CREATING A CUSTOM CREWMEMBER

Could be youre not sold on the notion of playing a character

thats been made up by someone else. One of the most
entertaining parts of role-playing games is breathing life
into your own Crewmember, and this section shows you
how to get started.
Te steps herell help you fgure out the rules for your
Crewmember. Take inspiration from your favorite characters
and talk to the other players in your group. Choose your
Distinctions and balance your Skills based on what role you
want in your Crew. Otherwise, you might wind up with a
Crew flled with mercenaries whore all great in a fght but
lousy on board a ship.
STEP 1. CHOOSE ATTRIBUTES
Your Attributes are Mental, Physical, and Social. Tey
determine how well your Crewmember acts in each of
these three areas. Each is rated from ns to no.
Because Crewmembers are a cut above the rest, the
default die rating for an Attribute is ns. You can choose
to leave all three Attributes at ns, or step one Attribute
up to no while stepping another back to ns.
STEP 2. CHOOSE DISTINCTIONS
Every starting character has three Distinctions at the
default ns rating.
Each Distinction shapes the Crewmembers by revealing
where they came from, how they make a living, or why they
stand out. Each Distinction also includes triggers youll unlock
during the game. Youll also see a set of highlighted Skills
thatll help you in Step 4. For now, just keep those in mind.
Weve included a sample set of Distinctions for you,
divided into three basic categories: roles, personalities, and
backgrounds. You can pick any three Distinctions you like,
regardless of category. Come up with an idea for a new
Distinction? Head on over to Find a Job on page 234 to
learn more about creating your own Distinctions and triggers.
3
194
ROLES
Tese Distinctions cover a wide array of professions,
careers, and Crewmember roles in the Verse. Some indicate
whether youre Alliance-friendly or not, so make sure you
review them. Now, some professions aint exactly legal. If n
youre lookin to do some crime, though, thats okay!
AczN1 Puovocn1zuu ns
Yourc c bcd n]ucncc. Pro]cssonclly.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Cover Story: When you lIe abouI where you've been or
whaI you were doIng, spend 1 PP Io creaIe a ns Asset
IhaI conrms your cover sIory.
Devil on the Shoulder: Spend 1 PP Io double Trick or
Inuence when persuadIng someone Io do someIhIng
illegal.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, 5Nznk, Tuck
AttnNcz Drrczu ns
You proudly wear the uniform of the organization that brought
peace to the universe.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Chain of Command: CaIn 1 PP when you sIep up a
ComplIcaIIon because oI orders you receIved Irom
your superiors.
Sir, Yes, Sir: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe an AsseI aI a ns to
represenI a specIalIsI under your command.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, No1cz, 5uoo1
ouN1v HuN1zu ns
There are wanted men everywhere in the Verse and people
wholl pay good money for em. This is what you do. You dont
have to like it.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Tracker: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe a uarry Asset at ns.
Choose your IargeI, Ihey don'I have Io be In your
presence. You may use IhIs AsseI In any rolls made Io
Irack down and capIure your IargeI. Every IIme you use
II In a dIe roll and IaIl, you may sIep II up by one. You
may only have one uarry Asset at a time.
Cortcx 5ngcr. Spend 1 PP Io use Operate InsIead oI
5urvive Io Irack down a IugIIIve.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, Ftv, No1cz
CoN Au1s1 ns
Theres a sucker born every minute. You just gotta put your
line in the water.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Instant Expert: When you Iry Io pass yourselI oh as an
experI, Iake or sIep up a Web cf Lies ComplIcaIIon Io
double Trick Ior Ihe roll.
The Stall: When you acI as a dIsIracIIon Ior anoIher
Crewmember's AcIIon, spend 1 PP Io sIep up or double
Ihe dIe you lend Io Ihem.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, PzurouM, Tuck
Cou1zx TzcuNcnN ns
Waves in the black dont just happen. From world to world,
youve made sure nobody stops the signal.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Im Working Here: Spend 1 PP aI Ihe begInnIng oI a TImed
AcIIon InvolvIng communIcaIIons, daIa, or compuIer
equIpmenI. For each oI your rolls durIng Ihe TImed
AcIIon, you may reroll any dIe IhaI comes up 1 InsIead
oI accepIIng a PloI PoInI Ior IhaI dIe. I a dIe comes up as
a 1 when rerolled, II may noI be rerolled a second IIme.
In the Loop: You may spend PloI PoInIs Ior anyone wIIh
whom you are In dIrecI conIacI vIa a communIcaIIons
neIwork.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fx, kNow, Dzun1z
CoMnNv Mncs1un1z ns
As a magistrate, you are the boss, mayor, judge, and jury of
this company town.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Company Contacts: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe a ns Asset that
represenIs a company specIalIsI or resource.
Middle Management: Double or sIep up Trick Ior a scene.
