Transformers:BeastWars RPG

[LadyTevar]

COMMENTARY ON THE IDEA/SYSTEM IS WELCOME!!

Transformers: Beast Wars RPG
(modified from White Wolf:Aberrant RPG system)

** DISCLAIMER: Transformers and all associated the television series are Copyright of Hasbro Entertainment. BeastWars and all associated with the television series are Copyright of Hasbro Entertainment and Mainframe Inc. Game System is created by Mark Rein-Hagen and Copyright of WhiteWolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of these names and systems are meant as a compliment to the respective parties. **

Overview:

BeastWars (tm) is based off the television show of the same name created by Mainframe, first aired in 1998. It in turn was based off the original Transformers television show/comicbooks from 1980's, by Hasbro. The basic premise of BeastWars is the fight between two Cybertron sects: the noble Maximals and the evil Predacons. The television series focused on two small squads marooned on an alien planet, surrounded by unknown alien technology and by a deadly backgound Energon radiation count. As protection, the Maximals and Predacons are forced to assume DNA-true copies of local lifeforms to insulate their circuitry, which suffers overload from extended exposure to the Energon. An individual can operate as their robot form only for a limited time outside of a shielded area, then they are forced to assume their 'beast form' or suffer damage.

Maximals control the current Ruling Council of Cybertron, and prefer to seek a peaceful solution to any problem, although when pressed they will fight for their beliefs. The Predacons have been conducting a subtle political war with the Maximals for nearly four centuries. At this point, the Predacon council is not yet ready for an armed overthrow, but there are many Predacons who are just waiting to fire the first shot. This situation resulted from the ancient Autobot's victory over the Decepticons, lead by the legendary Optimus Prime.

Terminology:
*Autobot -- Ancestor model of the Maximals, who fought a 4 million year war with the Decepticons. See "Earth War/GreatWar"
*Beast Mode -- (aka BeastForm) Energon-insulating bodies cloned from the DNA of non-robotic lifeforms. The Beast Mode resembles the host form in every way, including natural abilities, but is often larger than the original, with the ability to speak.
*Bot -- ('Bot) Generic slang term for a Transformer.
*Cybertron -- Home planet of the Transformers. All Cybertonians are living robots, and Cybertron itself is rumored to be the body of a massive robot. Many wars have been fought over control of Cybertron and its resources. See "EarthWar/GreatWar"
*Decepticon -- Ancestor model of the Predacons, enemies of the Autobots. The Great War and the Earth War were started by the Decepticon leader Megatron.
*EarthWar -- During the last years of the GreatWars, a ship of Autobot explorers and the Decepticons chasing it fought a battle over a newly discovered planet, strong with Energon. Both ships crashed, sending all 'bots aboard into suspended animation until they could be repaired. Four Million Years later, both Decepticons and Autobots were revived and assumed what the ships computer assumed to be the dominate lifeforms: actually mechanical vehicles belonging to the mammalian lifeforms called Humans. The Decepticons started to drain the planet of Energon, but the Autobots found allies in the Humans and repeatedly foiled the Decepticon's plans. Eventually events lead to Optimus Prime's victory over the Decepticons, and the current truce on Cybertron.
*Energon -- A naturally occuring radiation, sometimes found in crystalized form, that is the energy source for all Cybertronic life and technology. Energon can be captured, processed, and stored for future use in Energon Cubes or Storage Batteries. In crystaline form, raw Energon is highly unstable, often flaring unpredicably or outright exploding. This makes raw Energon very dangerous to unshielded Cybertronic life and technology. This is sometimes refered to as Energon Poisoning.
*Great Wars -- A series of wars lasting for over 5 millions years for control of Cybertron. As centuries passed, the victors of one war would be overthrown by the winners of the next, until Cybertron's resources were on the brink of collapse from the near-constant warfare. After the events of the EarthWar, Cybertron was controlled by the Autobot council, which peacefully transferred power to their Maximal decendants. The Decepticons were replaced by the Predacons, who have yet to make any move to restart the Great Wars.
*Maximal -- The decendants of the Autobots. Smaller than their prior model, the Maximals are more efficient in their Energon usage. They range from 2m to 4m tall, and have taken characteristics from mammalian and avian lifeforms from Earth. The reason for this is unclear.
*Offline -- Inactive, damaged, destroyed. See Terminated.
*Predacon -- The decendants of the Decepticons. Smaller than their prior model, the Maximals are more efficient in their Energon usage. They range from 2m to 4m tall, and have taken characteristics from reptilian or insectoid lifeforms from Earth. The reason for this is unclear.
*Robot Mode -- A Bot's normal Cybertonian form. Fully bipedal, with countless tools available to aid them in their daily life. 'Bots in the military branches have several weapon attachments. Raw Energon interferes with the Robot Form's circuitry, often leading to overload and StasisLock. See StasisLock.
*Scrap -- (v) To destroy. (n) An item damaged beyond repair. (slang) a curseword.
*Slag -- (slang) A strong curseword.
*Spark -- A spark is a Cybertonian's soul. It contains the 'Bots basic programing and personality, and is what raises a Cybertonian from machine to lifeform. The spark also inables the transformation process from Robot mode to Beast or Vehicle. Most sparks dissapate with the termination of the 'Bot, but some may survive, and even be transfered into a new body called a Protoform.
*Protoform -- The embriotic from of a 'Bot. The Robot form is in a semi-liquid unfinished state inside a transport pod, awaiting the acquistion of an active Spark. Once a Spark is activated, the Protoform molds itself to best accomodate and symbolize the Spark's personality and programming. If the Protoform is on a planet with a dangerous level of Energon radiation the transport pod will activate a scanner and search for a suitable native lifeform, using their DNA or other blueprint to create a Beast or Vehicle mode for the 'Bot's protection and concealment. Some ships on extended missions will carry part of the crew as protoforms, to save on space.
*Reformating -- Process by which Teletran 1, Unicron, or Primus modifies a Bot's programing to allow it to take a Vehicle or Beast form.
*Stasis Lock -- A situation caused by over-exposure to raw Energon or another strong radiation. The Bot is forced to shut down all operations to prevent further damage, sometimes leaving the Bot helpless and unaware of their surroundings or situation. It is believe the Autobots and Decepticons involved in the Earth War survived millenia in Stasis Lock until revived by the ship's computer.
*Transport Pod -- the protective casing used to store and transport Protoforms. Able to resist space vacuum, atmospheric reentry, and most other trauma.
*Termination/Terminated -- Destroyed beyond all repair. (slang) Destruction of a 'Bots Spark.
*Vehicle Mode -- Cybertronian forms of Autobots and Decepticon. Provides same Energon protection as the BeastMode, cannot be be obtained by Maximals or Predacons unless reformated.


