Yesterday I used to be on the lookout for a easy Science Fiction roleplaying recreation which I might use as a foundation for a marketing campaign concept I had. At first I thought of utilizing one thing just like the Cepheus System (or certainly one of its variants), but it surely didn’t fairly match what I used to be on the lookout for, particularly as a result of the system nonetheless places numerous emphasis on fight and different fiddly bits I simply didn’t wish to hassle with.
Ultimately I stumbled upon Jason Tocci’s lo-fi sci-fi RPG 2400. In actual fact it’s not a single recreation, however truly a complete slew of them. Every comes with all needed guidelines, gear lists, and random tables which assist generate NPCs or adventures on the fly. Since every of the 2400 video games is impressed by acquainted franchises it is best to have the ability to begin taking part in nearly instantly.
The core mechanics themselves are very simple. There’s not numerous bookkeeping concerned and in contrast to most different ultra-rules-light video games 2400 permits for character development. Whereas I don’t suppose the mechanics are that well-suited for a marketing campaign spanning a few years, shorter campaigns ought to undoubtedly be viable. And did I point out that the principles themselves have been launched underneath a Artistic Commons Attribution license?
Roll a d6 ability die — increased with a related ability, or d4 if hindered by damage or circumstances. If helped by circumstances, roll an additional d6; if helped by an ally, they roll their ability die and share the danger. Take the best die.
1–2 Catastrophe. Endure the complete danger. GM decides in case you succeed in any respect. If risking dying, you die.
3–four Setback. A lesser consequence or partial success. If risking dying, you’re maimed.
5+ Success. The upper the roll, the higher. If success can’t get you what you need (you make the shot, but it surely’s bulletproof!), you’ll at the least get helpful data or arrange a bonus.(Excerpt from the 24XX system reference doc)
Up thus far Jason has launched twelve modules which might both be used standalone, or you’ll be able to mash them collectively into one giant setting. If you’re – like me – on the lookout for a easy SF system which you’ll run on-line, look no additional than Jason Tocci’s little gem. I extremely suggest getting the 2400 bundle for mere $6 which comprise the next booklets:
- Cosmic Freeway: house truckers making an attempt to maintain their rust bucket flying
- Interior System Blues: cyberpunk freelancers in a grainy retro-future
- Orbital Decay: a space-horror state of affairs generator
- ALT: uplift, AI, and clone operatives in a world with out dying
- Zone: exploring an space the place recognized science not applies
- Exiles: twenty weirdos surviving in a xenotech-riddled quarantine world
- Xenolith:an alien crew faces threats from historical relics
- Eos: human marines battle for the frequent good within the galactic neighborhood
- Challenge Ikaros: rogue psychics flee—or battle—elite brokers
- The Venusian Job: a on line casino heist above the clouds on one other world
- Tempus Diducit: timeline-bending mashup setting for all 24XX video games
- Emergency Guidelines: (barely) expanded model of the principles and rules
Have you ever performed 2400 or one of many many video games based mostly on the 24XX system reference doc? Please share your feedback beneath!
Stargazer
Michael Wolf is a German video games designer and fanatic greatest recognized for his English language role-playing video games weblog, Stargazer’s World, and for creating the free rules-light medieval fantasy journey recreation Warrior, Rogue & Mage. He has additionally labored as an English translator on the German-language Dungeonslayers role-playing recreation and was a part of its editorial crew.
Along with his work on Warrior, Rogue & Mage and Dungeonslayers, he has created a number of self-published video games and in addition carried out format providers and printed different unbiased role-playing video games reminiscent of A Wanderer’s Romance, Badass, and the Wyrm System spinoff Resolute, Adventurer & Genius, all launched via his imprint Stargazer Video games.
Professionally, he works as a video technician and knowledge applied sciences specialist. Stargazer’s World was began by Michael in August 2008.
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