I you do, Iake or a Corporate Oversight ns ComplIcaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Ftv, No1cz, Tuck
Fzn ns
Youve got a crew, a ship, and a mission. Apprehend criminals
runnin to the black.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Bound By Law: CaIn 1 PP when you arresI someone wIIh
an ouIsIandIng warranI.
Field Work: Double Know or Operate Ior a roll when
InvesIIgaIIng Ihe scene oI a crIme. SIep back your Social
AIIrIbuIe Ior Ihe resI oI Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: kNow, Dzun1z, 5uoo1
195
Fus1 Mn1z ns
Yourc thc ccptcns rght hcnd, but cs o]tcn cs not yourc hs ]st.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Got Your Back, Sir: I your capIaIn IaIls a dIe roll In your
presence, sIep up or double your AIIrIbuIe on your
nexI dIe roll.
Right Here, Sir: Spend 1 PP Io joIn a scene InvolvIng Ihe
capIaIn IhaI you weren'I already In.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, INrtuzNcz, No1cz
CzN1uv ns
Youve got a fancy title, probably a sash to go with it.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Blue Blood: When you Iake a ComplIcaIIon IhaI would
besmIrch your IamIly honor, you can sIep II up Io gaIn
a ns Ig Damn Hero DIe.
Noblesse Oblige: When someone less IorIunaIe Ihan
you asks Ior your help, Iake or sIep up an DbIiged
ComplIcaIIon Io sIep up Fccus Ior Ihe resI oI Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Ftv, Focus
Cotn Puoszc1ou ns
All that glitters ought to be yours.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Camp Life: When makIng camp In Ihe wIld or a puIIIng
up a makeshIII shelIer, sIep up or double 5urvive Ior
Ihe AcIIon.
Lust for Gold: When dIrecIly acIIng Io geI more gold, sIep
up or double Fight, Labcr, or Trick Ior Ihe AcIIon. Take
or step up a CcId Fever ComplIcaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Lnsou, 5uoo1, 5uuvvz
Cutn Tunnzu ns
Your business is in moving goods and services from one place
to another under Guild contract. Its not as free as youd like,
but theres security.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Get Out of Jail Free: Spend 1 PP when you're ImprIsoned,
locked up, seIzed, or held. The Trade CuIld sprIngs you,
buI Ihey'll ask you Io do someIhIng Ior Ihem laIer.
Shadow of the Guild: CaIn 1 PP when your decIsIon Io go
agaInsI Ihe Trade CuIld's polIcIes, pracIIces, or orders
puIs you In danger or hoI waIer.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Ftv, kNow
MzuczNnuv ns
They dont pay you to look pretty. They pay
you to shoot things.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu
InsIead oI a ns.
Highest Bidder: CaIn 1 PP when you
Iry Io geI a beIIer deal Ihan your
currenI conIracI Irom Ihe sIde you're
noI currenIly ghIIn' Ior.
Time for Some Thrillin Heroics:
Spend 1 PP Io go rsI In any baIIle
or combaI scene. Dn your rsI AcIIon,
you may reroll any dIce IhaI come up
1 InsIead oI accepIIng a PloI PoInI.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, Movz, 5uoo1
3
196
Drrczu or 1uz Lnw ns
Youre charged with protecting the people and given the
authority to do just that.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Public Figure: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe a espected ns Asset
when dealIng wIIh Ihe people In your jurIsdIcIIon.
Talk em Down: When you Iry Io deIuse a charged
sIIuaIIon, sIep up or double Inuence. Take or sIep up
a ComplIcaIIon Io do boIh.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, Movz, 5uoo1
zcs1zuzn CoMnNoN ns
You have an active license in the Companion Registry, which
opens doors and brings you business.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Inside Knowledge: When you creaIe an AsseI relaIed Io
an IndIvIdual's hIsIory, bIodaIa, or CorIex record, sIep
it up.
I Know Your Ways: Spend 1 PP Io sIep up or double
Inuence when you are aIIempIIng Io Iollow proper
eIIqueIIe or puI someone aI ease.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, PzurouM
5unnv usNzss MnN ns
You keep tellin folks you are legitimate. Someday, they might
believe you.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Fcll Dg c Truck. SIep up a ComplIcaIIon InvolvIng Ihe
auIhorIIIes Io creaIe a ns AsseI IhaI was acquIred Irom
less Ihan repuIable sources.
Loan Shark: Spend a PP Io pass oh a socIal ComplIcaIIon
onIo anoIher characIer who owes you someIhIng.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, No1cz, Tuck
5us Cn1nN ns
A natural leader, youre responsible for the Crew and the ship
you cll ]y n.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Protect the Crew: When a Crewmember In Ihe same scene
as you acquIres a ComplIcaIIon, spend 1 PP Io Iake II
away and sIep II back.
