You are the Scene Monitor! You set the stage, draw the map, and manage background characters.

Set the Stage

At the start of each scene, do the following:

• Pick an existing setting sheet or create a new setting sheet
• Optional but recommended: Roll a New Scene Prompt (see Prompts)
• Give background information that explains how the characters got there
• Describe the setting in its current state, answer any questions the players have about the setting, and draw a map if needed (see Draw the Map below)
• Describe what background characters are doing and roleplay as them when they interact with the main characters (see Roleplay Characters below)
• Ask players what their characters will attempt to do as a result (see Pass the Buck below)

Draw the Map

Defining Traits does not require a map, but as the Scene Monitor, you may draw a map if you like. You can place and move character tokens on the map to represent their physical location. You have the final say on all questions pertaining to the map, such as:

• What the scale of the map is and how far things are
• Whether an enemy is within range or in line of sight
• How easy it is to traverse the terrain
• What obstacles exist and whether they provide cover

Roleplay Characters

In addition to playing your main character, you will also play background characters. Using traditional terminology, this rulebook refers to a background character as a non-player character (NPC), even though players control NPCs in this system.

If an NPC becomes important enough, you may create an NPC sheet for them:

• Give the NPC a name
• Choose a faction and copy its traits onto the NPC sheet