Explore different subgenres of horror in the Cypher System RPG, from slasher films to monsters invasions. Learn about the comprehensive features of Stay Alive! such as campaign building and horror mechanics. Discover the horror of being a vampire in a mini campaign setting. Dive into vampire terms, internet issues, and the topic of pregnancy in RPGs. Discuss various aspects of horror in the Cypher System RPG, including consent and comfort in gameplay.
The podcast discusses the various subgenres of horror and how they can be incorporated into role-playing game campaigns, offering players the opportunity to confront different types of horror scenarios.
The episode introduces a mini campaign setting where players assume the roles of vampires in a corrupt city, highlighting the unique abilities and challenges of playing as these nocturnal creatures.
Deep dives
Genre exploration and campaign ideas
This podcast episode delves into the various subgenres of horror, exploring concepts like slasher films, psychological thrillers, zombie apocalypse, and haunted settings. The hosts discuss how these subgenres can be utilized in role-playing game campaigns, allowing players to battle Lovecraftian cults, survive the zombie apocalypse, or confront masked slashers. The episode also highlights the book's comprehensive rules for building campaigns and provides an encyclopedia of cypher system horror mechanics. Additionally, it offers three short adventures called 'cypher shorts' to enhance gameplay in different horror settings.
Vampire Campaign Setting
The episode introduces the 'Masters of the Night' mini campaign setting, where players assume the roles of newly created vampires in the modern world. The hosts explain that these vampires must find their place in a city filled with corrupt politicians, criminal vampire-controlled gangs, and shady businesses tied to vampires. The city is presented through a dark lens, creating a corrupt and dangerous atmosphere. The hosts highlight the inventive vampire abilities and bloodline powers that players can choose from, such as animal control, mind manipulation, or transforming into beasts. Vampires' slang terms and the concept of consent in RPGs are also discussed.
Additional Highlights and Resources
The hosts briefly touch on other horror subgenres, including ghosts, demons, werewolves, zombies, and psychological horror. They mention popular movies and books associated with each subgenre, sparking conversations about personal preferences. The podcast episode also emphasizes the importance of consent in RPGs and provides a game consent checklist for a comfortable gaming experience. The hosts recommend the 'Cypher System' core rulebook and link the listeners to the PDF versions of both the 'Cypher System' rulebook and the horror book discussed in the episode for those interested in playing.
Ramie and Beth discuss Stay Alive! by Monte Cook Games on this episode of Brother Knows Quest. It's almost Halloween, so what could be more appropriate than talking about a horror TTRPG?
Stay Alive! is a Cypher System book that gives you everything you need to create and run horror campaigns. It includes advice on building a setting, creating compelling characters, and running scary sessions. It also has a bunch of new mechanics and monsters to help you make your games truly terrifying.