Noctum (Role-Playing Game)
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 Noctum 3rd edition cover | |
| Designer | Mischa L Thomas |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Wicked World Games 1.1 until May 2008 Mongoose Publishing from May 2008 |
| Publication date | October 2005 (1st Edition) January 2007 (2nd Edition) May 2009 (3rd Edition) |
| Genre(s) | Survival Horror |
| System | Custom |
Noctum is a pen and paper survival horror Role-playing game developed by Mischa L Thomas [1]. There are two earlier Swedish editions published by Wicked World Games 1.1. The third edition is published by Mongoose Publishing under their Flaming Cobra imprint.
Contents[hide] |
[edit]Game Universe
Noctum is set in our day and age. The players take on the roles of everyday people, some are more engrossed in the hidden world from the start. Each character has one or more weakness (Insane Heritage, Marked, Crossover, etc) which has formed his life in one way or another. The horrors of the game often center on crimes and atrocities that humans subject each other to, and also on the state of our society. Rape, murder, starvation, religious zealotry turned deadly and drug abuse is but some occurrences that give rise to manifestations and incarnations. Most people are apathetic and look the other way as these things passes them by. An unknown outer force uses the greed and sadism of mankind to its own end. There are several layers of dimensions beyond the world we normally view as reality.
[edit]System
Noctum uses 2D10s when calling for dice rolls. In many cases a mechanic using automatic success is employed, often when dealing with investigative scenes. The system shifts when handling ritual magic and psychic abilities, using cards instead of dice.
Combat can be dealt with using one of two modes, Suspense Mode or Duke Mode. If running a game with a high level of combat and action the Duke Mode is often put to use, while stories which has their focus elsewhere uses the Suspense Mode. The damage system is extremely deadly and gritty. A well placed bullet or a single stab wound can be enough to kill or severely injure a human character.
As with most RPG’s focusing on horror, Noctum has a system that deals with mental instability and mental disorders. Beyond this, each player can use the EKG strip to keep track of his characters adrenaline levels, changed stats and Fight or Flight reaction.
[edit]Styles of Play
This is entirely up to the gamers and there’s probably dozens of different styles. However, Noctum comes with some background on nine classic styles. The main myth never changes, only which part of it that the characters are exposed to.
[edit]Ancient Gate
The myth of the game is filtered through ancient religions and belief systems focusing on banished malevolent creatures which stand to re-enter our world. Researches, investigations (often revolving around the academic world) are common elements. Violence plays a small part if any. Hindering crazed sects from calling their dark masters into our world is an example of a typical concept.
[edit]Hack & Slash
This is almost a mode of play. The focus is violence and the stories are driven forward by high octane action. By using the Duke Mode the action is kept quick and dirty. Here the actual killing of antagonists by different methods is the main thing.
[edit]Legions of Hell
The style is often played with an even mix of action, research and investigation. The game universe is viewed through the lens of biblical scripture and Christian/Islamic/Judeo mythology. Possessions, entities that display demonic features (strengths/limitations) and prophecies are common elements.
[edit]Morose Miroir
Atrocities incarnate and dark desires manifested are the bread and butter of Morose Miroir. Here our world overlaps with nightmarish dimensions that in most cases is a result of a terrible crime, sin or other similarly horrific occurrence. Driven to the brink of insanity by the shifts in reality the character has to solve puzzles and find answers in order to survive. Violence plays its part, but the terror is often on a pure psychological level.
[edit]Paranormal
There is seldom confirmation of the otherwordly. In this style one is subjected to the ravages of the paranormal/occult world but is often left without proof. Shattering conspiracies, avoiding shady agencies and finding the truth is pivotal. Violence and investigation often have an equal part to play.
[edit]Thriller
Here there are seldom any real encounters with the otherworldly. The antagonists are very human. The profiling and chase of brutal and sadistic serial offenders is the main thing in Thriller. Profilers descend into madness as they try to get inside the head of the killer they’re chasing. Psychological pressure, mental anguish and being the obsession of a psychotic killer with a plan is part of the deal.
[edit]Urban Fantasy
Most characters have the ability to use ritual magic or psychic abilities. In Urban Fantasy the otherworldly is something that is a bit more common to the characters. They use supernatural abilities to fight off organizations and entities in the dark back allies of the city. The hidden world waits just around the corner.
[edit]Wicked City
The characters are immersed in a violent cold world of jaded hitmen and killers. This style is very much inspired by the “Neo Noir” frame of mind. The supernatural is seldom seen, but it can be hinted at. There are rumors that speak of entire mob crews turning up ripped to shreds and they appeared to have been shooting in every direction without apparently hitting a thing. Corruption, brutality and greed are important elements. Violence is also something that can play a big part.
[edit]Virus
Virus centres on genetic experimentation and viral weaponry gone haywire. Large, unethical and greedy corporations and clandestine agencies conduct their unlawful experiments in their hidden laboratories. Violent viral outbreaks, mutations and genetically altered monstrosities make out the core in Virus. In many cases there is both an air of psychological suspense, research and hardcore violence thrown in the mix. There is seldom any form of supernatural explanations as such; everything that happens can be explained through cutting edge science.
[edit]Antagonists
There’s a wide range of antagonists, everything from serial killers to ancient dark demigods. The most common type is the so called Half-Breed. Most are manifestations of atrocities and horrible crimes.
Forsaken[2], Chainer and Flesh Dolls are examples of these. Others, however, is a result of biogenetic weapons research. Antagonists vary and the type of story that’s played often decides which entities that is suitable. Many stories only involve human antagonists, centering on the profiling and capturing of serial killers. There are also several corporations, sects and clandestine agencies that the characters has to deal with.
[edit]Influences
Noctum have been inspired by many different sources within the horror genre. The use of dimensional shifts and dark worlds that have been created as a result of atrocities, twisted desires, nightmares and madness is a common horror concept seen in Silent Hill, Darkness, Hellraiserand A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Possessions, entities capable of body jumping and curses which can take over a person and twist a location into a deadly maze are other dangers which the characters can encounter. The Amityville Horror, The Exorcist, House on Haunted Hill and 1408 are movies that use this concept. There are also aspects which are seen in The Thing, Resident Evil and similar games and movies where an entity or pathogen mutates, changes or replaces individuals, causing violent outbreaks.
[edit]Material
- Noctum Core Book 3rd edition (May 2009) [3][4]
- Vivisection (June 2009)
[edit]References
- ^ Mischa L. Thomas (February 2009). "Mischa L Thomas - I Want to Play a Game". Mischa L. Thomas. Retrieved on 2009-01-12.
- ^ Mischa L. Thomas and Peter M. Skopa (February 2009). "Audrey's Blight from the Noctum Soundtrack". Wicked World Games 1.1. Retrieved on 2009-02-12.
- ^ Mischa L. Thomas (February 2009). "A sneak peek at Noctum part 1". Mongoose Publishing. Retrieved on 2009-02-12.
- ^ Mischa L. Thomas (February 2009). "A sneak peek at Noctum part 2". Mongoose Publishing. Retrieved on 2009-02-12.
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