Poolable Backgrounds

Pooling Backgrounds

On Fulcrum we will be adjusting how this is handled as different core books handle this option in different ways. Please keep in mind, pooling resources can only be done by Sphere recognized groups of 3 or more: i.e., Motleys, Cabals, Coteries, Packs, Circle etc.

Resources: When pooling your resources, not all can be shared, as it’s assumed your character will need some of their own resources to continue functioning normally. Let’s say you have three characters, one Resources 3 another with 1 and the last with 1. They can have pooled resources of 2. If you have 3 characters with Resources 2, they can have a shared Resource of 3. Basically, take the total, and divide by 1 less than the number of people in the group, always rounding down.

Allies/Equipment or similar: When it comes to ‘people’ or ‘items’ that are your statted NPCs and or moveable property, only one person can have access at a time. PCs will be charged with making sure no one is using the same item or NPC at the same time. We can’t have a single rocket launcher in 5 hands, nor can a single NPC be sent to 3 different cities at once. If we notice this happening, staff will make the choice on which order is adhered to by the NPC, with deference to the PC who initially bought the stat.

Holdings/Node/Domain/Haunt: When these locations are pooled, each member of the group has equal access to the location and the benefits of it. Security still must be installed and handled via typical rules, though the resource level used will be the pooled amount.

What happens when someone leaves or a character dies?

In most cases, you will not be able to purchase the lost character’s pooled backgrounds, depending on the storyteller and stat. I.e.: you likely will not be able to bump up your Resources, but you might be allowed to purchase the Ally. You may not be able to buy Requisitions if you don’t ICly have the rank, but you may be able to justify keeping the Wonder (and paying XP for it).

If this will bring you to less than 3 members, you will have 2 weeks to find a recruit and bring them into the group officially. The pooled resources will change then to what the recruit can help with. This may mean your pooled Resources goes up or down, you may lose an Ally, but gain a stronger Domain. Your staffer will be able to help with this.