Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Rule Book

ROLEPLAYING MOTIVATION REWARDS SECRET MOTIVATIONS

P

layers can receive rewards for staying true to

their Motivation, just as they can with good

roleplaying. These rewards are ultimately up the

CM, and generally come in the form of additional

experience points. More on this can be found in

Chapter IX: The Game Master, on page 311.

in character with his Motivation. However, these aspects of
Motivation are covered in more detail in the Chapter IX:
The Game Master on page 311.

CHANGING MOTIVATIONS

Just as in real life, a character's Motivation may
change over time. Something could happen to the ob-
ject of the character's Motivation, such as the death
of a teacher in the case of the Relationship (Mentor)
Motivation or the destruction of the character's home
planet for the Cause (Local Politics) Motivation.
In these instances, the player should decide if his
character sticks to his original Motivation (possibly out
of loyalty, the need for revenge, or the desire to continue
with the subject's legacy) or if he changes his Motivation
entirely. The player should not determine a new Motiva-
tion randomly and instead should work with the CM to
come up with the character's new Motivation. Even over
the course of a long-running campaign, changing a char-
acter's Motivation should be a rare event.
If the character changes his Motivation during a cam-
paign, he should not receive any bonus experience points
for his previous Motivation and should be required to
demonstrate his commitment to his new Motivation.

Once all the players have determined their charac-

ter's Motivations, the GM should note them and keep

them handy as a reference as the campaign progresses.

However, a player does not have to tell the other play-

ers his character's Motivation. Some of the Motivations

listed above might come with some inherent dangers,

social damage, or chance of corruption that might run

counter to the party's overall goals. This is intentional,

as sometimes keeping a character's Motivation secret

might make things hard for the group, but is excellent

for creating tension and good roleplaying.

If a character chooses to keep his Motivation secret

he can, with the GM's permission, roll a second time

to provide the character's "false front." The player

should be encouraged to give the appearance of act-

ing on behalf of the false Motivation, while actually

furthering the goals of the original.

EXAMPLE: PLAYING TO MOTIVATIONS

Jim rolls on the tables and comes up with the re-

sult of Cause (Support the Empire) for his Politico

character. Obviously, many of the other charac-

ters in the group would find this Motivation dis-

tasteful or even dangerous. The GM allows Jim to

roll a second time, coming up with the Relation-

ship (Sibling/Siblings) result. Outwardly, Jim's

character should appear motivated to assist one

or more of his siblings. However, in truth, the

character wants to support the Empire. He could

use his false Motivation as a cover, taking "visits

to see his family" as a way to get away from pry-

ing eyes and doing something that furthers the

goals of the Empire.

Step 9: Gear and Appearance

At this stage, the players have taken care of most

Hof the mechanical details of their characters. Now

each player has the chance to consider additional de-

tails that help define his character. These details tend

to have a greater narrative impact on how the char-

acters operate and add richness and depth to their

existence. This means, however, that players are able

(and even encouraged) to be as creative as they like

when inventing the description of their character.

STARTING GEAR

Player Characters in EDGE OF THE EMPIRE receive a bud-

get of credits to spend on starting gear before game-

play begins. This budget is 500 credits, although it

can be increased by undertaking additional Obliga-

SHORT ON CASH?

R

emember, a player can always increase his

character's starting credits by taking on ad-

ditional Obligation as described under Start-

ing Obligation on page 40.

tion (see page 40). Before their characters begin

the game, players may spend these credits to pur-

chase items from Chapter V for their character. They

may not purchase Restricted (R) items unless specifi-

cally given dispensation by their GM.

CHARACTER CREATION

EDGE OF THE EMPIRE