Ascendant by Autarch — Comic Book Roleplaying Game Kickstarter
Jagi, here, signal boosting our friends at Autarch:
Okay, the lead illustration is really supposed to be this one, but who can resist Wendell in a cape?
Want to be a super hero? Here’s your chance!
After two years of intensive design and development, we’re excited to announce Autarch’s ninth Kickstarter project: Ascendant™, a new superpowered role-playing game of infinite possibilities.
Simulating a Comic Book World
Comic book RPGs tend to be sub-divided into “descriptor-based” and “effect-based” games. “Bolt of Fire” is a descriptor, while “Ranged Attack that deals 50 points of damage to one target” is an effect. A descriptor-based game prioritizes the descriptor over the effects. An effect-based game prioritizes the effects over the descriptor.
Ascendant strives to be neither a descriptor-based nor effect-based game. It is, rather, a physics-based game. The game mechanics are intended to be the physics engine of the game world. Powers have both descriptors and effects. Some effects are precluded by the logic of the descriptor, and some descriptors inevitably entail certain effects. The mechanics are elaborate and detailed (as in an effect-based game) but they are also broad and universalized (as in a descriptor-based game). Players are expected and encouraged to use their powers in whatever manner makes sense within the physics of a comic-book world, but not in ways that don’t make sense.
See more on Kickstarter!
About John C Wright
John C. Wright is a practicing philosopher, a retired attorney, newspaperman, and newspaper editor, and a published author of science fiction. Once a Houyhnhnm, he was expelled from the august ranks of purely rational beings when he fell in love; but retains an honorary title.
March 16, 2020 @ 8:05 am
