Event:Golden Rose Gala/Mechanics

The Silent Strings

A game of influence, networking, and subtle manipulation where players compete to sway the most prominent NPCs (wealthy patrons, politicians, celebrities, etc.) attending the gala. The goal is to form alliances, secure favors, or win financial backers for their causes, all while keeping their moves hidden from competitors.

How the Game Works

• Initial Briefing: At the beginning of the gala, players are informed that the Brighter Future Foundation is seeking the support of powerful individuals for its next big philanthropic venture. Several influential NPCs are in attendance, each with their own interests, biases, and goals. The players will compete to win these NPCs over and secure their backing for their own projects or gain favors.
• Round Structure: The game is played in rounds. Each round, players can:
  • Network: Engage in a Wits + Etiquette, Persuasion, or Politics roll to sway an NPC.
  • Invest Resources: Players can use Resources, Influence, or Allies as “currency” to offer donations, investments, or other favors that appeal to the NPCs’ interests. The higher the contribution, the better the outcome.
  • Undermine Rivals: By using Subterfuge or Manipulation, players can quietly sabotage their opponents’ efforts, lowering their standing with NPCs or ruining their deals.

NPCs

Each influential NPC has specific interests and can be won over using different skills or approaches. Examples:

• The City Councillor: Cares about political clout and zoning regulations for future developments (Political Influence roll).
• The Media Mogul: Seeks juicy gossip and exclusives on scandals in exchange for favorable press (Subterfuge roll or Gossip shared).
• The Philanthropist Heiress: Wants to make grand gestures of generosity, but only to the right cause (Etiquette + Resources to impress).
• The Celebrity Influencer: Is drawn to glamour and high-profile projects, but needs to be persuaded of their prestige (Manipulation + Appearance, or social-based skills).

Success & Rewards

Success and Rewards: Players gain points based on how well they engage with the NPCs, outmaneuver their rivals, and play to the NPCs' desires. At the end of the game, the player (or team) with the most "Influence Points" wins the NPC's favor, along with any special rewards tied to that NPC—like political backing, funding, or even secret knowledge.

Complications

Throughout the game, unexpected events can add complexity, such as:

• Rival Interference: A powerful rival NPC arrives, threatening to outshine everyone.
• Scandals: A player discovers a juicy scandal involving an NPC or fellow player, providing leverage or blackmail material.
• Donor Crisis: One of the NPCs suddenly retracts their offer, causing players to scramble to either salvage the deal or shift focus elsewhere.

Rewards

The player or faction that secures the most influential NPCs by the end of the night wins a significant boon for their personal projects (or their patron’s agenda). This could be in the form of Influence, Resources, Allies, or special political sway in the city.