Star Wars: Shadow Point Gambit | Espionage and Survival.

Creating your character

When? During session 0 we will set aside a lot of the time for character creation. If we are unable to finish a character during session 0 I will arrange a time for finishing the character before session 1. Where? Over on Discord and FoundryVTT, I'll send out the links to Discord before session 0. We will be creating the characters on both a form fillable PDF, and on FoundryVTT. This serves to gives us 2 copies on different platforms, and lets you see a bit more of the FoundryVTT interface. What? -Characters will have standard-play starting experience. (Their species experience with and optional +5 or +10 by reducing Duty the same amount) -All official rule books and source books are allowed for your species and career trees. -This is an Age of Rebellion game, so all careers from those books will fit the game smoothly. I have no problem with building characters from Edge of the Empire or Force and Destiny, so long as you tie them into freshly joining the rebellion or being duty bound somehow. However, I do request that Force and Destiny characters track both Conflict and Duty. (If non of that makes sense to you, don't worry. It'll all be made clear at session 0) -Lastly, the one request I have for your character motivation is that they have a reason to be newly with the Rebel Alliance. The why and how though is completely up to you. How? -For new players, I will go through each step of character creation with you, and answer any and all questions as we do so. -If you have some experience and are feeling confident enough to do it mostly yourself, I am more than happy to take a step back. But I'll be about if you want some input, guidance or encouragement. -For experienced players, I am happy to let you crack on, or bring a already made character for me to look over quickly.

Preparing for the session

It is important that you install Discord and have an account all set up ready to go before session 0. The link for the Discord server will be shared through a direct message before session 0. I already have FoundryVTT and all the required mods installed, all you will need is to follow the web browser link that will be provided on my Discord server. Other than that, just bring yourselves.

What Mike brings to the table

Style: I will provide a well paced and thrilling adventure, where your choices matter. In this collaborative and narrative system, you get to use some of the GMing magic yourselves, using "destiny points" to bring the presence of the Force to life. I will also make sure that the adventure has opportunities to flex your strengths where possible. Create a droid technician? Lots of old, disused droids around to give you a chance to fix them up for whatever you decide. Create a young emerging force sensitive? Perhaps the ire of the inquisition will be draw to the system. Events that were set in motion before the player acted will change, and it is up to you to affect those you find and meet. Another difference in this game will be you. Yes, the players. Each different player at the table always brings their unique perspective and style to the game. What will your characters mark on the Star Wars universe be? Combat: Combat in this system is narrative and collaborative by design, heroic triumphs, crushing despairs, and the whole range of drama in between. For that reason, we will be using theatre of the mind. Often there will be objectives to complete or agendas to pursue during a typical combat, making encounters far more dynamic than simply reducing enemies heath to 0. In this adventure you will be comparatively low on resources compared to the Empire, and often out manned in open fights. Players who enjoy thinking creatively or like being against the odds will thrive in this game. Music: I personally love to have theme appropriate music whilst playing and running games, but I know this isn't for everyone. So, I will be sharing a link to a curated Spotify playlist for those that want an on theme soundtrack as we play, it is completely optional. Voices: I love to give characters voices and distinct personalities, that being said I'm no professional voice actor or drama graduate. What I bring is commitment to the bit and a goal of having a good time with it. Rule of Cool? This is Star Wars, so yes. However, I do have a vast and strong understanding of the rules that exist already in a very narrative system. If possible I would see if we can achieve your desired outcome within framework first, for consistency reasons.

Homebrew rules

I do use a minor difficulty increase homebrew. All non-combat checks that are hard, daunting, and formidable difficulty gain a set back to the rolls as base. This is for two reasons: 1- To increase the amount of threats that can be happed in tense moments. In my years of running Star Wars I have found this additional chance for Threats to make the game feel more dramatic. Importantly, this applies to NPC's and Villains too. 2- To provide more value to the career trees that have abilities based on reducing the number of setback dice from rolls they excel at. I'm always down to hear a player out about a homebrew idea. All I request is that you can clearly outline the intention for the ruling, you can provide a source for us to reference from, and that you are going to be respectful if I ultimately decide to say no.

How Mike creates a safe table

After every session I will remain in the server for at least 10 minutes for any Aftercare that is wanted post session. Here we can chat about the game or anything really, just to help bridge that gap from the game to our regular lives. I will be scheduling a break at about the halfway mark each session for 10 minutes or so. 4 hours is a long time to be sat, and this provides time for me to move around, stretch, grab a drink Etc. There will be an "open door" understanding at the table. For any reason, if you feel like you need step away for a few moments that is perfectly okay, and not to be judged. If you are able to let us know that you are just stepping away verbally, or by messaging me that would be appreciated, just so I know that you will be back. At session 0 we will discuss the theming of the game a bit more. But also I will be linking some Lines and Veils sheets to fill in. It is not mandatory to fill them in. However, it can be helpful for your own enjoyment of the game to make sure any Lines and Veils you have are known, both to me and the other players.