Hi, I have an idea what could make Ironsworn even better game than it is now: another kind of progress track and...
Hi, I have an idea what could make Ironsworn even better game than it is now: another kind of progress track and corresponding set of moves, named “Social challenges” or something in this style.
At the moment, we have 4 kinds of progress tracks: for iron vows, journeys, battles and bonds. Excluding the last one which has different purposes, these are three things in Ironsworn that have various challenge ranks, from “troublesome” to “epic”.
But what about social challenges? Sure, there is “Compel” move. The problem is that making this move has always the same chance of success, regardless if you are trying to compel a farmer or a chieftain.
So I propose to introduce a progress track for social challenges, and the challenge rank (all possibilities, ranging from “troublesome” to “epic”) would depend on three things:
1. The difference between the social status of player’s character and his/her debater. It’s much more difficult to persuade or intimidate the tribal chieftain than poor farmer.
2. The difference between the number of supporters of both player’s character and his/her debater. It’s much more difficult to persuade or intimidate someone who has a band of warriors at his/her orders.
3. The power of arguments that both sides can use – be it material evidence, witnesses etc. It’s much more difficult to convince the tribal chieftain about the need of prepare for incoming invasion when you don’t have any proof other than your words that any threat exists!
In additions, a couple of new moves could be introduced. They could be well inspired by the combat moves, altogether with the initiative rules:
1. “Enter the Discussion” as an equivalent of “Enter the Fray”
2. “Make a Claim” as an equivalent of “Strike”
3. “Riposte” as an equivalent of “Clash”
4. “Desperate Argument” as an equivalent of “Turn the Tide”
5. “End the Discussion” as an equivalent of “End the Fight”
6. “Compel” (in its current form) as an equivalent of “Battle” – for those situations when you want to zoom out and resolve a debate in a single roll.
7. Exactly as in case of combat moves, some other moves like “Face Danger”, “Aid an Ally” (and perhaps even “Swear an Iron Vow”) could be used in Social Challenges.
A new asset such as “Orator” could be a good addition to this.
How do you like my idea? I can expand it, if there is a need to.
At the moment, we have 4 kinds of progress tracks: for iron vows, journeys, battles and bonds. Excluding the last one which has different purposes, these are three things in Ironsworn that have various challenge ranks, from “troublesome” to “epic”.
But what about social challenges? Sure, there is “Compel” move. The problem is that making this move has always the same chance of success, regardless if you are trying to compel a farmer or a chieftain.
So I propose to introduce a progress track for social challenges, and the challenge rank (all possibilities, ranging from “troublesome” to “epic”) would depend on three things:
1. The difference between the social status of player’s character and his/her debater. It’s much more difficult to persuade or intimidate the tribal chieftain than poor farmer.
2. The difference between the number of supporters of both player’s character and his/her debater. It’s much more difficult to persuade or intimidate someone who has a band of warriors at his/her orders.
3. The power of arguments that both sides can use – be it material evidence, witnesses etc. It’s much more difficult to convince the tribal chieftain about the need of prepare for incoming invasion when you don’t have any proof other than your words that any threat exists!
In additions, a couple of new moves could be introduced. They could be well inspired by the combat moves, altogether with the initiative rules:
1. “Enter the Discussion” as an equivalent of “Enter the Fray”
2. “Make a Claim” as an equivalent of “Strike”
3. “Riposte” as an equivalent of “Clash”
4. “Desperate Argument” as an equivalent of “Turn the Tide”
5. “End the Discussion” as an equivalent of “End the Fight”
6. “Compel” (in its current form) as an equivalent of “Battle” – for those situations when you want to zoom out and resolve a debate in a single roll.
7. Exactly as in case of combat moves, some other moves like “Face Danger”, “Aid an Ally” (and perhaps even “Swear an Iron Vow”) could be used in Social Challenges.
A new asset such as “Orator” could be a good addition to this.
How do you like my idea? I can expand it, if there is a need to.
Of course, it's useful in specific settings. Simply reskinning other moves it's good and easy, so why not?
ReplyDeletePS did you see the Scene Challenge, pag. 235? I suggested them, 'cause they are very useful when you need to manage a short scene (debate, chase, etc.) with a little bit more detail than a single roll. You could elaborate using them as a starting point, also.