Professional Documents
Culture Documents
5
Changes: Character sheet art added for Dowager, Dependant and New Arrival
I
idea of what it means for a
t is a truth universally acknowledged that a person with Austen’s style. Watch the BBC Pride and Prejudice. best when they use it.
story to be “like Austen.”
in possession of a love for Austen novels, must be in It’s good.
As a player your job is to: If you’re very time poor,
want of the means to create such stories for themselves.
the best way to get this
In pursuit of that very end, we created Good Society, THE FACILITATOR ◊ Be respectful of collaboration.
at pace is to watch all or
a collaborative roleplaying game that captures the heart, ◊ Take action to pursue the desires and objectives of
If you are reading this Quickstart, it is no great conjecture part of an Austen movie.
and the countenance, of Jane Austen’s work. your character.
to suppose you will also be the game’s Facilitator. Unlike However, for those with
◊ Be willing to accept (or even orchestrate) your
Good Society is a game of balls, estates, sly glances, many traditional games, the Facilitator in Good Society more time, the books are
character’s own misfortunes to create a more
and turns about the garden. At least, on the surface. does not have unlimited narrative control. Instead, they rather good.
interesting story.
Underneath this, just as Austen’s own work, it is a game share creative power with the players. The Facilitator
of social ambition, family obligation and breathtaking, plays a vital role in bringing the best out of the players,
◊ Contribute to the story and support other players Collaboration?
even when your character is not involved.
heart-stopping and deeply repressed longing. and making sure the game feels like an Austen novel. Good Society is a highly
WHY MUST I SUFFER? collaborative game. If you
Most importantly, Good Society is built to tell the story As Facilitator, your primary function is to help everyone
think of a great idea for
you’ve always wanted to tell. It’s a deeply customisable Collaborate to build a shared story. In Austen novels, characters suffer setbacks, misfortunes,
a plot twist, setting, or
game, and while the setting and structure remain the same, and uncertainty before they can achieve their objectives.
This means you will: even a humorous moment,
its tone and content are sculpted by the group before and These setbacks are often what makes the story interesting!
share it. It will only make
during play, so that every game is different. ◊ Be respectful of collaboration. The same principle applies to the story you are creating in
the story better!
◊ Ask questions and build on the answers. Good Society. Let bad things happen to your character –
This is a Quickstart version of the game. It contains only
◊ Be responsible for structure and pacing. you can reverse their fortunes later and it will be a thing
one recommended playset, and only a small fraction of
◊ Play (some of) the supporting characters. far sweeter.
the character roles, family backgrounds, and secret desires
◊ Bring home the consequences of character actions.
available in the full game. It is designed for play over
◊ Add drama and complication – but only if needed.
1 or 2 sessions. Rules for extended play, and character arcs If you read this Quickstart, and you have any
and development, have not been included. Similarly, while We’ll expand on how to do each of these in the Facilitator questions or comments about the game you’d
we have playtested extensively, not all the rules you will section on page 15. like to share, please get in touch via email at
find here are final, and we hope to improve the game even storybrewers@gmail.com or through Twitter
In Good Society, the Facilitator can also choose to play a @storybrewers. We’d love to hear your thoughts
further (and include a lot more examples in the final text).
maJor CHaraCter, and harbour a secret desire of their own.
and experiences. ♥ Vee & Hayley
Good Society is copyright ©2018
In fact, if you only have four people in your gaming group,
by Storybrewers Roleplaying.
we’d highly recommended it. However, even if the
All rights reserved.
Facilitator is playing a major character, they’ll still need
to follow the Facilitator rules.
2
Overview
Good Society is designed to capture the essence and experience of a WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO PLAY
Jane Austen novel. To accomplish this, the game makes use of five
different phases. The length and frequency of these phases will differ, PLAYING IN PERSON
but each is designed to capture a different element of Austen’s work.
If you’re playing Good Society in the flesh, you’ll
Collaboration: Decide as a group what kind of story you need the following (available in the Appendix):
would like to tell. Will this be a drama, or a light-hearted
◊ Character sheets
farce? Will you play with gender norms, or should you get
◊ Family backgrounds
rid of, or reverse them?
◊ Secret desire cards
Backstory: Create the cast of your Austen novel and ◊ Relationship cards
explore their past. Who are your family, rivals, and friends? ◊ Several pieces of blank paper
Which cousin will inherit your estate if you fail to marry?
You’ll also need tokens in two different colours –
Which eligible Captain has recently arrived in town?
at least 30 of one, and 5 of the other.
Novel: In-character play. Pursue your secret desire,
exploiting relationships, estates, and connections to make PLAYING ONLINE
engagements, secure an inheritance, and disgrace enemies.
To play this game online, we recommend you use
All while keeping your reputation in check!
a shared virtual space such as roll20.
Rumour and Scandal: Players collaboratively determine
For best results, the facilitator should:
what rumours and scandal are flying around the town.
Which are merely gossip mongering and which will be ◊ Share the character sheets and family
confirmed? backgrounds with all players.
