Controller Playbook 
Planner, strategist, mastermind
The controller does mission planning, liases with superiors or patrons, and lives or dies by their command of strategy, tactics, and intuition.
When the key to victory over the opposing side lies in out-thinking and out-witting your opposite number, or when your first instinct is a cunning plan, this may be the playbook for you.
When you play a controller, you gain xp when you address a challenge with calculation or networking. You should always be figuring the odds, preparing elaborate plans and flashbacks. Leveraging your network of friends, associates, and favours is how you are going to set up your crew for success.
| Starting Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | Study |
| | | | | Consort |
Starting builds
If you want some guidance when you assign your four starting action dots and special ability, use one of these templates.
Jim Phelps. Prowl +2, Tinker +2. Mastermind. This template is inspired by the captain of the most reliable Mission: Impossible team.
Chrisjen Avasarala. Command +1, Sway +2, Study +1. Like Looking into a Mirror. This template is inspired by the master politician and maneuverer of The Expanse.
Alexander Waverly. Finesse +1, Sway +1, Survey +2. Time Manager. This template is inspired by the head of Section One in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Malory Archer. Wreck +1, Hunt +1, Command +1, Prowl +1. Weaving the Web. This template is inspired by the retired-agent-turned-director of the intelligence agency in Archer.
Controller abilities
Foresight — Twice per mission you can assist a teammate without paying stress. Tell us how you prepared for it.
Connected — During downtime you get +1 result level when you acquire an asset or reduce heat.
Time Manager — Due to careful planning during downtime, you may give yourself, the Quartermaster, or a teammate +1 downtime action.
Mastermind — You may use your special armor to protect a teammate, or push yourself when you gather info or work on a long-term project.
Weaving the Web — you gain +1d to Consort when you gather info on the target of a mission. You get +1d on the engagement for the mission.
Head of the Snake — When you lead a group action, you only mark stress for PCs that rolled a 1 or 2 as their result. You may adjust the entanglement roll by 1 (up or down).
Like Looking into a Mirror — You can always tell when someone is lying to you.
Controller items
In addition to the standard gear you have access to the following items:
Fine cover identity — Paperwork, planted stories and rumours, and false relationships sufficient to pass as another person.
Blueprints – Some useful architectural diagrams and city plans. Feel free to specify which plans you’re carrying when you select this item.
Cane-sword – A slim sword and it’s sheath, disguised as a cane or umbrella. The disguise will fool a cursory inspection.
Fine commlink – An earpiece and microphone not immediately visible to the casual observer, perhaps mistaken for a hearing aid or artfully disguised as something else like jewelry. Or disguised as a shoe, if it’s the 1960s.