Edge of the Empire Book

Using Obligation

O

bligation is a core narrative and game mechanic

in EDCE OF THE EMPIRE (See page 38 for more

information). Obligation influences both the charac-

ters and the adventure, often in unexpected ways.

It can introduce new and unplanned alterations to

the current circumstances. It also mechanically re-

inforces the concept that the universe responds to

the characters' actions and that their decisions mean

something beyond both the GM's and players' im-

mediate control.

GMs are encouraged to use Obligation creatively

throughout the course of the adventure and cam-

paign. Since the Player Characters gain addition-

al XP by taking on extra Obligation, it is partly a

player resource that should have a narrative or me-

chanical cost during the game. Players that took on

extra Obligation should rightfully have to deal with

more difficult situations than those players that

kept their personal Obligation low. Obligation also

provides a wealth of story hooks and roleplaying

opportunities, influenced by the type of Obligation

each Player Character has and when it is triggered.

The GM should take every opportunity to use these

hooks during the adventure or campaign. Published

adventures may include suggested ties to certain

types of Obligation.

GUIDING STARTING

OBLIGATION SELECTION

During character creation, each player selects his

Obligation type himself or by random chance (see

page 38). Parties may end up with a wide va-

riety of Obligations, or a limited number of types

shared between certain characters. The GM gener-

ally should not limit the types of Obligations in a

game but may work with the players if they want to

use it to craft a specific, interesting backstory. The

players should not be allowed to optimize or ma-

nipulate Obligation backgrounds to gain a substan-

tial benefit from it. Obligations are meant to grant a

limited advantage in starting XP and/or equipment

at the cost of hindrances and unexpected difficul-

ties within the game session.

Alternatively, the GM (or players) may select or

come up with new types of Obligation to fit a spe-

cific campaign or story arc. The Obligation may be

the driving force behind an adventure or campaign,

rather than a periodic problem. The GM should make

sure that any Player Characters with Obligations less

important to the plot are not forgotten, and are high-

lighted from time to time.

USING THE

OBLIGATION CHECK

Before each game session, the GM makes an Obliga-

tion check (see page 41). The greater the group's

Obligation is, the greater the chance that it will come

directly into play during that session. When triggered,

the GM should note which player's Obligation is acti-

vated, and note how that player's specific Obligation

type manifests itself. See the Obligation descriptions

on page 39 for examples of how some specific Ob-

ligation types may influence events.

The mechanical penalties of the Obligation check

on some characters can be significant. A particularly

painful result (rolling doubles) should have a major

story impact during the session. If the Obligation af-

fects more than one character, the GM should con-

sider altering the plot for the session to reflect the

sudden change. However, if the GM decides it would

derail the story at a critical juncture, he can delay the

actual encounter. The mechanical penalties should

still remain in effect—perhaps the characters become

informed of the impending problem and are still dis-

tracted and worried about it, even if (or because) they

can't immediately attend to the situation.

THE GAME MASTER

OF THE EMPIRE