How do you use 760 Patrons?

[PoppySeed45]

I've got it, and it seems to be a big book of NPCs, which is nifty. However, the back cover blurb seems to be at odds with how the book is actually written. The back seems to imply that there are 760 adventure hook NPCs here, and that does not seem to be the case in how it's written.

Or am I reading it wrong? If so, enlighten me, as I think I like this book, but I want to put it to use outside of rolling up random NPCs.

So, my question: how would you turn an entry into an adventure?

 

[alex_greene]

The Referee needs to think of uses for the Referee Information section underneath each Patron.

For instance, the Alien Ambassador Patron could be someone who comes along and offers the characters a job - namely to become ambassadors to the Imperium (or whatever your characters' society is called) in her species' space.

The Referee might decide that the Alien Ambassador as presented is too tame, and throw in some complications ... such as a jealous ex-boyfriend who won't let her go, and who has enough political clout to make the characters' life Hell if they take up her offer - at least, until he's placed in a position where the characters can make some difference, usually involving the muzzle of a FGMP held two inches from the ex's face ...

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

I use it to create all those Allies, Contacts, Rivals and Enemies everyone keeps rolling.

AND, when using it to create an NPC, it can inspire an adventure or three.

 

[GypsyComet]

I recently used it for some down-time color for my group. Nothing huge, though one of the results was that a PC knew a few things the group hadn't specifically researched.

 

[PoppySeed45]

Interesting responses so far, especially alex - that's sort of what I was looking for. Also, RTT, yeah, that's not a bad idea at all, actually - especially if the players have no ideas on their own, eh?

Keep it coming folks. How do you take those descriptions in the book and run with them?

 

[GypsyComet]

With the above experience as a test, I'll likely be using 760 Patrons as a color generator whenever needed for NPCs. The amount of fleshing out the random roll gets will depend on situation, and an NPC who was just a passing acquaintance when rolled may end up being an actual patron or antagonist later.

 

[PoppySeed45]

That's not a bad idea either, of course. As I said, as random npc generator, it's gold. I was just wondering about the part where you flesh them out into full blown Patrons. MAking them Enemies, Allies, etc, is easy enough to see I think.

 

[Kilgs]

This is what I use it for...

CONTACTS
This game increases the chances of establishing relationships with individuals throughout the career service system. Each term, based on their current career, the character has a chance of establishing a contact, rival, ally or enemy. These may take the form of individuals, corporations, governments and other entities. For each career term, roll on the corresponding table below:

-If you were promoted, or gained a medal, add +1 (for each!)
-If you suffered a mishap, then -1.

1-Enemy
2-Rival
3-Contact
4-Contact
5-Contact
6-Contact
7+Ally

The Narrator will flesh this individual or entity out for you. Their location will be determined by the Narrator based on your career history.
(Note that some of the individuals in 760 Patrons are not appropriate so will be changed.)

 

[Donkeykong]

I have always found that patron encounters combined with a thorough world background (maps, politics, geography, religion and history but most importantly good city maps) can create the best dynamic, Player driven Traveller games.
Lacking such support however Patrons tend to become more ambiguous and a scenario is a better option.