PoD is something I’d like to do eventually, just letting the game settle a bit first. (I'll be honest with you, this is an area where I struggle with)
Compared to Troika!, Spellzard 2e is more focused and fast-paced — it uses 2d6 + stat with damage based on win margin, so combat stays quick and clean. It’s closer to classic adventure/gamebook play.
Troika! leans more into surreal, freeform, and setting-driven play.
No dedicated solo rules right now, but it’s something I may explore later.
Thanks, bro! Or you can wait for the Spellzard Adventure zine, which is coming up after I have done some illustrations. I will put out a quickstart version of Spellzard 2e for free!
For first aid, quick brewing, and dramatic jam tossing.
You can use this kit to:
Recover a Shaken ally in an adjacent Zone (no need to be next to them).
Brew potions or poultices during a rest or between scenes.
To brew, describe your concoction — tea, balm, jam, or something dangerously fizzy. You may roll INT or PER (TN 7) if the result matters.
Helping an ally by hand always works if you’re in the same Zone, but the Healer’s Kit lets you do it from another Zone, or while keeping your outfit gloriously un-splattered.
Designer’s Note:
Yes, it’s basically a jar of jam and a sticky slap-hand. The true power of friendship is 80% sugar content.
I didn't update the game system here. So for update:
- I split SKILL into STR, DEX and WIL. This gives PC all they can do in stats instead of a list of skills. The stats are inspired by Cairn and Into the Odd.
- Since there will be a lot of use of ranged weapons in sci-fi, I opted for simple ranged combat by giving defenders a target number (maybe calling it Evasion), which is calculated by this formula: DEX+7 (for PC) or SKILL+7 (for enemy).
- I used Trait system, which gives Advantage roll to certain actions.
- I added in Special Moves, which is a once per scene thing. It is special of course.
I think this solves a lot of problems! By making it similar to Melee, it all makes sense. Also If the defender doesn't have a ranged weapon, they don't deal damage if they roll high, instead they just don't get hurt.
Yeah about that. It does give me a headache when making the binary game mechanic. Somehow it doesn't work for sci fi version of it. I might ditch rules that though. Happy you liked it!
Love this! Just a suggestion, maybe a dice roll would be nice to see when attacking or defending. It doesn't even need a number, just a success or failure would suffice.
I bought it! I like 2d6 mechanic which I was developing game inspired by Mork Borg and Barbarian of Lemuria, turns out your game is pretty similar to what I was creating. I don't know if I should release my game now
