Experience the world of Imperium first hand.
Core Mechanics
- Character Creation & Progression – Custom character creation with manually selected or randomized life paths. Jobs function as front-loaded archetypes (akin to classes), but skills and attributes progress organically through gameplay. Social connections and allies play a key role, offering resources and assistance.
- Combat & Action System – Turn-based, quasi-tactical gameplay, adaptable for hex grids, traditional grids, or theater of the mind. Fast resolution mechanics keep the action moving, with optional rules for added complexity and challenge.
- Wounds & Recovery – A wound-based system that blends action-hero resilience with real-world lethality. Most injuries can be treated quickly with modern medicine, magic, or cyberonics, though more severe wounds require downtime or advanced intervention.
- Cyber Warfare – Digital infiltration is fast and intuitive, avoiding slow mini-games. Breachers (hackers) use quick, on-the-fly abilities to manipulate networked devices in real time.
Setting & Worldbuilding
- Tech & Magic Interaction – Technology and magic are accessible to all, and in some cases, they can be combined to create powerful abilities, particularly for combating supernatural threats.
- Factions & Power Struggles – Corporations, religious orders, governments, and underground movements all compete for power and influence. Players may align with factions, play them against each other, or remain independent to avoid their manipulations and treachery.
- Planets & Cities – The primary focus is on Ares, humanity’s new home-world, but the setting spans thousands of inhabited and forgotten worlds across pre-Collapse human territories and beyond.
Gear & Equipment
- Cybernetics & Augmentations – Cyberonics blends old and new technology, ranging from functional prosthetics to fully enhanced combat cyborgs. In Ares’ frozen north, one government has pioneered cybernetic warriors capable of wielding magic against unnatural foes.
- Weapons & Armor – The tech level mirrors modern-day in some areas, while being far more advanced or lagging in others. Firearms, melee weapons, medical tech, and personal defenses are all crucial to survival.
- Vehicles & Starships – Travel is mostly narrative-driven, but vehicle and space combat rules cover pursuits, stealth, and a range of options when needed.
Game Flow & Structure
- Missions & Jobs – Players take on government operations, corporate espionage, underground resistance, exploration, mercenary work, and more. The world offers a mix of structured missions and emergent opportunities.
- Reputation & Consequences – Social standing affects interactions with factions, making some missions easier while closing off others. However, in the vastness of space—and the sprawling conurbations of Ares—there are always new groups to work with.
- Downtime – Time between missions is spent recovering, networking, upgrading gear, and managing wealth. This can be handled in-session or “off-screen” between sessions.
Featuring
- Play as Humans, Altered Humans, Ashkions (ghosts), or one of three alien species: Morocaschic, Lacir, and Kyserians.
- Choose from 22 unique character jobs, including soldiers, corporate operatives, magic users, and black market brokers.
- Develop your character with 54 streamlined skills covering combat, hacking, social influence, and more.
- Engage in a dynamic social encounter and reputation system where alliances and rivalries shape your journey.
- A comprehensive lore reference to immerse yourself in the setting.
- Worldbuilding tools for unlimited adventures, whether in a group or solo play.
(Still in development, features subject to change)
The public beta is nearing completion and I’m excited to get this project out into the wild.
