GAME RULES

Chapter [Title implied by context]

Surrendering

Characters who surrender fall unconscious and become unable to act for the remainder of the scene, even if their Hit Points are restored above 0. The Game Master cannot kill a character who surrenders but may impose a narrative consequence chosen from the list below or a consequence that makes sense within the scene. If multiple characters surrender — or worse of all, if the entire group gets wiped out! — the Game Master may impose separate consequences or a single major consequence. They may also decide to bring the consequences of your surrender into play later on!

Example: As the last hero bites the dust, Commander Kelta grins. "I'd love to get rid of you once and for all, but I have a busy day. You will never make it to the village in time! The Skyglass will shortly be in the Empress' hands."

While surrendering will never kill your character, the Game Master can still impose heavy consequences. Given the general mood of Fabula Ultima, however, permanent or crippling injuries should be avoided.

Mechanics

• Player Character Gain: When a Player Character chooses to Surrender, they immediately gain 2 Fabula Points.
• Recovery: At the start of the next scene in which they appear, the Player Character regains consciousness and recovers an amount of Hit Points equal to their Crisis score.

Sample Consequences of Surrendering

Darkness

You must change your Theme to one of the following: Anger, Doubt, Guilt, or Vengeance — your choice.

Despair

The enemy gets to make a decisive move, or the heroes lose the faith and approval of an important person or group.

Loss

Something incredibly precious, such as a magical artifact, a loved person, or an ancient and important heirloom, is taken from you.

Resentment

You are forced to erase one of your Bonds and replace it with a Bond towards a character chosen by the Game Master. This new Bond must be of hatred, inferiority, or mistrust — your choice.

Separated

You are no longer with your allies. You might be captured, dragged away, lost, or stranded in some unknown location.

"At the time, I could not disobey. No... I chose not to.
But today, I shall no longer allow you to do as you please!"