Operational Guidelines
"Every job has three parts: the setup, the score, and the getaway. Mess up any one, and you fail the whole thing. Master all three, and you become legend."
Welcome to the dark side of the galaxy, operative. Here, between the lines of legitimate commerce and beneath the gaze of Federation sensors, the real economy thrives. Credits flow to those bold enough to seize them, and reputation is earned one dangerous gambit at a time.
This guide will walk you through the steps to execute a criminal operation using the job you've created. From setting the stage to navigating the perilous twists and turns of each scene, you'll learn how to play through your operative's journey in the underworld. Prepare to test your skills, manage your resources, and make choices that will define your character's path in this high-stakes game of survival and profit.
Navigating This Guide
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Step-by-step instructions on how to play through each scene of the job.
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Detailed breakdown of scene structure, skill tests, and narrative flow.
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Strategies for tracking and utilizing your operative's resources.
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Guidelines for incorporating NPC allies.
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Tips for keeping a detailed log of your job's progress and outcomes.
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How to finalize your job and reap the rewards of your criminal endeavors.
Execute the Operation
"In this line of work, hesitation is death. Every second counts, every choice matters, and every mistake could be your last."
You're about to step into your operative's blood-soaked boots during their formative years. Each scene will test their cunning, their nerve, and their willingness to cross lines that law-abiding citizens never even see. Feel the weight of stolen goods in your hands, taste the adrenaline of dodging security sweeps, and experience the cold satisfaction of a job well done—or the bitter lessons learned when everything goes sideways.
Run through the operation scene by scene, making the hard choices that separate amateurs from professionals, and professionals from legends. Every job follows the same lethal pattern—a rhythm beaten into every successful operative's bones. Ignore it at your peril:
| Phase | Description | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: The Setup Scenes 1-5 |
- Hunt your prey: Scope the mark, learn their weaknesses - Know your enemies: Profile security, rival crews, wild cards - Plan three escapes: Because the first two will fail |
Each scene establishes operational intelligence or preparation |
| Phase 2: The Score Scenes 6-10 |
- Strike fast and smart: Execute with surgical precision - Adapt or die: Handle resistance, betrayals, and Murphy's Law - Stay flexible: When plans crumble, improvisation saves lives |
Each scene advances toward or complicates the primary objective |
| Phase 3: The Resolution Scenes 11-15 |
- Secure the prize: Get what you came for and get out - Clean your tracks: Dead witnesses tell no tales - Face the music: Every action echoes—glory, revenge, or both |
Each scene resolves consequences or secures extraction |
Each scene typically involves multiple skill tests, with escalating stakes and complications. Use the Job Log Template to track outcomes, Edge, and Heat throughout the operation.
Play a Scene
"In the field, every decision matters. Hesitate, and you're caught. Rush, and you're dead."
Each scene represents a critical juncture in your operative's mission. Follow this structured approach to navigate the dangers and opportunities that arise. Repeat the cycle until the scene reaches its conclusion.
The typical scene flow is as follows:
graph TD
A[Narrate till Critical Juncture] --> D[Test Skills & Face Consequences]
D --> E{*Is the Scene Complete?*}
E -- No --> A
E -- Yes --> F[Scene Resolved, Move to next Scene]Tips for Smooth Play and Epic Storytelling
Feel free to narrate most of the scene and only call for skill tests when at significant risk or challenge.
This ruleset is more about storytelling and less about crunching numbers to the ground.
Use descriptive language to set the mood, describe environments, and bring NPCs to life. The more immersive the scene, the more engaging the experience.
Narrate till Critical Juncture
"The galaxy doesn't wait for the unprepared. Size up your surroundings, know your options, and act decisively."
Describe your operative's actions and intentions in the field. Feel free to narrate the environment, NPC reactions, and immediate stakes. Continue until you reach a critical juncture.
Ask: "Could this go wrong?"
graph TD
A[Could this go wrong?] -- Yes --> B{Perform Skill Test}
A -- No --> C{Narrate Further}Test Your Skills
"Skills are your lifeline in this business. Master them, and you control your fate. Neglect them, and fate controls you."
When your operative attempts a challenging action, resolve it with a skill test:
- Choose Attribute + Discipline that matches your approach, combine them for your target number
- Determine how many dice to roll:
- Check if one of your focuses applies - if so, roll an extra dice
- Check if you have Edge points to spend for extra dice
- Roll the 2d20 and your additional dice, aiming to roll equal or under your skill level
- Check if your have Edge Points to spend to reroll failed dice
- Count your successes (each die equal or under your skill level)
graph TD
A[Choose Attribute + Discipline] --> B{Any Focus Applies?}
B -- Yes --> C[Add 1 Die]
B -- No --> D[No Additional Dice]
C --> E{Spend Edge Points?}
D --> E
E -- Yes --> F[Add Dice for Edge]
E -- No --> G[Roll the Dice]
F --> G
G --> H[Count Successes]Face the Consequences
"In this line of work, success is never guaranteed, and failure can be deadly. Every roll of the dice could mean the difference between fortune and disaster."
