Originally Posted by Gray Ghost
I also don't think roleplay needs to be tied to mechanics to be deep and meaningful,

This is limitation of RP in CRPGs. In table top the relationship would play out with some game advantages naturally. There would be no "mechanic" needed as the players would build a rapport and just naturally do things to compliment the other. In CRPG the RP elements are limited in depth and so the natural benefits of an RP relationship, friend or otherwise needs a bit of game mechanics help to work.

It is in essence much the same as a reputation mechanic. As you do nice things for the villagers (slay the local monster, drive off a bandit raid or recover an item for someone) they respond more positive you (at least a good game would this happen) resulting in you seeing lower prices for services or perhaps special quests you could not get otherwise. The same goes for going negative where prices go up, or perhaps cannot do business at all, might even have the villagers actively try to kill you. It is a mechanic to reflect the result of how you act to people around (RP)

The same could be implemented as discussed for more direct personal relationships and BG3 does this every so slightly. You can make a companion so mad they leave you. The issue in BG3 is a lack of nuance. They either hate you, want to have sex with you or just are there.



BTW, thank you EVERYONE taking part for a mature discussion on this.

Last edited by Zentu; 25/11/23 05:33 PM.