◊ Send secret desire and relationship cards
Epistolary: A phase for the writing of letters. This phase
directly (and only) to the player that will
provides the opportunity to capture small moments, and
use them.
convey inner thoughts and feelings. And also to spread
◊ Use a shared virtual space to document,
rumour and scandal.
in a way that’s easy for everyone to see:
collaboration outcomes, character names,
titles and age, connections, rumour and
scandals, and a virtual count of resolve
tokens.
3
Collaborat ion
T he collaboration phase lets the players and Facilitator make
important decisions about the tone and content of the story
they would like to create. It gives all participants equal control over
WHAT TONE SHOULD THE STORY HAVE?
⬜ Drama: Things are difficult and actions have serious
HOW WILL WE TREAT THE GENDER
POWER BALANCE?
consequences. Tensions are quick to inflame. Supporting characters The answer to this question need not change anything aesthetic about
the game, and helps make sure everyone feels comfortable during play.
viciously pursue their own ends. Society is harsh and judgemental. the world - unless of course you’d like it to. Unless agreed otherwise,
It’s a simple and quick process, but an essential one.
⬜ Romantic Comedy: Actions have consequences, but past men will still wear the literal pants, if not the figurative ones.
Before you start making decisions in the collaboration phase, it is
misdemeanours can be recovered from. Fortunate and humorous It’s worth taking a moment to check what your group prefers.
worth discussing, and noting down, what Austen means to your group.
coincidences can occur, and triumphant moments are possible.
What things do they expect to happen in the game? What do they ⬜ Historical: Standard regency patriarchy.
Supporting characters respect their own interests but can be swayed.
expect to do and see? You can use this material to help steer the game
Society is quick to judge, but also quick to forget. ⬜ Off: It is normal and acceptable for people of all genders to:
towards the players’ interests.
⬜ Farce: Actions have few consequences outside the current ◊ Have significant and respectable careers
After this discussion, everyone should work together to answer the
scene. Improbable coincidences and circumstances are manifold. ◊ Make the first move
questions on the right. Read the descriptions of each option before
Supporting characters may change their mind rapidly. Society is prone ◊ Inherit entailed estates
deciding, to make sure all players have the same understanding of the
to excessive silliness. ◊ Have marital relationships with both genders
choice ahead. If your group can’t agree, call for a vote, or go with the
default option which is underlined. ⬜ In Reverse: It is normal and acceptable that only women may:
HOW IMPORTANT IS HISTORICAL
◊ Have significant and respectable careers
USING COLLABORATION IN GAME ACCURACY? ◊ Make the first move
The collaboration phase creates a shared understanding of the kind of ⬜ Not at all: We’ll do the best job we can, but story is much more ◊ Inherit entailed estates
story the group is aiming to create. It’s important to refer back to your important than history.
decisions during the game, to make sure they are respected. ⬜ A little: We’ll try to get it right where it counts, and call IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE OUR
Collaboration is an agreement between all players, and everyone on other players with more knowledge where something seems GAME TO AVOID?
should feel comfortable speaking up if they feel something in play particularly important. But we’ll never stop the game, and if we’re not
This question gives the players a chance to suggest anything which
conflicts with that agreement. When a conflict is identified, the group sure we’ll make the best guess we can.
they believe is outside the tone of the game, for example murder and
should generally rewind the mismatch, and replay the moment in a ⬜ A lot: We commit to arming ourselves ahead of time where serious crime, non-consensual sex, or even estate management and
way more respectful of collaboration. Rare exceptions to collaboration possible to enable more historical accuracy. We will call on the advances in agricultural techniques. This is after all Austen, and not
are allowed, but only if they are unanimously agreed to. knowledge of players to help us get it right. We will avoid stopping every regency truth has a place in the genre.
the game but we can look things up during breaks and in between
sessions to help with further play.
4
Backstory Family baCkgrounds: More important than who one seCret desires: In the deepest heart of every character in
2 3
5
PLAYSETS
Playsets are groupings of roles, desires and
relationships designed to create a satisfying play role: Socialite role: Socialite role: Socialite
experience that explores a certain theme. Family: Military Family: Military Family: Military
desire: A large income is the desire: A large income is the desire: A large income is the
FIRST GAME PLAYSET best recipe for happiness best recipe for happiness best recipe for happiness
For your first game, we’d recommend you use r elationsHip: Old Flame r elationsHip: Old Flame r elationsHip: Old Flame
the following playset, depending on the number
of players in your group. We’ve picked roles,
background, desires and relationships that blend role: Heir role: Dowager role: Heir
well together, and will naturally create plenty of Family: Peerage Family: Old Money Family: Peerage
Austenesque drama. desire: What is right to be desire: Our scars let us know desire: What is right to be
If you’re using this suggested playset, players done cannot be done too soon that our past was real done cannot be done too soon
should choose a character option before the game r elationsHip: Former Friend r elationsHip: Rivals r elationsHip: Former Friend
begins and get acquainted with the appropriate
materials. If the Facilitator is taking on the
role: New Arrival role: New Arrival role: New Arrival
role of a major character, they will also need
to make a selection. Players can use the quotes Family: Old Money Family: Peerage Family: N/A, share with sibling
on the back of the Desire Cards, as well as the desire: Selfishness must desire: Selfishness must desire: Selfishness must
character role and background, to help make always be forgiven always be forgiven always be forgiven
their selection. However, they should not look r elationsHip: Best of Friends r elationsHip: Best of Friends r elationsHip: Elder sibling
at the Relationship Card or the secret desire
itself until they have chosen.
