storyteller

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====== Backgrounds ======

The character’s advantages from his parentage and upbringing, such as wealth, define the character’s material assets and social network.   

The character's circumstances describe advantages of relationship, circumstance, birth, and opportunity:  material possessions, social networks, and the like.  Backgrounds are external, not internal, Traits, and you should always rationalize how you came to possess them, as well as what they represent.  When choosing Backgrounds, make sure to flesh out the what, why, and how.  Who are your [[Contacts|contacts]]?  Why do your [[Allies|allies]] support you?  Do you have a couple of people who will give you aid when she needs it?  A network of informants?  What did you do that leads your Allies to trust you?  Where did you meet your retainers or [[Followers|followers]]?  What investments do you possess that yield your four dots in [[Resources]]?   Background Traits should fit the character concept — a destitute street preacher isn’t likely to have Resources, for example — though the Storyteller may disallow or encourage players to take certain Backgrounds for their characters.  When you’ve put enough detail into your character concept, selecting appropriate Backgrounds is easy.  A starting character has five dots worth of Backgrounds, which may be distributed at the player’s discretion.

Backgrounds usually stand alone, though sometimes they’re used in conjunction with an [[Attributes|Attribute]].  Although it’s uncommon to make rolls involving Background Traits, your Storyteller might have you do so to see if you can obtain information, goods, or favors.  For example, you might have to roll Wits + Resources to keep your stock portfolio healthy, Manipulation + Contacts to wheedle that extra favor from your smuggler “associate”, Wits + Resources to keep the cash flowing in a recession or Manipulation + Allies to convince your friend to accompany you on a life-threatening mission. 

Most Backgrounds improve as a result of the events in the story: making new contacts, recruiting new allies or landing a significant financial windfall.  As such, they are //usually// not raised with experience points.  Certain Backgrounds may be “pooled” among characters in a team.  See “[[pooling backgrounds]]”  for more information.

[[allies|Allies]] — Confederates, usually family or friends.  Your friends and confidantes among people.

[[Alternate Identity]] --- A false identity, complete with documentation.

[[Backing]] —  Standing in official (or unofficial) organization.

[[Cipher]] — Factors that impair those who would delve into your character's secrets.

[[contacts|Contacts]] — The information sources the character possesses.  Who you know, in society.   A network that you can tap for information.

[[Followers]] — People who obey your character's orders, for whatever reason.

[[Gadget]] — Special device unique to your character or something that is not available on the mass market

[[influence|Influence]] — The character’s political power within certain areas of society.

[[Menagerie]] — Owner of one or more unusually able and totally loyal animal companions.

[[mentor|Mentor]] — A patron who advises and supports the character.  Someone who's taken an interest in you and advises you.  Takes an interest in your progress and offers advice.

[[Nemesis]] — An enemy, one who's history with your character goes way back.

[[reputation background|Reputation]] — Noteriety within the world.

[[resources|Resources]] — Wealth, belongings, and income.  Your personal wealth and possessions, as well as your regular income.

[[Sanctum]] — A unique secure location.

[[Background Enhancements]]
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