Hey all! My group had their first proper session of Blades last night. A crew of Hawkers based out of a half-sunken submarine in the North Hook Channel. Their first score involved a sale to a high-class customer in Brightstone, and led to them ‘Hitman-style’ obtaining wait staff outfits and delivering a sample of the drugs to their client as part of a fruit salad.
Needless to say, it was very entertaining.
I had a few questions though, coming out of my first session.
• It seems relatively easy to end up taking a Level 1 Harm, but very hard to get rid of? My crew need to acquire the services of a physicker, and then potentially pay additional coin/multiple downtime activities each to have a good chance of healing before the next score. Am I missing something?
• Any suggestions on how to balance the spotlight different character types – two are suave ‘sway’ types, one is an unstable alchemist and the fourth is an ex-military rifleman. I’m mainly looking for advice on running scores that can give everyone a chance to shine.
• Any advice on getting players to use flashbacks more? The mechanic really clicked for me, but the players seemed reticent to use it during our first score.
Thanks! J
1) Re: lvl 1 Harm. I actually like that Harm tends to linger for a bit. At lvl 1 you just get reduced effect for appropriate actions, which I always played to the hilt. “You want me to climb where? Hello? Busted ribs here…” Let them maybe get an xp for playing up their injury.
Our misfits are supposed to be struggling for a while, especially early on. Motivate them to want to raise their Tier, or Acquire an expert Cohort. Encourage them to go on scores when they’re not at 100%.
2) Remember that persons Sway’ed might figure that out, and take umbrage. That’s when the Hound can shine. And if the Swayed don’t know the combo to the safe, then the leech is invaluable.
Also, leverage their friends and contacts. You want to spotlight the Hound? His enemy Casta, the bounty hunter, is causing problems, or his friend Melvir, the physiker, is in trouble.
3) Volunteer suggestions and then minimize the Stress costs until they get used to the mechanic. “You know it seems like it would be reasonable for you to have planted a drugged bottle of wine here yesterday.”
Arne Jamtgaard thanks bud! These are great suggestions 🙂
There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.