role: Dependent role: Dependent
Once each major character has been taken,
complete steps 2, 4, and 5 of the character
Family: Humble Origins Family: Humble Origins
creation process described in the next section. desire: They were as desire: They were as
strangers strangers
r elationsHip: Parent r elationsHip: Parent
role: Dowager
Family: Old Money
desire: Our scars let us know
that our past was real
r elationsHip: Rivals
6
CHARACTER CREATION 4
Next, each player should create their character
by circling the options on their character sheet.
If you decide not to use the playset above, follow the full
They should also think about their character’s
character creation process below. If the Facilitator is
personality, past, and position. What kind of
playing a major character, they will also need to complete
family do they come from? Do they have a
each step of this process along with the group.
profession? Are they married, unmarried, or
1
Each player selects a secret desire by picking a perhaps (secretly) engaged? Encourage players
quote and taking the corresponding card. They to work together, especially if they have a shared
should then take the associated relationship card relationship.
as indicated by the table below.
Players will also need to determine the meaning
OBJECTIVE RELATIONSHIP of, and the events surrounding their relationship
card. How did Edward wrong Charles? What
Strangers Old Family Friend
happened between John and Charlotte all those
Best of friends / Elder
years ago?
Selfishness Sibling (optional in 4-5
player game) 5 Time for introductions. Ask lots of questions
Large income Friend to encourage players to elaborate on their
character’s personality and relationships.
What is right to be done Former friend
You may wish to have each player write the
Our scars Rivals
name, title and age of their character on a paper
stand for easy reference during the game.
In the order listed in the table above, players Once these steps are complete, players should
2
take turns giving their relationship card to have a good understanding of the story’s main
another player, to form a relationship between characters.
their characters. As they give the card, they
should read the public side of the relationship
card out loud. The private side of the card may
only be read by the person receiving it. Each
player should give and receive exactly one card.
7
CONNECTIONS control during the game. Note this next to FRANCES SINCLAIR
the connection. It’s best for players to choose
Connections are supporting characters that hold A sweet but mousy daughter who seems
connections that have no initial relationship
tremendous influence over the lives, situations or hearts of
with their major character. destined for spinsterhood. Secretly, she
the major character they are attached to. Characters may
helps her father with his business mat-
love their connections, or they may hate them, but their 4 Two resolve tokens are placed on each connection
ters and publishes articles on business
influence cannot be denied. for use during the game. The significance of
these tokens is explained on page 10. under a male penname. She is anxious
In this section of the backstory phase, each major character someone will reveal her secret and her
will create tHree connections using the steps below. meagre writing stipend will dry up.
Document these connections in large writing on a piece of
SINGLE SESSION GAMES + DECLINING FORTUNES
paper that the entire group can see.
If your game is just one session, and has four or + WHISPERS AND GLANCES
1 Select three connection options from your more major characters, create two connections + UNMARRIED
character sheet. instead of three. + SWEET AND DUTIFUL
+ CLEVER AND WORRISOME
Detail, as briefly as possible, each connection’s:
2
◊ Name
◊ Relationship to the major character WEALTH MARITAL STATUS (IF UNKNOWN)
◊ Primary feelings towards or thoughts on the Heir to more than 1 Unmarried
major character 1 Comfortable or
£5000 a year 2 Unmarried
◊ Wealth
2 Recently Rich or Hidden debts 3 Unmarried
◊ Reputation
3 Disinherited or Married into money 4 Engaged or secretly engaged
◊ Marital status
◊ Key personality traits 4 Appearances only or An honest living 5 Married
5 Declining fortunes or Concealed fortunes 6 Widowed or divorced
It’s worth noting that these details are the
Unexpected
truth of the connection – they may not be 6 or Reliant on a patron
inheritance PERSONALIT Y (ROLL TWICE)
known generally in society, or even to the major
character they are connected with. Headstrong
REPUTATION 1 Sweet and dutiful or Clever and worrisome or
and insistent
In the final version of the game, players will Whispers
1-2 Famous respectability or 2 Awkwardly familiar or Strikingly handsome or Unrepentant flirt
be able to choose cards from a deck of non- and glances
player gentry to quickly and easily create vivid Black sheep Dearest hope
Upholds the Rumours of past 3 or or Leader of the family
connections. For now, players wishing for 3-4 or of the family of the family
family name misdemeanours 4 Friendly and cordial or Aloof and proud or Unstoppable gossip
some assistance in creating their supporting
characters can roll on the tables on the right. Extremely Authoritative and Two-faced and
5-6 Socially embarrassing or 5 or or Silly and free
well connected intimidating scheming
3 Each player (excluding the Facilitator) selects
one of another player’s connections to play and Virtuous and
6 Earnest and naive or or Bitter and resentful
confrontational
8
Play
O nce the backstory phase is complete, it’s time for the story to
begin in earnest. In Good Society, narrative play consists of three
phases, each with a different focus.
