DoubleZero: Nameless
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A cosmic horror setting toolkit for DoubleZero: Modern Roleplaying
As the sun dipped below the horizon¸ casting long shadows over the desolate landscape¸ a shiver crawled up Emma's spine. She stood at the edge of an ancient forest¸ its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers against the twilight sky. A foreboding sense of unease hung heavy in the air¸ as if the very fabric of reality had grown thin in this forsaken place. She had come in search of answers¸ drawn by whispers of forgotten lore¸ but now¸ as the darkness encroached¸ a primal instinct urged her to flee. Yet¸ curiosity mingled with fear¸ compelling her to take that first fateful step into a realm where the stars whispered secrets and sanity teetered on the edge of oblivion.
A cosmic horror setting refers to a genre of storytelling that delves into the unsettling aspects of the universe and explores the fear and existential dread that arise from confronting forces and entities beyond human comprehension. The emphasis is on the vastness of the cosmos and the insignificance of humanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. It explores themes of existentialism¸ powerlessness¸ and the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with the unknown.
This type of setting is perfect for DoubleZero. It allows players to immerse themselves in a world where the familiar intersects with the enigmatic and the unexplainable. The juxtaposition of modern technology¸ scientific understanding¸ and the mind-bending terrors of the cosmos creates a captivating narrative tension. Cosmic horror taps into fundamental human fears and anxieties about the unknown and the incomprehensible. It presents an opportunity for players to confront their deepest fears¸ grapple with existential questions¸ and question their place in the universe. The sense of mystery¸ suspense¸ and impending doom that permeates a cosmic horror setting can lead to intense and memorable roleplaying experiences.
Additionally¸ the genre provides a rich and expansive mythos to explore. It offers a wealth of ancient lore¸ forbidden knowledge¸ and hidden cults to delve into¸ investigate¸ and unravel. The open-ended nature of cosmic horror storytelling allows for imaginative and unpredictable narratives¸ encouraging players to think creatively and adapt to the ever-unfolding horrors they encounter. Cosmic horror invites players to confront the unknown¸ grapple with existential dread¸ and navigate the blurred boundaries of reality. It combines the familiar elements of the present day with the terrifying mysteries of the cosmos¸ creating an immersive and suspenseful experience that challenges players' perceptions¸ stimulates their imaginations¸ and elicits intense emotional reactions.
This Book Includes: Worldbuilding: How to utilize and develop the setting elements you'll need to successfully run DoubleZero: Nameless¸ including the genre¸ setting¸ theme¸ and tone. Characters: Information on the types of player characters¸ antagonists¸ and supporting characters most appropriate for DoubleZero: Nameless. Factions: The central organizations for DoubleZero: Nameless¸ including their purpose¸ how they're organized¸ the resources at their disposal¸ and key supporting characters. Adventures: Elements you'll to run DoubleZero: Nameless adventures. This chapter covers the premise¸ goals¸ obstacles¸ and stakes¸ and includes a selection of plot hooks to get you started.
A copy of DoubleZero: Modern Roleplaying is needed to play.
DoubleZero
The DoubleZero System is a roleplaying toolkit. First designed for action¸ espionage¸ and thriller adventures¸ the skill-driven roleplaying system is perfect for mysteries¸ police procedurals¸ and crime dramas based on your favorite television series¸ movies¸ and novels. DoubleZero works with any "realistic” modern setting that doesn't lean into magic¸ the supernatural¸ or superpowers.
The Toolkit Approach
Roleplaying is a creative and collaborative activity. A large portion of the joy it brings is from making up the things that add to the experience. The reason DoubleZero: Nameless is a toolkit and not a highly developed setting with tons of worldbuilding details is so there's room left for your imagination. While it can be cool to read setting guides that cover everything down to the last detail¸ in play it can box you in and make you feel that your ideas don't fit or aren't valid. The goal here is to give you as much as you need to get started¸ then step aside and let you turn this into whatever you and the other players want it to be.
Content Warnings
When planning a roleplaying experience¸ it's crucial to consider the comfort levels and boundaries of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of providing content warnings for potentially distressing material. Here is a comprehensive list of content warnings that may arise while using this toolkit:
Body Horror: Descriptions and themes involving grotesque body transformations¸ mutations¸ and unnatural anatomical changes that induce revulsion and discomfort. Claustrophobic Environments: Trapped in confined spaces or dimensions¸ heightening feelings of helplessness¸ confinement¸ and the fear of the unknown lurking in the darkness. Cosmic Corruption: Characters being exposed to or tainted by malevolent cosmic forces¸ leading to physical and psychological transformations¸ corruption¸ and loss of humanity. Cults and Rituals: Involvement with sinister cults and their rituals¸ including human sacrifices¸ dark ceremonies¸ and dealings with ancient cosmic entities. Disturbing Imagery: Encounter unsettling and nightmarish visual descriptions¸ featuring grotesque creatures¸ distorted landscapes¸ and surreal phenomena. Existential Despair: Exploration of themes that delve into the futility of existence¸ hopelessness¸ and the absence of meaning¸ evoking a sense of existential despair and nihilism. Existential Dread: Immersion in an atmosphere of existential fear¸ where characters face the insignificance of humanity and grapple with the dread of their existence. Graphic Violence: Depictions of intense and explicit violence¸ including gore¸ mutilation¸ and physical harm inflicted upon characters and creatures. Psychological Horror: Exploration of disturbing psychological themes¸ including madness¸ paranoia¸ hallucinations¸ and mental deterioration. Sanity Loss: Mechanisms and narratives that explore the deterioration of characters' sanity¸ resulting in psychological trauma and potential character transformations. Lightspress Media
Lightspress Media is a roleplaying company with a lo-fi approach. The utility of content takes precedence over ostentatious production value. Graphic elements should enhance the message of the text¸ not act as page filler and eye candy. Physical books need to be compact¸ portable¸ and sturdy. This minimalist aesthetic results in powerful toolkits that are both useful and affordable. After all¸ roleplaying isn't the book. It's the creativity and collaboration that takes place around the tabletop.