A people with superpowers roleplaying game Primed by Cortex.
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Hello gamers!
First off, my apologies for the delay in posting an update in February. Time flies... Now, let's dive into what's new and different with the Lifted RPG.
Entanglements: I've introduced a new feature called "Entanglements," which are the intricate histories, backgrounds, enemies, family ties, and challenging situations that your hero brings to the table. Think of these as your character's flags, shaping their narrative and providing opportunities for character development. During character creation, you can trade problems for XP by selecting from various entanglement options, such as family or friendship bonds or woes, being hunted by powerful organizations, and more. It's all about adding depth and complexity to your character's story. There will be universe-specific entanglements ready for play, like Dr. Gian DeFeo. CEO of DAARPA. (Dept of Anomalous Artefact Recovery and Paranormal Activities). Or Wanted for experimentation by the Dead Presidents Society, or.. A Disciple of Abzu. Also, entanglements are complications and can be stepped up!! 👀
'The Ancient Alien' A Bio-Construct from another Star, a long time ago. 🛸
Entanglements
- Wanted by DAARPA D8
- Nonhuman Appearance D8
- Ignorant of human norms D6
Session End Awards: I've got a new system for awarding XP at the end of each session based on specific criteria. Milestones and session records were close, but I wanted too much out of them. After sessions, you run through the XP hit list:
- Did you express your character concept?
- Resolve a dangerous situation?
- Engage in a memorable battle?
- Team up with your fellow players?
- Learn something new about the world or your fellow team members?
- Did your entanglements create an unexpected problem?
Not final— I'm still fine-tuning the math, and the math says five questions per session!
Session Records (Optional): At first, I wasn't a fan of session records. However, during playtesting, I saw how Lifted characters evolve and develop over sessions, especially across multiple sessions—be it six or ten. Then it hit me: what if we structured sessions like comic issues, with each volume comprising 16 issues? (Marvel's currently doing 18 per season, by the way!) Suddenly, session records became incredibly 🔥 to me. I've decided to include them as an alternative option.
Character Generation: Archetypes are now available for Lifted characters and Capable Humans navigating the Lifted world. Whether you're channeling your inner Whistler, Fury, Coulson, or even Hawkeye, Stark, or Batman, there's an archetype to suit your playstyle. And for those who prefer to build their characters from scratch, fear not—I've got you covered, too. Some maths, but mostly D6s (or D8s🤬)
Dice Mods for Social Conflicts: I'm introducing dice modifications for social conflicts and some guidance around running these conflicts in addition to traditional combat mechanics. Sometimes, talking your way out of a sticky situation can be just as effective as throwing punches, and I want to reflect that in gameplay.
XP Math and Advancement Cycle: I'm crunching the numbers to ensure that the XP system and advancement cycle are balanced and rewarding. Understanding the duration of your campaign is crucial. Yay, Algebra!! I'll have words for One-shots, but character advancement won't matter there. I'll talk about running a series of sessions; sixteen sessions = one volume will be the standard. (Marvel rolls with 18 issues per season!) I'll have words for running a limited series with sessions shorter than that and bridging volumes --I have run the equivalent of three volumes and a limited series of Twilight: 2000!
I'm still converting pots of Java into words on the GM sections, focusing on guidance about what to do with this game, or at least how I do it and the whys. Rhea, my editor, is back in the second half of this month. I'll have a digital ton of words for her, save possibly GM stuff. Having read, been critical of, and been terrified of review, it's ruff stuff to write about.
Lifted Tours!
Right now I'm confirmed for GenCon. I haven't teamed up yet to run games. You might find me at Games on Demand running Lifted Vol1 AND Lifted Vault01. I'll keep ya posted.
Thank you for your patience and support! 💪🏾
Now that we're past that holiday void, here's where I'm at. Artwork is inbound, and I am now the bottleneck. I've got two tasks to do. Completing the Game Moderator's chapter and revising the Cortex Prime Codex text we used. The ugly draft of the GM's chapter has been done. I feel like that was the easy part. Milestones, SFX, and Limits are going through revisions/edits. Rhea, my editor, is certainly working faster than I am, but she is also about to deliver a set of twins, so we're managing two deadlines! The layout is in the capable hands of Nathan Paoletta, who's already turned in the basic look and feel of the book's pages. I'll have a sense of time, PDFs being a high priority, as Rhea and I get back into a routine this week.
Here's a look at a Prime villainess I've been running games with and the return of an organization I created for Cortex nearly 100 years ago. Big thanks to Corey for giving Lincoln that Hollywood reboot treatment! I see a lot of KillJoy in this work. IYKYK.
Lincoln, the enigmatic member of the Dead Presidents Society, offers a unique blend of skills, experience, and unwavering dedication to their cause. Before her affiliation with the society, she excelled as an insurance fraud investigator, recognized as one of the agency's foremost field agents. Her career in this demanding profession honed her abilities to detect deception, analyze evidence, and uncover hidden truths.
However, her transformation into a member of the Dead Presidents Society was catalyzed by a traumatic event during an insurance fraud investigation. She tragically lost colleagues and friends amid the chaos of the Quantum Gate Crisis, a pivotal moment that forever altered her path. Despite this trauma, Lincoln's commitment to safeguarding humanity from the perceived threats of the Lifted remains resolute.
Within the society, Lincoln serves as a staunch advocate for their shared mission. She believes wholeheartedly in the cause, seeing herself as a protector of ordinary humans in a world increasingly affected by extraordinary powers. Her profound sense of duty is underscored by her impressive track record as an investigator, making her a valuable asset to the society's clandestine operations. Beyond her professional skills, Lincoln brings a personal motivation that drives her unwavering dedication. Whether seeking justice or pursuing vendettas against specific Lifted individuals or factions, she channels her passion into the society's overarching mission.
Lincoln is privy to the organization's inner workings, a repository of classified information, hidden agendas, and influential members. Her access to these secrets serves as both a source of empowerment and a potential vulnerability. The specter of retaliation from the society, with its arsenal of damaging information and means to neutralize her abilities, looms large should she attempt to sever her ties.
Lincoln's presence within the Dead Presidents Society embodies the intricate web of intrigue, moral complexities, and personal quests that define the Lifted universe. Her multifaceted character navigates the shadowy realms of power, loyalty, and ambition, contributing her unique talents to an organization dedicated to reshaping the future of humanity.