When play begins, each player should have the following:
◊ A character sheet
SHAPING THE STORY
Every player has the ability to shape the story. However, they must
◊ A family background sheet do so according to the rules of play. There are three ways a player can
The novel phase makes up the bulk of the game, and consists of ◊ A desire card affect the story in Good Society.
in-character play and interactions. This phase is divided into a series ◊ A relationship card (received)
First, players have complete control over what their major characters
of scenes, called chapters. Each chapter is centred on a single event ◊ Two resolve tokens
do, their advantages, and the description and use of anything that would
such as a ball, a birthday party, or a funeral. As it comes to a close, ◊ One monologue token
reasonably belong to them. They may also create inconsequential
reputations will rise or fall depending on the events which occurred. ◊ Three connections
details about the world for their character to interact with, such as a
As well as the novel phase, there are two shorter, intermediary phases. punch fountain, or the conversation of a few polite, but unimportant,
THE NATURE OF PLAY
First, the rumour and scandal phase which allows players to gentlemen.
control the gossip circulating town and introduce new plot twists. Good Society is a highly collaborative game.
Second, the Facilitator may ask players any questions they choose.
Second, the epistolary phase, where characters may, at their option, The Facilitator in this game is not the traditional Game Master. In fact, they should ask rather a lot of questions. As well as asking
write letters. They have no special narrative abilities. Their role is to help everyone questions about the feelings and intentions of their characters
Once narrative play begins, each session consists of one or two cycles work together and keep the game progressing. Responsibility for (e.g. How do you react? What did you feel after that?), the Facilitator
of the following: creating story and drama is shared equally among everyone at can also ask questions that call on a player to actively shape the story
the table. (e.g. Does your brother approach him? Does the carriage make it
The Facilitator may have to step in a bit more to help new or uncertain before the storm?)
PHASES OF PLAY CYCLE
players, but with experienced roleplayers the game will move almost Story shaping questions give players additional control over the
1 Novel Chapter
by itself. narrative in small ways. It’s best to share these questions around
2 Rumour and Scandal
Players are responsible for taking action to achieve their character’s between the players so they all have input into the story. Nothing truly
3 Epistolary
goals, whether they derive from their secret desire, relationships, important should be decided by a story shaping question. Leave that
4 Novel Chapter for the third method of shaping the story, resolve tokens.
or circumstances. But they are also the force that creates the story.
5 Epistolary
This means they get to make plot twists happen, events occur, and We discuss resolve tokens in full in the rules of play on page 10.
people marry just because they think it will be an awesome part of
The first session generally consists of only one cycle, as collaboration someone else’s story.
CONSENT
and backstory can take a bit of time.
The Facilitator is there to provide drama and push the game forward Since this game is authored by all the players, consent is important.
The final epistolary phase in the game is also the epilogue. When you if it starts to stall, but also to help players feel empowered to shape Where resolve tokens are involved, there is a specific mechanic
reach this phase, it is compulsory for every major character to write a their own destiny. for dealing with consent. However it’s important that players are
letter detailing their fate over the years that follow. respectful of each other, even if their characters aren’t! On a similar
vein, it’s best for players to accept and build on the changes their
fellow roleplayers are trying to create to the story rather than refuse
them - as long as they fit in with collaboration.
9
The Rules of Play What about the
Facilitator?
RESOLVE TOKENS EXCEPTION: MAJOR CHARACTERS WHEN IS A TOKEN USED IN A WAY THAT The rules governing resolve
R esolve tokens allow the players and Facilitator to Resolve tokens can be used to influence the story, even if IS HARMFUL TO A MAJOR CHARACTER’S tokens apply to player and
change narrative details about the world, and twist that use affects other major characters. However, there are INTERESTS? Facilitator in exactly the
events in their character’s favour. They are named for, and two cases where special rules apply: same way. Well, almost.
There is no precise list of when this occurs. Instead,
reflect, a character’s determination to pursue their goals. There are a couple of
◊ Where a resolve token is used in a way that is it should be interpreted broadly to allow for consent as
minor differences – but
Each person starts with two resolve tokens. The Facilitator harmful to another major character’s interests. appropriate. Examples include:
don’t worry, your new
receives two additional tokens at the start of each chapter. ◊ Where a resolve token is used to compel another ◊ Breaking down a carriage on its way to somewhere acquaintance, the
major character to do or feel something. important. congenial sidebar, is here
Players can use resolve tokens to shape the story in
absolutely any way they would like, including but not If these circumstances apply, then the player using the ◊ Making a character’s brother fall in love with a to help! We’ll detail all the
limited to: resolve token does not place it back in the pool. Instead, woman of ill repute. differences for you as
the following process occurs: ◊ Causing a character to accidentally trip the Duke’s they arise.
