Playing the pulp action game

The players, the GM included, are trying to mimic pulp action films. The heroes are very hard to kill; they perform daring deeds and take extreme risks.

Expectations

  • We want to follow the "Fast, Furious, and Fun" ethos. Do your part to keep the pace of the game relatively brisk.

    • Learn the Savage Worlds rules; if you’re new to Savage Worlds rules, you can download the most recent Savage Worlds Test Drive

    • If you have any rules for your character’s schticks (e.g., arcane powers or gambling), learn them or have the rules handy

  • The GM awards bennies for playing your hero according to the tone of the game and playing his hindrances in such a way as they hinder the character or party

    • I think that awarding bennies to a player for good role playing or for "doing cool things" is too subjective and ambiguous

  • Bring your imagination and a willingness to narrate and add to the story [1]

  • Be engaged during the game session and do your best to pay attention

  • Share the stage so your fellow players can shine

  • If you cannot attend the game at the specified time, give reasonable advanced notice

  • Give the GM feedback on what is working well, what you want to see more of, and what could use some work

  • Prepare to engage in an adult conversation if we ever need to course correct

  • Stay classy

Session zero

Objectives of session zero:

  • Introductions and meet-up

  • Discuss expectations of the game

  • Determine character concepts and roles in the party

    • Identify character hindrances and interesting aspects

    • Determine relationships/bonds between characters

Introductions

Basics

Name, Location, TTRPG Experience, and anything else you want to share

What things about Savage Worlds (and/or RPGs in general) do you enjoy?

Combat, Puzzles, Roleplay, etc

What is one strength you bring to the group?

Maybe it’s your experience, your consistency, your voice acting, your creativity, your keen grasp of the rules, or just being all around fun to play with.

Scheduling and the gaming group

Time and Date of Games

Games will happen on Wednesday evenings at 8 pm EST. I’d like to aim for three sessions every 4-5 weeks.

Attendance

As long as we have 3 players, we will run a session. If we ever have fewer than 3, we’ll reschedule.

Session Length

A session will last about 2.5 hours (so 10:30 PM EST is the typical end).

Communications Tools and Table Expectations

Safety Tools

I’ve never used them but that does not mean we should not. This game is supposed to be run as a PG-13 movie. I want to be cognizant of ethnic and sexist stereotypes.

Open Door

Feel free to reach out to me to discuss points about the game, etc.

Off Limits Topics

Transphobia, Homophobia, Graphic violence directed towards children, Graphic depictions of torture

GM style

Look up the rules later

If there’s a question about rules, I’ll probably make a call (typically in favor of the players) and then look up the rule later. If I make a bad call, we’ll figure out how to make it right. I know we have some expert Savages in the crew who know the rules well and I may ask for help with a quick rule look-up.

Encumbrance rules? No thanks

Just be reasonable about what your hero is carrying.

Golden Hour

I’m indifferent to the golden hour rule and I will forget it. If you really think it should be applied, remind me and we can apply it.

Money and Resources

I’m pretty hand-wavy on this stuff. I hope that’s OK.

Tone

I’m usually shooting for 60% serious and 40% silly/fun.

Our Table

Character Death

It is hard to kill a player in a Savage Worlds pulp action game but it might happen. If you want your character to die (e.g., a heroic death), let’s discuss that subject in advance and see how this might be meaningful to the overall story.

PVP

I’m inclined to avoid PVP but it can also add spice to a story. If there is PVP and mechanics need to be engaged, expect that we’ll adapt the social conflict mechanics (or possibly use the quick encounter mechanics).

Dice

We’re going to roll dice in Roll20. All of my dice rolls will be in the open.

Shared Background and Character Bonds

I am looking to adapt something (e.g., the bonds mechanic from PbtA) but I am open to ideas.