fatal

Disposition
When preparing each adventure, the Aedile
must consider the dispositions of the characters.
Oftentimes, the goal of an adventure may conflict
with the disposition of the group. For example, a
predominantly moral group will probably refuse to
perform an assassination for an employer who lacks
credibility. Conversely, a group that is predominantly
immoral will probably refuse a potential employer
when not offered enough compensation, and may
get angry and slay the potential employer. An Aedile
needs to be prepared for these contingencies.
Occupation
When preparing each adventure, the Aedile
must consider the occupations of the characters.
Oftentimes, the goal of an adventure may conflict
with the occupations of the group. For example, a
group of adventurers comprised mostly of militiamen
would consequently not only be most likely to
refuse an employer who attempts to hire them to
assassinate someone in town, but would probably
arrest the soliciting employer. An Aedile needs to
be prepared for these contingencies.
Role-playing
Since F.A.T.A.L. is a role-playing game, the
purpose is to role-play a character. The definition
of good role-playing differs among players. The
definition 1 of a role is either “a character assigned
to or assumed by someone,” or “a part played by an
actor.” Therefore, role-playing will be defined here
as when a player or Aedile performs the role of a character.
2 words must be discussed: performs and role.
Different players or Aediles will perform differently
according to their talent for acting. This
may be the most difficult aspect of the game. Some
feel inhibited by other players regarding acting.
Others are inept at acting or have little experience.
Still, some act too freely, often overdoing their performance.
Proper performance is an ideal. It involves
becoming familiar with fine details of a character,
and improvising the rest until a coherent and
consistent role is developed. The performance focuses
on the player or Aedile, while the role focuses
on the character.
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The role of a character differs from character
to character. Different characters are better suited
performing different functions, and therefore different
styles of role-playing emerge. The proper
role of a choleric ruffian may be to brawl, and so all
aspects of this character’s violent lifestyle should be
explored by the player. For this ruffian to refrain
from violence and engage in excessive displays of
Etiquette, for instance, would be to fail to play his
role properly, regardless of how well or poorly the
player performs it.
With experience, many players develop roleplaying
habits and preferences. Some prefer combat,
others interpersonal interaction. To ensure good
role-playing, a player or Aedile should think critically
about the role of the character whom they will
role-play, as well as how best to perform that role.
When preparing each adventure, the Aedile
must consider the roles of the characters and the
aptitude of each player for performing.
Magical Research
As casters and sages increase in level, they
often desire to research magic, aspiring to develop
their own spells or magical items. Generally, this
should not be allowed until they advance to the 10 th
occupational level. However, depending on circumstance
and the specific research, at the Aedile’s discretion
it may be possible to research minor magic
as early as 5 th level.
1. The definition was taken from Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, and is referenced in the References section.
Chapter 15: Conducting the Game