Hi all.

Inspired by recent readings of HeroQuest and old posts about relationship maps at the Forge I came up with this model. Relationships are a big part of HQ and I think it is safe to say that they are a big part of most RPG’s these days. So how do we “define” the relationships between characters/NPC’s? This model is nothing ground breaking and based on “rasa” or Vedantic theistic transcendental love. This post can remain rhetorical if you wish, it is just here in case someone may find it useful in definitions of relationships when designing their RPG.

THE SEVEN RELATIONSHIPS.
(Note: The list generally curves in depth of emotional intensity and number of people.)

NEMESITIC. An unusually tenacious opponent or antagonist. Usually there is only one. This person is your arch enemy, your shadow. For every skill you seem to advance in order to defeat him he has done the same for you! Only a final prolonged duel will decide the victor once and for all!

INIMICAL. Not as intense as your nemesis but these are your enemies.

NEUTRAL. You may know OF these people but you don’t have a relationship with them as such. This is the majority of people in the world or other living beings in the universe.

SERVABLE. These are the people you “serve”. This has varying levels, from your respect, or awe and reverence, of superiors (teachers, boss etc.) to the loving (but still servitudinal) exchanges with you parents.

AMIABLE. Your friends, mates, those on an equal level, the people you hung out with in school.

PARENTAL. As you get older this type of relationship becomes more prominent. It is the relationship you have with your children or those beneath you.

CONJUGAL. The most intimate relationship between two lovers, your husband/wife/lover. The most intense form of this is may be a total infatuation with another, commonly experienced as a teenager. Once again, like your nemesis, this is usually only one person.

Cheers,

Lorenzo.