Intro
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For levels one to ten, Fantasy Core characters are building up their wealth, gaining some local fame, and making some noble/higher society connections. At that point, the characters have maxed out martially and skill-wise. (Wizards still have some ability to expand their personal power.) But with wealth and a reputation, the characters can now attempt to enter the power structure of their society. From there, they can find patrons to fund exploits or even larger mandates on a grander scale to achieve lasting, far-reaching fame.
I bought a book for my dad for Christmas called “Explorers” by the Smithsonian Institution, about world famous explorers. After perusing it, I had revelation about Title Level characters. The explorers listed within were generally from a noble class, had some personal wealth, and were highly experienced in their fields. They had to work with the ruling powers for funding, or perhaps there was a large bounty offered, or even a national imperative was in place. They had professional rivals for noble favor and for achieving goals, whom they could not simply kill or duel to get out of the way.
(Whatever personal animosity rival explorers may have had for each other, they generally professionally respected one another. We read about Amunden beating out his arch-rival Scott to reach the South Pole. When honored for his accomplishment, he said he would gladly forgo fame and reward that the Scott party had returned alive. The Apollo 11 astronauts planted an American flag on the moon and a Soviet medal, to honor the recently deceased Yuri Gagarian. Of course, nobody expects players or NPC’s to be so gracious.)
Sounds like a Title Level character to me. These are some ideas for new challenges for these characters. Feel free to do your own research to fill out these summaries (because even typing out these little capsules was like doing a book report). Steal bits and pieces from here and there. Of course all of these ideas need is orcs added to them, as well as some side quests and other tangible goals. Some of these would also work great as scenarios for Pulp Fantasy Core. Following lost expeditions are great fodder for adventures.
The Title Level characters would be leading an expedition of many people. They’d be responsible for them, as well making them accountable. Mistreatment or constant exposure to overwhelming circumstances may require a Respect roll or better motivation to avoid mutiny. Protégé characters would be excellent for adventures involving minor or side objectives and reconnaissance. Managing people and resources and making strategic decisions would be the primary responsibility for Title Level characters, rather than body count and booty.
The Explorers
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(These aren't in much of an order.)
Hanno the Navigator: Carthaginian explorer who took a fleet around the west coast of Africa. He encountered a savage tribe of ape-men.
Zhang Qian: Imperial Chinese envoy. He visited other far neighboring countries on trade missions, as well as courting allies against enemy nations.
Leif Eriksson: First European explorer of North America (rumors of an Egyptian colony notwithstanding). Born in Iceland and a settler in Greenland (which his father, Erik the Red, discovered). The Vikings made three recorded attempts at settling “Vinland,” but distance and hostile natives repulsed them. Encroaching ice and distance would also eventually cause the Greenland colony to be abandoned.
Fa Xian: Buddhist missionary. Visiting temples in Asia and India. Pilgrims from China went into these areas to search out the origin of their faith, to find and translate ancient texts (sutras). It was a risky adventure with other hostile faiths, wars, and bandits often blocking the ways there and back.
Xuanzang: Went searching for Buddhist sutras in India. There was a fantasy novel about his trip, “Journey to the West,” or “Monkey,” wherein he and his animal companions fought monsters along the way.
To be continued.
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