Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness…

Hey folks… so, I’ve decided to run a UA game based on the now-cancelled HBO show Carnivale. I came up with the idea when I found out the show was cancelled, since I was near-desperate to learn how it would end, and only two of six planned seasons exist at this moment. This idea makes me very excited, as UA is my favorite game system, and Carnivale my favorite show. At this moment, it looks like my main PCs will be Ben Hawkins, Samson, Jonesy, Sofie and Ruthie; Management, Scudder, Justin, Iris and Lodz will all be NPCs since they’re so integral to plot things. I’m including my notes here so that any other Carnivale fans can give their input.

I’m going to have the players watch the entire first episode (with the exception of the introduction, as I think they don’t need to know about the cosmic backdrop just yet), and then start the game with them heading toward Tipton. At this moment, I have it set up as the following:

Ben – Avatar of the Healer, with skills Transfer Life, Spirit’s Touch (see Vampire: the Masquerade), Farming, Hunting (Shotgun), Hide from the Law

Sofie – Avatar of the Seer (which I have yet to write, but it’s pretty self explanatory), with skills Tarot, Rousting, Appear Innocent

Ruthie – Avatar of the Mother, potentially with Herpemancy later on, with skills Snake Charming, Dancing, and Gabriel (to represent her son’s enormous strength)

Samson – not sure, possibly Avatar of the True King (ever notice how he always conveniently shows up when something goes wrong?), with skills Gather Information, Fleece the Rube, Call In Favors, and Anticipate Management’s Needs

Jonesy – not sure here either; possibly an irascimancer, or an avatar of the True Friend (which I’d also have to write up; Sofie is the one he’s the True Friend to, obviously). I might just leave him as a mainly physical character, though, with fighting as his obsession skill. His main skills will include Brawling, Hunting (Shotgun), General Athletics (Rousting), Seduce / Pleasure Woman… hmm, I wonder if he’s really a closet amoromancer…

I’m planning Justin as an avatar of the Demagogue (fits well, I think), and Lodz also as a Seer.

Anyone care to give me their thoughts, or constructive criticism? I think this game is really going to be kickass. If anyone wants to steal the idea and run it in their own neck of the woods, feel free – just let me know how it goes and what you learn.

Jason