Flashbacks in Kaernest¶

What Flashbacks Are¶

A Flashback allows a player to reveal that their character prepared earlier, acted off-screen, or relied on past experience that is only now becoming relevant.

Instead of spending table time planning every detail in advance, the story briefly "cuts back" to explain why the character is ready right now.

Flashbacks emphasize: - Competence: Characters act with forethought, even in a harsh world - Foundations: Past choices reflect who the character is and what they value - Momentum: The story keeps moving forward instead of stalling in planning

Flashbacks do not rewrite reality.
They explain how reality came to be.

What Flashbacks Are Not¶

Flashbacks are not: - a way to undo consequences - a way to guarantee success - a way to introduce implausible advantages

They provide context, not control.

The Cost¶

Declaring a Flashback costs Effort, the same resource used to influence rolls.

2 Effort → Declare a Flashback
Limit: 1 Flashback per scene, per character
Effort cap: 8

The cost reflects mental and emotional strain, not time spent.

Flashback Scope¶

The GM determines the scope of a Flashback based on its impact.

1. Trivial Setup¶

2 Effort, no roll

Minor preparation or background details that pose no real risk.

Examples: - "I already brought chalk to mark our path." - "I took note of the exits when we arrived."

2. Simple Preparation¶

2 Effort, may require a roll

Preparation that involved effort, uncertainty, or interaction.

Examples: - "I bribed a guard earlier today." - "I asked around about cult rumors last night."

3. Risky or Costly Preparation¶

2 Effort + roll and/or consequences

Preparation that involved danger, sacrifice, or lasting fallout.

Examples: - "I stole poison from a dragon's servant weeks ago." - "I prepared a warding ritual against winter spirits."

Consequences may include wounds, fatigue, lost resources, social complications, or new threats.

Flashback Resolution¶

Flashbacks resolve using the standard ±8 Success Tiers.

Improved Success
Preparation is flawless.
→ Gain Advantage on the current roll.
Success
Preparation works as intended.
Failure
Preparation helps, but introduces a complication.
Dismal Failure
Preparation backfires; the GM introduces a serious twist.

Flashbacks should resolve quickly: one roll at most.

Flashbacks & Loadout¶

Flashbacks must respect the character's current Loadout State.

A Flashback may explain: - how a tool is used - how a position was established - how information was acquired - why a situation is familiar

A Flashback cannot: - introduce gear that the current Loadout State would not reasonably allow - bypass the visibility or social consequences of a Heavy Loadout - retroactively justify carrying specialized or bulky equipment while at Light Loadout

Loadout defines what preparation can be revealed without breaking the fiction.

Foundations & Effort Refunds¶

If a Flashback strongly reflects a character's Foundation or Ambition, the GM may refund 1 Effort after the Flashback resolves.

This reflects preparation driven by deeply held values rather than opportunism.

GM Guidance¶

Flashbacks create opportunities, not certainty
Keep them brief: 30–60 seconds, one roll maximum
Collaborate; do not punish creativity
Use Flashbacks to reveal character, not bypass danger
Enforce Loadout boundaries consistently and gently

Flashbacks are a tool for pacing and competence, not narrative dominance.