Party Politics and Policies

Well, folks, it is Election Day, and I don't know about you but I've already went and casted my vote. So, if you haven't voted, make sure you do, and if you don't plan on voting then don't complain! But with today being Election Day, I thought I'd talk a little bit about Party Politics and Policies. And we aren't talking about Republicans, Democrats, or taxes. We're talking about playing "political" character, inter-party (that is, adventuring party!) politics, and party (once again, the fun kind!) policies. So, let's jump right into this.

Untold is advertised as a fast and furious RPG, with a lot of action and chances for heroics. However, don't let this action packed setting fool you. There are still plenty of chances for the more subtle play style, and several cards that provide you with the option to take the politically correct way out. Now, ofcourse, you're going to need to use these cards in the correct setting. If you're playing in a meat grinder setting, where the goal is to score as many zombie kills as possible, then you're smooth talking Klik might not be so useful. But given the right setting, you can really make a political character shine.

So, where are these awesome, non-combatant cards? Well, the honest answer is all over, really. Most decks have atleast one or two cards that can be used in a political way. But some decks, like one of my favorites, Gifts of Maoru, is packed to the brim with cards that can be used to devastating effect in a non-combative environment. Cards like Charm, Mind Control, and Mirth can all be used to sway the conversation your way. But even more aggressive cards like Mind Lash, Mental Susurrus, Fearful Mien and Phantasm can be used in this setting. But other cards like Diplomatic, Silver-tongued, and Verbose can be used as well. Keep in mind that you need to pick the right moment to use cards like these, when they can be most effective.

Which brings us to our second topic: Inter-party politics. This subject is two-fold. When I say inter-party politics, I mean both the interactions between Characters as well as the interaction between Players. In several different games with different groups, I've seen Characters play individuals against the others, and interestingly enough, I've seen similar actions from Players. Once again, this can create some interesting games and situations. Playing political, non-combative can be a little tricky, because you are trying to have fun, but at the same time you don't want to hurt anyones feelings. There are a few simple ways to make sure that the game stays a game, and no ones toes are stepped on. First off, at the beginning of each game, put a disclaimer: This is a game. It isn't real or personal. Relax, and try to have fun. Secondly, the GM handles all disputes and breaks all ties, and if an argument breaks out, the GM is one who makes the final call. As a GM, try to end the arguments quickly, and I'm not afraid of "punishing" people in-game for being a troublemaker. You never know when a Flux portal might randomly open and deposit a player in a pit full of hungry Ravagers...just sayin'...

Some other Party policies that you could employ in this setting. A personal favorite of mine is having the party elect a Character to be leader. This leader, who must be elected and choose to accept the position, is henceforth responsible for breaking all arguments and disputes, etc. But keep in mind that the "goals" in non-combative games can be difficult to define, so you need to make sure things like the settings, goals, etc., are clearly defined for the Players as well. For example, a certain goal might be to be elected the leader of a Churl tribe or Confederation. There are contests to display physical strength, but the final decision is made by a vote of a council. The goal then is to win over all the voting members, whether that is by deceit, blackmail, or other means, is up to the Players.

Well, that's going to wrap things up for today. Once again, not sure what we'll be tackling next week, but you'll be the first to know. Until then, thanks for reading and have fun!