Edge of the Empire Book

• Note Passing: There may be times when a char-
  acter wants to act on knowledge that no other
  Player Character has, and he wants to conceal
  his actions. The player and GM may pass notes
  to each other to secretly progress that part of
  the storyline. Less common is note passing be-
  tween players, bypassing the GM. Both are gen-
  erally acceptable, but the GM should be careful
  to not let it dominate the game or overly frus-
  trate players left out of the loop.

GROUP DYNAMICS

There are two major group dynamics in play at the
gaming table. One is between the players, while
the second is between their characters. Both are
important to having fun during the game. Ideally,
the players enjoy playing with each other, and
their characters have enough in common to as-
sociate with each other without large amounts of
tension. Disruptions to either of these cases can
diminish the fun of playing.

WHEN THE PARTY DISAGREES

Roleplaying is highly situational. As a story unfolds,
the party often debates the desired course of action.
This normally works itself out as the party discusses
its options. Disagreements due to roleplaying indi-
vidual characters can be great moments in the game.
However, if a disagreement grows to the point that it
disrupts the fun of the game, it's usually a good time
to take a break. Breaks may last just a few minutes or
suspend the game until the next session.

Sometimes, the GM can alter the in-game situation

enough to provide a more obvious or agreeable path

forward. Compromise from the GM or other players to

move the story along is normally acceptable and de-

sirable, especially if the situation makes one or more

players uncomfortable at the table. The party should

be careful to avoid lingering disagreements, as they can

lead to bad feelings and possibly break up the group.

WHEN THE PARTY SPLITS UP

Sometimes the best course of action is for the party

to split up in the game. This normally happens when

the action is spread out, and the party needs to be in

more than one place at the same time. This can also

be used to diffuse situations in which the party greatly

disagrees on the correct course of action.

No matter the cause, splitting the party also splits the

attention of the GM. This naturally focuses the GM's at-

tention on one part of the group at a time, leaving the

rest to wait until the spotlight returns to them. The GM

must be careful not let too much downtime pass between

groups. In some cases, the players might physically sepa-

rate from the table and go to different rooms or areas, to

avoid overhearing or disrupting a scene that their char-

acters are not part of and cannot influence. See Player

Knowledge vs. Character Knowledge on page 294.

Splitting the party is acceptable and expected for

limited durations. It is least disruptive tothe game as a

whole if the GM keeps all players at the table. Splitting

the party for longer-term situations can add to the story,

but must be carefully managed. The GM might even

consider running separate sessions in extreme cases.

INTRODUCING NEW PLAYER CHARACTERS

B

ringing a new player into an existing group can

be exciting. It is often necessary to replace play-

ers who leave during a long campaign. A new char-

acter shakes up the group dynamics, and brings

out new or unexpected opportunities within the

game. However, not all additions go smoothly, and

considerations should be made regarding the sto-

ryline and the enjoyment of the group as a whole.

Before adding a new player, the group

should discuss whether that person meshes

well with the current game and group. The

GM could discreetly discuss the situation with

each player to minimize hurt feelings if some

players object to the new person.

When the new player arrives at the table, the

group and GM should bring him up to speed on

the current story, table rules, and any house rules

in use (House rules are game rules created by the

GM for unusual situations, or personal preference).

When the new character arrives in game, there

should be an accompanying story reason for him to

join the group. The GM can create it, but it works

best when it includes ideas from the new player

and the existing group. The new character may be

a friend, relative, or associate of the Player Char-

acters, or he might be introduced by an NPC. An

adventure specifically created to introduce the

Player Character is a good way to integrate the new

character with the existing campaign.

If the new player is also new to EDGE OF THE EMPIRE

or RPGs in general, he may need help learning the

rules and terminology. While the GM can and should

aid him, it is often better for a player to act as a men-

tor. This frees the GM to concentrate on the game

and the entire group, while the individual player gets

specific advice or instructions about how to use the

game mechanics at their required times. Seating the

new player next to the mentor minimizes disruptions

from rules discussions during the game.