> I usually use directed HP as bonuses rather than taking
> control. I mean that in a session where they would get 3-4 HP
> and they helped the neighbouring clan fight off some chaos
> beasties, I still gave them 3-4 HP, plus one point in
> "respected by <neighbouring clan> weaponthanes" or one point
> in "recognise chaos foes" (player choice between the two).
>
> I only do it after a session where they've done something
> exceptional, and almost always I pick something that is
> highly related to the play, and often something that the
> players would feel a little reluctant to choose for
> themselves (like how stranger NPCs will relate to them in future).
Yes, I've seen them used like this before, especially with
relationships. When it's obvious that a new relationship has been
acquired, it goes down on the character sheet. It's that subtle
difference between "you can have 6 HP, three of which are directed" and
"you can have 3 HP, plus these three extra skills for free".