Characters

Hooks - Your Character’s Engine

If Roles define what your character does well, Hooks define what they will do, or won't, and why. They're the motivations, drives, and complications that transform a collection of abilities into a character with agency in the game world. They're not just character background, they have actual mechanical value that earns Karma and Luck Tokens and provides bonuses when they matter most. Most importantly, they tell the GM what kind of game you want to play, and help him set it up for you. A well-crafted Hook will consistently create opportunities, complicate situations, and reward you for playing your character authentically.

A good Hook serves at least three functions:

They Drive the Story Forward. Hooks give your character reasons to take risks, make hard choices, and get involved in adventures. They're the answer to "why does my character care about this?" They also keep the character invested when the GM crafts plots around them.

They Provide Mechanical Bonuses. Once per scene, you can add your Hook's current rank to any roll where it's relevant. The character is motivated. The GM may also apply it for free when it obviously fits. When the story is about the character's Hooks, this should happen pretty often.

They Generate Karma! When Hooks complicate life, you get paid. The more dramatically a Hook impacts your choices, the more it's worth. If a Hook has already been triggered this session, triggering it again generates a Luck Token instead; but that's awesomeness in your pocket.