Tactical Tuesday: The Value of Medals

The Value of Medals, Commendations, and Awards in Your TTRPG

Alright, listen up, legionnaire. This is straight from command. I’m here to tell you why medals, commendations, and awards are more than just shiny bits of metal in your modern military-themed TTRPG. They’re the backbone of morale, the essence of recognition, and the fuel that keeps your legionnaires pushing forward when the going gets tough.

Building Character Depth

First off, these awards aren’t just for show. They add layers to your characters. When a grizzled veteran sports a Valor Medal, it tells a story. It speaks of battles fought, comrades lost, and the kind of bravery that only comes from facing death head-on. Each medal is a chapter in your character’s history, a testament to their journey and the trials they’ve overcome.

Boosting Morale

In the heat of battle, when bullets are flying and the enemy is closing in, morale can make or break your unit. Awards and commendations are a tangible way to boost that morale. They remind your legionnaires that their efforts are recognized and valued. When a legionnaire sees that Combat Commendation Medal pinned to their chest, it’s a reminder that their bravery and skill are acknowledged. It’s a badge of honor that can turn the tide of battle.

Encouraging Heroic Deeds

Let’s face it, in the chaos of war, it’s easy to get lost in the madness. But when there’s a chance to earn that Distinguished Service Medal or the Gallantry Star, it gives your characters something to strive for. It encourages them to go above and beyond, to take that extra risk, to save a comrade, or to complete a mission against all odds. These awards are not just rewards; they’re motivators for heroism.

Fostering Unit Cohesion

A unit that fights together, stays together. Awards like the Unit Valor Citation or the Joint Meritorious Unit Award foster a sense of unity and pride among your legionnaires. When the whole unit is recognized for their collective bravery and excellence, it strengthens their bond. They become more than just a group of individuals; they become a brotherhood, a family forged in the fires of combat.

Creating Memorable Moments

In the end, it’s all about the stories you create. The moments that will be remembered long after the game is over. When a character receives the Wounded Warrior Medal for injuries sustained in a critical mission, it’s a moment that will be etched in the annals of your campaign. These awards create memorable moments that add depth and emotion to your game.

So, next time you’re running your TTRPG, don’t just hand out experience points and loot. Think about the medals, commendations, and awards that can add a whole new layer of depth to your game. They’re not just decorations; they’re the heart and soul of your characters’ journey.

Alright, there are a lot of real-world medals out there, and if you know their purposes and meanings, feel free to use them. But here at Scaldcrow Games, we’ve got our own down and dirty list of medals that might just fit the bill for your TTRPG.

Personal Decorations

1. Valor Medal – Awarded for acts of exceptional bravery and heroism.
2. Distinguished Service Medal – Awarded for extraordinary service and dedication.
3. Gallantry Star – Awarded for courageous actions in combat.
4. Meritorious Service Medal – Awarded for outstanding service and achievements.
5. Wounded Warrior Medal – Awarded for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Service Medals

1. Exceptional Service Medal – Awarded for exceptionally meritorious service in a significant role.
2. Leadership Medal – Awarded for exemplary leadership and conduct.
3. Achievement Medal – Awarded for notable achievements and contributions.
4. Aerial Excellence Medal – Awarded for outstanding performance in aerial operations.

Commendation Medals

1. Joint Operations Commendation Medal – Awarded for meritorious service or achievement in joint operations.
2. Combat Commendation Medal – Awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service in combat.
3. Operational Commendation Medal – Awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service in operational roles.
4. Service Commendation Medal – Awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service in service roles.

Unit Awards

1. Unit Valor Citation – Awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action.
2. Joint Meritorious Unit Award – Awarded to units for meritorious achievement or service in joint operations.
3. Unit Excellence Award – Awarded to units for outstanding performance and achievements.
4. Operational Unit Commendation – Awarded to units for outstanding performance in operational roles.

Lesser but Noteworthy Commendations

1. Achievement Ribbon – Awarded for notable achievements and contributions.
2. Combat Action Ribbon – Awarded for active participation in combat operations.
3. Service Ribbon – Awarded for noteworthy service and dedication.
4. Unit Commendation Ribbon – Awarded to units for meritorious performance and achievements.

These are the medals we use here at Scaldcrow Games. They’re not just decorations; they’re the heart and soul of your characters’ journey. Now get out there and earn those medals, Legionnaire. Command, out.