Phase Shift (Free Edition)
This is the core rules and player's handbook (free edition) for the Phase Shift system. What is Phase Shift? The easy answer is that it's a hybrid science fiction/fantasy standalone tabletop RPG system. What makes Phase Shift different from other RPGs? Phase Shift attempts to keep gameplay as simple as possible while keeping the feeling of a high power level. Our rolling system is streamlined to keep things moving as quickly as possible. Each class has abilities that are extremely effective in their own way¸ so no player feels like they aren't contributing. For instance¸ even a Runner¸ who can't take or deal nearly as much damage as other classes¸ can make a fight completely one-sided by stealing an enemy's weapons and armor or redirecting a giant energy cannon to fire back at the person who fired it. And that all starts at a starting-level (0 XP) character! And what makes Phase Shift so easy to play? Well¸ before you roll a skill check¸ you know exactly what number you are trying to reach. Roll a d20¸ add your bonuses¸ and if your total is 15 or higher¸ congratulations! You succeeded on whatever you were trying to do. While some more difficult actions might require you to roll more d20s and hit a higher number¸ you're still doing the same basic process. "But what about the setting?" you might ask. Excellent question¸ reader. Phase Shift is set far in the future¸ in a universe where magic and science are intertwined and inseparable after two dimensions merged. Magic is quantifiably real and magical fields can be manipulated easily by scientific instruments. Scientists can build a doom cannon that runs on soul power¸ and Arcanists can perform complex repairs on robots with a single magical spell. A side effect of the Merger was also that gods from previous dimensions took physical form and became empowered by those who worship them. Generally speaking¸ the galaxy is mostly in chaos. Areas of the galaxy are generally controlled by factions or shadowy mega-corporations¸ but for the most part there's no government strong enough to control and/or cover up all of the cosmic horrors that keep showing up. Most player characters belong to a mercenary organization known as the Galactic Department of Mercenary Affairs (GDMA)¸ working for the Galactic Federation¸ which is the closest to a unified government that the galaxy has. GDMA mercenaries are given carte blanche on collateral damage during their missions (they understand the traditional "murderhobo" mentality of wandering adventurers)¸ but they can be blacklisted if they are too destructive. The GDMA has some great malpractice attorneys.