Lead the Crew: When one oI your crew dIrecIly
Iollows one oI your orders, spend 1 PP and gIve IhaI
Crewmember an AsseI equal Io your Inuence dIe raIIng.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Ftv, Focus, INrtuzNcz
5us Doc1ou ns
Sometimes it seems whoever came up with First, do no harm
never had to deal with the people you have to deal with.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Experimental Procedure: I you replace your Operate or
Treat SkIll wIIh a nu Ior your nexI roll, gaIn a Ig Damn
Hero DIe equal Io IhaI SkIll's normal dIe raIIng II your
roll Is successIul.
Natural Healer: Spend 1 PP Io sIep back anoIher
characIer's medIcal or Injury-based ComplIcaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: kNow, Dzun1z, Tuzn1
5us MzcunNc ns
A ships a living thing, no matter what they say. You can feel
when shes sick, and she makes you proud when shes well.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Zen & the Art of Engine Maintenance: Spend 1 PP aI
Ihe begInnIng oI a TImed AcIIon InvolvIng shIp repaIr
or upgrades. For each oI your rolls durIng Ihe TImed
AcIIon, you may reroll any dIe IhaI comes up 1 InsIead
oI accepIIng a PloI PoInI Ior IhaI dIe.
Miracle Worker: I you replace your Fix SkIll wIIh a nu
Ior your nexI roll, gaIn a Ig Damn Hero DIe equal Io
IhaI SkIll's normal dIe raIIng II your roll Is successIul.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fx, kNow, Dzun1z
5us Pto1 ns
The list of folk wanting to hire you is longer than your arm.
Youre just that good.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Born Behind the Wheel: Spend 1 PP Io sIep up or double
your ships Engines AIIrIbuIe Ior your nexI roll.
Ive Never Tried That Before: I you replace your Fly or
Operate SkIll wIIh a nu Ior your nexI roll, gaIn a Ig
Damn Hero DIe equal Io IhaI SkIll's normal dIe raIIng II
your roll Is successIul.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Ftv, No1cz, Dzun1z
5us 5uzuzun ns
You dont ]x ]cth. t ]xcs you.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Taken on Faith: When you creaIe an AsseI or Iake on
a ComplIcaIIon relaIIng Io your relIgIous belIeIs or
convIcIIons, sIep II up.
Religiosity: CaIn 1 PP when you spend IIme sharIng your
IaIIh wIIh Ihe unbelIevers or Ihe losI.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, kNow
197
PERSONALITIES
Tese Distinctions refect particularly strong personality
types, character habits, or signifcant quirks that your character
displays during play.
ncks1nssN C1 ns
You look out for numero uno. Everyone else is just in the way.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Fickle Friend: When you change sIdes In an argumenI,
double Social Ior Ihe AcIIon. Take a Traitor ns
ComplIcaIIon.
Getaway Driver: When you're aI Ihe wheel and beIng
chased, spend 1 PP Io sIep up or double Drive Ior an
AcIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Tuuow, Tuck
nn zu1n1oN ns
Folks whisper your name when they see you coming. And hope
you leave as soon as possible.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Intimidating Build: Spend 1 PP Io roll your Physical die
InsIead oI your Mental dIe when usIng your Inuence
Io scare someone.
Dont Get Him Riled: SIep back your Notice die to step
up your Fight dIe Ior Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, INrtuzNcz, 5uuvvz
v 1uz ook ns
According to section 5, subsection c, paragraph 2 of the Federal
Alliance Judicial Code

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Standard Operating Procedure: Spend 1 PP Io double
Know Ior a roll when you rely on your knowledge oI
AllIance rules, regulaIIons, and procedures.
This Isnt in the Manual: When Ihe CM buys a jInx Irom
you, you may sIep up a ComplIcaIIon Io gaIn 1 PP.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, kNow, Dzun1z
CnuNc ns
Youve a courage and tenacity in carin for others that most
folk dont. Youre the light in their darkness.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Heal the Wounded Heart: Spend 1 PP Io sIep back
anoIher characIer's emoIIonal or relaIIonshIp-based
ComplIcaIIon.
Go the Extra Mile: WhIle you are IakIng care oI an
IncapacIIaIed or grIeI-sIrIcken characIer, you or IhaI
characIer may reroll any dIce IhaI come up 1s InsIead
oI IakIng PloI PoInIs.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, Tuzn1
Cun11zusox ns
A lot of folk are afraid of a little conversation but not you, youve
got the gift of gab, see, and if people want to leave it up to you
to ccrry thc convcrscton, thcn thcts ust ]nc by you, `cuz.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Blather: SIep up or double Trick Ior an AcIIon when
you jusI keep IalkIng. Take or sIep up an Annoying
ComplIcaIIon aIIer Ihe roll.
Friendly Banter: Step up Social Ior a scene. The nexI IIme
Ihe CM buys a ComplIcaIIon aIIer you've rolled a jInx,
sIep Ihe ComplIcaIIon up.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, PzurouM, Tuck
Conz or HoNou ns
To lvc wth honor s dgcult. To lvc wthout honor s not
living at all.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Honor Demands It: CaIn 1 PP when you acI agaInsI your
besI InIeresIs because oI your code or make a show oI
saIIsIyIng your honor.
