Should a thief have his fence as a Contact?

[Black Leviathan]

If the fence works in the interest of the character as a tool they can use to offload stolen good without questions at fair prices, that's a contact.

If the Fence is a business contact that is loyal to the thief and does things in their interest, such as lining up juicy jobs or helping the find accomplices that are trustworthy, that's an Ally.

If the fence is an NPC in the world who's relationship and loyalty to the PC isn't guaranteed, who will require negotiation with every transaction or try to screw the thief out of money, if the fence will sell out the thief to his enemies or the authorities, that's free.

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by Black Leviathan

If the Fence is a business contact that is loyal to the thief and does things in their interest, such as lining up juicy jobs or helping the find accomplices that are trustworthy, that's an Ally.

I consider that a Patron, agreed on the rest though.

GURPS Social Engineering: Keeping in Contact was just released.

[evileeyore]

Originally Posted by Refplace

I consider that a Patron, agreed on the rest though.

Contact, Ally, Patron to me is a difference of "exactly how much the NPC is capable of and willing to do for the PC".

Gather Info, make connections, set up meetings, basically "off-screen" busy work? Contact.

All of the above pls stand in the line of fire beside the PC? Ally.

All of the above plus supply the PC with equipment and services beyond what are generally easily acquired? Patron.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Black Leviathan

If the fence works in the interest of the character as a tool they can use to offload stolen good without questions at fair prices, that's a contact.

If the Fence is a business contact that is loyal to the thief and does things in their interest, such as lining up juicy jobs or helping the find accomplices that are trustworthy, that's an Ally.

Nope. You are describing services that aren't dangerous (to the Fence) and don't cost the Fence significant money. In fact he probably comes out ahead on the deal. That fits within the constraints of the kind of service a contact will supply. The difference between an ally and a contact is that Allies are prepared to go above and beyond for their associate, putting their full abilities at the service of the character to the point of risking their lives.

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by evileeyore

Contact, Ally, Patron to me is a difference of "exactly how much the NPC is capable of and willing to do for the PC".

Gather Info, make connections, set up meetings, basically "off-screen" busy work? Contact.

All of the above pls stand in the line of fire beside the PC? Ally.

All of the above plus supply the PC with equipment and services beyond what are generally easily acquired? Patron.

The main difference between Ally and Patron is the risk they will take for you. Patrons are basically friendly employers.

[evileeyore]

Originally Posted by Refplace

The main difference between Ally and Patron is the risk they will take for you. Patrons are basically friendly employers.

This is true. Also the style in which your implicit "Duty" works... with an Ally that's a pal you'll come move a dead body for and probably get paid with a 6 pack (and their continued Ally status).

For a Patron, they can more (or less) order you to go do something (based on the Disads you took*).


I've often toyed with the idea of reworking Contact and Patron into being a Modifier on Ally... I'm just inherently too lazy to bother for something I'm not sure will bring a noticeable benefit to my game.



* Yes, I know you can take a Patron without taking a Duty (etc), but it's kinda hard to describe a relationship with an entity in a Patron position that doesn't have some level of 'give' to go along with the PC's 'take'.

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by evileeyore

I've often toyed with the idea of reworking Contact and Patron into being a Modifier on Ally... I'm just inherently too lazy to bother for something I'm not sure will bring a noticeable benefit to my game.

Me too but I try to avoid House Rules, easier on my players.