◊ Causing an event, conversation, or circumstance wife at the ball.
to occur. 1
The player offers their resolve token to the Resolve tokens
◊ Manipulating or changing the feelings of a affected major character, stating exactly what A token is not harmful to a major character’s interest
simply because it is helpful to another character’s interests
can always be
supporting character. they want to happen, or what they want the
◊ Procuring favours from major or supporting other character to feel. that opposes their own. For example, say Emma and used on the
characters. Charlotte both had designs on the same gentleman, Facilitator’s
The player of the affected major character may Fitzwilliam. If Charlotte used her resolve token to secure
◊ Creating details about the past. 2
respond in one of three ways:
characters
◊ Initiating flashbacks. some alone time with Fitzwilliam, that is not considered
harmful to Emma’s interests, even if it means that Emma The Facilitator does not
◊ Creating new background events occurring outside ◊ Accept the token
is less likely to win his love. have the same stake
the scene. ◊ Accept with conditions
in the characters they
◊ Refuse the token Further examples of play surrounding resolve tokens are
To do so, they simply surrender their resolve token to the are controlling as other
pool, and state what they would like. It happens. If the token is accepted, the desired effect takes presented on the next page. players do. Their goal
3
place. If the token is refused, the effect does not is to help create an
There are three exceptions to the unlimited power of
take place. However, the offering player may still interesting story for all.
resolve tokens:
propose a different option. For this reason, Facilitator
◊ Other major characters. characters must always
If the player chooses to accept with conditions,
◊ Connections controlled by other players. 4 accept resolve tokens
they must say “yes but only if ”, and then state
◊ Collaboration. (within the bounds of
a narrative condition under which they will
collaboration).
accept the resolve token. The player offering
their token may either agree to their condition,
or withdraw their token and play continues
unaffected.
10
ACCEPTING THE TOKEN EXCEPTION: CONNECTIONS
Charlotte’s player Edwin wishes to compel Emma to set up a meeting between CONTROLLED BY OTHER PLAYERS
Charlotte and Emma’s brother. Charlotte asks Emma in play whether Resolve tokens can be used to change the fate, actions, and feelings
she will do so, but Edwin wants to make sure it will happen exactly the of connections. When a resolve token is used to compel a connection
way he wants. controlled by another player to do or feel something, the special
rules apply as above. There is one difference – if the resolve token
Edwin offers up his resolve token to Emma’s player, Shani, saying “I want
is accepted, instead of a player keeping the token, it is placed on the
Emma to arrange a meeting between Charlotte and her cousin, and I don’t
connection for later use.
want anyone else to know of it.” Shani agrees, and takes the resolve token.
Later in the scene, Emma talks to her brother and convinces him to meet There is no restriction on harming the interests of connections and
Charlotte alone in the estate gardens. supporting characters – after all, without the shield of the protagonist
who knows what will befall you?
Edwin wishes for Emma’s sick father to suddenly pass away, leaving her Edwin puts his resolve token in the pool saying, “I want John’s servant to
entailed estate to pass to her cousin. Edwin offers his resolve token to Shani, poison him.”
and says “I want your father, in his sick old age, to suddenly pass away.” “Are you sure that fits in with collaboration?” asks Tammy.
Shani replies with “Yes, but only if Charlotte publically invites Emma’s “Yes,” says Shani, “we did agree on a romantic comedy, and I don’t think this
cousin over for tea.” “No,” says Edwin, “that doesn’t suit Charlotte’s purposes really fits the tone.” The other players agree.
at all.” Edwin keeps his resolve token, and Emma’s father lives… for now.
“Good point, you’re right,” says Edwin. “What if his parents arrange his
engagement to Jane’s sister instead?” Shani and Tammy agree. Edwin puts
his resolve token back in the pool and the engagement is duly announced.
11
CONNECTIONS
Connections are an instrumental part of the drama in Good
Society and add more interest and intrigue to the game. They can
provide a pathway to both a character’s ambitions, and their ruin.
Rules for playing connections are similar to the rules for general
play. A person playing a connection may always give voice to
that character, and describe details about how they look, their
mannerisms, etc. However if a player or the Facilitator wishes
to use a connection they control to make a substantial change to
the story, they must use one of the resolve tokens stored on that
character. The rules for using these resolve tokens are the same
as those outlined in the previous section.
INNER MONOLOGUE
Internal monologue is a ubiquitious and entertaining feature of
Austen’s work, so we couldn’t resist capturing it in Good Society.
