DoubleZero: Pulp Heroes
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A setting toolkit for DoubleZero: Modern Roleplaying
The city of St. Christopher was a dark and dangerous place¸ where crime and corruption ruled the streets. But amidst the chaos¸ there was one man who stood above the rest - a hero known only as Operative X. With his fedora pulled low over his piercing eyes and his cloak billowing behind him¸ he prowled the rooftops and alleyways¸ always one step ahead of the criminals he hunted. He was a master of disguise¸ an expert in hand-to-hand combat¸ and a detective without peer. And tonight¸ he was on the trail of his most dangerous foe yet - a mad scientist who threatened to unleash a deadly new weapon upon the city.
Hero pulp is a genre of storytelling that emerged in the early 20th century¸ featuring larger-than-life heroes who battled villains in unfamiliar and dangerous settings. These stories were often serialized in magazines and newspapers¸ and were known for their fast-paced action¸ suspenseful plots¸ and colorful characters. Examples of famous hero pulp characters include The Shadow¸ Doc Savage¸ and Tarzan. It's perfect for DoubleZero because it provides a rich and exciting world for players to explore and inhabit. The genre is filled with iconic heroes¸ villains¸ and settings that have become part of popular culture. Players can take on the roles of these larger-than-life characters and experience thrilling adventures¸ battling evil forces and solving mysteries. The settings of hero pulp stories are often full of mysterious locations¸ hidden temples¸ and lost cities¸ providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Additionally¸ the genre is ripe for adaptation and reinterpretation¸ allowing players and guides to put their own spin on classic tropes and create unique stories and characters.
This book includes: Worldbuilding: How to utilize and develop the setting elements you'll need to successfully run DoubleZero: Pulp Heroes¸ including the genre¸ setting¸ theme¸ and tone. Factions: The central organizations for DoubleZero: Pulp Heroes¸ including their purpose¸ how they're organized¸ the resources at their disposal¸ and key supporting characters. Characters: Information on the types of player characters¸ antagonists¸ and supporting characters most appropriate for DoubleZero: Pulp Heroes. Adventures: Elements you'll to run DoubleZero: Pulp Heroes 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.
Why a Toolkit?
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: Pulp Heroes 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 own 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
Here is a list of potential content warnings that might come up in source material while using hero pulp in a modern roleplaying scenario:
Colonialism: Some hero pulp stories romanticize colonialism and imperialism¸ which can be problematic and offensive. Cults: Hero pulp stories may feature cults or other religious groups that can be uncomfortable or triggering for some players. Racism: The early hero pulp genre can contain offensive racial stereotypes and slurs that may be distressing to some players. Sexism: Hero pulp stories may contain outdated gender roles and sexism that can make some players uncomfortable. Supernatural Horror: Some hero pulp stories include elements of supernatural horror¸ like ghosts or demons¸ which can be unsettling or frightening for some players. Violence: Hero pulp stories often involve intense and graphic violence¸ including gunfights¸ fistfights¸ and sword battles.
It's important to consider the comfort level and boundaries of all players when planning a roleplaying series¸ and to provide content warnings for any potentially disturbing material.
The DoubleZero System is a tabletop roleplaying toolkit. First designed for action¸ espionage¸ and thriller adventures¸ the skill-driven tabletop 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.
Lightspress Media is a tabletop 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¸ tabletop roleplaying isn't the book. It's the creativity and collaboration that takes place around the tabletop.