Maelstrom Storytelling
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A fantasy RPG of pseudo-science¸ Leonardan magic and gunpowder set in a different reality which constantly shifts as a magical storm passes over it. The system ("" Story Engine"") is a cinematic dice pool system which has no numerical stats. Instead¸ the size of the pool depends on the number of textual ""descriptors"" (like ""strong"") the character has that apply. Success is determined by the number of odd numbers rolls (""Odds"") vs the difficulty. - A description from https://darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/encyclopedia/ with kind permission of John H. Kim
Maelstrom is a fantasy RPG of pseudo-science¸ magic and gunpowder set in a different reality that constantly shifts as a magical storm passes over it. The 'Story Engine' system is a cinematic dice pool with no numerical stats. Instead¸ the size of the pool depends on the number of textual 'descriptors' (like 'strong') the character has that apply. Success is determined by the number of odd numbered rolls vs. the difficulty.
The rules are adaptive¸ resolving events through a bidding system that allows whole scenes to unfold fluidly. Designed in a cinematic vein¸ the Hubris Engine yields engaging stories and dynamic role-playing.
The setting is a rich world of shifting realities¸ all tied together by the same storm. Home to alien cultures¸ Leonardan magic¸ gunpowder and pseudo-science¸ it caters to many different styles of play. From piracy on the high seas of the Outer Crescent to illegal duels at the Queen's Amphitheatre¸ the setting touches on magic¸ science and the world of dreams.
olitically Incorrect Games brings this fabulous storytelling world (originally published by Hubris Games) back in PDF format.
FROM THE ORIGINAL BACK COVER:
Confront the Unknown. Transcend the Impossible.
"Before the Great Equinox¸ there was an Empire. In the Empire all things were good. The world didn't shift around¸ and the shrikes were far away. There were great machines¸ and ships that flew in the sky. There was the Law¸ and there was the Word. The storm was tamed¸ you see¸ and the Empire brought the whole world together with their obelisks and their roads."
"What happened to it¸ uncle?"
"It's gone¸ son. It wasn't strong enough. In the end¸ the storm tore it apart at the seams. And now all the world is broken into little pieces¸ all separate and beautiful. Until the storm comes. And washes the world away."
A rich world and fluid system that stand alone.
The RULES are adaptive¸ resolving events through a bidding system that allows whole scenes to unfold fluidly. Designed in a cinematic vein¸ the Story Engine (first edition) yields engaging stories and dynamic role-playing.
The SETTING is a rich world of shifting realities¸ all tied together by the same storm. Home to alien cultures¸ Leonardan magic¸ gunpowder and pseudo-science¸ it caters to many different styles of play. From piracy on the high seas of the Outer Crescent to illegal duels at the Queen's Amphitheater¸ the setting touches on magic¸ science¸ and the world of dreams.
An innovative game designed to satisfy the needs of role-players and daydreamers alike.
Collaboration is the heart of Story Engine; narrators and players work together to tell the story of their characters. Players pool their dice when they team up¸ and work with the narrator to describe the outcome of scenes based on a success range. In Story Engine¸ action is resolved as scenes. Each scene advances the story¸ framed by the goals of the characters without pre-set lengths or segmented rounds. Players can spend resources and bid with opponents to increase their die pool¸ and even insert sub-scenes in the form of Quick Takes. Since scenes are resolved as a whole with one large roll of the dice¸ action moves quickly to ensure a fluid story and fast pace.
Characters in Story Engine are written using adjectives and phrases¸ creating unique roles with real personality. Called Descriptors and Traits¸ these adjectives are used to determine the die pool and can be invoked to gain advantages when they suit the scene. Like a novel the different elements of the character all contribute to the story -- even flaws and foibles can be used this way in the form of Quirks.
Note: This reformatted edition is optimized for printing and includes only a minimum of artwork. The Story Engine Universal Rules (available separately) includes a plug-in to update Maelstrom to the revised Story Engine mechanics.