A character's history is a tapestry of experiences, but among these, there are a few pivotal moments in a character's life. A character defines which moments are important in retrospect, and what seemed definitive to someone in their early life may be inconsequential decades later.
These defining moments change the character, not just pushing them along in their chosen career, but also changing who they are—and not always for the better.
In RFI:Freelancers these are handled as two identical stepss—roll or choose a moment, gain whatever benefits it provides, and then repeat the process, giving the character two Defining Moments.
| D20 | Defining Moment |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrested |
| 2 | Betrayed Ideals for a Superior |
| 3 | Breakthrough or Invention |
| 4 | Called Out a Superior |
| 5 | Dealt with a Plague |
| 6 | Death of a Friend |
| 7 | Discovered an Artifact |
| 8 | Lauded by Another Culture |
| 9 | Learned Dead Language |
| 10 | Mentored |
| D20 | Defining Moment |
|---|---|
| 11 | Negotiated a Deal. |
| 12 | New Battle Strategy |
| 13 | Religious Experience |
| 14 | Required to Take Command |
| 15 | Serious Injury |
| 16 | Ship Destroyed |
| 17 | Shuttle Accident |
| 18 | Solved an Engineering Crisis |
| 19 | Special Commendation |
| 20 | Survived Raid |
Each moment increases one attribute and one skill by one point each, and gives the character one additional specialization. Which attribute and which skill are improved—and guidelines and suggestions for specialties—is listed in the entries for each moment. Each moment also includes a few questions to consider about how the event happened and how it affected the character.
Many moments also grant the character the option of a trait, to reflect some major lasting impact on the character’s life. These are not compulsory.
The player may wish to combine multiple moments into a single event in the character’s backstory or have them as distinct moments in their history. Players may also choose to roll more than twice for defining moments; in this case, the character can mix and match the benefits each moment provides, so long as they do not gain more than a total of two attribute increases, two skill increases, and two specialties for this step.
Younger characters may assume that one or both of their defining moments occurred during their training—such as cadets gaining field experience aboard a ship during their third or fourth year.
The character was involved in illegal activity and was caught. Whether guilty or framed, they served time or faced the consequences, leaving a mark on their reputation.
The character experienced betrayal by someone they trusted, which deeply impacted their outlook on relationships, trust, and personal resilience. This event may have left them more guarded, perceptive, or determined to avoid similar situations in the future.
The character faced a difficult choice between loyalty to a superior and their own moral compass. They chose to follow the superior, for better or worse.
The character created a pivotal discovery or breakthrough in technology that has the potential to change their field or the wider universe.
Faced with a moral dilemma, the character chose to defy their superior and adhere to their principles, risking their career or reputation.
The character lost a close friend during a dangerous mission or conflict, profoundly affecting their perspective and shaping their actions.
The character was part of a team responding to an epidemic or biological threat, facing high stakes to save lives.
The character uncovered a piece of ancient or lost technology, bringing new insights into the history of the universe.
The character's actions earned them praise and trust from a foreign culture, granting them unique insight and connections.
The character deciphered and mastered a lost language, opening doors to ancient knowledge and forging new understandings.
A respected figure took the character under their wing, shaping their skills and offering valuable lessons from a lifetime of experience.
The character was pivitol in brokering a significant agreement, showcasing their ability to find common ground even in tense situations.
In a moment of high tension, the character devised a successful new combat tactic that turned the tide of a dangerous situation.
The character faced tragedy at a young age, losing both their parents. The event forced them to learn to be independent.
The character encountered a truly undescribable moment that profoundly impacted their beliefs, reshaping their view of existence.
An unforeseen crisis left the character in charge, testing their ability to lead under pressure and handle the weight of responsibility.
The character endured a major injury that shaped their resilience and outlook, leaving both scars and hard-earned lessons.
The character was one of the few survivors of a ship's destruction, carrying the burden of survival and loss.
The character experienced a catastrophic shuttle incident, emerging with a deeper understanding of both danger and ingenuity.
The character played a critical role in resolving a severe technological failure, averting disaster and showcasing their expertise.
During a perilous situation, the character saved lives or completed an exceptional feat, earning widespread recognition.
The character survived an attack by hostile forces, proving their resourcefulness and resolve in the face of danger.