a d20 for each ally the character already possesses. If a 1 is rolled, this indicates that the new ally has provided information that can be used in exchange for a free favour from one of the character's existing allies.
 
:#Similarly, each previous ally may hold information regarding the newest ally. Thus a d20 for each previous is rolled to determine how many favours may be gained from the new ally. For each 1 rolled, one free favour may be requested.
 
  
The favours from any individual must be requested no less than in one week intervals. None of the information obtained can be used for more than the number of favours indicated; once the leverage is gained, the ally relationship to the character reverts to that described under Schmooze.
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== Missions ==
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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.
  
Note also that the character need not reveal one ally to another by this process - the character is assumed to be merely inquiring quietly about another person within the locality.
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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.
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== Donations ==
See [[Politics (sage study)|Politics]]
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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.
[[Category:Placeholder]]
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See also,<br>
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[[Schmooze (sage ability)]]<br>
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[[The Church (sage field)]]
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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)