How often do you allow grogs a major flaw (e.g. Mute)?
According to the core book, grogs should only have minor flaws. Note that the character creation rules use both "should" and "must" for different things, so I take it as a recommendation, not as a rule. In particular, quite a few of the major flaws are really perfect for grogs - it seems weird that only magi and companions could be mute, for example. So, although we do tend to be stickers for book rules and recommendations, we occasionally do allow grogs to take a major flaw. What about you?
I prefer make that Mayors Flaws to Minor, just how the Minor Version of Outsider from RoP: the Divine of Outsider, and this is that a Grog (ideally) don't make to make the same tasks than a Magi or Companion; in a more raw side, a Blind Grog it's not a good servant, or not?
Occaisonally would be my answer. The main book contradicts itself about major flaws. In the text it says 'should only' have minor and 'may not' have story flaws. But in the virtues & flaws chapter the rules guidelines gives more freedom and is the one I usually work from.
Even though technically it is allowed for them to have story flaws, I wouldn't let them have anything but Curse of Venus or Indiscreet. Something to be amusing annoyances when the magi stop at inns for the night, the knowledge that if you take certain grogs out into civilized company they will cause trouble is fine with me. The magi can plan based on such troublemakers.
I would consider giving social status flaws, depending on the campaign. After all any number of covenants can find a reason in game to recruit from outlaws. One published adventure in 3rd edition Twelfth Night the covenant is given the chance to double it's turb by recruiting an entire bandit gang.
As a rule I would need to be convinced of a characters need for a Major flaw. Most General Major flaws would usually be accepted such as Blind, Mute, Dwarf for example.
However NO story flaws. Grogs are interesting characters who may get involved in and play a big part in stories, but the companions and Magi should really be the only ones generating stories.
There is also a difference in a Grog providing a plot hook once in a while to a Grog generating stories.
Most of the time our grogs have a single minor V&F. I think one of our grogs was mute, but he did not see much action, so I voted never, even if in real terms I think I would apply Andrew W's benchmark.
We are slightly more generous with grogs than with other characters, so we allow them to have warrior abilities without acquiring the virtue, since that is pure training, and we alos allow some minor social status virtues for free if the character has the relevant skills to justify it.