Tephra: The Steampunk RPG

Last updated
Tephra: The Steampunk RPG
Players Guide Cover.jpg
Playing Guide
Designers Daniel A. Burrow
PublishersParlor, LLC. (formerly known as Cracked Monocle)
Publication2012
Years active
  • 2012 – current
Genres Steampunk
SystemsClockwork System
Playing timeVaries
Chance Dice rolling
Skills Role-playing, improvisation, tactics, arithmetic
Website Tephra RPG

Tephra: The Steampunk RPG (2012) is a steampunk role-playing game by Parlor LLC. (formerly known as Cracked Monocle). [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

Tephra was nominated for "Best Steampunk RPG or LARP" in the 2014 Steampunk Chronicle Reader's Choice Awards [7] and its creator, Daniel Burrow, won the award for "Best Steampunk Game Creator." [8] The company was an exhibitor at SXSW Gaming in 2014. [9]

In February 2015, Cracked Monocle ceased operations, releasing developers from contracts and giving them ownership of works in progress not yet paid for. Control of the LLC reverted to the original founder, who restarted the company several months later. The Kickstarter begun in 2012 was announced as complete afterward. [10]

As of January 2017, the core book has been released to the Open Game License. [11] On August 2, 2017, it was announced that Cracked Monocle has officially changed their name to Parlor, LLC. [12]

Game history

The Tephra Kickstarter campaign successfully raised $22,821 exceeding their $1,000 goal on February 4, 2012. [13] On January 6th, 2014, an update was posted indicating that some international backers still did not have copies of the core rule book. [14] Backers in the United States all received the core book and the Adversary book was released as a PDF download to donors on November 29, 2014. [15] An announcement was made June 15, 2015, that physical copies of the Adversary book would be sent to all backers within two weeks along with Tephra core books for the remaining international backers. [16]

On July 30, 2014, Daniel Burrow announced his resignation as the head of Cracked Monocle. His inability to fulfill the Kickstarter rewards on time was cited as one reason for his resignation. [17] On July 2, 2015, Daniel Burrow announced that he had returned to Cracked Monocle and completed the fulfillment of the Kickstarter. [10]

Play overview

Tephra employs the Clockwork System. [1] This system uses only one die, a d12, to make all rolls. Twelves "explode," so rolling a 12 allows the player to roll again and add to the prior roll. For example, rolling a 12 and then a 7 gives a result of 19. On the other side, "A 1 is a 1." If a player rolls a 1, they cannot add any modifiers to that roll (though negative modifiers still apply). As a result, any roll other than a 1 will tend to beat a roll of 1.

Levels go from 1 to 12. [18] Player attributes are derived from the points they invest in skills. The five attributes are Brute, Cunning, Dexterity, Spirit, and Science. All have four skills except Science, which has 6. When a skill or attribute is rolled to check for a success, that number is added to the result of the roll. Success is measured in tiers: tier one means a basic no-frills success while a tier four, the highest level, means success beyond any human expectation. [3]

Combat stats are derived from the specialties players choose. A player may choose a specialty from any skill they have points in. Priority determines initiative. Augments and DIY are used in crafting (which are generally part of the Sciences skills). [18]

Combat involves two dice rolls for each of the combatants: accuracy vs. evade and strike vs. defense. Accuracy determines whether the attack hits; for ranged attacks (firearms, crossbows, etc.) it also determines the damage. Strike determines the amount of damage done by melee attacks if the attack succeeds. Evade is used by the person being attacked to dodge the blow entirely; it is rolled against accuracy. If the attack hits, the target can roll defense to absorb some or all of the damage. Damage (accuracy, strike) and damage absorption (defense) are tiered. Each tier multiplies the base damage or armor soak class. A character wielding a firearm with damage class 6 who gets a tier 3 accuracy will deal 18 damage if it successfully hits. A character with armor of soak class 4 who rolls a tier 2 defense will absorb 8 damage. [3]

Setting

The setting contains many aspects of steampunk, including trains, airships, and large numbers of independent inventors. There are a number of biomes, such as forests, deserts, grasslands, and jungles. Electricity is present in some parts of the continent, but is still a novelty. The use of fossil fuels is absent with steampower - often powered by aether resonators - the dominant power source.

The game is set on another planet, known as Tephra. It is orbited by a single fractured moon, Aeon. [2] The main continent is Rilausia, which has several countries, each with different themes. The central country is Evangless, which is ruled by a monarchy and where slavery is banned. To the southeast is Zelhost, a heavily industrialized nation populated by Haudi Humans that uses slave labor. To the southwest is Izeda, a desert nation whose people travel in caravans. To the northeast is Dalvozzea, governed by a ruling council of Winged Farishtaas, angelic beings with large wings capable of flight. In the northwest is Arakrith, a nation ruled by former satyr slaves who won their freedom from Haudis.

