In Huckleberry, I like to encourage two bonds in players. First is the bond to their Maverick via self-expression and identity. Players have full control over what their Maverick looks like and how their abilities manifest. This is mechanically supported by Traits and Big Irons. Traits give an inkling to a "vibe" in their titles, benefits, and aversions, but physical qualities or visual components are only suggestions.
The Ironclad could be interpreted as a cyborg, with machines integrated into their flesh, or as a tinkerer with gadgets that hide Big Irons up their sleeve. Or anything else the imagination conjures up. All ideas are equally valid. Players create the fluff in Huckleberry.
The second bond I encourage is to the setting. Mavericks should feel connected to their Hole-in-the-Wall. It's the reason they risk their lives to push back against the Wyrd. OK, maybe silver chips have something to do with it as well. But the Hole-in-the-Wall reaps the benefits nonetheless and the people will show their appreciation. Mechanically, we support this via Pastimes- the quiet scenes in between the Bounties and Drives. The calm stretches of time where players soak up the world around them with no immediate danger.
But there's another mechanic that supports both types of bonds. It's something I'm quite proud of. Mounts are both an extension of a Maverick and a tie to the greater world outside of the Maverick. They're a reason to fight against the Wyrd AND a tool to fight with.
When creating the Mounts chapter, it was important to maintain the player's control over self-expression and identity. But we also had to balance this with the fact that many people don't know much about horses or the terms used to describe them. Fortunately, I work with very talented collaborators. Our illustrator, George Sellas put together an amazing chart depicting many of the different coat colors, patterns, and distinctive features that a horse can have.
If you enjoy the chaos that comes from RNG, you can create a horse with one throw of a dice pool. Each category uses a different die, from d4 through d12 (The d4 is only necessary if you roll a 6 on the d8). Alternatively, you can use the chart as a guide, creating your horse a la carte. And just like with Mavericks, there's room to get weird with it. The Wyrd-Touched entries show crazy mutations that a horse might experience in Huckleberry, but the spectrum goes far beyond a single image. You can describe your horse as strange or twisted as you like. Give it 8 legs and name it Sleipnir! Give it some horsefeathers and name it Chocobo. The choice is yours.
But there is one thing you don't have a choice in: telling me about your mounts! I want to hear what y'all are riding the Wyrd Frontier on. Leave a comment and let me know. :)