Based on your number of successes, determine the outcome using the table below:
| Result | Description | Outcome | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3+ successes | You nail it perfectly | Exceptional Success | Gain 2 Edge points |
| 2+ successes | Smooth operation, gain an edge | Gain Edge | Gain 1 Edge point |
| 1 success | You pull it off | Success | |
| No successes | Something goes wrong | Failure | May gain Heat depending on stakes |
| Roll one 20* | Unwanted attention or complications | Build Heat | Gain 1 Heat |
| Roll two or more 20* | Unwanted attention or complications | Build Heat | Gain 2 Heat |
About the Complication Range
*The complcation range depends on the job's risk level (see Create a Job for details).
Repeat Until Scene Complete
"In the field, the situation is fluid. Adapt, improvise, and overcome—because standing still is the fastest way to get caught."
Repeat this cycle through until the scene is resolved, starting back at "1 Assess and Narrate the Situation".
Scene Resolution Criteria- When Does a Scene End?
A scene ends when one of these conditions is met:
- Objective Achieved: The stated scene goal is completed or definitively failed
- Escalation Trigger: Heat accumulation forces a transition (alarms, security response)
- Resource Shift: Edge spent or complication forces repositioning
- Test Limit: After 2-4 skill tests, introduce time pressure or complications
Managing Edge and Heat
"In this game, your resources are your lifeline. Manage them wisely, or watch your operation crumble under pressure."
During each scene, track your operative's Edge and Heat levels. These resources represent your operative's preparedness and the risks they face. Use them strategically to influence outcomes and navigate complications.
What is Edge?
Edge represents your operative's readiness, resources, and ability to adapt under pressure. It can be spent to gain advantages during skill tests or to introduce narrative benefits.
Spending Edge
| Effect | Cost |
|---|---|
| Add +1 die to any roll | 1 Edge |
| Reroll all dice on a failed test | 2 Edge |
| Introduce minor narrative advantage | 1 Edge |
What is Heat?
Heat represents the level of attention and risk your operative attracts from law enforcement, rival crews, and other threats. High Heat increases the likelihood of complications and escalations during your operation.
Heat Carryover
Heat persists between jobs, reflecting your operative's growing notoriety. Manage it carefully to avoid escalating risks in future operations.
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Edge Tresholds
When reaching certain Edge thresholds for the first time, gain the following benefits:
Edge Level Effect 0 Edge No special benefits 1 Edge Roll on the Minor Advantages Table 3 Edge Roll on the Major Advantages Table 5 Edge Gain an NPC Ally 7+ Edge Roll on the Legendary Advantages Table 10+ Edge Gain an additional significant resource or asset for future operations 12+ Edge Smooth operations, automatic success on one test per scene 15+ Edge Gain an additional major reward for future operations 20+ Edge Gain an additional epic reward for future operations -
Heat Thresholds
When reaching certain Heat thresholds for the first time, face the following consequences:
Heat Level Effect 0 Heat Clean operation, minimal risk 1 Heat Roll on the Minor Complications Table 3 Heat Roll on the Major Complications Table 5 Heat Add an additional adversary from NPC Enemies Table 7+ Heat Roll on the Critical Escalations Table 10+ Heat High alert status, roll on Critical Escalations Table 12+ Heat Operation severely compromised, forced retreat or heavy losses 15+ Heat Operation compromised, forced extraction or failure
Supporting Characters
"In the shadows, no operative is an island. Allies can turn the tide, but they come with their own risks and loyalties."
During your operations, you may encounter or employ supporting characters—NPCs who assist or complicate your mission. These characters can provide valuable skills, resources, or information but may also introduce new risks.
They may be part of your heists crew, and can be created using the Character Creation Guide.
When introducing a supporting character:
- Define their role, skills, and motivations
- Determine their loyalty and potential complications
- Track their involvement and impact on the operation
Using Supporting Characters Effectively
Supporting characters can be a double-edged sword—use them wisely to enhance your operative's chances of success. They have a good chance to return in future jobs in the main campaign. Additionally, they can be promoted to full player characters if desired.
Document the Operation
"A job well documented is a job half won. Keep track of your moves, your wins, and your losses—because knowledge is power in this game."
Use the Job Log Template to record scene summaries, outcomes, Edge and Heat changes, and key narrative developments. This log will serve as a reference for future operations and help track your operative's growth in the criminal underworld.
Tip
Use simple notes and bullets during your session and fill in the detailed log afterward to keep the action flowing.
Claim your cut
"At the end of the day, it's all about the credits. Secure your cut, stash it safely, and prepare for the next big score."
After successfully completing the operation, send your operation log to your Game Master to claim your earned credits and reputation. The better you perform, the larger your cut—and the more notorious your name becomes in the underworld.
Congratulations, Operative!
"Welcome to the big leagues. You've survived the shadows, made your mark, and carved out a name in the underworld. But remember—this is just the beginning. The galaxy is vast, and the opportunities for those bold enough to seize them are endless. Stay sharp, stay hungry, and keep playing the game."
You've successfully executed your first background job! Whether you emerged unscathed or learned hard lessons, every operation is a step toward mastery in the criminal underworld. Review your job log, reflect on your choices, and prepare for the next daring venture. The galaxy awaits your next move—make it count.
Ready for your next job?