Fantasy Core RPG--Title Level Class Goals

FANTASY CORE RPG
(c) Jerry Harris, 2012
Published here as Open Game Content.

Again, these are totally optional and are simply to provide some possible directions for play. Feel free to carve your own path. Not all the classes have formal hierarchies that would translate to social interactions, particularly rangers, flying warriors, and shamen. However, these classes still interact with nobility and are competing for their favor against others.



Barbarian
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Goal: Glory. Barbarians desire to be immortalized by their deeds.

Power Structure: Barbarians may wish to take over their native clan (and then maybe rally them to take over their nearest enemy) or to enter the nobility of a civilized country via the meritorious service or wealth. They will require force to take any throne there. Anyone seeking to topple a ruler will certainly need the support of a general and their army. Barbarian kings do not grow old and die; they seek to go out in a blaze of glory in battle.



Paladin
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Goal: Favor. Paladins want their deeds to be acceptable to their elders and God.

Power Structure: As noted in the class description, at 10th level, a paladin may apply to the Circle of Elders. This will entail additional responsibilities (especially training new paladin candidates at the academy) and tasks. The Cardinal Elder is the most senior and respected leader of the Circle. Also called God's Lieutenant, the Cardinal Elder and is elected by the Circle and must be anointed by the previous Cardinal Elder (or the entire Circle, if there is no Cardinal Elder or there is a schism). They are also a full cardinal in the Church hierarchy and report directly to the Pope (or by whatever title is used in the game).

There is competition within the Circle to become the Cardinal Elder's Nephew. This is a non-hereditary position as the Cardinal's right hand man and most trusted advisor. It's also the most direct path to become the Cardinal Elder. Direct bloodshed to achieve this position is almost unthinkable, though unsavory actions and alliances are known to occur.


Knight
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Goal: Prestige. Knights want wealth and status.

Power Structure: Knights are either already nobility or are in need of restoring it. By 10th level, they may seek entry into the Royal court. From there, they may aspire to ascend to the throne itself. Normally this change in power occurs via political maneuvering and alliances rather than overt force, though certainly some single-combat will occur.

(Standard Fighters seek Rank. At 10th level, they may become a high-level officer. Their ultimate goals would be castle castelan, general, or city mayor, depending on their profession.)


Ranger
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Goal: Confidence. Rangers want to be seen as capable leaders in their community and amongst their fraternity.

Power Structure: While there isn't a formal political structure among the rangers, they may become town sheriffs or even royal field agents (Wardens) at 10th level. Rangers will not fight amongst themselves over leadership in times of an emergency. They will naturally rally around their most capable member (determined by their past accomplishments), naming them Chief Warden, and taking direction from them. There is an informal competition among rangers for deeds, although direct promotion of them by the ranger themselves is a faux pas. With the support of the rangers, a Chief Warden's goals may broaden (like forming a rebellion against royal tyranny).


Thief
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Goal: Reputation. While their achievements may be low-key among the general populace, a thief wants their biggest scores and kills to be well known among their peers.

Power Structure: All thieves chafe from having to work under a thieves guild, but it's better than being hunted down by one. What the guild does provide is initial training, some protection against the law, legal services, safe houses when things get hot, and a fencing service for stolen goods. The guild takes a cut on big scores, expects dues (5 gp/level/month), and the occasional favor for the guild master.

A thief has several options for advancement at 10th level. They may wish to take over their thieves guild by killing the master. They may want to found their own guild as a rival or in a city without an organized one. With enough powerful friends (such as adventuring buddies who have achieved titles), a thief might go independent, taking on a nebulous position in a lord's court. They would have some protection from the guild there, in return for some favors. A thief may even choose to go legit as a merchant, with a shady past and some questionable activities on the side.

A thief may eventually become powerful enough to force tribute from other thieves guilds in the country, becoming the Godfather. An independent thief or merchant, with enough money and knowing enough of other people's secrets, can force their way into nobility and a title, even up to Prime Minister to the king.



Wizard
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Goal: Renown. Wizards want their powers to be known far and wide.

Power Structure: As noted in the class description, wizards may apply to join the Wizard Council at 10th level. This will entail responsibilities (especially training apprentices) and occasional tasks for the Council. The Council is lead by the Magnus, the most powerful, experienced caster. Leadership is taken only by formal challenge and a duel (to the death, if the combatants truly dislike each other). The Council is also large and diverse enough that various cabals come and go in power and in influence on the Magnus. Any wizard of 10th level that is not in the Council, will be challenged by a group lead by the Magnus. This might not end in conflict; there are negotiated settlements.


It should also be noted, wizards may spend 10 XP to gain a +1 to their Spell Checks. This does offer the possibility of getting better odds of casting higher level (6 and up) spells.

Of note to demi-human characters, a halfling enchantress might make it into the Council, but only one at a time. At this level, with this power, they are not well trusted, so she will need a lot of friendly support.