The core races of Tephra are humans, ayodin, elves, farishtaa, gnomes, and satyrs. Ayodin are sea-going mammals who can breathe on land and in the water. Elves are hulking brutes, tall and muscular, but hunched over and with mottled bruised skin. Farishtaa resemble the classic fantasy elves and are created by scientifically injecting essence into an elf. Satyrs were genetically engineered by Haudis to act as slaves by fusing humans with hoofed animals such as goats, cows, and horses.

Related Research Articles

<i>Bunnies & Burrows</i> Tabletop fantasy role-playing game from 1976

Bunnies & Burrows (B&B) is a role-playing game (RPG) inspired by the 1972 novel Watership Down. Published by Fantasy Games Unlimited in 1976, the game centered on intelligent rabbits. It introduced several innovations to role-playing game design, being the first game to allow players to have non-humanoid roles, and the first to have detailed martial arts and skill systems. Fantasy Games Unlimited published a similar second edition in 1982. Frog God Games published a revised third edition in 2019 from the original authors. The game was also modified and published by Steve Jackson Games as an official GURPS supplement in 1992.

<i>GURPS</i> Tabletop role-playing game system

The Generic Universal RolePlaying System, or GURPS, is a tabletop role-playing game system designed to allow for play in any game setting. It was created by Steve Jackson Games and first published in 1986 at a time when most such systems were story- or genre-specific.

<i>Alternity</i> Tabletop science fiction role-playing game

Alternity is a science fiction role-playing game (RPG) published by TSR in 1998. Following the acquisition of TSR by Wizards of the Coast, the game was discontinued in 2000 as part of a broader rationalisation of TSR's business holdings, but it retains a small and devoted fanbase. Parts of Alternity as well as TSR's classic Star Frontiers game have been incorporated into the d20 Modern game, especially the d20 Future setting. The first campaign setting for the Alternity game, the Star*Drive setting, was introduced in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fate (role-playing game system)</span> Tabletop role-playing game system

Fate is a generic role-playing game system based on the Fudge gaming system. It has no fixed setting, traits, or genre and is customizable. It is designed to offer minimal obstruction to role-playing by assuming players want to make fewer dice rolls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palladium Books</span> Game publisher

Palladium Books is a publisher of role-playing games (RPGs) perhaps best known for its popular, expansive Rifts series (1990–present). Palladium was founded April 1981 in Detroit, Michigan by current president and lead game designer Kevin Siembieda, and is now based in Westland, Michigan. The company enjoys the support of a small but dedicated fanbase who praise its various game series for their innovative settings and ease of adaptability to various personal preferences, play styles, and power levels.

<i>Jovian Chronicles</i>

Jovian Chronicles is a science fiction game setting published by Dream Pod 9 since 1997. It introduces a complete universe for role-playing and wargaming space combat featuring mecha, giant spacecraft, and epic space battles.

<i>Big Eyes, Small Mouth</i> Anime-themed tabletop role-playing game

Big Eyes, Small Mouth (BESM) is a tabletop role-playing game originally produced by Guardians of Order in 1997 that was designed to simulate the action of anime and manga. The title alludes to the common anime drawing style of characters with large expressive eyes and comparatively small mouths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hol (role-playing game)</span> Tabletop role-playing game

HoL is a role-playing game created by Dirt Merchant Games and produced by Black Dog Game Factory, a subsidiary of White Wolf which produced adult oriented RPGs. The HoL Core Rulebook was published in 1994, and was followed up by one other supplement Buttery Wholesomeness in 1995. Although HoL is playable, it was meant as a satire of RPGs. The pages of the books are written by hand, and the authors freely take stabs at other popular role-playing games, particularly Vampire: The Masquerade and Dungeons & Dragons, and those who play them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D6 System</span> Tabletop role-playing game system

The D6 System is a role-playing game system published by West End Games (WEG) and licensees. While the system is primarily intended for pen-and-paper role-playing games, variations of the system have also been used in live action role-playing games and miniature battle games. The system is named after the 6-sided die, which is used in every roll required by the system.

In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, game mechanics and dice rolls determine much of what happens. These mechanics include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timelords (role-playing game)</span> Tabletop role-playing game

TimeLords is a set of time travel role-playing games by Greg Porter and published by Blacksburg Tactical Research Center (BTRC). The first two editions used a custom d20-based game system; the most recent edition uses the EABA system from BTRC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The World of Synnibarr</span> Poorly received tabletop roleplaying game

The World of Synnibarr was a multi-genre role-playing game published by Wonderworld Press and written by Raven c.s. McCracken. A second edition of the game, co-written by Bryce Thelin, was published in 1993. It is noted largely for its exceptionally poor design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EABA</span>

The End All Be All game system, commonly known as EABA and pronounced "ee-buh", is a role-playing game system from Blacksburg Tactical Research Center (BTRC). It is a generic gaming system designed to adapt to any imaginary gaming environment. It was created by Greg Porter in 2003. The game cites the Hero System, GURPS and Call of Cthulhu as influences in its development.