12
Phases of Play
During each chapter play proceeds in an unstructured 1
The Facilitator selects three options from the Ready for Drama
manner (except of course for the rules), with players corresponding section of the reputation table –
PHASES OF PLAY CYCLE calling for the action they would like to occur, and the increase or decrease – and reads these to the player. At the beginning of each
Facilitator asking questions and guiding the action. chapter, the facilitator
1 Novel Chapter The player selects one option.
2 receives two more resolve
2 Rumour and Scandal The Facilitator may also introduce further drama as tokens, so they can keep
3 The player and Facilitator jointly decide whether
3 Epistolary appropriate (or even better, tempt someone else to the drama flowing!
the event comes to pass:
4 Novel Chapter introduce more drama with a well-timed resolve token.)
5 Epistolary The Facilitator will also decide when the chapter has come ◊ Immediately
to a close. ◊ In the upcoming epistolary phase
◊ In the next chapter
Reputation Tiers
REPUTATION △ No Ill Can Be Said
If it occurs immediately, the player narrates a short
NOVEL Success in regency society demands an impeccable vignette, or initiates a short scene in which either △ Well Respected
13
RUMOUR AND SCANDAL EPISTOLARY We recommend not ending the final chapter until all players are ready.
Once the allocated sessions and chapters have finished, the game is
Once every cycle is a rumour and sCandal pHase. In this phase, Between each chapter is an epistolary pHase for the writing
over, and the Jane Austen novel the players have written is complete.
players determine what juicy gossip is circulating through good of letters. In this phase, each person including the Facilitator may write
society – and which of it is true. up to one letter, either from the perspective of their major character, The final epistolary phase is an epilogue, where characters comment
or a connection that they control. on the progression of their lives since the events of the final chapter
The rumour and scandal phase takes place in turns, starting from
came to their close. After this players can reveal their desires, and may
the Facilitator. It is two rounds. Turn order is clockwise for the Chapters take place at one location, at one point in time - and although
also choose to title the novel they created together.
first round, and counterclockwise for the second round. flashbacks during a chapter are possible they cannot capture small
moments and discreet visitations characters may wish to make between
During their turn, a person can either Create a rumour, or
major scenes. Nor can they reflect dilemmas or relationships which
ConFirm a rumour. If there are no uncomfirmed rumours, then they
form over time. The purpose of the epistolary phase is to provide the
must create a rumour.
opportunity for such things to occur. And of course, the writing of
A rumour is a piece of gossip flying around town, such as “Henry is letters is just so Austen.
planning to propose to Emma – but only if she’ll keep their engagement
To Write a letter, a player must first state who the letter is from (their
secret!” or “Thomas may not seem eligible – but he’s about to inherit
major character, or a connection they play), and who it is addressed to.
the Oakridge estate.”
They then dictate the contents of the letter.
Unconfirmed rumours represent the baseless talk passing from sitting
There are no limits as to what can be included in a letter, but the
room to sitting room. Although not (yet) true, these rumours can
normal rules for collaboration, and the use of resolve tokens apply.
still be influential in shaping the opinions of connections and
They may communicate a message, describe a past event or series
noteworthy influencers.
of events, or document a change in feelings or intentions.
When a rumour is confirmed, then it has the potential to become true.
When players create a letter that describes past events, they may
A resolve token is placed upon it from the general pool. This resolve
either flashback to a brief vignette or scene where those events take
token can be used by any person, during a chapter or epistolary phase,
place, or simply describe what happened.
to declare the truth of this rumour and use it to change the story.
As always, the rules governing the use of resolve tokens apply. If a letter describes a past event which includes another player’s
major character, then the player writing the letter must flash back to
The rumour and scandal phase continues until each player has had
the events which occured, to give other players with a stake a chance
two turns. On their first turn, players must create or confirm a
to influence the outcome.
rumour about the present situation, for example “Emma and Henry
are secretly engaged,” or “Lucy’s father is not really related to her.” Once each player has had a chance to compose a letter (or has declined
On their second turn, they must create or confirm a rumour about to do so), the epistolary phase is over.
something that will happen, for example “Henry is planning to
propose to Emma – but only if she’ll keep their engagement secret!,” TIMING AND ENDING THE GAME
“War will break out with Spain and the navy will be called back,”
We mentioned above that a game of of Good Society should include 2- 3
or “The Duke is planning a visit with his unmarried son.”
chapters per session. Players should either be told upfront how many
All rumours are recorded and should be placed so that all players can chapters will take place in the entire game, or given ample warning
reference them easily. before the last chapter so they have time to enact their schemes and
achieve their objectives.
14
Rules for Longer Games
T his Quickstart is geared towards 1 or 2 session
games. But just in case you’re hankering for more
regency roleplaying, we’ve included extra rules to make
CHANGE SECRET DESIRE
Collaborate with the Facilitator to create a new
SECRET DESIRE GENERATOR
15
The Facilitator
FACILITATING THE GAME Story shaping questions: Does your brother approach him? As characters take actions, your job as Facilitator is to make the ripple
Does the carriage make it before the storm? of these activities reflected in the world. Sometimes, other players will
16
PLAYING A MAJOR CHARACTER AS
Thank you for
THE FACILITATOR
reading.
