Chapter 2: How the heck do I play?

Before you begin, I recommend reading the following definitions.

Now that your original question, "What the heck do I do?" has been answered, it's time to learn how to apply that knowledge to the game.

Steps to Play

1. Define Your Character's Starting Point

The decision you make at this stage significantly shapes your gameplay experience in ways that may not be immediately obvious.

Think about whether you want your character to start in a safe environment, away from all the drama of Amber. In this setting, they would have little exposure to the wider world and a limited understanding of its important figures and groups. This choice would lead to a more innocent and exploratory journey, as your character slowly uncovers the mysteries and dynamics at play.

Or, you can begin your story in the Courts of Chaos, where you'll encounter complex relationships and power struggles. Choosing this path allows your character to gain insights into the ongoing intrigue, enabling more strategic decisions and interactions from the start.

Each option presents a distinct narrative direction, encouraging you to consider how you wish to engage with the world and its diverse characters. This understanding can enrich your storytelling experience.

What's the point of choosing a start? Choosing your starting point in this game is very important because it affects your character's journey and interactions. The starting point shapes your character’s background and influences their relationships with other characters. It also impacts how they understand the game world and its rules. Selecting the right starting point can enhance your overall gameplay experience and define your character in the long term.

2. Choosing Long-Term and Short-Term Goals

When developing a character in Amber, consider the distinction between short-term and long-term goals:

Short-Term Goals: In the context of your character, short-term goals might encompass objectives that can realistically be achieved within a year of out-of-game time. For example, a character might aim to infiltrate a rival's court, earn the trust of a key ally, or complete a personal vendetta. Short-term goals are often more tactical, focused on immediate challenges and situations that can change rapidly within the game's narrative.

Long-Term Goals: On the other hand, long-term goals reflect more significant ambitions that typically take several years to realize within the game world (and IRL). These could involve broader narratives such as securing the throne, establishing a long-lasting legacy, or seeking revenge on an ancient enemy. Long-term goals require careful planning and strategic thinking, as they often depend on multiple short-term objectives being met. For instance, a character may aspire to become the ruler of a realm, necessitating alliances, extensive resources, and potentially significant changes in power dynamics over time.

Integration of Both: Balancing both types of goals in character development can create a richer narrative. While short-term goals propel your character forward and provide immediate challenges, long-term goals give your character depth and a framework for their motivations. For instance, achieving small victories could bring your character closer to their ultimate objective, creating a sense of progression and momentum.

Moreover, having clear long-term goals can influence the way you set and approach short-term goals. For example, if a character's long-term aim is to unite various factions in Amber, short-term goals might include negotiating peace treaties or undertaking tasks that showcase their leadership qualities.

Both short-term and long-term goals are crucial in shaping your character's journey in Amber. They provide a balance of immediate action and overarching purpose, making your character’s growth and choices more engaging and meaningful within the narrative.

3. How do you want to play your character?

In Amber, our players have different styles:

1. Narrative-Driven Focus: Some players create characters with detailed backstories and emotional growth. They focus on relationships, character development, and the quiet moments between sessions to enrich their story.

2. Goal-Oriented Players: Others concentrate solely on their character’s ambitions and achievements. These players engage less with emotions and more with strategies, making interactions dynamic (and often dangerous). These characters play Amber closer to its intended style.

3. A Mix of Both: Some players successfully balance ambition and character growth, leading to unique, narrative-driven arcs.

4. Chill & Laid Back: A small subset of players participate simply for the experience. They embrace whatever comes their way and make the most of it.

4. Alliances, Enemies, and the In-Between

In Amber, alliances and enemies shape your character's journey:

Making allies is key to navigating Amber's politics. Friends provide support and resources, but these relationships can shift as your character's goals change.

Enemies add conflict and tension. Rivalries and betrayals challenge your character to strategize, while the reasons behind foes can create opportunities for revenge or unexpected teamwork.

Not all relationships are clear-cut. Characters with ambiguous motives can add twists to your story, influencing decisions in surprising ways. Balancing friendships, rivalries, and those complicated gray areas enriches your gameplay and storytelling.

Final Thoughts for Chapter 2

Playing Amber is a unique experience for everyone, as each person brings their own perspective and style to the role. It’s important to select a path that resonates with you personally. Some may thrive in the spotlight, enjoying the attention and interaction that comes with being front and center. Others might find comfort in a more subtle approach, choosing to operate from the shadows where they can observe and engage in a more introspective manner. Whichever path you choose, make sure it aligns with your comfort level and enhances your enjoyment of the game.

Wishing you the best. -T

Chapter 2: How the heck do I play?

Contents