Had session 6 of #MorningStar tonight (writeup tomorrow), and we’ve got a question about NPC Factions and ship systems (or Wonders in base Legacy). Can they invest? Can they control them? What happens if they do?
The fiction has resulted in the introduction of a new Faction, which started off controlling access to the life support system. One of the NPC Factions is also clearly interested in controlling it for profit. Meanwhile the story seems to be heading in a direction which will likely result in another NPC group being interested in gaining control of astrogation when it is discovered. NPC investment seems like an obvious unwelcome truth to reveal, but it doesn’t seem quite supported by the other mechanics, and it seems like its treading on the players’ toes.
I’d allow it, especially if this is a faction with statted-out surpluses already. Revealing their investment also should mean they’re less able to oppose players from other routes.
I don’t really like Faction investment because the GM has full control over all resources. “Oh the Choppers invest 10 points,” is pretty easy to just do.
That said, I could see it done as some sort of end-of-session custom move, where the faction invests 1 or 2 points into the thing. I’d have to think on it.
Maybe instead you could say that they act against anything there players have invested, and if a session begins AND ends with zero player investment, the Faction gains control.
Alternatively: if Faction resources are public knowledge (say, some sheet in the center of the table), and Factions only gain and lose them through player action or inaction, I’d say it’s totally fine.
All the sudden it’s feeling like Blades in the Dark with all the tracking, though. But some GMs like that.
Aaron Griffin I use a sheet in the middle of the table, so the group knows everyone’s surpluses, needs, and treaty. These have changed a bit as a result of the Call to Order – both times a faction has demanded one of their needs be met, triggering an appropriate move in the process.
So, in the end I just did this as a Front. Threat 1 is that the faction calls in debts on PC-families to gain the resources they need. threats 2 and 3 were investment. But due to the players not failing any family moves or anything which seemed connected, none of it triggered. Still, it provides a template for future ages if there’s an obvious desire and an obvious target.