Page 6 – Royal Speed-Dial

The concept of patrons is as old as the adventure genre itself. Someone needs to sponsor the party – might as well be someone important and superior to them. Patrons drive the players toward goals, inform them of necessary lore, and reward them upon completing a quest; solving the three most central problems of building an adventure. The challenge then is creating a patron that the players will trust, respect, and rely upon… rather than eventually deceive and betray.

Twilight Sparkle: How many other people know about this legend?

DM: “The Mare in the Moon” is regarded as an old wives’ tale. Few people know all the details, and even fewer actually believe it.

Twilight Sparkle: What about my mentor? The sun-pony… person. Does she know?

DM: Princess Celestia. And you don’t know if she knows.

Twilight Sparkle: Can’t hurt to check, then. What’s the fastest way to contact her?

DM: Actually, your assistant Spike can handle that. His baby dragon breath can magically send parchments to just about anyone.

Rarity: Hmm. Like a Sending ritual, but for mail.

Twilight Sparkle: Okay, so… What do I tell him? “Spike, take a note”?

DM: He prepares a quill and parchment and awaits your dictation.

Twilight Sparkle: Wait… You want me to actually SAY what goes in the letter? In-character?

DM: Of course. I’m not going to pass up an opportunity to make you roleplay.