My Word is My Bond: When you make a promIse Io
someone, spend 1 PP Io make a ns AsseI IhaI lasIs unIIl
Ihe end oI Ihe sessIon. I you break IhaI promIse, Iurn
II InIo a ns ComplIcaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, kNow, 5uuvvz
Duzts1 ns
There is an art to honorable combat and youre a veritable
Picasso of the form.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Code Duello: When you Iake a ComplIcaIIon IhaI ImplIes
a slIghI upon your honor, you may Issue a challenge Io
a duel and gIve your opponenI a ChaIIenged tc a DueI
ns ComplIcaIIon.
Mano a Mano: When ouInumbered, sIep back Fight.
When IacIng a sIngle opponenI, sIep up or double Fight.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, Movz, PzurouM
FnsuoNnstz ns
You attend the most exclusive parties, dress in the latest
fashions, and hire the best Companions.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Clout: SIep back Inuence unIIl Ihe end oI Ihe nexI
scene Io remove a socIal ComplIcaIIon.
I Dont Wait In Line: You may spend 1 PP Io gaIn enIry Io
an exclusIve club or parIy wIIhouI an InvIIaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Ftv, INrtuzNcz
3
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, Tuzn1
Hnun Luck Cnsz ns
The Verse is a hard place, no one knows that bettern you.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Nose for Trouble: CaIn 1 PP when you sIumble InIo a
sIIuaIIon you shouldn'I be In or overhear someIhIng
you shouldn'I.
Trouble on Your Heels: When you are beIng chased or
Iollowed ouI oI a scene, you may sIep up Sneak or Trick
when you roll Io slIp away.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fx, 5Nznk, 5uuvvz
Hznu1 or Cotn ns
You may be rough around the edges, but deep down youre
a good person.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Crug Extcror: CaIn 1 PP when you Iry Io scare oh a new
acquaInIance or make a rough rsI ImpressIon.
Softie: When helpIng a Crewmember, spend 1 PP Io sIep
up Ihe dIe you lend Ihem Ior Ihe roll.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Lnsou, Dzun1z, Tuzn1
Hznu1 or Icz nNn Dus1 ns
You know the old saying about cold hands, warm heart? Youre
the exact opposite.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Best Served Cold: Spend 1 PP Io sIep back any
ComplIcaIIon InvolvIng your emoIIons or personal
relaIIonshIps.
Every Man for Himself: CaIn 1 PP when you abandon an
ally In a IIme oI need Io IurIher your own agenda.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, Focus, Tuck
HoNzs1 MnN ns
Honest as the day is long.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Deep Cut: CaIn 1 PP when your honesIy hurIs someone
close Io you.
Tough Love: Spend 1 PP Io sIep up your Treat when you
aIIempI Io remove menIal ComplIcaIIons by IellIn' Iolks
Ihe IruIh abouI ugly sIIuaIIons.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, Tuzn1
IN1u1vz ns
You aint a reader, not as such. But the way folk carry themselves,
how they move, thats the language you speak.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Now Is Not Your Time: When someone IrIes Io aIIack
you Ihe rsI IIme In a scene, spend 1 PP Io InsIead
make Ihem seI Ihe sIakes agaInsI a Social + Inuence
InIImIdaIIon AcIIon. I you raIse Ihe sIakes, Ihey cannoI
aIIack you unIIl you roll a jInx.
Take Measure: When you come InIo conIcI wIIh
someone Ior Ihe rsI IIme, you may aIIempI Io sIze
Ihem up wIIh a Mental + Know AcIIon. CreaIe a 5ized
Up ns AsseI II you succeed or Iake an Dverccndent ns
ComplIcaIIon II you IaIl.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, No1cz
kNow I1 Att ns
Look, smarty pants, if we wanted schoolin, wed have gone
to school.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Book Learnin: Double your Know when you have access
Io InIormaIIonal resources (Ihe CorIex, an encyclopedIa,
eIc.} and Ihe IIme Io use Ihem.
Pedantic: CaIn 1 PP when you correcI someone aI an
InapproprIaIe juncIure or Iell Ihe crew a IacI abouI a
problem IhaI Is InIeresIIng buI noI useIul.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fx, kNow, Tuzn1
No1 1o sz Cuosszn ns
Just so were clear: if you cross me, I will end you.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Fair Warning: SIep up or double Inuence when you use
Ihe weIghI oI your InIImIdaIIng repuIaIIon. oIh 1s and
2s counI Ior jInxes on Ihe roll.
To the Edge of the Black: When you pursue someone
who crossed you InIo obvIous danger, creaIe a ns Asset
Ior Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, 5uuvvz, Tuck
DNz w1u 1uz 5unnows ns
Fight fair? Honey, why would I do that?

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Get in Position: I you replace your Sneak wIIh a nu Ior
your nexI roll, gaIn a Ig Damn Hero DIe equal Io your
Sneak raIIng II your roll Is successIul.
