METTLE Core
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METTLE Core is a compact set of powerful and adaptable rules to help you run or make your own Role-Playing Game (RPG). This core set is geared towards heroic tales of courage¸ mystery¸ and intrigue. Detective stories¸ crime dramas¸ B-movie mayhem¸ daring rescues¸ tense exploration¸ gritty post-apocalyptic survival¸ wild-west gunfights¸ Nazi-clobbering¸ low fantasy¸ and grounded science fiction. This focus on so-called "mundane” heroics caters to an underserved style of play and provides a general base to the system. Upcoming games may indulge settings reliant on magic¸ superpowers¸ or miracles of science.
FEATURES:
- Action and Adventure: embark on exhilarating adventures as bold heroes immersed in a world of fast-paced danger and captivating mysteries. Race against the clock¸ travel the globe¸ clash with formidable henchmen¸ unravel cunning traps¸ thwart the villain's nefarious plot¸ outwit your scheming rival¸ and uncover priceless treasure - or die trying! Inspired by Indiana Jones¸ Treasure Island¸ James Bond¸ Tales of the Gold Monkey¸ Tin-Tin¸ Porco Rosso¸ and King Solomon's Mines¸ to name but a few.
- Mortal Peril: Adventurers are exceptional souls - larger than life¸ but not superheroes. Their daring exploits rely on their own skill and resources. Crutches like super-science and magic are usually tools of the enemy¸ if they exist at all. Their tale may end in wealth and glory or as a tattered corpse in the ruins.
- Innovative System: a novel dice pool keeps the number of dice low¸ allows for direct contests between abilities¸ and supports collaborative Twists¸ Raises¸ and other fun stunts. Best of all¸ the intentional hackability of this ruleset leaves plenty of space for your own creative additions.
- Engaging Combat: Move? Attack? Defend? Talk trash? Rally back into action? Grapple? Protect an ally? You have a wealth of options. The unique "Volleyball Initiative” system ensures everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Stay alert¸ because your chance to shine can come at any moment!
- Devil's Bargains: players get a chance to weasel their way out of failure using Twists. These come into play only when necessary¸ empowering players to add drama and shape events.
- Vivid Characters: Characters start with history¸ goals¸ and personalities. No need to ask¸ "But what's my motivation” - it's built right in. Characters undergo personal growth and transformation as their players recount their favorite highlights from their adventures.
- A Guiding Hand: brimming with advice and tools for the aspiring guide: thematic ideas for adventures¸ strategies to foster a sense of fun and excitement¸ and methods to avoid common pitfalls. Also includes a helpful sheet to keep track of the intricate dynamics between your party's backer¸ villain¸ and rival.