Hello! I’m about to start running my first BW:G session, and I want to make sure the characters have appropriate and actionable beliefs. I feel like some of them are off to a good start, but there’s room for improvement in many. In particular, many of the players lack goals tied to the current situation, which I view as a failing on my part. I’d really appreciate some suggestions and feedback.
The Situation
Two of the characters are children of a new noble family, having been up-jumped by the king following a recent war. Previously, the father was a pirate, and after “loaning” the king and his vassals a significant amount of resources, he was given a noble lady to marry, and some lands to rule. He has two children; his first-born son (p1) and a daughter (p2), both of whom have been betrothed. The daughter’s soon-to-be husband is arriving to claim his bride, and he is bringing is bastard half-sister (p3), who has become somewhat of a matriarch to her own family. Skulking around all of them is a sailor (p4), a man who has found it difficult to give up the “old” ways of piracy.
As an added complication, the land the family now owns was taken from a neighboring noble, who has nursed a grudge ever since and intends to get it back. He might be “sponsoring” local bandit activity, in a bid to weaken the father’s credibility and press a claim for his own son to marry P2. This isn’t set in stone; I’m still considering who/what could be presented as an external antagonist.
Player 1 - The dutiful first son, who knows how tenuous the family’s position is, and wants to ensure it’s survival and prosperity.
[ul]
[li] Personal sacrifices must be made for the good of our family and smallfolk
[/li][li] The right choice is not always the moral or legal one
[/li][li] The family must persevere
[/li][/ul]
Player 2 - The willful daughter, who longs to become her own woman, regardless of what’s best for her family.
[ul]
[li] My family does not define me, I will step out of their shadow
[/li][li] Art can be more powerful than a weapon, but I will defend my life
[/li][li] If I need it more, it’s mine
[/li][/ul]
Player 3 - Half daughter of an older, more established house. She suspects these former pirates are not worthy to join with her own family.
[ul]
[li] My brother knows my worth, and soon all of my family will. I’ll ensure my brother’s betrothal is a suitable one, and find him a new one if it isn’t
[/li][li] P2 seems to be spoiled and flighty, and my brother deserves a dutiful wife. I must be wary of any unsuitable behavior or whims
[/li][li] Man’s world is harsh and violent to women, and I will do everything in my power to keep the women I care for safe
[/li][/ul]
Player 4 - The salty sailor, who never left his pirate roots behind.
[ul]
[li] The lords of the house don’t deserve to benefit from the work of us “merchants.” I aim to take what I’m owed
[/li][li] Fair fights are for lords and knights, and I’m neither
[/li][li] The life of piracy can’t last forever, so I’ll have to do whatever it takes to not end up a poor smuggler like my father
[/li][/ul]
Again, I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks again!