In Good Society, the Facilitator may also choose to take on the role
of a major character. If your game has three or fewer players, this is This Quickstart has been
highly recommended. made available as a
limited pre-release.
When the Facilitator takes on the role of a major character, they
will go through the usual character and connection creation process The game will be
detailed on page 7. They will also receive a monologue token. Kickstarted on the
4 February 2018.
However, they will continue to use the Facilitator rules for gaining,
using, and being affected by resolve tokens, rather than the Art Credits
player rules.
Aviv Or
If you are the Facilitator, and you do take on a major character, www.avivor.com
you should of course act to pursue that character’s interests. pg 8.
However, it is important to remember that your role as Facilitator
Raven Warner
comes first. The objectives of your character must always come
www.ravenwarner.com
second to your goal of helping the players work together to create a
pg 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15.
satisfying narrative experience for the table.
Storybrewers
Roleplaying
Fin. www.storybrewersroleplaying.com
Find us on Facebook,
Twitter and G+!
@storybrewers
17
PL AY M AT E RI A L S
• Character sheets
• Family backgrounds
• Secret desire cards
• Relationship cards
• Reputation tables
Though it is often said a pheasant in the hand
is worth two in the woods, when you have two
Advantages
thousand pheasants in the woods of your estate,
Once each per session:
the situation is rather different. Your pocket may
be empty at the present time, but your future is full Oh Yes, Many – But None Truly Love Me
of carriages, country manors and only the most A throng of suitors surround you, numbering
opulent of London fashion. Yes, mummy and daddy not less than five. While they are only after
provide you with enough to get by. But the truth your wealth and family name, they may
is since your birth you’ve been awaiting a death in nevertheless do in a pinch. Or perhaps you have
order that your real life may begin. some other purpose in mind?
Daddy! Mummy!
Character You may solicit the interference of Daddy and
Mummy to get yourself out of whatever trouble
First Name: you’ve gotten in to. They come, of course, but
Susan, Rebecca, Arthur, Edgar. you may face their displeasure later.
Family Name:
Knightley, Morland, Brandon.
Reputation
Age:
19, 25, 29. △ No Ill Can Be Said
Countenance: △ Well Respected
Awkward, inviting, gentle.
○ Whispers and Glances
Temperament:
▽ Rumour and Scandal
Shy, excitable, pompous.
▽ Total Disrepute
Connections
Pick 3:
Mummy, daddy, younger sibling, suitor, less
fortunate cousin, least favourite uncle/aunt,
governess, close friend.
The Heir
Complex theologies and scientific theories have
always a tendency to bore you. Not, as other think,
Advantages
because you do not grasp them - but rather because
Once each per session:
you cannot grasp them. It is not ideas or ideals that
change a person’s fortune, but the petty predilections Oh Darling, What a Surprise
of men. Those of your particular skill set have no Appear in a situation suddenly and with no
need for promise or bargain. Instead, lengthy looks explanation. It’s almost as if you’d planned it
and half smiles are all you need to turn a room of ahead of time. Almost.
cold observers into desperate admirers. The Local Scandal
Spread a secret or rumour not widely known
Character to instantly gain the trust and confidence of
another. The secret or rumour must be true.
First Name:
Sophia, Isabella, Peter, John.
Family Name:
Reputation
Crawford, Lucas, Thorpe. △ No Ill Can Be Said
Age: △ Well Respected
22, 27, 42.
○ Whispers and Glances
Countenance:
▽ Rumour and Scandal
Childish, elegant, joyous.
▽ Total Disrepute
Temperament:
Shy, excitable, pompous.
Connections
Pick 3:
Mother, father, sibling, frenemy, commanding
officer, militia/naval friend, rival, favourite
aunt/uncle.
The Socialite
It is your ill fortune to rely on the kindness of another
for the necessities of existence. Tragedy struck your
Advantages
parents or spouse, and as its consequence you live
Once each per session:
your life in a household not your own. Whether you
stay with your relative, guardian, or benefactor, to My True Family
be at the whim of another at all times is a capricious You find, carefully hidden among old
situation. You find yourself in constant fear of belongings, a secret about either: the family
failing to please those on whom you rely. Though a you came from, or your deceased spouse (if you
fine roof is above your head, yet you have no home. have one).
Never You Mind Me
Age: Reputation
18, 24, 36.
△ No Ill Can Be Said
Countenance:
Gaunt, captivating, prim. △ Well Respected
Connections
Pick 3:
Foster father/mother, foster sibling, sibling,
cousin, local vicar, estranged aunt/uncle,
brother/sister in-law, child
The Dependent
It was but a few years ago now your most recent
spouse passed away, leaving their considerable
Advantages
fortune in your hands. And fortune is the very
Once each per session:
word you would use to describe it. Free from the
loathsome restrictions and predilections of another, My Favourite Nephew
you are finally able to play the field on your own Convince a close relative to perform a favour of
terms. Your children and nephews wait anxiously your choosing, by offering to bequeath on them
for their large inheritance, daily expectant of news part of your estate. You won’t need it when
of your death. Unfortunately for them, you have you’re dead.
much better plans in mind. The Wisdom of Elders
Use the authority of age and wealth to succeed
Character at publically censuring another character.