<i>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game</i> Tabletop role-playing game

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game is a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) that was published in 2009 by Paizo Publishing. The first edition extends and modifies the System Reference Document (SRD) based on the revised 3rd edition Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) published by Wizards of the Coast under the Open Game License (OGL) and is intended to be backward-compatible with that edition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">QAGS</span> Tabletop role-playing game supplement

QAGS is a generic role-playing game system for use in freeform role-playing games. QAGS is not tied to any particular genre or setting, and has been used to run everything from paranormal teenagers to post-apocalyptic super-heroes to fantasy sailing adventure to gun-toting monster hunters to "hard-core" luchadore action to Regency romance to 80’s cartoons to Shakespeare meets Tarantino.

<i>The Banner Saga</i> Tactical role-playing video game

The Banner Saga is a tactical role-playing video game developed by Stoic Studio and published by Versus Evil. It was released for personal computers and mobile phones in 2014, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2016 and for Nintendo Switch in 2018.

<i>13th Age</i> Tabletop fantasy role-playing game

13th Age is a d20 fantasy role-playing game designed by Rob Heinsoo and Jonathan Tweet, and published by Pelgrane Press. 13th Age has been well supported with over 25 supplements published since its 2013 release, the most recent in 2020.

<i>Shadowrun</i> Tabletop science fantasy role-playing game

Shadowrun is a science fantasy tabletop role-playing game set in an alternate future in which cybernetics, magic and fantasy creatures co-exist. It combines genres of cyberpunk, urban fantasy and crime, with occasional elements of conspiracy, horror and detective fiction. From its inception in 1989, Shadowrun has remained among the most popular role-playing games. It has spawned a vast franchise that includes a series of novels, a collectible card game, two miniature-based tabletop wargames, and multiple video games.

<i>Blades in the Dark</i> Tabletop fantasy role-playing game

Blades in the Dark is a tabletop fantasy role-playing game by John Harper, set in a fictional city of Doskvol, inspired by Victorian London and Gothic fiction. The game was crowdfunded on Kickstarter in 2015, raising US$179,280 from 3,925 backers.

<i>Thirsty Sword Lesbians</i>

Thirsty Sword Lesbians is a narrative-focused tabletop role-playing game which emphasizes telling "melodramatic and queer stories". The game was funded via a 2020 Kickstarter campaign and published by Evil Hat Productions in 2021. It uses a modification of the Powered by the Apocalypse game system. Thirsty Sword Lesbians was the first tabletop game to win a Nebula Award and the fourth winner in the "Best Game Writing" category. The game also won the 2022 ENNIE Awards for "Best Game" and for "Product of the Year".

References

  1. 1 2 "Playing in the Clockwork World of Tephra". Archived from the original on 2015-02-15. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  2. 1 2 "Game Override - Tephra, The Steampunk Roleplaying Game - Game Override". Game Override. 31 August 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 "Paper & Plastic: [Review] Tephra - Steampunk Roleplaying Game". atoolongurl.blogspot.com. 21 July 2012.
  4. ↑ Studio Arkhein (7 August 2013). "Rather Gamey: Tephra the RPG". rathergamey.blogspot.com.
  5. ↑ Charlie Warren (20 August 2013). "The Semi-Retired Gamer". semiretiredgamer.blogspot.com.
  6. ↑ Lowell Francis (12 June 2013). "Age of Ravens: History of Steampunk & Victoriana RPGs (Part Eight 2012)". ageofravens.blogspot.com.
  7. ↑ "Steampunkchronicle.com > SPC Awards > Categories". Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-04-02.
  8. ↑ "Winners 2014". steampunkchronicle.com.
  9. ↑ "SXSW Scene Report: Steampunk and cosplay at the SXSW Gaming Expo". austin360.com.
  10. 1 2 "Kickstarter: Complete". Kickstarter.
  11. ↑ "Tephra - Steampunk Tabletop RPG on Facebook". Facebook . Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.[ user-generated source ]
  12. ↑ "From Cracked Monocle to Parlor".
  13. ↑ "How to Run a Kickstarter: Lessons from a $22,000 Success | Lifestyle | AustinPost". Archived from the original on 2014-12-17. Retrieved 2014-12-17.
  14. ↑ "Tephra: the Steampunk RPG". Kickstarter.
  15. ↑ "Tephra: the Steampunk RPG by Daniel Alan Burrow — Kickstarter". Kickstarter.
  16. ↑ "Tephra: the Steampunk RPG by Daniel Alan Burrow — Kickstarter". Kickstarter.
  17. ↑ "Tephra: the Steampunk RPG by Daniel Alan Burrow — Kickstarter". Kickstarter.
  18. 1 2 Tephra First Looks. YouTube. 26 February 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.