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Dark Matter (Alternity Sci-Fi Roleplaying, Dark Matter Setting, Modern)
In thе present day, nοt everything іѕ аѕ іt appears. Paranormal occurrences аnd occult activities аrе becoming everyday happenings. Thеѕе events аrе quickly hidden frοm public view bу various world governments аnd οthеr organizations whο hаνе nеіthеr thе knowledge nοr understanding οf thеіr significance. Doorways tο οthеr worlds аrе opening, аnd іt’s up tο thе heroes οf thе Hoffmann Institute tο determine friend frοm foe, ехсеllеnt frοm evil, аnd conspiracy frοm happenstance. Thе Dаrk Matter Campaign
List Price: $ 29.95
Price: $ 23.75
Pure inspiration,
Who must buy this book?
If you are a fan of Science Fiction and plot to GM a science fiction game then you will find a lot of benefit from reading this book. If you are a player then DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK unless you are buying it for your GM, in which case DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Inside are a million and one thoughts for a Sci-fi game which will delight, intrigue, and possibly even frighten your players.
So what does it contain?
Lots and lots of point is what. Ignoring the Alternity Quick Play rules for now and the small section on making Dark Matter font, the book is to the top with descriptions, from the Hoffman Institute to loads of uncommon conspiracies to the secret description of the world.
What else do you need?
The quick play rules are not adequate for a full camapign so the Alternity Players Guide and Gamesmaster Guide are probably essential. If not all you need is your imagination (whatching the X-files, the outer limits, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer may help stimulate your imagination if decades of brilliant science fiction hasn’t).
Downsides?
As with any product this one isnt perfect, it assumes that the Hoffman Institute will play a part in your campaign (it does provide a small section on alternatives, though IMO the Institute is so well detailed that it would be shame not to use it in some capacity). It is also a small set alight on rules (though dredge up it is a Sourcebook rather than a Rulebook).
In Conclusion.
If you are getting tired of Fantasy or far future rpg’s then this game might make a welcome change, and if played aptly can be a real pleasure to play. Dark Matter IMO might just be the saviour of the Alternity system (which is excellent news because the Alternity system is damn excellent).
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|Fantastic RPG Setting for Near Future Games,
Dark Matter takes place in the early 2000′s AD Earth. It is a unique setting focusing on investigation, intrigue, and conspiracies rather than just gun fights.
This book is a fantastic resource–from the Freemasons to the United Nations “New World Order”, virtually any conspiracy or paranormal endeavor you can reckon of is probably described in this book.
It is also well organized including a excellent quick play adventure to introduce the setting, and a second, slighly longer, adventure at the end to get GM and players in the genteel (and paranoid) mood. It includes some new skills, perks, flaws, psionics, and arcane and faith key in addition to the fantastic deal of description.
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|Best RPG in Decades,
I was heartbroken to learn that Alternity has been cancelled by TSR, and my heartbreak was compounded once I got my hands on Dark Matter. If you are a fan of any government conspiracy, unmarked helicopter, alien abduction, bigfoot type realms, this is the campaign for you. If you aren’t a fan, you will be after you read it. I’m a regular conspiracy nut, and all the biggies are covered by Baur and Cook; their research was fantastic. Also, everything from vampires to greys and sasquatches and mummies are present, and they tie into the conspiracies perfectly! If you don’t buy this one, you’re missing out on one of the RPG finds of a lifetime. Well done to Baur adn Cook, poorly done to TSR for the cancelation. Get it even as you still can…
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