At the back of the market district, under some filthy blankets and reeking of refuse, can be found the Nothing King. If you're generous or lucky enough, you may be able to get an audience with this august personage. In the past, knights, priests, and nobles have all sought his wisdom, and perhaps you will be next. Got a spare coin?
The Nothing King is nominal 'ruler' of the beggars and rough sleepers of the city. He ensures that anyone new is looked after, told which guards to scatter from and which ones can be safely asked for coin, and which temples to loiter at for alms. He's a devastating chess player, according to his own special rules (he quotes that "bishops have magic, that's why you can move 'em anywhere you like"). He is gentle and pragmatic, and although he tries to help all of his "court", he has no illusions of an actual power. What he does have is information- his beggars observe all manner of conversations, between servants and nobles alike, and report it back to him. The Nothing King is smart enough to weave these little strands of conversation apart, with rare misunderstandings. For a price, he might have something to tell you about the person you want to know, or want to know more about. Statistics: The Nothing King is a Neutral Good 7th-level Commoner. He has no special powers, and rational people speculate that he may be a little insane. But his mind is clearly keen, and he cares deeply for all the rough sleepers of his city, and kindly greets new folk who are on the run, cast out, or otherwise homeless. How you can use the Nothing King in your game: - For a peasant hero Player Character, especially one from an urban area, the Nothing King makes an ideal NPC to go to for assistance. Asking for his aid always costs, and no-one who sees his clothing or the pitiful shack he lives in could worry that he spends the gold on himself. In truth, it goes to funding meals and aid for so many and so many times, that the actual contribution per person is miniscule. - Perhaps if investigating a crime, or seking more information on a villain, the PCs might seek out the Nothing King for advice. Beware though, because your villain may actually do the same, and violence in the Nothing King's court is not tolerated, and strictly enforced by bashers with makeshift shivs. - A noble has taken offence to the Nothing King's residence and the treason of calling himself a "king". The noble begins a campaign to demolish this area and drive all the homeless out of the city. The Nothing King, having no political voice, might seek out others to help save his citizens. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 28 December 2019. Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Luke. He/him pronouns. Archives
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