Edge of the Empire Book

good encounter design. It provides advice for dealing

with players and group dynamics in and out of the

game. It gives specific GM guidance for using Obliga-

tions and Motivations in character and story creation.

It also advises on dice pool interpretation, and how to

maximize its use during the game.

Finally, this chapter includes advice on what makes an

adventure or campaign fitting for the EDGE OF THE EMPIRE

setting. It discusses the story elements and types that fit

into navigating the galaxy's underworld and fringe societ-

ies. Other story types may be told with this system, but

the focus here is on the scum and villainy of the galaxy.

How to Run an EDGE OF THE EMPIRE Game

Creating an EDCE OF THE EMPIRE Adventure

ilquires players, planning, rules knowledge, and an
interest in creating a great deal of fun. This section
guides new and experienced Game Masters through a
typical game, from the first game session onward. The
first several sections, from Recruiting Players through
Continuing the Story, are intended for beginner GMs.
The advice in the remaining sections is intended for
GMs with a session or two of experience and can be
safely skipped by GMs preparing for their first game.

RECRUITING PLAYERS

First and foremost, the game needs players. The GM

should look first to his circle of friends. It's okay if they

have never played a roleplaying game before. Thanks to

the popularity of the Star Wars movies, it's likely they

already have a basic understanding of the setting. This

enables them to understand the overall Motivations, lo-

cations, and major events much more quickly than they

might in a standalone roleplaying game setting. If the

GM's friends aren't interested, other options include

finding a local game club, game convention, or appro-

priate online gaming organization to play at or recruit

from. The same holds true for players recruiting a GM.

For the first session and short adventures, exact

player chemistry is less important than in prolonged

campaigns. However, GMs and players should try to

recruit others that they get along with and mesh well

together. It's helpful if they enjoy similar play styles,

and have similar expectations about the game and

how it will be played. If the GM is running his first

game, he should tell the other players. They'll be more

forgiving while the GM learns the intricacies of the

system. If they themselves are Game Masters, they

may be able to give the new GM advice along the way.

PREPARING AND RUNNING

THE FIRST SESSION

Game preparation is one of the GM's key duties. Detailed

advice is provided later in this chapter. For now, read the

rules. The GM doesn't need to memorize all of them or

understand all of their intricacies for the first game ses-

sion. His familiarity with the rules will grow with every

game he runs. Focus on character creation rules, as this

is the first contact most players have with the game me-

chanics. They will usually look to the GM for guidance.

The GM should review any specific or unusual rules

used in the adventure. He should write notes regard-

ing their use, along with page numbers for quick refer-

ence. This helps to speed play. Everyone learns the

game more quickly by playing, so playing in a session

run by another GM can improve practical application

of the rules. It might also help the GM form ideas for

how he may or may not want to run his own sessions.

The GM should learn basic combat rules—attacks,

movement, and damage. Combat is likely in each game

session. One of the GM's primary responsibilities is to

play the part of all the adversaries, enemies, allies, and

bystanders during the fight. Though the GM battles the

Player Characters tactically, he is not their enemy. He

must roleplay the combatants, making their tactical

decisions based on what each one knows about the sit-

uation, and what their goals are. While there are plenty

of scenes where the bad guys will stop at nothing to

eliminate the good guys, this isn't always the case.

There are plenty of other entertaining ways to end a

scene, without necessarily killing everyone on one side.

THE GAME MASTER

EDCE OF THE EMPIRE

FUN FIRST, RULES SECOND!

B

lways remember that everyone at the table

is there to have a good time. Adjudicating

the rules is important, but secondary to this

goal. Don't let a rules question or interpreta-

tion derail the fun. Everyone wants to create a

great tale with some wild moments. While the

GM has primary control over the planned sto-

ryline, he should not overlook player ideas and

actions for great, if unpredictable, results. If the

GM and the players are enjoying the game, ev-

eryone is on the right track!