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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition) Starfinder RPG

Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide
NPC Core / Relationships and Advancement / Connection Subsystem

Creating a Connection

Source NPC Core pg. 226
Connections are between either an individual PC or a group of characters. When a connection is first made, determine who it is between. If it's between an individual PC and NPC, only that PC's actions influence the Connection Tier. If it's between a group of player characters and an NPC, all the PCs' actions influence the Connection Tier. For group relationships, multiply all requirements to advance or recede a connection by the number of PCs. Group connections can be divided into individual connections, and individual connections can be combined into a group connection as suits the dynamic of your group and story.

There's no limit on the number of connections that an individual PC or group may have, though maintaining many connections may prove difficult.

Connection Tiers

Source NPC Core pg. 226
Connections fall into tiers, which correspond to how invested the NPC is in the connection. Most NPC relationships will not reach the highest tiers but may still be useful to track.

Most connections start at the acquainted tier. However, at the GM's discretion, a relationship may begin at a higher or lower tier. For example, the academic rival of a PC may begin as a despised connection but slowly come around to being an associated relationship. Likewise, the long-lost brother may start as an associated connection instead of an acquaintance due to the familial history.

These tiers only indicate the other party's feelings toward the PC or group that has the connection. The feelings of a PC can vary in reciprocity, and should be roleplayed rather than measured.

Connections

ConnectionAdvanced ByReceded By
Bonded — Moderate or major insult
Committed Major token Any insult
Associated Moderate or major token Any insult
Acquainted Any token Any insult
Avoided Any token Moderate or major insult
Despised Moderate or major token Major insult
Vindictive Major token —

Bonded

Source NPC Core pg. 226
The NPC considers this relationship to be one of the most important in their lives. These connections are typically intended to be lifelong, though they may still recede if neglected. If asked, a bonded connection provides any favor if able. Examples of this type of connection include sworn siblings, spouses, and queerplatonic partners.

Committed

Source NPC Core pg. 226
The NPC is invested in the relationship with the PC and actively seeks them out to spend time together. These connections are typically long-term or deep relationships. Examples include an established mentor, a steady romantic partner, or an ongoing business partnership.

Associated

Source NPC Core pg. 227
The NPC knows the PC well and is usually friendly to them. These connections are mostly friendly relationships. Examples of this connection include the innkeeper at a favorite tavern, a cousin, or the early stages of a romantic relationship.

Acquainted

Source NPC Core pg. 227
The NPC is aware of the PCs but is generally neutral about their relationship with them. These connections are the most common, and most acquainted connections don't need to be tracked. Examples include a wholesale supplier of goods, a classmate, an undeclared crush, or a member of the same faction.

Avoided

Source NPC Core pg. 227
The NPC doesn't want to be associated with the connection and avoids interacting with them. While the NPC doesn't mean harm, they won't provide assistance unless they're convinced to do so. Examples include a noble who was insulted, a stiffed merchant, participant in a lousy date, or member of a rival faction.

Despised

Source NPC Core pg. 227
The NPC strongly dislikes the connection and avoids any association with them. They may actively sabotage the connection if given the opportunity. Examples include a bitter former friend, jilted former suitor, or long-term personal rival.

Vindictive

Source NPC Core pg. 227
The NPC pursues the connection with the goal of destroying them and making their plans fail. This NPC appears to cause the connection trouble whenever possible. Examples include an embarrassed villain or a single-minded adversary.