I'd suggest a few more details on how to stat and manage weird threats. Maybe some more example critters that play on particular elements you're working into the companion.

I think also some guidance on working character agendas and so forth into the GM prep might be beneficial.

-Matt

Realms Publishing

I second the "more critters" comment.

Also, more detail on Berlin, especially how it features in the hidden war, wouldn't go amiss.

I'd be all over the "other agencies" - can see some great possibilities there.

All good comments, thanks guys. The critters one is actually a toughies: how to avoid making it like a 'monster manual' and the creatures not simply being cannon fodder. Will need to put some thought into that.

The thoughts on Gm/player advices are good. I'll be giving some special attention to agendas and so forth. Regarding agencies (see below for more on this): do people think that providing sample national agendas that the different agencies could have given would be a valuable guide for others?

I've been doing work on the agencies part of it. As well as the usual (read: real world) agencies (CIA, MGB, etc) with a subtle twist, there will be some far more secretive agencies such as GK-11 (Gosudarstvennoye Komitet-11) [State Committee-11], USAF 515 Intelligence Wing and the British Experimental Rocket Group (and yes, it is headed by a certain Professor Quatermass).

Cheers
Malcolm

Contested Ground Studios

Yes, definitely have sample national agendas. Or give the option of swapping a national agenda for an agency agenda? Then they could mix and match?

Indeed Andy, that was certainly one of my intentions. It was always in my head that 'national' agendas could be foisted upon the character by any organisation they choose. Indeed, there's the possibility that two characters of the same nationality could have totally conflicting national agendas. Which would be kind of cool.

Cheers
Malcolm

Contested Ground Studios

I think it would be good to have advice for players on how to create and participate in scenes. Things like what can be gained from your character losing, how not to block, leaving space for other participants, bringing in NPCs.

On the GM side, you could also cover scenario creation, 0 to game in 6 minutes (i.e. the way you ran the game for us at GC last year based on player suggestions), googling for scenarios and the like.

You should also talk about props and possibly provide templates.

Thanks for the comments Steve. it's a good point, putting in some concrete stuff about how to create and run the game in very short order. Something between a very loose assemblage of ideas and something more formal like the Theme Document in Mortal Coil. A midpoint between the two extremes is where I would be aiming.

You comment on player advice also echoes some of the stuff I was thinking of, so it's great to have the vague ideas I was throwing around supported and clarified by what people are saying here.

Cheers
Malcolm

Contested Ground Studios