Expanding upon gift economy

09 Jun, 2025

I read this post and realy like the idea. While I will have to see how it works in practice I think it also has great potential to be used as a way to describe relation between NPC factions. To this purpose i have composed this random table with interfaction debts to flesh out factions to begin with.
Additionaly I want to expand the original mechanism slightly. My goal is to represent more permanent relations of exchange(i.e.: vassal relations, friendships, family relations, etc.).
The addition I am proposing it to have major debts also be a permanent minor debt in all appropriat situations.
A few examples:

• The baron swore an oath of loyalty to the Duke which is treated as a major debt.
  Whenever the duke asks for a service from the baron the major debt is treated as a "+" entry on the minor debt table and when it comes up will not be replaced.
  Whenever the baron asks the duke for help with a threat the the major debt is added as "+" debt to the minor debt table and will not be replaced if it comes up.
• Tom safed Pauls life.
  When Tom asks for supplies and rolls on the minor debt table one of the "+" entries will be the major debt and it will not be replaced if it comes up.
  If Paul is once more in need of protection and asks for shelter the debt added as a "+" entry on his request.
• Lea and Jake get married.
  When either of them asks a minor favor from the opposing family they will have inlaw as a "+" entry that will not be removed if it comes up.