The Three Threads - Interpersonal Bonding System

The Three Threads

(Interpersonal Bonding System – Shadows of the Galaxy)

In the unpredictable world of Shadows of the Galaxy, trust is more than personal — it's operational. The Three Threads bonding system allows you to define powerful relationships between characters that carry both emotional and tactical weight.

What Are the Three Threads?

Each connection begins by establishing these three narrative threads with one or more other characters:

1. A Shared Bond (Positive)
A moment, belief, or memory that earned lasting trust.

“We were the only two who made it out of Arcadia Station.”

2. A Conflict (Contended Belief or Flaw)
A lingering tension, philosophical disagreement, or professional clash.

“I believe in Starfleet’s mission. They think it’s already lost.”

3. A Secret (Unspoken Truth or Hidden Motivation)
Something hidden — known by one party, or mutually buried.

“They don’t know I was ordered to leave them behind. I didn’t.”

You may define Threads with one character (1-on-1), or with a group of 3–4 characters who share a pivotal moment.

Bonded Rewards: Tactical Expression of Emotional Connection

When you complete a Three Threads connection, you may unlock one shared mechanical reward between yourself and your bonded partner(s). These rewards fall into three categories:

• One Bonded Value
• One Bonded Focus
• One Bonded Talent

⚠️ Each player may only claim one of each type across all bonds — not two Talents, or two Values, etc.
The reward must be shared with at least one other character. No solo rewards.
If the bond is a group, all members share the same chosen Value, Focus, or Talent.

Reward Types

Bonded Value

“I trust them more than I trust command.”

• A shared or reflective personal belief that reinforces your connection.
• Can be challenged or invoked to gain Determination.

Bonded Focus

“We drilled this maneuver until it was second nature.”

• A mutual area of expertise born from shared history or training.
• Example: Zero-G Tactics, Combat Sign Language, Joint Shuttle Operations

Bonded Talent

“We move as one. No comms needed.”

• A mechanical bonus representing practiced synergy or instinctive coordination.
• Must be GM-approved for balance and narrative fit.

Trait Limits & Fairness

Each player may unlock up to three rewards total — one of each type (Value, Focus, Talent).

To maintain fairness:

• Every player has the same maximum potential.
• Each reward must be linked to a different bond — encouraging a range of relationships.
• Bonds may be between two or more characters, but no solo rewards are permitted.

If you're unable to form all three rewards with other PCs:

• You may substitute one bond with a recurring NPC (Swayze, Nyx, etc.) pending GM approval.
• You may choose to wait and develop a bond mid-campaign, retroactively applying the reward when appropriate.

Example Bonded Rewards

“Arcadia Three” (Group Bond – Shared Focus)

Survivors of a failed evac mission on Arcadia Station.

• Focus: Emergency Field Medicine
• Trigger phrase: “We’re not doing Arcadia again.”

“You and I Remember New Berlin” (1-on-1 Bond – Shared Value)

A botched mission covered in dark humor and buried trauma.

• Value: “Some mistakes should never be repeated — especially ours.”

“Slingshot Maneuver” (1-on-1 Bond – Shared Talent)

A practiced combat maneuver only they can pull off.

• Talent: Allows pilot + tactical partner to act in tandem, ignoring movement penalty and gaining a bonus to coordinated attack rolls.

Opting Out

Participation in the Three Threads system is optional.
If you choose not to engage, you will not be penalized — but those who do may benefit from deeper roleplay scenes, character development arcs, and tactical synergy options.

Final Notes

• Each Bonded Reward must be approved by the GM.
• Bonds should emerge naturally through story, mission history, or flashbacks.
• Bonds may evolve, fracture, or be replaced if character arcs change significantly.
• You are encouraged to forge Threads in play, not just during character creation.

Speak with the GM when you're ready to define your Threads — or forge one under pressure, in the heat of a mission.