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Chapter 7 - Proteges (Pg 129) - Backup character system, creation, story integration, switching rules.
Proteges
In the vast, unforgiving expanse of the galaxy, danger lurks around every asteroid and within every shadow of a derelict space station. Adventurers face perils that can end their journey abruptly---whether from a stray plasma bolt, a catastrophic engine failure, or the cold calculations of a rogue AI. Yet, even in death, a hero's legacy can endure through their protégé---a trusted successor ready to carry the torch forward. In Galactic Adventures, the protégé system ensures that your story doesn't end with your character's demise. Instead, it evolves, as a new hero rises from the ashes, already woven into the fabric of the campaign.
A protégé is a secondary character you create, a backup who stands ready to step into the spotlight if your main character meets an untimely end. But this is no mere replacement; your protégé is a character with their own identity, often tied to your main character through bonds of mentorship, kinship, or shared purpose. They might be an eager apprentice learning the ways of the galaxy, a genetic clone carrying your legacy in their DNA, or even an AI backup, a digital echo of your consciousness stored in a sleek robotic frame. Whatever their origin, the protégé is your insurance against the galaxy's cruelty, ensuring that your journey continues, even if your first hero falls.
The path to creating a protégé begins once your main character reaches level 3. By this point, you've navigated the basics of the game and forged a connection with your primary character---now, it's time to think ahead. Your protégé starts two levels behind your main character, growing as you do, but at a slower pace. For every adventure you complete, your protégé earns experience---typically 50% of what your main character gains---ensuring they remain relevant without stealing the spotlight.
As your main character levels up, so does your protégé, always trailing by two levels. This keeps them prepared, a capable understudy waiting in the wings. During downtime or between sessions, you can customize your protégé's skills and abilities, shaping them to fit your vision of a successor.
A protégé isn't just a mechanical backup---they're a living part of the galaxy's narrative. Their connection to your main character adds depth to the campaign, creating opportunities for rich roleplaying and emotional stakes. Here are a few ways your protégé might fit into the story:
The Apprentice: A young recruit shadowing your veteran spacer, learning the ropes of starship combat or the subtleties of alien diplomacy. They look up to you, eager to prove themselves.
The Clone: A genetic duplicate, perhaps created as a contingency plan. They carry your memories, your skills---yet they are their own being, grappling with questions of identity.
The AI Backup: A digital consciousness stored in a robotic body or a holographic matrix, ready to activate if your organic form fails. They are you, but not quite---a ghost of code and circuits.
The Family Member: A sibling or offspring following in your footsteps, driven by pride, rivalry, or a desire to honor the family name.
The Trusted Crewmate: A loyal ally from your starship or organization, always at your side, ready to take command if you fall.
These relationships aren't just flavor---they're plot hooks. If your main character dies, your protégé might seek vengeance, complete an unfinished mission, or struggle with the weight of stepping into your shoes. Their journey becomes a continuation of yours, ensuring the story flows seamlessly.
When the worst happens, and your main character falls, your protégé is ready to take up the mantle. To ease the transition, the Game Master (GM) may allow your protégé to inherit some of your main character's equipment or resources---after all, they were likely by your side when you fell. This ensures your new hero isn't starting from scratch, scrambling for gear in the middle of a firefight.
The protégé system is designed for continuity, not convenience. You can't swap between your main character and protégé at will---your protégé is a backup, activated only when your main character dies or retires. Once you switch, your protégé becomes your new main character, and you may create a new protégé to serve as their eventual successor.
This restriction ensures that character death remains impactful but not devastating. Your story continues, but the loss is still felt---your protégé must now navigate the galaxy without their mentor, carrying the weight of their legacy.
In the high-tech, psychic-infused galaxy of Galactic Adventures, protégés can have unique, setting-specific ties to their main characters. These connections add flavor and depth to your campaign:
Neural Link: A psychic bond between mentor and protégé, allowing the protégé to access fragments of your memories or skills. This could manifest as a bonus to certain rolls or the ability to recall key information.
Data Transfer: If your protégé is an AI or android, they might have a direct download of your consciousness, inheriting your knowledge and experiences. This could grant them access to your skills or even allow them to mimic your abilities temporarily.
Genetic Memory: For clone protégés, latent memories or abilities from the original character might surface over time, creating moments of revelation or unexpected competence in critical situations.
These sci-fi elements make the protégé system feel organic to the setting, blending technology and psychic abilities with personal growth and legacy.
The protégé system in Galactic Adventures is more than a safety net---it's a way to deepen your connection to the galaxy and the characters within it. By nurturing a successor, you ensure that your hero's legacy endures, even in the face of death. Whether your protégé is a wide-eyed apprentice, a calculating clone, or a loyal AI, they carry your story forward, adding layers of meaning to every victory and sacrifice.
In a universe where danger is ever-present, the protégé system offers both practical benefits and rich narrative potential. It's a reminder that even in the darkest corners of the cosmos, hope---and your adventure---can live on.
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