In a further effort to really differentiate characters, everyone has the option of beginning the game with a "starting edge". A starting edge is something that generally sets your character apart from others. It could be something about you, some strange talent (must be in the realm of sci-fi) or perhaps some strange technological item that has been passed down through your family for generations.
The following are some examples of starting edges. In some case, the GM will need to make back end changes to the database to allow the edge to show up in your online character sheet.
No two players can start with the same edge.
- Characteristic Edges - Should only be taken by someone who rolled a natural stat of 60 or higher.
- Unnaturally Strong - The character's STR score is increased to 75.
- Unnatural Stamina - The character's STA score is increased to 75.
- Uncanny Accuracy - The character's DEX score is increased to 75.
- Catlike Reflexes - The character's RS score is increased to 75.
- Supernatural Intuition - The character's INT score is increased to 75.
- Logic of Spock - The character's LOG score is increased to 75.
- Strong Personality - The character's PER score is increased to 75.
- Born Leader - The character's LDR score is increased to 75.
- Alien Artifact
- Defensive Screen - This strange device never seems to run out of power but doesn't always work. When it does, it combines the effects of an albedo, gauss and sonic screen into one. Each time you are hit with an attack that would be warded by any of these screens, roll percentile dice. On a roll of 35 or less, the screen activated and prevented the damage. Wearing this screen does not hamper the character from wearing a normal screen.
- Alien Pet - This could be just about anything - from Robert A. Heinlein's Star Beast to Alan Dean Foster's Pip (from Flinx and Pip). Put some thought into what you are imagining with an eye towards game balance.
- Weird Talents
- Telekinesis - You have the strange ability to cause physical things to happen using only your mind. Doing so always takes concentration. In this manner, you can remotely push a button or pull a lever. You can cause an object within 5 meters to leap into your hand. Your effective STR with this ability is equal to one quarter of your PER and you effective DEX is equal to half of your LOG. Range is 5 meters.
- Extra Sensory Perception - Sometimes you are able to simply know about something just by concentrating. For example, you might be able to "see" the contents of a closed envelop or know what is waiting behind a door. Chance of success is equal to (INT / 2) after concentrating for one turn. The chance of success increases by 5% per turn of concentration after the first, up to a maximum of +20 after concentrating for 4 additional turns (5 turn total, or half a minute).
- Retrocognition - This is ability to see events after they have already unfolded. For example, you come across a dead body and wan to try to figure out who killed them. You use retrocognition to view the events of the past to see what happened. This requires full concentration and a general idea of what you are looking for (so as to skip boring time intervals between now and when the event occurred). Base chance of success is equal to (INT / 2) to see something that occurred within the last day. The chance is modified by a cumulative -5 as the duration doubles. For example, -5 if the event occurred between up to 2 days ago, -10 for 4 days, -15 for 8 days, -20 for 16 days, etc.
- Understand Alien Technology - You have a knack for figuring out alien technology.
After you choose your edge, the GM can make the necessary modifications so that they are reflected in your online character sheet, if applicable.
Note that if you start with a magic item "edge" you will never permanently lose that magic item. If the group is captured and all of their items are taken from them, something will happen that will allow the character to recover their starting magic item. It may not happened immediately, but it will happen eventually. |