bug: Pages numbered correctly in books/core

books/core/147.html

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-<p>Now that you've gathered together, there are a few things to discuss before you begin creating your world and characters. For each topic, read the questions and discuss your choices as a group.</p>
-
-<h2>COMMITMENT AND EXPECTATIONS</h2>
-<p>The first thing you should discuss is the amount of time and effort everyone will be able to dedicate to the game. This will help set expectations and avoid issues later on during play.</p>
+<h2>RULES AND CHALLENGE</h2>
+<p>Much like tone and themes, this game allows you to customize its rules and play it with a varying degree of mechanical challenge and optimization.</p>
 <ul>
-    <li>Will you play for a set amount of sessions, or are you simply going to start playing and see where the story leads you?</li>
-    <li>How often will you play? Weekly, monthly, twice per month?</li>
-    <li>The game is designed around sessions of approximately four hours, but how long do you expect your sessions to be? If your sessions are shorter or longer, remember to check for Experience Points approximately every four hours (see page 226).</li>
-    <li>If there are missing Players, will you reschedule the session, or will you play nonetheless? Which solution will you adopt for the missing Players' characters?</li>
+    <li>Are you adopting any of the optional rules presented in the book? Pay special attention to optional rules for conflicts (page 82) and advancement (page 230).</li>
+    <li>How "hardcore" do you expect your game experience to be? Are you aiming for mechanical optimization with your characters? Do you expect the Game Master to design extremely challenging adversaries? Or are you here for a relaxing experience that takes minimal focus?</li>
 </ul>
-<p>See page 143 for suggestions.</p>
 
-<h2>TONE AND THEMES</h2>
-<p>This is a game with a relatively broad scope: depending on the kind of world and characters you create, the campaign's tone and themes can vary quite a bit. Because this is a shared storytelling experience, you need to be on the same page or at least lay a solid foundation — you can always discuss changes later.</p>
+<h2>SAFETY</h2>
+<p>Roleplaying games tend to get us emotionally and personally involved. It's their beauty, but it also leaves us vulnerable. Make sure to discuss whatever descriptions, situations, scenes, and story elements might make you uncomfortable. Everyone should indicate any lines and veils (page 140) that they want to apply during sessions; it can be a good idea to handle this anonymously to preserve the privacy of the participants.</p>
+<p>In particular, you should make sure to discuss:</p>
 <ul>
-    <li>What kind of tone do you expect during the narration? Would you prefer a heavily dramatic tale dealing with complex situations and emotions, or would you rather tell a fantastical story where good and evil are easily told apart?</li>
-    <li>Are there any themes you strongly wish to explore during play?</li>
-    <li>Will the heroes be best friends from the start, or are you okay with moments of crisis and disagreements within the party? How will you resolve these contrasts?</li>
-    <li>When describing scenes and actions, are you okay with over-the-top anime descriptions or would you prefer a heroic but more fable-like approach?</li>
+    <li><strong>The depiction of violence.</strong> By default, Fabula Ultima expects little elements of gore and blood: much like in classic JRPGs, death is portrayed as a character kneeling or vanishing in a cloud of spiritual particles — but still talk about the kind of scenes and descriptions people are okay with.</li>
+    <li><strong>The nature of evil.</strong> Story elements such as mind control, the persecution of a minority, or violent imperialism are all common tropes in tabletop games, but for some, they are very real and tangible threats. Strive to make sure the game is a safe space.</li>
+    <li><strong>Romances, relationships, and sexuality.</strong> These elements are another trope of JRPG stories, which often feature romances between main characters. Discuss if people are comfortable with this and exactly to what degree.</li>
 </ul>
-<p>See page 141 for suggestions.</p>
 
-<h2>BEFORE YOU START</h2>
+<p>As you play the game, you will probably reconsider some of your previous decisions. When this happens, talk about it with the group and find a new agreement.</p>
+<p><strong>Remember:</strong> you win roleplaying games by creating a memorable story and having a great time together!</p>
+
 <p>Philip Forlenza (Order #)</p>