Pyske
10-27-2014, 03:39 AM
One of my players has, during an encounter with a fae sorceress, managed to take a couple actions whose import I am still considering... so I have come to you, my fellow GMs, to seek your thoughts on the matter.
Abbreviated background: After recently managing to get himself possessed by a demon, my PK ran off on his own, chasing down a band of fleeing Saxon raiders into the deep wilderness. He chased them obsessively for hours, exhausting himself. En route of his return, he dozed as he rode. He has recently encountered a lady, standing in the Wylye. She may be a dream, or a true fae, or both. She asked for his aid in retrieving her "bauble", which she has lost in the stream. He has recently heard tales of the lady and her sister, the Wylye Twins (pronounced "wily"), a duo of river spirits who play pranks on the unsuspecting.
Campaign style: Believe it or not, despite the vast amount of supernatural influence in the summary above, the campaign tries to be light on things which are clearly supernatural. In general, even the actions of Merlin and the like can often be explained as fortunate happenstance, dreams or gullible superstition, etc.
Current themes: The current storyline focuses on themes of filial duty, strong women (Jenna, Ellen, some PK daughters), and the repercussions of the Infamous Feast (knight shortage, widows, infighting, rule of the strongest, isolation and lack of reliable allies, threats from all sides).
The situation: The PK has voluntarily (without being asked) disrobed of his armour, metaphorically and physically making himself vulnerable to the lady. (His ulterior motive is to improve his swimming ability, of course.) Then, upon reaching the place where the lady stands, he has asked for her aid in keeping his balance, putting himself further in her power.
The fae: Whether this is truly the lady or merely a figment of his imagination, she is a trickster spirit, fickle as the waters. She is a winter spirit, with no compassion for mortal men, but no hatred for the PK either. All fae, however, respect a deal fairly struck, keep their word (legalistically, not in spirit), and repay a gift in kind. She is likely to enjoy meddling with the emotions of a mortal, particularly should he fail to be utterly seduced by her (which is likely, given that he is in love with another). The scenario is intended as a test, and he would be repayed with an equivalent reward, should he pass it, 'though that reward might not be physical or obvious (i.e. a "blessing" with the ladies, a mild winter, the ability to have one of his statements come to pass, etc).
The question: How does she react to his knowingly putting himself so dangerously within her power? Is she cruel? Does she hold up her end of the implicit "bargain", but amuse herself in some other way? If so, how?
I would welcome your ideas and brainstorming!
PS - If I can figure out how to do so on this forum, I will provide spoiler-blocked quotes of the interaction so far -- advantages of a play-by-post game.
Abbreviated background: After recently managing to get himself possessed by a demon, my PK ran off on his own, chasing down a band of fleeing Saxon raiders into the deep wilderness. He chased them obsessively for hours, exhausting himself. En route of his return, he dozed as he rode. He has recently encountered a lady, standing in the Wylye. She may be a dream, or a true fae, or both. She asked for his aid in retrieving her "bauble", which she has lost in the stream. He has recently heard tales of the lady and her sister, the Wylye Twins (pronounced "wily"), a duo of river spirits who play pranks on the unsuspecting.
Campaign style: Believe it or not, despite the vast amount of supernatural influence in the summary above, the campaign tries to be light on things which are clearly supernatural. In general, even the actions of Merlin and the like can often be explained as fortunate happenstance, dreams or gullible superstition, etc.
Current themes: The current storyline focuses on themes of filial duty, strong women (Jenna, Ellen, some PK daughters), and the repercussions of the Infamous Feast (knight shortage, widows, infighting, rule of the strongest, isolation and lack of reliable allies, threats from all sides).
The situation: The PK has voluntarily (without being asked) disrobed of his armour, metaphorically and physically making himself vulnerable to the lady. (His ulterior motive is to improve his swimming ability, of course.) Then, upon reaching the place where the lady stands, he has asked for her aid in keeping his balance, putting himself further in her power.
The fae: Whether this is truly the lady or merely a figment of his imagination, she is a trickster spirit, fickle as the waters. She is a winter spirit, with no compassion for mortal men, but no hatred for the PK either. All fae, however, respect a deal fairly struck, keep their word (legalistically, not in spirit), and repay a gift in kind. She is likely to enjoy meddling with the emotions of a mortal, particularly should he fail to be utterly seduced by her (which is likely, given that he is in love with another). The scenario is intended as a test, and he would be repayed with an equivalent reward, should he pass it, 'though that reward might not be physical or obvious (i.e. a "blessing" with the ladies, a mild winter, the ability to have one of his statements come to pass, etc).
The question: How does she react to his knowingly putting himself so dangerously within her power? Is she cruel? Does she hold up her end of the implicit "bargain", but amuse herself in some other way? If so, how?
I would welcome your ideas and brainstorming!
PS - If I can figure out how to do so on this forum, I will provide spoiler-blocked quotes of the interaction so far -- advantages of a play-by-post game.