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dedicated to preserving the natural order-might be MAGIC IN YouR WoRLD
less friendly toward characters who have not cultivated
at least 3 renown within that organization, becoming In most D&D worlds, magic is natural but still wondrous
-riendly by default only when a character has gained 10 and sometimes frightening. People everywhere know
renown within the Emerald Enclave. These thresholds about magic, and most people see evidence of it at some
apply only to the default attitude of most members of an point in their lives. It permeates the cosmos and moves
organization, and such attitudes aren't automatic. NPC through the ancient possessions of legendary heroes,
faction members might dislike an adventurer despite the mysterious ruins of fallen empires, those touched
that character's renown-or perhaps because of it. by the gods, creatures born with supernatural power,
Perks. Earning a rank within an organization comes and individuals who study the secrets of the multiverse.
with certain benefits, as defined by you. A character of Histories and fireside tales are filled with the exploits of
low rank might gain access to a reliable contact and those who wield it.
adventure leads, a safe house, or a trader willing to What normal folk know of magic depends on where
offer a discount on adventuring gear. A middle-ranked th.ey live and whether they know characters who
character might gain a follower (see chapter 4, "Creating practice magic. Citizens of an isolated hamlet might not
_ -onplayer Characters"), access to potions and scrolls, have seen true magic used for generations and speak
the ability to call in a favor, or backup on dangerous in whispers of the strange powers of the old hermit
missions. A high-ranking character might be able to living in the nearby woods. In the city of Waterdeep
call on a small army, take custody of a rare magic item, in the Forgotten Realms setting, the Watchful Order
gain access to a helpful spellcaster, or assign special of Magists and Protectors is a guild of wizards. These
missions to members of lower rank. arcanists wish to make wizardry more accessible so the
Downtime Activities. You might allow characters order's members can profit from selling their services.
to spend downtime between adventures building Some D&D settings have more magic in them than
;elationships and gaining renown within an others. On Athas, the harsh world of the Dark Sun
organization. For more information on downtime setting, arcane magic is a hated practice that can drain
activities, see chapter 6, "Between Adventures." life from the world. Much of Athas's magic lies in the
hands of evildoers. Conversely, in the world of Eberron,
L OSING RENOWN magic is as commonplace as any other commodity.
Disagreements with members of an organization Mercantile houses sell magic items and services to
aren't enough to cause a loss of renown within that
organization. However, serious offenses committed SAMPLE FACTION: THE ZHENTARIM
against the organization or its members can result The Zhentarim (also known as the Black Network) is an
in a loss of renown and rank within the organization. unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its
The extent of the loss depends on the infraction and is influence and power throughout the Forgotten Realms.
left to your discretion. A character's renown within an The public face of the Black Network appears relatively
organization can never drop below 0. benign. It offers the best and cheapest goods and services,
both legal and illicit, thus destroying its competitors and
PIETY making everyone dependent on it.
\Vith a few alterations, the renown system can also A member of the Zhentarim thinks of himself or herself
erve as a measure of a character's link to the gods. It's as a member of a very large family and relies on the Black
Network for resources and security. However, members are
a great option for campaigns where the gods take active
granted the autonomy to pursue their own interests and gain
roles in the world. some measure of personal wealth and influence. As a whole,
Using this approach, you track renown based on
the Zhentarim promises "the best of the best," although
pecific divine figures in your campaign. Each character in truth the organization is more interested in spreading
bas the option to select a patron deity or pantheon with its own propaganda and influence than investing in the
goals, doctrine, and taboos that you have created. Any improvement of its individual members.
renown he or she earns is called piety. A character Motto. "join us and prosper. Oppose us and suffer."
gains piety for honoring his or her gods, fulfilling their Beliefs. The Zhentarim's beliefs can be summarized
commands,. and respecting their taboos. A character as follows:
loses piety for working against those gods, dishonoring • The Zhentarim is your family. You watch out for it, and it
them, defiling their temples, and foiling their aims. watches out for you.
The gods bestow favors on those who prove their • You are the master of your own destiny. Never be less than
devotion. With each rank of piety gained, a character what you deserve to be.
can pray for divine favor once per day. This favor usually Everything and everyone has a price.
comes in the form of a cleric spell like bless. The favor Goals. Amass wealth, power, and influence, and thereby
often comes with a sign of the divine benefactor; for dominate Faerun.
example, a character dedicated to Thor might receive a Typical Quests. Typical Zhentarim quests include
pel! accompanied by the boom of thunder. plundering or stealing a treasure hoard, powerful magic item,
A high level of piety can also lead to a character or artifact; securing a lucrative business contract or enforcing
a preexisting one; and establishing a foothold in a place
gaining a more persistent benefit, in the form of a
where the Zhentarim holds little sway.
blessing or charm (see chapter 7, "Treasure," for such
upernatural gifts).

CH APTER I I A WORLD OF YOUR OWN
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