Game System:(As per White Wolf's Abberant. Modifications to the rules are listed below.)

Character Creation:
1. Character Stats. Each player has a set amount of starting points to spend amongst Attributes, Abilities, and Adaptations.
-- Attributes: (as per White Wolf) Divide points amongst Physical (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina), Social (Charisma, Manipulation, Appearance) or Mental (Perception, Intelligence, Wits) Attributes as follows. 8 Primary, 6 Secondary, 4 Tertiary. Each Attribute has one free starting point.
-- Abilities: (as per WhiteWolf, set up for a high-tech game, examples given) Divide points amongst Talents (Alertness, Dodge, Leadership), Skills (Piloting, Invention, Scrounge), and Knowledges (Computers, Engineering, MedTech).
--Backgrounds, Powers, and Enhancements: (as per WhiteWolf, with DM's discretion) The Node Background represents the power of the 'Bots Spark. Taint represents Energon Poisoning, which will lead to Stasis Lock. The Powers can be adapted as weapons of the 'Bot's Robot, Vehicle, or Beast forms. ((WARNING: Energon (WW:Quantum) Regeneration/Conversion/(Taint)Resistance are Rare Powers. Must be DM Approved, can be used to transfrom raw Energon into refined Energon. Example of Energon Conversion: creation of Energon Cubes, as per Transformers G1: Soundwave. Shapeshift Power is also restricted to Triple-Changers, who must pay extra Energon for the transformations.))
-- Willpower (no changes from WhiteWolf)
-- Energon Max/Current Levels (As per WhiteWolf's Quantum and Quantum Pool) Max Energon is how much the 'Bot can hold. Energon Level is the current amount available. Recharges with exposure to processed Energon. Exposure to raw Energon will cause overloads, but with DM's discretion, may be attempted. Energon Regeneration allows for a larger Max Energon and faster refill of Energon Level.

2. Fleshing Out
-- Programming: Maximal or Predacon. This effects what Backgrounds and Powers are available to the Bot. Unless DM is wishing inter-party conflict, Predacons should be limited to NPCs.
-- Mode: Beast or Vehicle. DM may require the player to take certain Abilities or Powers to represent these Modes.
-- Speciality/Concept: The Bots main job title. Attributes and Abilities should reflect this choice. Examples: Leader (Optimus), Scientist/Medtech, Scout/Spy.
--Merits/Flaws: Optional Rules to make a Bot's personality and powers unique. DM's discretion advised. Merits may be purchased point for point with Flaws. Flaws may be bought off thru Experience and RolePlay at DMs' Discretion.
--Bonus Points: The Bot is given 20 bonus points to customize the character.

