Preface: This is for my upcoming Burning Wheel/Chronica Feudalis/etc game, I want to run through out the summer. I've drafted this setup document (minus questions, because I plagiarize from the Clan Burner from "Blossoms are Falling") for my group to lookover and setup the game. Give feedback, and ask questions if one desires.
The Anarchy Burner
'Tis the year of our lord, 1135. King Henry the First, The King of England, The Ruler of Normandy has passed. His only son is long dead, before he died he had his barons swear to support his daughter, Empress Maude (widow of Emperor Henry the V of the Holy Roman Empire) to be his sole heir, The Lady of the English.
Upon news of King Henry’s death, his nephew, Stephen of Blois came to London. With him came a legitimate claim to the throne; with the support of barons, and the church he usurped the throne from The Lady. Thus began a civil war, which would last for nineteen winters. This is the Anarchy, a time when Christ and all his Saints slept.
As players, you are playing nobles from a single house. You will be tasked with fleshing out your fief and your relationships with England's various people. This is game is not about recreating history but about playing in the spirit of history. Its a game of historical fiction, we use history to provide context, and focus upon a theme which emerges from our interactions with it. Our shared fiction does not have to be bound by the demands of historical accuracy, we can flub with the details, maybe deliberately to add a dramatic twist or two.
This is also, a game of tragedy. The tragedy of choice, between one’s personal needs, the needs of kin, the needs of community, and the needs of society at large. The consequences of choice is what will drive the game. Together we will setup the fuel and the spark, and in play we will watch it smolder, burn out. Leaving nothing but the ashes of the past.
Summary of Setup
- Openly talk about ideas during play, follow the questions, answer and discuss. Remember, this is our game. Consensus is a must, however as GM I will ensure the game stays along the theme. Think of me as a guide, I will keep you within the boundaries to ensure the game remains consistent with itself.
- Openly discuss character concepts during creation. DO NOT SET ANYTHING IN STONE! They can change, morph as we play. Feel free to make characters who don’t like each other, or who support one another.
- No secrets between players, but keep them between characters. The games I run, will reward this authorial level of play.
'Tis the year of our lord, 1135. King Henry the First, The King of England, The Ruler of Normandy has passed. His only son is long dead, before he died he had his barons swear to support his daughter, Empress Maude (widow of Emperor Henry the V of the Holy Roman Empire) to be his sole heir, The Lady of the English.
Upon news of King Henry’s death, his nephew, Stephen of Blois came to London. With him came a legitimate claim to the throne; with the support of barons, and the church he usurped the throne from The Lady. Thus began a civil war, which would last for nineteen winters. This is the Anarchy, a time when Christ and all his Saints slept.
As players, you are playing nobles from a single house. You will be tasked with fleshing out your fief and your relationships with England's various people. This is game is not about recreating history but about playing in the spirit of history. Its a game of historical fiction, we use history to provide context, and focus upon a theme which emerges from our interactions with it. Our shared fiction does not have to be bound by the demands of historical accuracy, we can flub with the details, maybe deliberately to add a dramatic twist or two.
This is also, a game of tragedy. The tragedy of choice, between one’s personal needs, the needs of kin, the needs of community, and the needs of society at large. The consequences of choice is what will drive the game. Together we will setup the fuel and the spark, and in play we will watch it smolder, burn out. Leaving nothing but the ashes of the past.
Summary of Setup
- Openly talk about ideas during play, follow the questions, answer and discuss. Remember, this is our game. Consensus is a must, however as GM I will ensure the game stays along the theme. Think of me as a guide, I will keep you within the boundaries to ensure the game remains consistent with itself.
- Openly discuss character concepts during creation. DO NOT SET ANYTHING IN STONE! They can change, morph as we play. Feel free to make characters who don’t like each other, or who support one another.
- No secrets between players, but keep them between characters. The games I run, will reward this authorial level of play.
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