![]() Second edition core book | |
Designers | Dave Chapman, George Vasilakos |
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Publishers | Eden Studios, Inc. |
Publication | 1996 (1st Edition - New Millennium Entertainment), 2006 (2nd Edition - Eden Studios) |
Genres | Espionage |
Systems | GURPS , Unisystem |
Conspiracy X is a role-playing game (RPG) originally released by New Millennium Entertainment in 1996, and since revised and released by several publishers including Steve Jackson Games and Eden Studios, Inc. In all versions, the setting posits that aliens are insidiously taking over the world, reminiscent of The X-Files .
The current version is based on the Unisystem , [1] but previous versions have used GURPS [2] and its own system. [3]
A secret American government agency called AEGIS has been aware since the Roswell Incident of 1947 that there is an extraterrestrial presence on Earth, characterized by supernatural and paranormal phenomena. Player characters take the role of AEGIS operatives, usually disaffected government agents employed by real-world organizations such as the FBI or ATF or an organization created for the game, such as the Defense Tactical Information Center or Project Rasputin. The game also touches on many modern popular conspiracy theories including the CIA involvement with psychics and the alien cover up from MKULTRA. The game can also be run to focus on paranormal happenings such as ghost sightings or ESP.
The first edition was originally published as a 224-page softcover book by New Millennium Entertainment. [4] Eden Studios acquired the rights, their first RPG, and continued to use the first version, which went through several printings, with the Third Printing –Revised carrying a copyright date of 1997.
Many supplemental books were produced for the line including books detailing alien technologies and races, the supernatural (as it is defined in the setting), governmental agencies as AEGIS and Black Book (also known as the National Defense Directorate or NDD), as well as a book on how to create conspiracies. A series of shorter supplements, called Bodyguard of Lies (three books with miscellaneous additions to the world and rules as well as missions) was also produced.
This edition features an original rules system. Character generation is via a "point-buy" system, where players are given 100 points to divide amongst basic abilities as well as skills and resources. The player can also purchase more points by adding disadvantages to the character. For example, adding "Wanted by the Law" to the character nets another 20 points to spend. [4]
Players then act communally to plan "the Cell", the base of operations they will be using for the adventure, including details of location, facilities, staff, and equipment. [4]
Actions are resolved with one of only four probabilities:
There are also resolution systems for non-skill actions, competitive actions, extended actions such as research, and use of specific powers and abilities using the core resolution system as a base. Difficulties range from 1 to 5, and sometimes higher for very difficult actions.
Players can also try to use their character's psychic abilities by utilising Zener cards (square, star, cross, wave or circle). If a player wants to use his character's psychic ability, perhaps to foretell the future, the player names one of the symbols; the gamemaster draws a number of cards corresponding to the character's psychic ability and turns them over. If one of the cards is the symbol predicted by the player, the psychic action succeeds. [4]
The first edition was well supported, with several supplements:
This series of supplements collected new mechanics, characters options and adventures and was presented in a Half-Letter sized format:
Prior to the release of the Bodyguard of Lies supplements, a short-lived series of newsletters using the same moniker was also published by Eden Studios.
A GURPS edition of the Conspiracy X rules-set version was published in 2002. This was the second Powered by GURPS licensed game to be produced outside of Steve Jackson Games. In addition to GURPS rules it provided conversion guidelines for players of the first Conspiracy X. The GURPS variant is part of the "Classic" Edition line and features the same cover art.
Conspiracy X 2.0 was published in 2006 (features the Unisystem rules) and updated the setting to the early 2000s. This edition was nominated for an ENnie Award Best RPG for 2007. [5] This edition presented conversion guidelines for players of the 1st Edition of the game (although no GURPS conversions are provided).
After the release of Conspiracy X 2.0, a series of supplements collecting and updating content from early 1st Edition books were funded via Kickstarter:
The game and its supplements were generally well received at the time of publication: