Objective of the Game
"Fading Suns" is a role-playing game where players take on the roles of characters within a science-fiction universe. The main objective is to experience adventures and influence the story being narrated by the game master.
Game Materials
- Rulebooks (both for the game master and players)
- Character sheets for each player
- Dice, often the "D20" (20-sided dice)
- Pens and paper for notes
Character Creation
1. Choose a Race and Origin: Players can choose from humans or aliens, each with different abilities and histories. A character's origin determines their social status and access to specific technology and resources.
2. Determine Attributes: In "Fading Suns," there are usually several attributes, such as strength, agility, intelligence, etc., which define the character's abilities. These are determined by rolling dice or allocated using a point-based system.
3. Select Skills: Skills represent the character's special knowledge and abilities, such as hacking computer systems or negotiation skills. They can be improved with 'Fading Suns' points earned during the game.
4. Equip and Special Abilities: Players select starting equipment and possibly special abilities or powers.
Gameplay Flow
The game is typically played in sessions often overseen by a game master (GM) who guides the story and manages the universe:
1. Narrative Structure: The GM tells the story, describes the environment, and narrates events occurring in the game universe. Players describe the actions they wish their characters to perform.
2. Dice Mechanics: To determine if actions succeed, players roll one or more D20 dice. The result of a roll determines an action's success or failure.
3. Interactions: Players can interact with non-player characters (NPCs) and make decisions that influence the storyline.
4. Combat and Conflicts: These are resolved using dice and strategic deployment of skills and equipment, with the GM controlling opponents and managing encounter balance.
Strategic Nuances
- Role-playing Elements: Communication and strategic thinking are crucial. It's important that conflicts can often be resolved not just through combat but also through clever strategies and negotiations.
- Cooperation: Player cooperation is often essential to overcome particularly difficult obstacles or successfully complete missions.
- Experience Gathering: Characters earn experience points during the game, helping them improve skills or learn new abilities.
Features
- Cultural Setting: The game has a rich background into which players can immerse themselves, exploring themes ranging from politics to religious conflicts to space adventures.
End of the Game: The game does not end after a set number of rounds. Instead, players work towards long-term objectives set by the game master or emerging from the story of the universe. After a certain number of sessions or when the storyline reaches a narrative conclusion, the game master can choose to end the adventure.
"Fading Suns" is particularly suitable for players who enjoy role-playing elements and science-fiction settings and who are willing to immerse themselves in a rich universe.
