2. Burn and Haunt

Look through the list of Burns and Haunts and choose one of each for your character.

Your Burn is a pivotal event in your life. It helps explain why your character is no longer living the life described by their Background. Your Haunt represents the lasting consequences of the burn and drives your character forward.

These three elements tie together to show your character's story.

I was a [Background] who got [Burned], and now I am [Haunted] by my experience.

Example 1:

I was a [Smuggler] who [Made Enemies] of the Mafia when I helped a poor sap get the hell out of Dodge before they could put two in the back of his head. The thing is, it felt good, even though I didn't get paid or nothin'. So, I kept on doing it, lending a hand to [The Helpless].

Example 2:

I was a [Bartender] at a classy joint on the upper ridge, but my life took a turn when I became a [Key Witness] to a crime I still don't understand. All I know is, one of my regulars gave me a minidisk, asked me to hold onto it for a few days. Then I hear he turned up dead, and before you know it, I have [Active Pursuers]. Armed goods trashed my apartment, and now they're after me for whatever's inside the encrypted package on that minidisk.

Write your burn and haunt at the top of your character sheet.