So my players seem to always want to go to a tavern after large milestones and hit on NPC and pick them up. I initially thought it would be a one off early in the campaign so I made it a simple persuasion check at the time. However, since they keep going back to this I’m looking for a way to make it more involved and interesting, so I’m looking for ideas on different mechanic/checks to make it a more complete and interesting mechanic.
Okay, do you enjoy this aspect of the game that the player is focused on? Is it interesting to the other players, or are they groaning that the walking groin is trying to shack up with another NPC? Chances are likely that if you are playing with self actualized adults or at least people that realize that romancing the puppet the DM is creating for them is extremely shallow, then they will not be interested in the activity the walking groin is interested in. Moreover, if you are uninterested, or even uncomfortable going down the pg-13 to XXX rated RPG rabbit hole with the Player then just nod when the Player indicates his character's choice of action, allow them one initial opening line of banter (which you do not have to respond to), have them roll persuasion if you care to, and based on your adjudication fade to black on that PC.
Then turn to the other PCs and have an interesting session.
All 4 players enjoying flirting with NPC (to varying degrees), and no players have an issue when another character is doing it. When they are at a tavern I bounce between the 4 of them, slowly going farther into their night. Next session they have already all suggested having a down-time session, since some heavy stuff recently happened in campaign, but I can see this formula getting boring so I am proactively seeking ways to make it more interesting. I am more looking for more checks to make, so the players make more rolls, to make it feel more like a game rather than me determining what happens - they always prefer that approach. In case knowing the classes and their approaches may be helpful:
The Bard likes to play music at the tavern, typically using Enthralling Performance to get hype men, and then goes and hits on women.
The Barbarian is the strong buffoon, say's something stupid and usually has people reject him, but dammit if he's not determined.
The Cleric who kinda just walks up to guys flirts and then asks if they want to go to her room - seems to be effective so far haha.
The Drow Necromancer Wizard who broods in the corner, unsure how to talk to people, may explain history or magic to people, hoping to impress them.
Okay, determine what factors surround the NPC. Is the NPC in a relationship? Is there someone that "thinks" they are already in a relationship with the NPC? Does the PC have the makings of a player reputation? Is the NPC just weak at the knees when they hear music or tales from the Capital (likely because they are not from there!) Is the NPC looking for more than just a night and instead looking to develop a long-term relationship? In short, don't just make them another wench/jim to roll, make them a character. If you do this, even if you don't roll dice...dice are fickle tyrants...if will be rewarding for you and the player.
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So my players seem to always want to go to a tavern after large milestones and hit on NPC and pick them up. I initially thought it would be a one off early in the campaign so I made it a simple persuasion check at the time. However, since they keep going back to this I’m looking for a way to make it more involved and interesting, so I’m looking for ideas on different mechanic/checks to make it a more complete and interesting mechanic.
Okay, do you enjoy this aspect of the game that the player is focused on? Is it interesting to the other players, or are they groaning that the walking groin is trying to shack up with another NPC? Chances are likely that if you are playing with self actualized adults or at least people that realize that romancing the puppet the DM is creating for them is extremely shallow, then they will not be interested in the activity the walking groin is interested in. Moreover, if you are uninterested, or even uncomfortable going down the pg-13 to XXX rated RPG rabbit hole with the Player then just nod when the Player indicates his character's choice of action, allow them one initial opening line of banter (which you do not have to respond to), have them roll persuasion if you care to, and based on your adjudication fade to black on that PC.
Then turn to the other PCs and have an interesting session.
-Hawk
All 4 players enjoying flirting with NPC (to varying degrees), and no players have an issue when another character is doing it. When they are at a tavern I bounce between the 4 of them, slowly going farther into their night. Next session they have already all suggested having a down-time session, since some heavy stuff recently happened in campaign, but I can see this formula getting boring so I am proactively seeking ways to make it more interesting. I am more looking for more checks to make, so the players make more rolls, to make it feel more like a game rather than me determining what happens - they always prefer that approach. In case knowing the classes and their approaches may be helpful:
The Bard likes to play music at the tavern, typically using Enthralling Performance to get hype men, and then goes and hits on women.
The Barbarian is the strong buffoon, say's something stupid and usually has people reject him, but dammit if he's not determined.
The Cleric who kinda just walks up to guys flirts and then asks if they want to go to her room - seems to be effective so far haha.
The Drow Necromancer Wizard who broods in the corner, unsure how to talk to people, may explain history or magic to people, hoping to impress them.
Okay, determine what factors surround the NPC. Is the NPC in a relationship? Is there someone that "thinks" they are already in a relationship with the NPC? Does the PC have the makings of a player reputation? Is the NPC just weak at the knees when they hear music or tales from the Capital (likely because they are not from there!) Is the NPC looking for more than just a night and instead looking to develop a long-term relationship? In short, don't just make them another wench/jim to roll, make them a character. If you do this, even if you don't roll dice...dice are fickle tyrants...if will be rewarding for you and the player.