Reputation & Fame

Reputation

Reputation is used to determine whether an NPC (a GM character) recognizes a character. Those who recognize the hero are more likely to help the hero or do what he or she asks, provided the reputation has a positive connotation to the character who recognizes the hero. A high Reputation bonus also makes it difficult for the hero to mask his or her identity.

Most of the time, a hero doesn’t decide to use his or her reputation. The GM decides when a hero’s reputation can be relevant to a scene or encounter. At the moment it becomes relevant, the GM makes a Reputation check for an NPC who might be influenced in some fashion due to the hero’s fame or notoriety, as detailed below.

Fame and Infamy

Most characters with a high Reputation bonus (+4 or higher) are considered well known within their profession or social circle. Whether this has a positive or negative connotation depends on the point of view of the person who recognizes the hero.

When a character has a positive opinion of a hero’s reputation, the hero is considered to be famous by that character. Fame, when recognized, provides a bonus to certain social skill checks equal to the Reputation bonus.

When a character has a negative opinion of a hero’s reputation, the hero is considered to be infamous by that character. Also, at the GM’s option, a hero might be considered infamous in certain situations due to events that have transpired in the campaign.

Infamy, when recognized, provides a penalty equal to the Reputation bonus to certain social skill checks.

Skills affected by Reputation Bonus include: Business, Deception, Diplomacy, Entertainment, Intimidation, Law, Leadership and Street Smarts.