Sniper: Spend 1 PP Io enIer a scene hIdden and
In a posIIIon Io do some harm. Take or sIep up a
ComplIcaIIon represenIIng a Ienuous or precarIous
posIIIon Io creaIe a Sniper Nest ns Asset.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Movz, 5uoo1, 5Nznk HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Movz, 5uoo1, 5Nznk
199
zsznucuzu ns
Thc sccnt]c mcthod snt ust ]or thc lcb. ts c wcy o] l]c.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Eureka!: When you IaIl a roll IryIng Io gaIher InIormaIIon
or collecI daIa, spend 1 PP Io gaIn a Ig Damn Hero DIe
equal Io your Know.
Hypothesize: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe an AsseI based on
your currenI hypoIhesIs. Crewmembers who use Ihe
AsseI can spend 1 PP Io sIep II up aIIer a successIul
AcIIon, Io a no maxImum. I any AcIIon wIIh Ihe AsseI
IaIls, remove II Irom play.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, Fx, Ftv
5Moo1u Tntkzu ns
You can talk your way out of a life sentence or into a locked
room. Just dont make promises you cant keep.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Gift of Gab: Spend 1 PP Io double your Inuence die
Ior your nexI roll.
Start Fresh: Spend 1 PP aI Ihe begInnIng oI a scene
Io sIep back all oI your socIal or menIal-based
ComplIcaIIons.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, kNow, Tuck
5ouz Loszu ns
They cheated! You werent ready! The sun was in your eyes!
Double or nothing!

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Sulk: SIep up a ComplIcaIIon gaIned In a conIesI you
losI IaIr and square Io gaIn 1 PP.
Cheat to Win: Create a ns AsseI oI your choIce when you
openly cheaI or lIe Io wIn a conIesI.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, Focus, kNow
UNuNctzn ns
Youd sell your own mother to the Reavers to make some coin.
Your pappy youd throw in for free.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Looking Out For Number One: Reroll all dIce In a roll.
Dn Ihe reroll, all dIce IhaI roll 1s or 2s are consIdered
ComplIcaIIons.
Curse Your Sudden, But Inevitable Betrayal: When
you beIray an ally, gaIn 1 PP and double Ihe hIghesI
ComplIcaIIon dIe In Ihe ally's roll.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, 5uuvvz, Tuck
3
BACKGROUNDS
Tese Distinctions refect all kinds of events in your
Crewmembers past or those aspects of your history that
stick with you.
tNn ns n n1 ns
Yaint much good without your glasses, four-eyes.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Keen Ears: When you rely only on your hearIng, sIep up
Notice Ior Ihe roll.
Myopic: CaIn 1 PP when your poor vIsIon causes Irouble
Ior you or Ihe Crew.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, kNow, PzurouM
uo1uzus ns
Nothing can come between you and your brother. Cept maybe
girls. Or liquor. Or cards. Or.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Squabblin: CaIn a PP when you spend a scene arguIng
wIIh your broIher InsIead oI Ihe Iask aI hand.
Thick as Thieves: When you share a scene wIIh your
broIher, you may share PloI PoInIs wIIh one anoIher.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, INrtuzNcz, Tuck
DnNczu ns
Anyonc ccn shugc thcr ]cct to c bcct. A truc dcnccr cxsts cs
beauty through motion.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Enticing: When you perIorm beIore an audIence, spend
1 PP and name someone who Is waIchIng. ThaI person
wIll seek you ouI aIIer Ihe show.
Grand Jet: When you Iake cover or move quIckly Io
avoId beIng hurI, sIep up or double Move Ior Ihe AcIIon.
I you lose Ihe roll, sIep back Move Ior Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, Movz, PzurouM
Dzs1 ns
Youre in deep, and its a hole you cant climb out of easily. But
for the time being, youve got resources.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Something Borrowed: When you creaIe an AsseI by
spendIng money Io purchase goods or servIces, sIep
it up.
Pay It Forward: When you use your nancIal resources on
behalI oI anoIher, spend 1 PP Io creaIe an approprIaIe
ns Asset.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: kNow, No1cz, Tuck
DoNz TMz ns
Youve done time in the pokey. It may have changed you, but
you didnt break.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Keep Your Head Down: When you Iake a socIal
ComplIcaIIon, sIep II back by sIeppIng back Inuence
Ior Ihe scene.
Breaking Rocks: AI Ihe begInnIng oI a TImed AcIIon
where endurance Is a key IacIor, spend 1 PP Io double
Labcr Ior Ihe TImed AcIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, Lnsou, 5Nznk
DuuNk ns
The demon in the bottle drags you in every time. You like to
refer to it as having an expertise in beverages; others like to
refer to it as a serious problem. One of you is right.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Functional Alcoholic: SIarI every EpIsode wIIh a Drunk
ns ComplIcaIIon. SIep II up Io reroll a dIe on a IaIled
AcIIon. Dnce II exceeds nz, you are ouI unIIl gIven
medIcal IreaImenI.
