The following statements are both true: 1. There is no player character in this game. 2. You are the player character of this game. Because this is the story of Penny Larceny -- up-and-coming catburglar, aspiring supervillain, a mask on the rise. But this is also the story of you, the whisper in her ear, the voice in her head, the combination devil / angel on her shoulder. That means you are not Penny -- you are you, engaged in conversation with Penny's internal thoughts and helping guide her steps through this world.
Periodically when Penny comes to a moment of indecision, she'll stop to consider the best path forward... and that's when you step in, to suggest a course of action. Often she'll agree! Sometimes she won't! Occasionally you'll bicker back-and-forth. But in the end, it's your responsibility to be a good mentor and guide on her path to becoming an epic-tier mask, just like her mother. For instance, let's say you're up against a streaming superstar superhero like Klout. Penny needs to deal with this guy and get moving before she's caught. What would you suggest as a course of action...?
Your choices directly affect the outcome of Penny's criminal career. Will your suggestions lead her to trip an alarm, or stealthily sneak around an obstacle? Will she be able to smooth-talk a guard, or will they catch her in a lie? Does she show empathy and understanding, or does she avoid a potential conflict? Your guidance is the key. But this isn't just for roleplaying fun. This also ties in the Crimr game system -- because you're ever-seeking those coveted five-star ratings in the gig economy... During the heist phase of each caper, you'll start earning stars through the Crimr app when you do something exceptionally clean or exceptionally bold. Crimr likes it when you're professional, but also likes taking big risks that pay off. Pull of the heist of a century and you'll come out the other side with a coveted five star rating!
"So I have to earn five stars on every gig or I'm a failure?" you may wonder. Heck no. This is Fiction Factory Games, we don't punish you for exploring the possibilities. We don't want you to be paranoid about "choosing wrong." That's why even if Penny stumbles her way into a zero-star rating... you cannot lose the game. She doesn't go to jail, she doesn't fail the mission. If anything, it's just as entertaining to see everything fall apart in classic heist movie tradition when things go wrong! And we've got a shiny achievement for nailing a zero-star rating, too! Our goal with Penny Larceny: Gig Economy Supervillain is to give you a challenge without imposing harsh penalties. We want you to relax, have fun, cheer on your victories, laugh off your losses, and come out the other side feeling like you shaped the narrative in interesting and meaningful ways. No matter how your story ends -- as a subtle thief, an accidental world savior, a criminal kingpin, or something entirely unexpected -- we're looking forward to seeing how you guide Penny's steps.