d6 Jobs with d6 Complications

25 Jul, 2023

Image: Jacques Callot, Enrolling from The Miseries of War, 1633. Public domain source.

The party has struck a truce with the sphinx at the heart of the ancient ruins. They share an adversary in the necromantic cult that seeks to resurrect the long dead sorcerer-kings of old, after all. The party's face asks the sphinx to join them in their upcoming battle. The sphinx is amenable, but needs them to do a little something first...

How do you handle a positive reaction roll? Many games have a ton of systems in place for what to do in combat, but few for how to negotiate an exchange of information or short term aid. This isn't a full-fledged system for that, but it might help improvise a small job that the NPCs might ask for mid-session in exchange for their aid or continued good grace.

1. Map an area for us, but...

1. it's a recon mission for an upcoming incursion into enemy territory. It's no good to us if you get noticed.
2. it's the movement range of a monster or band. Follow them and track the timing too.
3. no one knows where it is, at least not within living memory.
4. we just sent another expedition. You'll need to report back first.
5. it's subject to an extreme climate condition.
6. we need it done professionally. Escort our cartographer and make sure they aren't disturbed.

2. Acquire an object for us, but...

1. it's a person actually. They're a prisoner in need of rescue.
2. it's a person actually. Any lieutenant or person of interest in the enemy camp will do.
3. it's deeply cursed.
4. it's buried in the hide/gullet of a monster.
5. no one can know it's missing. Here's a counterfeit to substitute for it.
6. we're only borrowing it. You'll need to put it back when we're done.

3. Hunt the beast for us, but...

1. the beast doesn't actually exist. You'll still need to bring back "evidence" of the kill.
2. the beast is a small band, planning a raid on this location.
3. the beast can only be detected / hurt with specialized equipment that we don't have.
4. the beast is cool, actually, and makes a counter offer.
5. the beast is a questing beast. Once you've encountered it, you'll never see it again.
6. the beast must be captured alive and returned here.

4. Interact with 1d2+1 sites for us, but...

1. the sites are far apart and must be activated simultaneously.
2. scorch the earth. Destroy each site, leaving no stone left standing.
3. the sites are shrines that need to be sanctified by this acolyte. Make sure no harm comes to them and that they are not swayed from their faith.
4. the sites are shrines to rival gods. Each god will be more jealous / outraged than the last.
5. the sites have not yet been built. You'll need to arrange for that.
6. the sites are under attack and must be defended.

5. Escort someone for us, but...

1. they're a prisoner whose band will try to spring them mid-journey.
2. they have a cumbersome vehicle or train of baggage that must come with them.
3. they are an enemy agent in disguise.
4. actually make sure they are never heard from again. Make it look like an accident.
5. they are a fresh recruit. Show them the ropes.
6. shadow them. Keep them safe, but don't let them know you are intervening on their behalf.

6. Recruit someone for us, but...

1. they're from the enemy faction.
2. we need a company of soldiers or a team of laborers. Anyone will do, but we need dozens.
3. they're a cantankerous hermit. They may be hard to find and harder to understand.
4. they're a scholar of the arcane / divine. You'll need something intriguing enough to lure them out of their study.
5. they're in our faction. We're staging a coup. Tonight.
6. they'll require persuading. Roll d66 to see what they'll need in return...

#generators