Gaps in Memory: CaIn 1 PP Io reveal IhaI you don'I
remember or recall Ihe evenIs oI a prevIous scene In
whIch you had an acIIve Drunk ComplIcaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: INrtuzNcz, Movz, PzurouM
Ft1uv cu ns
Money is power. Folk who dont know that are foolin themselves.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Leverage: Double Inuence when you brIbe someone
or IhreaIen Ihem wIIh nancIal ruIn.
Only the Best: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe a ns AsseI when you
acquIre or make use oI new Iechnology, hIgh IashIon,
or gourmeI Iood.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Fx, Ftv
FouMzu CoMnNoN ns
You trained as a Companion, but left that life behind to follow
your own path.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Old Habits Die Hard: SIep up a ComplIcaIIon Io double
or step up Social Ior all Inuence, Notice, and Perform
rolls In a scene.
Fiercely Independent: CaIn 1 PP when you rejecI
someone else's plans Io sIrIke ouI on your own.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: No1cz, INrtuzNcz, PzurouM
201
FuzNns N Low Ptnczs ns
Those of us on the Rim dont have much, but we stick together.
Theres a power in that.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
I Know a Guy: Spend 1 PP Io creaIe a ns AsseI when you
call In a shady IrIend wIIh Ihe skIlls you need.
Rumor Mill: When you Iry Io geI InIormaIIon Irom your
conIacIs, make a Social + Know roll. I successIul, creaIe
a ns AsseI abouI Ihe InIormaIIon. Take a Half the Story
ns ComplIcaIIon Io sIep up Ihe new AsseI.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, Lnsou, Tuuow
CovzuNMzN1 ExzuMzN1 ns
You dont remember what they did to you. Mostly. But now
that its done, you can never go back.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Meddled With: Spend 1 PP Io sIep up your Mental
AIIrIbuIe Ior Ihe scene. SIep down your Social AIIrIbuIe
Ior boIh IhIs scene and Ihe nexI one.
Two by Two, Hands of Blue: Create a PainfuI Memcries
ns ComplIcaIIon Io sIep up your Know Ior Ihe resI oI
Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fx, kNow, Dzun1z
Mcu1v Hnzous ns
You werent pretty to start, but then you got yourself deformed
somcthn ]crcc. Now ]olks try not to cvcn look ct you.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Look at Me!: When you geI In someone's Iace, spend 1
PP Io double Inuence Ior Ihe roll.
You Call That Pain?: When you acIIvaIe an DpporIunIIy
Io sIep back a physIcal ComplIcaIIon, sIep up Fight or
5urvive Ior Ihe resI oI Ihe scene.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, Lnsou, 5uuvvz
DN 1uz uN ns
Someones after youAlliance, the Triads, the Guilds, maybe
all three. Youre a fugitive and youre trouble.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Hide in Plain Sight: Spend 1 PP Io reroll a dIe when you're
beIng pursued. Dn your nexI roll, boIh 1s and 2s counI
Ior ComplIcaIIons.
Guilt by Association: CaIn 1 PP each IIme your acIIons
cause your Iellow Crewmembers Io become IargeIs Ior
whoever II Is IhaI's chasIng you.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Movz, No1cz, 5Nznk
znnzu ns
You know things you shouldnt. Some call you a witch. Theyre
just scared of what you represent.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Secrets, Secrets: When you are In Ihe presence oI
someone who Is IryIng Io keep a secreI, spend 1 PP Io
dIscover Ihe secreI wIIh a Mental + Know AcIIon. I your
AcIIon IaIls, creaIe or sIep up a Parancid ComplIcaIIon.
Psychic Flashes: Dnce per scene, spend 1 PP Io creaIe a
ns ComplIcaIIon on a CamemasIer characIer by blurIIng
ouI a secreI or negaIIve IaIe.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, INrtuzNcz, No1cz
5zM-z1uzn ns
Dcsptc your bcst cgorts to gct out, thcy kccp pullng you bcck n.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
I Dont Do That Anymore: CaIn 1 PP when you reIuse Io
do a Iavor Ior an old acquaInIance.
Too Old for This: Spend 1 PP Io gIve someone a Wanted
by the Law ns ComplIcaIIon when you call In law
enIorcemenI wIIh evIdence oI IheIr crImInal acIIvIIIes.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Ftv, Tuck
5s1zus ns
No one understands you like your sister. Youve always stood
together.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Dearest: Step up Treat when you help your sIsIer remove
a ComplIcaIIon beIore you help anyone else.
Shift Blame: When you Iake a socIal ComplIcaIIon, spend
1 PP Io sIep II back and gIve II Io your sIsIer.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: No1cz, Tuzn1, Tuck
TunNzn 5Nczu ns
Your voice is one of the sweetest things in the Verse.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Private Audience: When you need Io geI someone alone,
spend 1 PP Io Iorce IheIr enIourage Io waII ouIsIde.
