Untitled - Index of - Free

c::> The Main Cast were all members of the same
elite commando unit serving together during
the war. They were framed for a crime they
dtd not commit and placed into separate
military jails. Now, years later, they're being
given a chance for freedom. All they have to
do IS agree to a special, top-secret
ass1gnment Brought together, shackled and
waiting, they have a chance to reminisce
about the war The vtew transitions to their
last combat action together, as the Main Cast
roleplays through the fateful day of their
frame-up ...
By the time they accept their m1ss1on, they've
already generated a history together. Which brings us
nicely to the subject of Flashbacks ...
Flashbacks
Flashbacks are a form of Cut Scene. They're a way
to introduce members of the Supporting Cast to a plot, to
add depth to an Actor's characterization, to give a sense
of history, to he1ghten the sense of a lived experience, and
to give an Actor some of the information that her charac­
ter 'remembers'. When giv1ng an Actor information in the
form of knowledge her character possesses. try never to
say 'Your character knows . ', or 'Your character remem­
bers .. .' If the character knows, let her make it up and
come out with it. If the character remembers, try re-living
it in the form of a Flashback This involves more than
simply describing a memory, although this can be done.
A Flashback tnvolves setting the Scene in which the
action actually occurred, then roleplaying through that
action. Secondary roles can be passed out to those Actors
whose usual roles are not involved. This technique is
especially useful when the memory's main value is in its
emotional content. For example ...
c::> A character has JUSt heard the name of
someone who may have knowledge the
character needs. This new person may even
be involved wtth the character's opposition.
As Director, this would be a good time to
announce that the character recognizes the
name In fact, this new person isn't new at all,
but used to be an old flame; a forgotten
romance. As the character thinks about it,
she remembers the last time they saw each
other, over seven years ago ...
The Director would now proceed to set the Stage
and roleplay through their last parting. When the Scene is
over, approaching this contact for information will have
taken on whole new shades of meaning Instant history for
your plotline development.
Dream Sequences
Likew1se, Dream Sequences are also Cut Scenes.
They can be used to Foreshadow the introduction of
people or events. explore alternate plot possibilities, or
give the characters information or warnings. Dream Se­
quences are best used when the action that occurs should
not actually happen. Often the Scene is a warning of what
might occur, and gives clues on how to avoid such an
outcome. Like the genetic virologist's constant sweating
nightmares about his employer's misuse of his research,
and the subsequent end of the world ...
A Dream Sequence can be played out when a
character IS asleep, in a delirium, or even while day­
dreaming. You needn't tell the victim of the Dream
Theatr-lx - The Core Rules 25