Combat: (Mostly as per WhiteWolf Aberrant. Differences Listed Below)
Damage Levels:
Optimal
Functional
Functional
Passible (-1 all rolls)
Damaged (-2)
Nominal (-4)
Scrapped (Unconscious for 10 minus Stamina rounds, min. 5 rounds. -6 all rolls)
OFFLINE (requires Medtech or Repair Pod)

1. Damage
--Bashing/Stun Damage. Caused by brawling, grappling, near-miss explosions, etc. Armor and Stamina dice total used for Soak Pool. If roll is successful, no damage is dealt. Can be healed during combat by the Bot's own internal repair systems. This is to represent how hard it is to put a Bot down with Hand-to-hand fighting.
-- Lethal Damage. Caused by firearms, melee weapons, or falling from great heights. Roll half the Soak pool, then take damage as normal.
--Agg Damage. Caused by Energon radiation, lava, point-blank explosion, etc DM's Discretion. Any damage to an exposed Spark is Agg Damage. Can only be soaked with ForceField or Hard Body Enhancements.
2. Healing Damage
--Bots heal 3pts Stun Damage per round and 1pt Bashing Damage per round, even in combat. 1pt Lethal damage per day, but only with full rest as the Bot's internal repair system works. MedTechs can repair themselves or another Bot's Lethal Damage at an accelerated rate. Agg Damage can only be healed by a MedTech with proper equipment or by placing the Bot inside a Repair Pod. Repairing Agg Damage requires 24 hours per point of Damage, whether by MedTech or Repair Pod.
3. Stasis Lock
-- When a Bot in RobotMode is exposed to raw Energon, it risks having a total system shutdown. The length of time it takes for StasisLock to occur is based upon the amount of Energon radiation present in the vicinity, with an average of 3 rounds per Stamina for the Bot to assume another Mode or leave the vicinity. MegaStamina and other Stamina Boosts adds one round per dot. HardBody doubles this total. A Bot with the Repair or Medtech Skill can rerout his circuitry to extend operations for rounds equal to his Repair or Medtech skill. A Bot may also spend Willpower to remain active at one point per two rounds. If Willpower is spent this way, when the extra rounds run out, the Bot reverts automatically to Beast or Vehicle Mode and takes Lethal Damage for each Willpower Point spent holding off StasisLock.
-- Reverting to Vehicle or Beast Mode before the time limit runs out resets the clock. Bot must remain in this Mode for rounds equal to 10 minus their base Stamina (min. 5 rounds) before returning to Robot Mode. If a Bot spent Willpower to stay active before voluntarily reverting to Vehicle or Beast Mode, the Bot takes Bashing Damage for each Willpower Spent.
-- Once a Bot is in Stasis Lock, it is unconscious and helpless until healed by either a Medtech or a Repair Pod, due to circuitry shutdown.
4. Termination
--A Bot is amazingly hard to kill. It can be crushed, blown to bits, or ripped apart and still be repaired by a skilled MedTech or a RepairPod, as long as the Spark itself has not taken Damage. If a Bot ever takes all Agg Damage down to 'Nominal', it is assumed that the Spark is exposed. Any Agg Damage taken after this point is dealt to the Spark itself. If the Spark takes more Agg Damage after that point, the player rolls the Bots Stamina (Diff 6) each round. If the roll fails, the Spark is Terminated. If the roll Botches, GMs are free to be as sadistic as they wish.

[SirNitram]

Preliminary Powers/Enhancements List. Subject to change!

Powers:

Banned:
Animal/Plant Mastery.
Bodymorph
Disrupt
Empathic Manipulation
Mental Blast
Cyberkinesis
Homoculus
Matter Chameleon
Matter Creation
Quantum Construct
Temporal Manipulation
Weather Manipulation
Information Manipulation
Momentum Control
ALL LEVEL 4 AND UP POWERS

DM Discretion:
Density Control
Elemental Anima/Mastery
Entropy Control
Molecular Manipulation

Restricted:
Poison(Decepticon/Predacon)

Modified:
Forcefield(Player's Guide Fixed-Mode)

Enhancements:

Banned:
Quantum Leap
Flexibility
Natural Empath
Artistic Genius
Lie Detector
Appearance Alteration
Face Of Terror
First Impression
Mr. Nobody
Seductive Looks
The Voice
Persuader
Trickster
Commanding Presense
Dreadful Mien
Health
Sensory Organ
Self-Analysis
Human Nature
Redirection
Group Awareness
Almost Live
Blind Bewitchment
Mirroring
Conflicting Accounts
Creeping Paranoia
Overwhelming Question
Center Of Attention
Inspiration
Perfect Guest

DM Discretion:
Regeneration
Enhanced Initiative
Copycat

Gimme:
Electromagnetic Vision

Restricted: Soothe(Autobot/Maximal)

Mode Specific:
Fine Manipulation
Omnidexterity

Backgrounds:

Banned:
Eufiber
Attunement
Dormancy

[LadyTevar]

Did no one find this interesting?

[Dark Silver]

I like it, I need to get the Abarrent core book in order to check what most of the powers are.

almost makes me want to run another Transformer game..

[LadyTevar]

I'd be interested, that's for sure