Post by graelth on Nov 17, 2019 9:54:29 GMT -6
A bit of an open question. The 3LBB are extremely vague on this subject—we only hear that 1st level characters start from a baseline offer of 100gp. Men-at-arms are given a monthly support cost but their wages aren't described. I am curious what you all have done in the past. How much do you pay for normal men (aka men-at-arms) or monster/unusual types? I'll start...
I typically expect the players to offer double the men-at-arms' support cost as a monthly salary (this, however, does include upkeep cost) and hiring is automatic. The "faithful" men that follow a Patriarch and the men who serve their Baron by decree only require their monthly upkeep cost (although they cannot be taxed). Monsters and characters higher than level 1 are only encountered in the dungeon and can be hired for a baseline offer of 100 gp per HD or level (plus a bonus for special abilities, hit point bonuses etc.). These must roll to see if they accept the offer. Specialists obviously have their own fees, as described in Book 3.
That is my starting point... if the players offer substantially more, I'll give them a +1 on the reaction test for hiring characters/monsters (+2 if double a normal offer, +3 if triple offer) or, in the case of hiring men-at-arms, I'll have more candidates show up when the offer is above normal rates (since hiring them is automatic).
Moreover, characters and monsters always expect a share of treasure and might desire specific magical items, either up front or as part of their treasure shares, but they do not expect monthly payment nor upkeep. These unusual-types are essentially followers drawn to the player's charisma instead of salaried employees, and are thus limited by the player's charisma. Men-at-arms are not limited in number and do not require a share of the treasure, but if they are involved in a particularly dangerous adventure (i.e. one trip to the dungeon and back, or one bout of wandering in the wilderness) they will expect an entire month's pay (or some multiple thereof) just for that adventure alone, above and beyond their regular salary. They may do the same even if adversity was not faced, in cases where the player came into a windfall of discovered treasure, although this may depend on how well they've been treated overall. If a player refuses to give a character, monster or group of men-at-arms what they feel is due to them, they will check reaction. If a player ever has excess charismatic followers (i.e. monsters and characters), his charisma followers will also check reaction when they are told to do something (-1 modifier for every excess follower), due to interpersonal squabbles and competition between the followers (with a failure likely resulting in the follower leaving in a huff). An "uncertain" reaction in any of these cases will mean a hireling will not be reliable until demands are met.
I typically expect the players to offer double the men-at-arms' support cost as a monthly salary (this, however, does include upkeep cost) and hiring is automatic. The "faithful" men that follow a Patriarch and the men who serve their Baron by decree only require their monthly upkeep cost (although they cannot be taxed). Monsters and characters higher than level 1 are only encountered in the dungeon and can be hired for a baseline offer of 100 gp per HD or level (plus a bonus for special abilities, hit point bonuses etc.). These must roll to see if they accept the offer. Specialists obviously have their own fees, as described in Book 3.
That is my starting point... if the players offer substantially more, I'll give them a +1 on the reaction test for hiring characters/monsters (+2 if double a normal offer, +3 if triple offer) or, in the case of hiring men-at-arms, I'll have more candidates show up when the offer is above normal rates (since hiring them is automatic).
Moreover, characters and monsters always expect a share of treasure and might desire specific magical items, either up front or as part of their treasure shares, but they do not expect monthly payment nor upkeep. These unusual-types are essentially followers drawn to the player's charisma instead of salaried employees, and are thus limited by the player's charisma. Men-at-arms are not limited in number and do not require a share of the treasure, but if they are involved in a particularly dangerous adventure (i.e. one trip to the dungeon and back, or one bout of wandering in the wilderness) they will expect an entire month's pay (or some multiple thereof) just for that adventure alone, above and beyond their regular salary. They may do the same even if adversity was not faced, in cases where the player came into a windfall of discovered treasure, although this may depend on how well they've been treated overall. If a player refuses to give a character, monster or group of men-at-arms what they feel is due to them, they will check reaction. If a player ever has excess charismatic followers (i.e. monsters and characters), his charisma followers will also check reaction when they are told to do something (-1 modifier for every excess follower), due to interpersonal squabbles and competition between the followers (with a failure likely resulting in the follower leaving in a huff). An "uncertain" reaction in any of these cases will mean a hireling will not be reliable until demands are met.
