Orders and How to Write Them
The engine that drives Death Before Dishonor is communication between player and referee. The primary form of this exchange occurs in the form or orders, written by the former to describe the actions of their character.
The key factors to understand when it comes to this process are that the rules are fairly extensive, and that the referee is incapable of telepathy. That is to say, if a player neglects an important detail, the referee is not authorized to take unsanctioned actions. Some (such as paying upkeep) are automatic and need not be included, whereas others (such as carousing or female companionship) are optional and, if neglected, could hamper the character's advancement.
So let's take a look at some best practices when writing orders for your character. The first is to have a broad sketch of what you want your character to accomplish that month. Two important things to remember are these: first, some activities can be done in tandem with others, making them essentially free activities. Common examples might be gambling, carousing or female companionship, all three of which may be performed at a club (with a mistress) or bawdyhouse (without a mistress). The second consideration is time constraints on non-commissioned officers. Privates must spend two weeks each month attending barracks duty, during which time no other actions may be taken. Subalterns must spend one week in similar fashion. Timing remaining needs may become somewhat more challenging under those constraints.
With that in mind, let's look at the details.
Standing Orders
Standing orders are an effective and useful tool to ensure you don't overlook anything important. These usually precede the weekly orders, and might be used for any or all of the following:
- Default dueling orders (routines, weapons used, and when to end a duel
- Meeting necessary needs (female companionship, toadying when the opportunity permits, carousing whenever feasible, etc
- Special orders for given circumstances (rival suitor for a mistress, when to cut when gambling, etc and,
- Spending limits or extravagances (conspicuous consumption, emergency loans when necessary, extra spent on courting, etc).
If you think your character will be doing something routinely, it's never a bad idea to include it in the Standing Orders. The referee will apply them whenever applicable.
Weekly Orders
These are the meat and potatoes of the system, the four one-week actions taken by the character (with any associated dependent activities). Really, most of this is relatively self-evident, but keep in mind the "do not forget" issues listed below. But first, a word from our referee about (sort of) consent.
Not really. But kind of.
Here's the thing: what happens when Person A writes orders to duel Person B, but not the other way round? Here's what: if both parties meet, a fight will occur unless either include specific orders to decline duels. Should that duel occur, when does it stop? At the earliest point for either party. If one says "To the death" and the other "To first blood", then first blood it is.
There is an exception. If one side specifically writes "No escape", it signifies the duel will continue until the conditions specified. Essentially, one person is throwing honor to the winds in an attempt to win.
Options & Additions
Not everything one writes in orders are necessarily character actions. Many players enjoy writing in their character's voice, often for publication in the campaign newsletter, the Paris Gazette. Letters to the Editor, faux advertisements, unsigned poison pen letters and the like are all popular choices.
One caveat, though: it is not allowed for one player to pose as the character of another player or important NPC, such as the King or Cardinal. Keep in mind mild ribaldry is an inherent part of the game, but outright pornography is not. Let's keep it that way.
And Don't Forget...
This is a game with a lot of variables. It's very easy to overlook important details. Those oversights can slow a character's progress.What follows are some of the most common oversights.
- Female companionship (or FC) is not merely assumed. It needs to be ordered.
- An extra SP is easily earned by conspicuous consumption (see Support).
- When visiting a bawdyhouse, remember that there is a chance of robbery. If you forget to specify how much money your character is carrying, it is assumed to be all of it. Rules are rules.
But Wait, There's More! Campaign Orders!
Orders for characters serving at the Front are a special case. For one thing, only one, month-long action is permitted (from the usual pattern of four weekly ones). These orders are of a special type, as well. Details regarding strategy or tactics are considered for roleplay purposes only, and have no effect on campaign determination; however, the referee will attempt to weave them into the Gazette's narrative.
The simplest way to explain your character's level of derring-do (or cowardice) is to tell the referee your survival odds. These are expressed as a number which, if equaled or exceeded on a roll of 2d6, spells a heroic end to your character. If it is above the calculated result, your character's heroism will improve his chances of promotion and notice. If your number is less than the calculated result, he has chosen discretion over valor.
Alternatively, you can write orders to the effect of "x or lower" (reckless bravery) or "x or higher" (poltroonery). Or you can simply give a modifier to the rolls. A positive makes survival harder, but benefits more likely, whereas a negative modifier does the opposite.
Some obligations must be met, but others are assumed to fall under the impot de sang, or blood tax, meaning they are not required to be paid for. These include club dues, horse upkeep, and personal support. It does ot include maintenance of a mistress or repayment of debts (unless enlisted in a Frontier Regiment or RNHB).
How to Play
How to play Death Before DishonorCampaign House Rules
Application to Death Before Dishonor
Orders and How to Write Them
Example of Play
Inspirations & Credits
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