Re: Shadowed Path storyline OOC
I'm considering testing a mechanic idea inspired by LOTRO...
It would operate as follows:
Certain locations or entities would have a "Dread Rating". As characters enter those areas, or get closer to those entities, their "Dread" would increase, operating as a penalty to all rolls. The penalty goes away once the affected character is removed from the source of Dread.
Alternatively, there'd be a "Hope Rating" for certain other locations or entities, which would act similar, but give a bonus instead. Sources of Hope or Dread that come into conflict (i.e., two major NPCs present, one with a Hope Rating and one with a Dread Rating) would either completely cancel each other out, or the high one's effect would be reduced by the lower one's value.
So, for instance, a Dread 8 (-8) NPC is challenged by a Hope 14 (+14) NPC. End result for others in the area: +6 bonus to all rolls.
Probably a fair bit higher than what I'd use in game, but that's just an example of what I'm meaning.