Loyalty of Slaves

Determine a slave’s loyalty per
Loyalty of Hirelings (above). However,
slaves are less predictable than
hirelings. After determining the slave’s
initial loyalty, roll 2d on the following
table to determine a loyalty modifier:
2-7 – No modifier.
8 – He was enslaved for some crime,
and resents it: -1 to loyalty.
9 – As above, but -2 to loyalty.
10 – His previous master was very
cruel. If he is treated with kindness
during the first week, apply +2 to
loyalty; otherwise, no change.
11 – He has a fanatic hatred of slavery.
If treated well, he may like his mas-
ters as people, but will still escape
as soon as possible. If treated badly
(or even “average” for a slave), his
loyalty drops to 6.
12 – He has the Slave Mentality disad-
vantage (p. 154), and considers
A “loyalty check” is a roll made by the GM, usually in
secret, to see how a hireling behaves in a given situation.
Check loyalty whenever a hireling is in mortal danger, or
when violating his trust seems to be the wise, profitable,
or easy thing to do.
To make a loyalty check, the GM rolls 3d against the
hireling’s loyalty rating (see Loyalty of Hirelings). On a roll
equal to or less than his loyalty, the hireling “passed” the
check and behaved loyally. A hireling with loyalty 20+
passes all checks automatically.
If the GM rolls over the hireling’s loyalty, the hireling
“failed” the check and served his own interests. This does
not always mean total betrayal – it depends on the situa-
tion. It just means he let his employers down. He may
repent and beg forgiveness; this is up to the whim (and
dramatic ability) of the GM. If the PCs forgive a hireling
with a loyalty of 16+, with or without punishment, his
base loyalty goes up by 1.
The GM is free to modify a loyalty check for special
circumstances. A huge bribe from a foe, for instance,
would give most hirelings a penalty to their loyalty check.
It is up to the GM to decide
when a check is necessary. This
depends on the hireling. For a vet-
eran, “mortal danger” does not
mean “any combat.” He would not
fear an orc – or even a whole pack
of orcs. But he might have to check
loyalty if asked to battle a dragon!
himself truly the property of his
owner. His loyalty is automatically
20. You need never check loyalty;
he will not demur, even if given
orders that condemn him to death.
Make loyalty checks for slaves as
for any other hirelings. Modify loyalty
by +1 or +2 if they are in a situation
where they have nowhere to run!