So you want to tell a story with those around you in this fictional world we have come to know as Valanas? Well then all anyone needs to do now is follow the following steps to set up the Conflicts and Setting that will act as the stomping ground for characters to mold and alter in their own dramatic ways! - Media: All players, including the GM, decide on a collection of Media to which acts as an inspirational building point for the campaign. This can range from fictional writing, to movies, to historical documentation.
- Inspiration: Then, each player can provide inspirational characters, elements, or personality traits that they would like to experience. It is ideal that players share this information to insure that the elements of inspiration can work with others and allow for an even greater experience.
- Theme: Valanas is above all else very focused on Action, Drama (often Hope), and Mystery. When designing characters or choosing a character's High-Concept, it often helps to align them to one or two of these themes.
- Setting: Valanas has a strong focus around historical China, Japan, and Atlantis. Martial Arts, Alchemy, and potent supernatural abilities can be found anywhere. Decide on which of these elements most interest the group, using each of the Bloodlines and the Power of Legends as a reference.
- Scale: Valanas typically revolves around personal conflicts that evolve into a more local, global, and cosmic scale. Decide on which parts interest the group the most and list this here. The Larger the scale, the more of a reach one's abilities and aspects will likely cover.
- Issues: One can not attain their personal Legends without conflicts to help drive them forward. Have the group decide on which dramatic sources of tension that compel their legends into action.
- NPCs: With the world, scale, and issues in hand, the group then decides on which Points of Interest and NPC's are central to their conflict, and the appropriate aspects the help define what, where, and who they are. Also provide an appropriate aspect that defines why the Point of Interest or NPC is important to the conflict and the players.
In many cases, the most common settings within Valanas can be found listed under the Worldly Conflicts section. Feel free to utilize or customize these to suit your players. Once the above steps have been complete, the players then move towards the Character creation phase where they build the character they want to use to resolve their agreed upon conflicts. When establishing their character, it is important to note that the player keep in mind a character concept that provides some sense of why their character matters in the world, and the dramatic elements that can make it not only interesting for them, but how their character can impact and improve the enjoyment of those around the table. - Archetype (High Concept): Come up with your characters High Concept or Archetype that best describes what your character does and reflects your key talents.
- Origin (Trouble): Detail where your character came from, who they are, or have an important family tie here. This should provide more complications than benefits to reflect the otherwise substantial benefits from your Archetype.
- Name: Name your character!
- Lore: Decide on up to three historical or personality based Aspects that tie you in with a fellow party member, the setting, or an existing conflict that demonstrates a skill, talent, or accomplishment that can potentially aid or hinder you during play.
- Declare Facts (Optional): Decide on at least 3 facts or permissions and up to 3 situations for each aspect that could come into and influence the adventure during game-play. Make sure to go over this part with the Narrator/GM.
- Approaches: Valanas uses the standardized rules for FATE Accelerated by applying bonuses to each of the Approaches in the game that best reflect your character's action specialties with the following bonuses: One at +3; two at +2 and +1; and finally one at +0. For further information about approaches refer to your FATE Accelerated documentation or the SRD resources at FATE-SRD.com.
- Stunts: Valanas uses the standardized rules for FATE Accelerated when it comes to stunts, though when designing the stunts, players must declare an aspect to which acts as a permission for each stunt. For further information about stunts refer to your FATE Accelerated documentation or the SRD resources at FATE-SRD.com. Additionally, players may utilize FATE-Bid stunts, which is defined in more detail in the Stunts section. As players get more comfortable, they may chose an additional 2 stunts, or an additional one at a cost of one refresh each. Doing so players must keep in mind they must always have a minimum of one refresh.
- Refresh: All players start the game with 3 Fate Points at the beginning of every adventure, minus 1 Fate Point for every Stunt above 3. As explained previously all players must have a minimum 1 refresh.
- Stress and Consequences: All players start with 3 stress boxes. Additionally, each player starts play with a Mild (+2), Moderate (+4), and one Severe (+6) Consequence. Players may chose to expend one refresh to add an additional Stress Box or provide an additional +2 Mild consequence, each requiring an associated aspect that grants permission just like a standard stunt.
Currently a continual WIP, any thoughts or comments are always welcome. |
