So something I've noticed of late is that the hardest part of a mod is the hook, so I thought all of us might be able to come up with some interesting plot hooks, or at least reasoning to why YOUR character would be interested.

So here is the question, what would /does motivate your character to adventure?

Luckily, Kelb was created to crave adventure. Anything that takes him to a new place, let's him make a name for himself, helps someone that deserves it, rewards him, or is fun. He's easy

John

Vincens is motivated for a variety of reasons. One of the core reasons is that being a legionnaire and fighting are simply a part of who he is. He's used to the danger and looks to make a difference, especially if it means killing infernals. He's good at fighting and is happy to put his talents to use on behalf of his country, his church and his friends. He also needs the money to fund a business interest, but loyalty to his other callings comes first. If it's on behalf of his legion, he won't ask for a reward, but will be fine if it's offered. Working for the Emerald Society on a random project not related to the Mother Church or the Coryani Empire? Yeah, how much does it pay?

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

As a writer, I can echo that the Plot Hook is the hardest part to write, mostly because the "We're looking for adventurers to hire for a mission" is something PCI seems to be wanting to avoid (at least for ALL their adventures).

Speaking for Haakon, in my 'perfect RP universe' in interpret him as about halfway in personality between a Classic D&D Paladin and Judge Dredd. As such, he searches out injustice (within his world view), heresy (again, within his world view), and tries to enforce the Law (yes, capitalized). He is perfectly willing to accept payment in the pursuit of this (even bribes, to an extent) but is often willing to do what he thinks is 'right' for free. Basically, he'll NEVER ask for money, but he certainly will take it. If you bribe him, he'll gladly take the money, but that doesn't mean he'll do what YOU want him to do if it goes against his moral compass. This means he generally WOULDN'T go for just random 'for hire' jobs.

Things that gain his attention: Anything religious, though nothing heretical except to burn it out; Someone in need of help; Defending the Innocent from tangible threats; Hunting down criminals.

Let me flip the question back to PCI. What common denominators do they think our heroes have?

Plot hooks rarely make a big impact on my enjoyment of an adventure. Some of them are cooler than others. But I can't remember off the top of my head a module I liked because of the plot hook. Or hated. Though there was *once* a Living City adventure that I walked away from the table due to the plot hook (I was playing a Paladin and it involved a point of honor).

I love PCI for wanting to do more than just have someone hire the PCs ... but the old standby works for me just as well as, "Count Felix says to go look in those Hills for signs that Uhxbractits Army is on the March!"

Some other possibilities:
*You are traveling with other tough individuals because riding alone in Almeric/the Blessed Lands is just a dumb idea. You then come across something interesting.
*You are traveling on a boat or have stopped at a remote Inn and something interesting happens at that sight.
*One of you won an old map as part of last nights poker pot and you gather together some murdering hobo friends to check it out on your own.
*Several secret societies are interested in X. X is located on some lords land. The Lord figures out something is up and hires PCs who aren't part of a a secret society.
*The adventure starts next to you...There you were minding your own business when you spot an orphanage on fire. Save the children!
*Some schmuck brings the adventure to you...A guy is chased down the street and collides with you. He gets up and runs away or is caught. It's only later that you realize he planted a small object or scroll on you.
*you get invited to a social event
*an NPC you care about is arrested...
*an NPC you hate is about to be released due to "lack of evidence"