What if Heroism was against the law...?

[MilitiaJim]

True cold war ethical crap complete with proxy wars.

That's a tough one.  I'm not sure orcs, goblins, and kobolds can top the USSR and Communist China for blood... 

(Why do I think of Vietnamese when I think of Saurians?)

[TheTSKoala]

The first thing that came to mind when I read the first post was The A-Team. Not a perfect fit, but it could work.

As for the lopsided agreement, it sounds a lot like those in charge on the side of the humans/dwarves/etc have made the deal work for them, but not their peoples. They're living high off the hog, while attacks continue. The monsters who are caught in the act end up getting fined, though it is really more of a tax on their activities, while those who stand up to the monsters are banished/imprisoned before their defiance can inspire others to action.

Absolutely.  Which helps hide the puppet master even further.  The leaders simply don't care as long as their sovereignty is flourishing and they have enough muscle to keep their people in line.

[LordKruelos]

ScM.  I was actually toying with that.  Especially with the FC mechanics.  Players can be 'good' Goblins.. or.. very very very very Creepy Pech (shiver)

Pedobear is actually Pech Swindler Priest with the Deceit and Beauty paths...

[Goodlun]

ScM.  I was actually toying with that.  Especially with the FC mechanics.  Players can be 'good' Goblins.. or.. very very very very Creepy Pech (shiver)

Pedobear is actually Pech Swindler Priest with the Deceit and Beauty paths...

How can one not love a game system in which you can model the Pedobear oh so well

[Bhurano]

@TheTSKoala

First: Thise little intrigue sounds awesome. Hard to pull of... but nevertheless intriguing.
Second: Is the puppet master supposed to be immortal and so gets even more dangerous with time... or does he give his mantle away when he grows to old? Like letting someone know who he is and educating him properly or even better guiding someone out from the shadows. Maybe even one of the heroes... you know Palpatine-Style... just smart evil, not evil stupid like Palpy did.

[TheTSKoala]

@TheTSKoala

First: Thise little intrigue sounds awesome. Hard to pull of... but nevertheless intriguing.
Second: Is the puppet master supposed to be immortal and so gets even more dangerous with time... or does he give his mantle away when he grows to old? Like letting someone know who he is and educating him properly or even better guiding someone out from the shadows. Maybe even one of the heroes... you know Palpatine-Style... just smart evil, not evil stupid like Palpy did.

I'm thinking Illuminati style.  A successive progression of Puppet Masters.  This latest Puppet Master was just the first to try to do more than mere kingdom manipulation.  When they get to a certain age in life, they choose a pupil.  But there's always a safety.. of some sort.  I'm thinking maybe like the lead Enforcer.. if the pupil ever gets out of line or tries to reveal everything... still working that part out.

[TheTSKoala]

So.. it has begun.

Two Headed Iron Chef Orge Scout.
Human Sage with a bristly mustache and beret.  (Someone watches too much Mythbusters...)
Pech Mage who has a taste for fire and large summonable grizzly bears. 
A French-accented Whip Master human Explorer.  (Apparently, there was a performer at a Renaissance fan who my player thought was a great idea.  ...says Wee-Wee!.. to.. everyttttthhhhiiiinnnnggg. #headdesk.)
Unborn Soldier that apparently has roid rage.  (If you're thinking Grimlock, you're dead on.)
And last but not least.. a Treefolk Priest.. who believes the other sentient species are going to doom the planet.

So far, the players have been extremely spot on with the idea and not stomping over the premise. 

Their opening adventure is set unto a small village on the outskirts of alliance territory.  The local populace is suppressed and mildly abused by a local Orge and his kin, but they get the idea that their presence holds back something far more sinister that waits just beyond the woods...

Free the people?  Support the Orges?  So far, their characters are playing into the story well... (No DB back stories or any that go in the direct opposite direction.)  Maybe we'll get to level 10 for once.. ....yeah.. and maybe a unicorn will be born to a penguin.