The extent of this reproach and the level
First Name: humiliation it may cause is up to you.
Caroline, Elinor, William, Thomas.
Family Name:
Bertrum, Tilney, Elton.
Reputation
Age: △ No Ill Can Be Said
40, 48, 62. △ Well Respected
Countenance: ○ Whispers and Glances
Tasteful, commanding, honeyed.
▽ Rumour and Scandal
Temperament:
▽ Total Disrepute
Polite, scornful, cheerful.
Connections
Pick 3:
Oldest child, youngest child, nephew/niece,
son/daughter in-law, sibling, old flame,
protégé, oldest friend.
The Dowager
Wherever it is you were in these past years, it was
certainly nothing like here. These people are strange
Advantages
to you; their habits, manners and views as if lifted
Once each per session:
from a theatre play. Still, to the outsider comes the
gift of objective observation. You view their dramas Before your arrival you either:
as a spectator, able to see what the characters • saved a supporting character from shame
cannot. A skill you will need if you are to prove your and embarrassment,
own ambitions among them. • rescued them from poverty or financial
ruin,
▽ Total Disrepute
During the game, you may become firm friends Advantage During the game, at a time of your choosing,
with a servant of your choice. Once per session, you or a family member will be awarded a
this servant will be happy to do you a favour of Of Course I’ll Introduce You military cross for conspicuous gallantry in
your choosing. If the servant has not yet been battle. You will be asked to make a speech
Once per session, a household of your choosing
mentioned, you may manufacture them for this which will be printed in the newspaper.
will perform a logistical favour of your choice,
purpose.
such as accommodating you, hosting a party,
or arranging a meeting. All you need say is
that you’ll put a good word in with your uncle,
the Duke.
Old Money Peerage Military
Since your distant ancestor hired his first historian, Whatever ancestor replaced the dull grunt of “Mr” Though looks may be deceiving, your family has no
history has told of your family’s superiority in with the pleasant tones of “Lord”, you cannot help qualms in identifying sound body with honourable
station and economy. On occasion, you pay visit but be daily grateful. For in being so elevated they character. As those before you, you were born to stare
to the family vault, and imagine your progenitors gave you and yours a gift which withstands the in the eye the worst humanity has to offer, and yet
admiring the same golden trinkets as you now infidelities of wealth and reputation. Those four remain genteel. Your family may be strict, but their
cradle in y our hands. letters which appear before your name grant you unwavering discipline has driven them only to vast
access to situations and circles, which in truth, you accomplishment.
have little business entering.
Advantage If appropriate, add the title Lord or Lady to
your character sheet.
Advantage
My Other House Is A Country Estate
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
Your family owns an estate deep in the English
country side. Once during the game, you, and Advantage During the game, at a time of your choosing,
as many others as you should care to invite, you or a family member will be awarded a
may holiday there undisturbed. While there, Of Course I’ll Introduce You military cross for conspicuous gallantry in
the servants listen only to your instructions battle. You will be asked to make a speech
Once per session, a household of your choosing
and cater to your peculiarities. which will be printed in the newspaper.
will perform a logistical favour of your choice,
such as accommodating you, hosting a party,
or arranging a meeting. All you need say is
that you’ll put a good word in with your uncle,
the Duke.
Restore your reputation Convince your parent to
and be forgiven by accept you as their legitimate
your former friend. They were as child, and declare your
relation to all the world.
What is right Once you enjoyed the pleasures of
friendly company and good opinion. strangers; worse Though biology dictates that a child
Until, in a single instant, your mad
to be done passions led you to throw it all away.
than strangers requires two parents, you have never
beheld evidence of more than one.
In one rash act you wronged another
cannot be done deeply and plunged yourself into
interminable disrepute.
for they could Born out of wedlock, your wealthier
and more powerful progenitor refused
to acknowledge from an early age.
too soon. Now all you seek is to bury your past,
regain your good name, and find
never become Now the time has come for a family
reunion. And, be it by charm, favours
forgiveness.
acquainted or less savoury means, you will find a
way to have them acknowledge you as
You start the game on 1 reputation,
and with 2 extra resolve tokens. their own progeny.
Even the most faithful of affections are
there is no hope
People in this world are so unreliable.
must always be
discreetly farewell the other.
know, because
make successful proposals
Selfishness
forgiven you
to at least two eligible
of a cure
Find the thing your rival Come into substantial wealth,
loves most, and take it while ensuring your
for yourself. reputation stays
For years, you have lived in the A large absolutely impeccable.
Our scars shadow of another.
Watched as they received the income is the You’ve always had a taste for luxury –
make us know undeserved benefits of wealth, privilege be it large balls, expensive clothing, o r
and connection, while you were coldly
best recipe for the race track.
Elder Sibling
card is your elder sibling.
The person receiving this