Connections
From Hmwiki
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Following is a summary of Merits and how they are used on Haunted Memories:
Retainers
Personal aids, loyal followers, npcs that are loyal first and foremost to your character. They will usually do whatever is within their ability to help you out, depending on the nature of the Retainer might also risk their life for your character. A trained bodyguard might step into the line of fire between you and an assailant, a manager running a business for you may refrain from embezzling funds, but likely will hand out the money if someone puts a gun to his head (however, a clever Retainer - ie: one with sufficient dots - may have thought about getting insurance for cases like that).
Allies
Friends and people you know willing to do you occasional favors or maybe help you out in personal crises. However, they usually will only take limited risks for your character. High level allies may take the risk of being fired or fined for something they do for your character, but they normally do not risk their life for your character unless there is a very good reason (ie: common enemy that threatens you both)
Contacts
A person or group of people you know willing to provide you with information, but usually no more. They normally will not take risks above and beyond those that come with exchange of information and even then only to limited degree.
Staff
Paid employees such as private security, drivers, gardeners, cooks, etc. Unlike retainers, they are mostly loyal to the money. They work for your character and will usually only take risks and duties associated with their occupation.
Henchmen
Associates of the same community as your character. They may aid your character of even take personal risks, but only as long as it is in the best interest of the common group. Gangers, mob enforcer and similar fall into this category. They may be called upon in time of crises but their loyalty lies first and foremost with the group (ie: gang, mafia family, etc.).
