Encounter Group #19 Overlords

[ArmySGT.]

Name: Overlords
Geographical Location: Anywhere
H&M Average:10
H&M Range 0-15
Number found : 1 + Followers
Tech Level: Any
Power / Resources : Any
Weapons: Any.
Special Attributes: N/A

Overlord is the general term used for any individual who manages to hold an empire together. They are found anywhere and are generally followed by 1-10 other hard core misfits.

The Chief, Mayor, Chietain, Lord, Baron, Sherrif, Manager, Superintendent, Principal, Most High, Duke, Marquis, Master, Commander, Bestest.

Whatever. The local strong man that owns the community. Now given that the average H&M is 10 in a world where the average H&M is lower............. This might not be the bad guy. Sure he is not going to embrace democratic principles immediately, after all he (or She) is selfish and has a good thing going. So while the villagers may have to tithe to the Lord on the hill and give up a daughter now and again, they may not side with Project members to rid themselves of the Lord. After all they remember what the bad times were like.

[dragoon500ly]

This one has lots of room for odd twists and curveballs...

Shade of The Postman?

[Matt W]

An Overlord has power because of their ability to recruit, organise, equip and motivate their loyal followers. Overlords use violence to enforce their rule. In fact, violence is often intended to be a display of power

IMHO, the Overlord should be a "default setting" in TMP. If there is some sort of stability in an area it's likely to be the result of one leader getting some sort of control. I could even argue that the Imps at Riverton are followers of the Overlord known as "Captain"

Obviously, not every Overlord is the same.

How are his (or her) followers recruited? Are they a tribe/clan? Are they religious? Are some just mercenaries?

How are they motivated? What's the "payoff"? It's not likely to be just money. Is it land? power? status? slaves?

Organisation? Is it a mob? A disciplined military unit? Something in between?