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Building Your Agent's Arc

Backbone

If only it were lonely at the top.

Whether it’s a book club or a political dynasty, Backbone Agents are in charge of an organization made up of several dedicated members. Holding and maintaining this position affords them privilege, prestige, and power. Not that it does them any good.

Agents with such far-reaching commitments outside of the workplace are constant multitaskers in the field. Despite more pressing duties, they are often performing favors, arbitrating disagreements, and picking up loose slack for their many members. Their immense pride for their organization makes them vulnerable to distractions, extortion schemes, and blackmail. And their fixation on keeping their constituents happy means they are all too willing to talk things through when a simple and terse email would suffice.

Still, when these Agents are inspired to devote their full attention to a mission, they prove to be effective, efficient, and skilled at keeping the mood genial. Just don’t ask them about their weekend plans.

Organization

You are the leader of an organization in town. This organization has at least ten members and meets at least once per week. Members will aid you and never openly defy you if you’re clearly on organization business. Roll on the table below or create your own:

Reality Trigger: Endless Responsibility

The GM may use Reality Trigger to have one of your organization’s members approach you with a need at any time. If you ignore or avoid them, you look bad to your organization and those who know it: a Relationship, chosen by the player of your successor (see Relationship Matrix) loses one Connection.

If you break your Organization's rules or embarrass the other members, mark the next empty box on a four-box "Ousted" track. When this happens while all boxes are marked, or when you abdicate your position, your successor takes over the organization. You must choose a new Reality.

Burnout Release: Here's My Card

When you are doing something that will increase the influence of your Organization, ignore all Burnout.

Onboarding Questions

What is the greatest thing that someone else has done for you?
How do you react to unsolicited criticism?
What’s your favorite karaoke song?

Relationship Matrix

You have three core Relationships that are your anchors to society. Identify them by answering the questions in your Relationship Matrix.

Give the Relationship you’re closest to 6 Connection. Give the other two 3 Connection .

Who is your successor?
Examples: Sibling, Scheming Lieutenant, Beloved Orphan

Who threatens your organization's continued existence?
Examples:Rival Organization, Local Politician, Bad Apple

Who can never even remember your organization's name?
Examples: School Principal, Spouse, Climbing Instructor