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Please first read the rules for Timeless. This document only explains differences between those rules and this variant.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchhausen inspired this variant of Timeless. It demonstrates how simple a (small-s) storytelling RPG could be.
This variant of Timeless uses elements of Fate Core, specifically the Fate Point Economy. Please refer to linked pages for a more comprehensive explanation of concepts and rules.
Psyche in Timeless: Tales
Psyche Points represents the Timeless’s Psyche. They are a resource that fluctuates during a session, but resets back to a default value at the start of the next session. Two other values regulate the gain and loss of Psyche Points:
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Karma: In this variant Karmic Fetters work like Fate’s Aspects. Unlike in other variants, a Timeless can leverage the Fetters of other beings outside Time, also like Aspects.
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Starting Psyche Points: The number of Psyche Points a Timeless starts with at the start of in each session. The Fate analogue is Refresh.
All Timeless start with five points to spend either on a point of Refresh or one Karmic Fetter. The Referee will work with players on devising Karmic Fetters appropriate for Timeless: Tales.
Bending Reality
Psyche Points represent a Timeless’s ability to bend reality to their will. Timeless can use their Psyche Points in the following ways.
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A player can propose an alteration to reality based on a Karma or an ability of a previous Incarnation. If the Referee accepts this proposal, the player pays a Psyche Point and reality bends as proposed. This works somewhat like an Invoke in Fate Core, except no dice roll; reality just changes, sometimes profoundly.
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A player can propose an effect on an enemy Timeless or another being outside Time, based on one of its known Karmas. If the Referee accepts this proposal, the player pays a Psyche Point and the enemy suffers the effect. This also works somewhat like an Invoke in Fate Core, except once again no dice roll.
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A player can give a Psyche Point to another Timeless.
Under this variant of Timeless, the Referee has actions too.
- Provoke Backlash: The Referee proposes a Backlash event in general terms. If the player accepts the proposal, they gain one Psyche Token and the Backlash even occurs. If they reject the proposal, they must offer a Psyche Point to avert it. This works a little like a Compel.
If the Host Game is also based on Fate, keep Fate Points and Psyche Points separate.
Increasing Psyche
When a player completes a Quest, they may receive either a new Karma based on previous experiences or an increased Refresh Rate, up to a maximum of 6.