For this entry in the #CharacterCreationChallenge, I’m returning to the Forged in the Dark (FitD) framework with the sci-fi, Firefly-esque Scum and Villainy.

Zax Miggins grew up on a space station in the Iota system, where he eventually made the connections to get a job with an engineering firm under the Starsmiths’ Guild. His fascination with raiders and scouts eventually drew him into the pilot program, where he excelled as both a quick-witted and audacious flyer.

His audacity, however, rubbed his boss, Maz Halstromm, the wrong way. These were expensive prototypes and only the most senior pilots were permitted to take such risks. It didn’t help that Zax also showed an interest in forbidden, alien cultures that could bring down a lot of trouble for all of them.

Zax left the firm and struck out on his own, looking for anyone in need of a pilot with sharp skills and who would overlook his curious interests.

Scum and Villainy

Built off the Forged in the Dark chassis that powers Blades in the Dark, Scum and Villainy brings a familiar and easy character creation process. Unlike some frameworks that have you rolling for stats, these systems give you some abilities appropriate for the playbook (i.e., class) you choose with some extra points to customize your concept.

Similar to games based on Fate, character creation involves building out your character backstory, almost becoming part of the game itself. Deciding on your heritage and background leads to some Action selections; selecting a friend and a rival establishes some in-game contacts that may help or hinder an operation but also tells more about who your character is.

Because background is important, it’s helpful to do these builds with the rest of the group, since you’ll also be selecting ship (crew) that will establish the groups basic function – are we smugglers? Bounty hunters? Rebels? And that’s what makes character building as much a part of the game as performing scores and dealing with downtime.

FitD games a heavy on the narration and (reasonably) light on the mechanics, which makes it not a great fit for every table. But for those who want to tell a story, it’s a fantastic chassis and easy to get up and running pretty quickly.

Finally, thanks to Reddit user u/B4ck_up14 for creating the fillable playbooks as Google Sheets.