RPG Relationships

Joining characters through relationships brings rich connections between characters and the group in which they find themselves. Establishing these relationships solves one of the most tiresome clichs in the game: the old you all meet in a bar character introduction. Using the relationship chart can help players build simple yet rich relationships among the members of the party that can lead to all new adventures, quests, connections to the world, and Karma Points.

Relationships
1d20 1 2 3 4 5 Siblings / Cousins (Adopted?) Parent & Child (In-laws / distant family?) (Unrequited) Lovers Spouses / Spouses in an arranged marriage Linked by Magical/Blood Ritual Mentor & Apprentice Drinking Buddies / Friendly Competitors Childhood Friends / Old School Chums Former Slaves / Prison Cellmates Survivors of former adventuring company (Former) Mercenaries / Bounty Hunters Longtime adventuring companions Students of a beloved teacher Worshipers of the same god Master & Defeated Foe turned into Servant Former City Guards / Veterans of a recent war Members of same barbarian tribe Employer & Henchman / Bodyguard & Body (Former) Members of the same guild Members of an Ancient Order / Secret Society

Using the Chart

During character creation, each player randomly rolls on the chart, selects from the chart, or uses the chart for inspiration and invents their own relationship. The result ties his or her character to the character of the player on his or her left. This repeats around the table until each character has two relationships, one with the player on the left and one with the player on the right. Let the players discuss the nature of this relationship, choosing a side when applicable and adding some details of their own. Throughout the campaign, the relationships will be reinforced by tying them to the plots and adventures as well as the backgrounds of the characters.

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