Lancer (IB)

Starfox's Blades in the Dark fan page

Fortune favors the bold.

— Virgil, Aeneid 10.284

Lancer Playbook

As a Lancer, you stand at the front, on the edge of danger. You are the trained hand of authority — police, soldier, security, bodyguard, or peacekeeper. You know how to work with allies, clear an area, and impose calm through power and authority. Defined by discipline and ability under pressure, you stand fast, direct others, and act without hesitation when everything depends on it.

Touchstones: Hicks (Aliens (1986)), Rico (Starship Troopers (1997)), Saul Tigh (Battlestar Galactica TV (2004–09)), Cara Dune (The Mandalorian TV (2019–20)).

Special Abilities

1. Authority: Gain increased Effect when you Command a frightened target or with a show of power.
2. Band of Brothers: When you Assist or Protect a teammate, gain +1d to any Resistance Roll this causes.
3. Centurion: When you Command a cohort in combat, they ignore penalties from Harm until incapacitated and gain increased Effect with personal ranged weapons.
4. Mule: Increase your Load limit by 2.
5. Pro: When you Push Mark, choose one: ignore cover and crowds — hit a tiny mark — ignore an area effect.
6. Steadfast: Gain +1d when Resisting a Consequence with Prowess or Resolve.
7. Tough: Ignore the penalties from level 1 and 2 Harm.
8. Veteran: Once per Score, you may ignore the Stress cost to Resist Harm or to Push yourself while in direct danger.

Dangerous Friends

˄ ˅ Ash, an armorer.

˄ ˅ Cade, an officer.

˄ ˅ Hale, a civilian.

˄ ˅ Riven, a marksman.

˄ ˅ Voss, a pilot.

XP

• Every time you roll a desperate action, mark xp in that action's attribute.

At the end of each session, for each item below, mark 1 xp (in your playbook or an attribute) or 2 xp if that item occurred multiple times.

• You addressed a challenge using teamwork or show of force.
• You expressed your beliefs, drives, heritage, or background.
• You struggled with issues from your vice or traumas during the session.
• You pointed out an established NPC whom the GM then brought into the action.

Starting Actions

Command 1

Mark 2

4 points by choice, no higher than 2 in any one.