Perfect Pitch: When you IaIl a Perform roll, spend 1 PP
Io reroll a dIe. When you IaIl a Notice roll, Iake or sIep
up a Sensitive Ears ComplIcaIIon Io reroll a dIe.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, No1cz, PzurouM
3
Vz1zunN or 1uz UNrcn1oN Wnu ns
t dont mcttcr whch sdc you ]ght on, wcr lccvcs c mcrk on
your heart n soul.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Fightin Type: Spend 1 PP Io sIep up or double your Shoot
or Fight when you're ouInumbered.
War Stories: When you creaIe an AsseI or Iake a
ComplIcaIIon relaIed Io a warIIme ashback, sIep II up.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Fcu1, 5uoo1, 5uuvvz
Vu1uoso ns
True virtuosity is rare in this Verse. Youre more than gifted;
youre transcendent.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Music Therapy: When you play beauIIIul musIc Io sooIhe
a Crewmember's Mental complIcaIIon, you may use
Perform InsIead oI Treat Ior Ihe AcIIon.
Stradivari: When you play your besI InsIrumenI Ior a
publIc audIence, double or sIep up Ihe SIgnaIure AsseI
Ior your InsIrumenI Ior Ihe AcIIon. Spend 1 PP Io do boIh.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Cunr1, PzurouM, Tuuow
Wz1 zuNn 1uz Enus ns
Folks say youre nave. It aint that. You just grew up a
mite sheltered, is all.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu
InsIead oI a ns.
Easy Mark: CaIn 1 PP when you are IrIcked
by more worldly Iolk or whenever someone
Iakes advanIage oI your naIveI.
Optimist: Spend 1 PP Io double Treat when helpIng
a Crewmember recover Irom a menIal ComplIcaIIon.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Duvz, Fx, Tuzn1
Woutn Wznuv ns
Youve seen a lot of things during your time in the black and
little is left to surprise you.

CaIn 1 PloI PoInI when you roll a nu InsIead oI a ns.
Been There: Create a ns AsseI when you ask Ior help
Irom an old conIacI. I you use IhIs AsseI In a roll and
IaIl, your conIacI Iurns agaInsI you. The CamemasIer
wIll reveal why Ihey seI you up Ior a Iall.
Done That: When you Iell a Crewmember abouI a
sIIuaIIon Irom your pasI sImIlar Io Ihe one you Iace
now, gaIn a new specIalIy Ior Ihe resI oI Ihe scene. Take
or sIep up a socIal ComplIcaIIon reecIIng your pasI.
HicnLicn1cb SkiLLs: Focus, No1cz, 5Nznk
STEP 3. CHOOSE
DISTINCTION TRIGGERS
Every Distinction in Step 2 lists three triggers. Triggers
are special tricks you can use to afect the dice you add to your
pool or to gain Plot Points, special Assets, or other benefts.
Generally, each trigger has benefts and drawbacksbonuses
that your character gets for activating the trigger and costs
that are incurred to activate it.
When you choose a Distinction, you automatically get
the Gain 1 Plot Point when you roll a nu instead of a ns
trigger for each one. You may unlock a total of two more
triggers, in any order, from the Distinctions youve selected.
Te remaining Distinction triggers stay locked until you
advance your character over the course of multiple Episodes.
Take a look at the Find a Job chapter on page 234 to learn
more about unlocking additional triggers for your character.
203
STEP 4. STEP UP SKILLS
Every character has access to all of the Skills. To start, you
are an untrained Crewmember with a nu die rating in every
Skill. You can try using the Skill, but your chance of success
is slim and your odds of rolling a jinx are great. If you want
to do better than that, you need to step up your Skills to the
next available die ratingor higher.
HIGHLIGHTED SKILLS
In Step 2, you chose three Distinctions. Beneath these
Distinctions, you probably noticed three Skills that were
closely associated with it. Tese are called highlighted Skills.
Underline these Skills on your Crew Sheet and step up their
die rating from nu to ns. If you have two or more Distinctions
with the same highlighted Skill, step the Skill up again for a
total of three die ratings.
Youve selected three Distinctions: True Faith, UnprincipIed,
and First Mate. When you review your Skills, you notice that
Inuence is listed in the highlighted Skills for each Distinction.
Tus, you step up your Inuence Skill from nu to ns, then
from ns to ns, and fnally from ns to no.
SPENDING POINTS
Afer youve stepped up your highlighted Skills, you get
9 points to spend. No Skill may be stepped up beyond nz.
You may spend these 9 points in one of two ways:
Highlighted Skills: Step up the die rating one step for
every point you spend.
Basic Skills: For a Skill that isnt listed on your
Distinctions, spend 2 points to step it up by one die
rating. To take a nu to a ns, youll need to spend two
points, reducing your total points from 9 to 7.
You can fnd a list of Skills at the beginning of the
chapter and on your Crew Sheet in the Appendix on
page 366.
