FAQ for Fighter Theory
What Is Fighter Theory?
Fighter Theory is a system-agnostic sourcebook that explores the fighter archetype in roleplaying games. It focuses on identity, consequence, and the emotional toll of violence, offering tools to create layered fighter characters whose journeys extend beyond the battlefield. It’s part of a series of sourcebooks that reimagine classic archetypes through a narrative-first lens.
How Is Fighter Theory Different From Other Sourcebooks?
Most character supplements focus on optimizing combat or mechanical efficiency. Fighter Theory asks why the fighter fights and what they’re willing to lose in the process. It emphasizes choice, consequence, and growth, giving players a framework to explore complex characters shaped by their actions.
Is Fighter Theory Part of a Larger Series?
Yes. Fighter Theory is the first in a line of character sourcebooks that explore iconic archetypes in new ways. Each book delves into a different archetype, expanding the possibilities for character-driven storytelling. Future books will cover rogues, mages, and other classic roles, all with the same system-agnostic approach.
Does It Work With Any Roleplaying System?
Absolutely. Fighter Theory is system-agnostic, meaning it can be used with any roleplaying system that allows for character-driven narratives. Whether you prefer rules-light frameworks or crunch-heavy systems, the book offers flexible tools that adapt to your preferred style of play.
What Makes Fighter Theory System-Agnostic?
Traits, consequences, and narrative beats define a fighter’s journey, not rigid mechanics. The book provides guidelines for adapting these concepts to any system, allowing gamemasters and players to integrate Fighter Theory without disrupting their existing rules.
How Does Character Creation Work?
Character creation is about defining identity, strengths, weaknesses, and drive. Players choose traits that reflect who their fighter is and what motivates them. As the story unfolds, these traits shape the fighter’s growth and the narrative consequences they face.
Is Fighter Theory Just About Combat?
No. While combat is part of the fighter’s journey, Fighter Theory explores the emotional cost of violence, the burden of choice, and the scars left behind. Fighters in this framework grapple with moral dilemmas, conflicting loyalties, and the consequences of their decisions.
How Does Solo Play Work in Fighter Theory?
Solo play uses beat charts to guide the story. Each beat introduces challenges that test the fighter’s resolve. Success moves the story forward, while failure introduces complications that reshape the narrative. This keeps solo play engaging and dynamic without requiring a gamemaster.
What Are Beat Charts?
Beat charts structure a character’s journey by marking key moments where stakes rise and choices matter. They ensure a balance between tension, resolution, and growth, allowing the fighter’s story to unfold in meaningful stages.
Does Fighter Theory Use Levels or Point-Buy Systems?
No. Growth is narrative-driven, not tied to levels or point-buy mechanics. Fighters evolve through their choices and the consequences of their actions, reflecting the impact of their journey.
How Does Fighter Theory Handle Rewards and Consequences?
Rewards aren’t limited to gold or power. They can be moments of grace, understanding, or closure that leave a lasting impact on the fighter. Consequences follow choices, shaping the fighter’s future and challenging their values.
What Role Do Factions Play?
Factions shape the fighter’s world, offering alliances, rivalries, and ideological conflicts. A fighter’s relationship with factions can lead to unexpected complications, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
What Is The Simple Approach?
The Simple Approach is the system underlying Fighter Theory. It prioritizes narrative depth over mechanical complexity, using descriptive traits and beat-based difficulty to guide character growth. It’s designed to keep the focus on story while giving players meaningful control over their characters.
How Does Fighter Theory Prioritize Player Agency?
Fighter Theory places control firmly in the hands of the players. Characters make choices that shape their destinies, and players have the power to steer the narrative. Even in difficult situations, consent and safety tools ensure that player boundaries are respected.
Does Fighter Theory Include Safety Tools?
Yes. The book provides a comprehensive framework for safety and consent, including tools like lines, veils, and X-cards. These tools help groups establish boundaries and ensure that difficult themes are approached with care.
Can Players Lose Control of Their Characters?
Only with consent. Player agency is a core principle of Fighter Theory. Any loss of control, whether through magic, coercion, or other means, is negotiated beforehand to ensure trust and comfort.
Is Fighter Theory Political?
No. Fighter Theory promotes values of empathy, inclusion, and consent, but it doesn’t advocate for any political ideology. Its emphasis on respect and collaboration ensures that all players feel welcome at the table.
How Does Fighter Theory Handle Difficult Themes?
The system encourages players to explore challenging themes with care and consent. Safety tools provide players with the ability to pause, adjust, or change course if the narrative becomes uncomfortable.
Why Include Journaling in Fighter Theory?
Journaling captures the emotional journey of the fighter. It’s not about recording stats but reflecting on the choices, regrets, and victories that define the character. Journals add depth to the fighter’s growth over time.
How Are Rewards and Consequences Handled in Solo Play?
In solo play, rewards and consequences emerge organically from beat charts. Success drives the story forward, while failure complicates the fighter’s path, introducing new challenges and emotional weight.
Does Fighter Theory Work for Traditional Fantasy?
Yes, but it’s not limited to traditional fantasy tropes. Fighters in Fighter Theory can be knights, wanderers, protectors, or anyone who refuses to surrender to fate. The book encourages players to reimagine fighters in diverse settings.
Does Fighter Theory Gatekeep or Promote Exclusivity?
Not at all. Fighter Theory is built on principles of inclusion and accessibility. The core rules are available as a free digital edition to ensure that everyone can participate without barriers.
What Makes Fighter Theory’s Approach to Fighters Unique?
Fighter Theory doesn’t focus on mechanics or optimization. It asks deeper questions about identity, motivation, and consequence. Fighters aren’t defined by their weapons or armor but by their choices, convictions, and the impact they leave on the world.
What Other Archetypes Will Be Covered?
Future books in the series will explore rogues, mages, and other archetypes with the same focus on narrative depth and emotional consequence. Each book will offer new perspectives on iconic characters, giving players the tools to create richer, more meaningful stories.
Will All Books Follow the Same System-Agnostic Approach?
Yes. Every book in the series is designed to integrate seamlessly with any roleplaying system, giving players the flexibility to apply its principles across a variety of settings and mechanics.
233 pages. PDF and epub files included.
ISBN 9798315086703
