5.4 Example Scene

Let’s use the example character I created in the previous chapter, Zadie, and involve her in a character scene with Rasheem. This is the very first scene in our game, and we’re using it to establish the characters before the group seed hits. Of course, Zadie and Rasheem have no idea that their caravan is about to be annihilated. The GM and the other players get to watch at first, but they can also jump in if a good chance comes up.

Christian: I’d like to have a scene with Zadie and Rasheem where she sees the necklace for the first time.

Daria: Sure, let’s set it up where Zadie is out scouting ahead, and Rasheem shows up.

Christian: Okay. Zadie is lying on a ridge, with her trusted rifle against her shoulder. She is peering down into the valley ahead through the rifle scope.

Daria: Rasheem comes up behind her. He’s not exactly sneaky. The hilt of his huge scimitar sticks out over his shoulder.

Christian: Zadie turns onto her back and aims the rifle at him.

Daria: He lifts his hands and says: “Whoa. There’s no need for that.”

Christian: Zadie makes some disapproving noise, like a growl. She lowers her rifle and says: “Maybe there is, if you’re going to make all that noise and stand out like that. You’re going to attract any demons within five miles.”

Daria: “Well, it’s good that we have you to take them out, then.” He smiles in that cocky way.

Christian: She considers shooting him.

Daria: Hah. She can try if she wants to.

Christian: Zadie looks him up and down to see what he’s made of. And then she sees the necklace and her eyes lock onto it.

Daria: Rasheem smiles at her and says: “See anything you like?”

Christian: She says: “Where did you get that?”

Daria: “Huh? What are you talking about?”

Christian: She stands up, walks over, and grabs the necklace.

Daria: Well… Rasheem’s wearing it, so wouldn’t it be up to me if she gets her hand on it? It’s part of my character.

Christian: Oh sure. I meant she reaches for it.

Daria: Okay. Well… he doesn’t actually mind, so he doesn’t even look down as her hand closes on it. He says: “That’s a long story.”

Christian: “I think we can make some time now.” She looks very irritated.

Daria: I think it would be cool if something came up now to keep them from getting into it. I’m not even sure yet what the story is.

Christian: Oh, sure. GM?

Maura: Ah yeah. As Rasheem is about to answer, you hear yelling and screaming back at the caravan.

Daria: He says: “I don’t think we can.”

Christian: Zadie lets go of the necklace and dashes back toward the caravan.

Maura: Cool. We’ll have a conflict soon. But first you get a scene benefit each.

Christian: I’m marking my trait, “Distrustful of Rasheem.”

Daria: And I’m marking “Grudgingly attracted to Zadie.”

Maura: Alright. And now you get to fight some demons together!