ALTERING HIGHLIGHTED
SKILLS
When you creaIe your characIer, you may Ieel IhaI Ihe
hIghlIghIed SkIlls don'I reecI how you wanI Io buIld
your characIer. As long as your CamemasIer Is okay
wIIh Ihe change, Ieel Iree Io alIer Ihe lIsI oI SkIlls Ior
your DIsIIncIIon.
For example, you mIghI Ieel lIke Ships Doctor ns
should Include Fccus InsIead oI Know, as you plan on
playIng a surgeon who knows less abouI medIcIne In
general and more abouI Ihe sIeely reserve II Iakes Io
cuI someone open and x whaI's wrong wIIh 'em. Dr
you mIghI IhInk IhaI someone who Is EIderIy ns should
highlight Know InsIead oI Notice, Io reecI a lIIeIIme
oI experIences.
5TEP 5. CHDD5E 5PECIALTIE5
AND SIGNATURE ASSETS
In this Step, youll assign points to your Skill specialties
and Signature Assets.
SKILL SPECIALTIES
Specialties are subsets of Skills that cover specifc areas
or subjects otherwise included with the Skill. If you want your
Crewmember to be especially talented in a certain area, take
a specialty in a Skill.
All specialties add an additional ns to your dice pool
when applicable.
Skills with a nu rating cannot be assigned a specialty.
If you have a Know rating of ns or higher, you may
assign a Know specialty for free when assigning
specialties. Tis free Know specialty does not count
against the total number of specialties you can mark
in this Step.
Examples of specialties include Zoes Carbines specialty
for Shoot, Kaylees Engines specialty for Fix, and Mals
Leadership specialty for Inuence.
3
g g
oI experIences.
SIGNATURE ASSETS
Signature Assets are personal possessions that your
Crewmember has a special connection to. Tese add a die to
your dice pool whenever you decide to use them. You cant
share Signature Assets with other characters, but its possible
that you might steal one and eventually make it your own!
If n youre looking for ideas, each archetype has two sample
Signature Assets. Tere are also Signature Assets on the Crew
Sheets of several members of the Main Cast and the characters
found in Whats Yours Is Mine, on page 298.
Now, it may not make sense for your Crewmember to
have a Signature Asset. Folks aint always tied to possessions,
relying more on their training than on anything they own.
Inara and River, for example, have more Skill specialties to
refect their training and experiences. Remember, youre
making decisions for your character at the start of a Season;
theyll grow and change as you play the game. Tough both
River and Inara start of without any Signature Assets, both
could add them afer playing through a few Episodes.
Examples of Signature Assets from the Main Cast include
Mals Serenity, Jaynes Vera, and Shepherd Books ibIe.
ADDING TRIGGERS TO
SIGNATURE ASSETS
SIgnaIure AsseIs can also have IrIggers. WhIle you
can'I add Ihese IrIggers aI characIer creaIIon, you
can spend your EpIsodes IraInIng up your SIgnaIure
AsseIs Io add IrIggers such as "Auto]rc: Spend 1
PP Io double Shoot when you're ouInumbered or
Unlucky Coin: Whenever you Iake a ComplIcaIIon
that starts at a no or above, gaIn 1 PloI PoInI.
These IrIggers help esh ouI your SIgnaIure
AsseIs and oher you new ways Io use your prIzed
possessIons durIn' Ihe game. You'll learn more
abouI unlockIng IrIggers In Find a Job on page 23/.
ASSIGNING POINTS TO SPECIALTIES
AND SIGNATURE ASSETS
You have fve points to assign to specialties and Signature
Assets at character creation. Each point may be used to:
Add a specialty to a Skill rated at a ns or higher
Create a Signature Asset at a ns
Step up a ns Signature Asset to a ns
With your fve points you might:
Assign fve specialties and create no Signature Assets
Assign four specialties and create one ns Signature Asset
Assign three specialties and create one ns Signature Asset
Assign two specialties and create three ns Signature
Assets
Assign one specialty and create one ns and two ns
Signature Assets
Once youve assigned all your points to specialties and
Signature Assets, remember to assign your free Know specialty
if you have at least a ns in that Skill.
STEP 6. BIOGRAPHICAL INFO
Last, but certainly not least, youll want to add a few details:
Your Name: What do folks call ya?
Birthplace: Where were you born? On a Border Planet?
In the Core?
What You Look Like: Got a telltale birthmark? Blonde
hair? Tall and stout? Short and thin?
To further fesh out your character background, take
a peek at the Distinctions youve chosen and think about:
Where youve been the last few years.
Where youre going in the near future.
What your role was in the Unifcation War.
What youre doing to keep your head above water.
How you feel about the politics of the Verse (the Alliance,
the War, etc.).
Which planet, space station, or moon you hail from.
What you think about the other four systems.
If you believe in Reavers or think theres a monster waitin
for you in the black.
Why you want to be in a Crew.
Whether or not youre the spiritual sort.
What kinds of foods, music, and clothing you fancy.
Congratulations! Youve got a shiny new Crewmember!
205