While I was doing my dishes from supper, my thoughts wandered and for some reason, people from my past whose reactions to minor slights came to mind. I thought of those who had a negative reaction to something minor (in my perception), and some had a strongly negative reaction that colored how we interacted from then on.

RPG Angle

The RPG aspect of this came to me. What if we classified NPCs based on their reactions to slights, errors, and failures? This could apply to any NPC, but it would be more interesting to use it for pre-selected NPCs so you can plan out how a negative reaction manifests.

More simply, those who hire PCs to do a job might be offended by some cultural gaffe that is generally considered inappropriate. The leader of the town takes it personally and from then on only turns to the PCs for help when there is no other choice. Reneging on payment, setting them up to fail, and outright vengeance such as hired assassins. The reactions some people have to things can come across as flat out insane.

It could be that only one character has earned the ire of the NPC, and they try to convince the others to leave the offender out of their business dealings.

Rough Tables

Here are some rough tables to outline what I’m thinking. This definitely needs more polish, but I want to get the idea down while it is fresh. Keep in mind that these are for individuals who have a petty mind and make lemons seem sweet. They will be abrupt, just the facts, get the offender(s) out of their presence ASAP.

Some of the behaviors will be actively avoiding the offender(s). For example, never using the same door as the offender(s), pretending to not be home, pretending they don’t see or hear the offender, etc.

Minor Slight & how perceived by the offended:

• Minor – No big deal (This doesn’t belong here because you didn’t make it to THE LIST.)
• Minor but it rankles to their dying day. They tell everyone about it, and when the offender is present will point them out to all who will hear. Look down their nose at the offender(s).
• Medium –
• Major –
• The worst thing ever! They see the offender as their nemesis.

Disposition to the Player(s):

• Neutral – What can the player(s) do for me? Won’t voluntarily aid the player(s), without some great compulsion.
• Negative, Minor – Will throw up red tape, delays, and generally unhelpful. Player(s) will sit in the waiting room and will always go in last, unless there is for some reason, another person or group higher on THE LIST.
• Negative, Medium – Will instruct underlings to not help the player(s). Some underlings will be apologetic for their superior’s behavior. No guilt about sending player(s) on a suicide mission. Disappointed if they survive, even if a success.
• Negative, Major – Underlings are instructed to actively delay, hinder, annoy, and seek to damage the offender(s). Damage may be to reputation, relationships, or life.
• Negative, Ridiculous – Will hire others to maim or kill the offender(s).

Can it be rectified?

Is there anyway to remove the animosity? For some, they may just drop a notch on their disposition to the offender(s).

• Charm Person and Suggestion can temporarily resolve it.
• Forget if cast close enough in time to the affront.
• Only a Limited Wish, Wish, or Alter Reality spell could do it.
• Divine intervention.
• Saving their life.
  • For some not even saving their life will make them change their mind.
• Saving a loved one’s life.
  • For some this too is not enough.
• Taking out someone higher on THE LIST than the offender(s).
  • May not work for some.

Conclusion

The above is only a rough idea of what can be done with this idea. A similar exercise with other traits of people you have encountered in life can be used to build a similar set of tables.  Not all tables need be rollable tables. They can be idea tables that you read to get a kickstart for brainstorming your own ideas.

Have you had success with filtering an idea through an RPG lense to get something to help you with game preparation or use at the table? Please share it in the comments!