Step Zero: Boundaries
Welcome! Before we can begin making characters, we have to set some boundaries and expectations. In this part, you discuss what kind of game you want to play, and you communicate your expectations to each other and the Judge. This is also the place to ask the Judge questions about the setting as well as introduce the world.
The Setting of Valta Victoria: Adventures in Gunpowder, Quicksilver and Steam.
Welcome to the world of Valta Victoria, traveler! Let us begin by saying that it is a world of wondrous perils. Miles of desert frontier surround a swath of verdant earth called “The Garden.” It is the home of the Valta Empire and the breadbasket for all of humanity. The outskirts beyond that is where the majority of those poor sods we call humanity dwell. Food, water and other necessities for life are all in short supply outside The Garden. There, people scrap for the basics of life. Those with an airship take any work that comes their way. Those, who can’t will take it from others. Pirates, raiders, bandits and killers all want a piece of what you have because there isn't enough for everyone.
But you have guns, guts, and a posse by your side. Where you go from here is up to you.
- First, introduce and settle the world.
- These are the imaginary boundaries of what is and is not in this world.
- There is a setting primer above, but the basic premise is that this is a game of steampunk fantasy.
- Victorian dress, airships, brass and lacquered wood dominate the aesthetic.
- Humans are the only race
- Clockwork, gunpowder, steam engines, and galvanics dominate the industrial and technological landscape.
- An element known as Quicksilver is the primary energy source used to produce both lift in airships and electricity.
- Second, talk about themes.
- Go around the room and have each player suggest a theme or an idea they want to see EXPLORED or want to see AVOIDED.
- The Judge may start the process off by suggesting a theme at the beginning and the end.
- Examples of themes for exploration:
- Action, political intrigue, goofiness, romance, grit, a central enemy, exploration, lots of airship travel, a home base, lighthearted antics, criminal themes, moral crossroads, etc.
- Examples of themes for avoiding:
- Gritty violence or torture, Rape, too much wackiness and humor, player on player murder/treachery, political intrigue, too much combat, etc
- When choosing themes to avoid players can opt to have a complete moratorium placed on such themes, or just to have these themes be restricted to a minor role in the game.
- The game cannot continue if all players do not agree on the established themes and all players must contribute at least one theme.
- Once that is completed, download a character sheet here and click on the link below to go to the next step.
Next, Start Creating Your Character