I have always liked the idea of "packages" of some sort that add more flavor to the game, but I am leery of including something like Training Packages that give out free skill ranks, as you end up with either an arbitrary system that basically defies the skill cost system, or a bunch of separate costs for each package.
I got to thinking this morning -- "What if we turned it around?"
In short, what if we created a number of Profession Packages. Each package would then have a number of prerequisites (i.e. 3 ranks in Craft: Sailing, 2 ranks in Navigation, etc..). Then once a character meets those requirements, he can spend a nominal character point fee (i.e. something like 3 CP) to get that Profession. In some cases, there may even be an in-game financial cost (i.e. yearly dues)
As a member of that profession, he gets some contacts and other intangible perks, along with the ability to "practice that profession". For example, only characters who have the Sailor profession are allowed to work as part of a ship's crew (this being enforced by the Seafarer's Guild - there actually being several different levels of Seaman that belong to the guild). The same can go for traders, bodyguards, city guards, etc..
You cannot start a business as an Apothecary unless you have the Apothecary profession (i.e. the town's council of guilds won't let you).
Yes, I know that this idea would be more suited to a specific setting, but the general concept is one that I am finding that I am liking.
thoughts?? comments??
