Playing with Debt Economies
What follows is a procedure I drafted for Runefarer.
Hospitality and Debt
As long as they haven’t harmed or offended a community, travelers can expect to be put up and fed. If available, critical services—such as the care of a healer—are also provided freely.
For every 7 days of food and lodgings or 10 silver of critical service given to a hero, they gain 1 point of debt to the village.
Once a hero has debt, they roll renown each time they ask for hospitality from the village.
- If the result is greater than or equal to their debt, they are given hospitality.
- If the result is less than their debt, they are denied hospitality unless they pay up.
Paying Debt by Deed
When a hero accomplishes a song-worthy or useful service for the community, roll renown:
- If the result is greater than or equal to their debt, clear all debt.
- If the result is less than their debt, reduce debt by 1.
Paying Debt by Commerce
When a hero gives gifts to or spends money in the community:
- Reduce debt by 1 for every 30 silver of value spent or traded.
- Reduce debt by 1 for every 15 silver of value given as gifts.