Dive into VULCANIA – A STEAMPUNK ROLE-PLAYING GAME, an experience explicitly defined by cinematic action, plots, and investigation. This core rulebook invites you into a fantasy world steeped in the foggy atmospheres of a steampunk-flavored industrial revolution.
A World of Steam and Science
The setting operates at the technological level of the XIXth Century Industrial Revolution, blending classic fantasy elements with typical steampunk culture. Here, Airships, zeppelins, and steam-powered trains are widely in use, and futuristic marvels of alchemy and engineering stand alongside traditional weapons like sabers, greatswords, and axes. Technology and science hold a cardinal role, providing a scientific explanation for almost every wonder or mystery encountered.
The game world is geographically fragmented into six great archipelagos of volcanic origin, known as Islenations:
• Itteghasp mirrors the classic atmosphere of Victorian Europe.
• Mostucaal possesses a marked Old West accent, defining it as an unexplored and dangerous land.
• Nuugard is characterized by the gloomy and gothic pall of classic horror literature.
• Ketniv maintains the traditions of the Far East.
• Balastoc features the rich colors and flavors of Africa and the Middle East.
Action-Driven Gameplay
Vulcania's foundation rests upon simple rules crafted specifically to favor the action and dynamism typical of adventure novels. Player actions directly determine the course of events. Contests of skill or combat are resolved by tossing polyhedral twelve-sided dice (referred to as a "d12"), representing the chance and fate that rules the world.
Characters possess a special resource called Gears of Fate. Each character begins a session with 3 Gears of Fate, which can be spent to repeat a failed Test, activate an Opportunity after a successful Test, or cancel an adverse condition.
Craft Your Avatar
You create your alter ego, the Player Character (PC), choosing whether to be a skilled warrior, a ruthless assassin, or a clever engineer. Character development is built around four Attributes (innate potential) and Skills (developed potential).
Key phases of character creation include:
1. Origins (Islenations): Affecting Attributes, Skills, history, and granting a Special Trait. For example, choosing Nuugard grants a bonus to STAMINA and Senses.
2. Past Experiences: Identifying previous careers that determine initial capabilities. Examples include the Biopsist (access to mutagens), the Cutthroat (specializing in catching the enemy by surprise), the Engineer (harnessing Vulcanus-powered steam propulsion), the Mercenary (relying on battlefield experience), or regional experiences like the Desperado (Mostucaal) or the Epeyst (Itteghasp).
3. Equipment: Gear up your character for adventure. The game features a wide range of items, including Shields, Armor, devastating Bombs, Gizmos (like the Harpago or Icarus backpack), and Grafts.
One player takes on the crucial role of the Narrator, who is entrusted with carrying the story forward, leading the game, and playing the creatures with which players interact. This book covers the essential rules for creating characters and resolving their interactions within this rich setting.