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Layer 6: Layer Mastery and Modularity

(1.0) The layers are not just a learning ramp, they are also a modular system to be applied or ignored at any level of play.

(1.1) Any scene may discard or utilize any aspect of the layer system to increase speed of play or mechanical simplicity when the full system would otherwise break the immersion and pacing of play.

(1.2) The Curator has the role and responsibility to be the curator of play to decide when these points of lax or strict rule application may be applied to ensure a fun and fair play environment.

SPARKS IN ACTION: Curator as Adjucator

Sparks and Rook are chasing a target through a crowded marketplace. This could be a complex Scene with lots of mechanics, but the Curator decides that tracking every roll would slow down the pace and ruin the tension of the chase.

The Curator declares, "Okay everyone, for this Scene, we're going to use the Modularity rule. We're setting aside the detailed action catalog. This will be a pure narrative chase."

Instead of turn-by-turn actions, the Curator presents a series of narrative choices:

  • "The target ducks into a packed alleyway. Sparks, do you use your Traveller (Teleport) to try and get ahead of him, or do you use your Insightful ability to try and predict where he'll emerge?"
  • "Rook, the crowd is panicking. Do you use your Brawn to shove your way through, possibly causing a scene, or do you use a Teamwork action to help clear a path for Sparks?"

In this example, the Curator, acting as the Adjucator of Play, has chosen to discard specific layers of the rules (like the strict action economy) to better serve the story's pacing and excitement. This shows how the system is designed to be a flexible toolkit, not a rigid prison.