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Author Topic: Conspiracy X sourcebooks  (Read 873 times)

jan paparazzi

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Conspiracy X sourcebooks
« on: January 01, 2015, 04:51:06 PM »
Anyone got the Extraterrestrials, Paranormal and Conspiracies sourcebooks of Conspiracy X and are they any good? As a matter of fact does anyone play Unisystem on this forum?
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trechriron

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« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2015, 06:41:28 PM »
I own them, was part of the Kickstarters, and I have run/played Unisystem several times (more with AFMBE).

First, all the books in this line are very well produced. Great artwork that conveys the modern conspiracy alien supernatural bent of the game.

Second, these books in particular really flesh out the setting. Lots of fluff on top of the new rules for paranormal abilities, conspiracies and alien tech. Where as the main book might be used for a more generic setting, these supplements really nail down the specific setting of the game.

I have been trying to invent a new dice mechanic for Unisystem, as I don't like the d10/implode/explode thing (the odds, the curve...). Outside that (for me) it's a simple well thought out game. The ConX setting is a fantastic backdrop for techno-thriller, X-Files, spy-action, modern supernatural conspiracy gaming.
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3rik

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Conspiracy X sourcebooks
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2015, 07:06:54 PM »
I own all three books as well. I haven't actually ran the game. The books do a great job of fleshing out the Con X setting and delivering scenario ideas.

Trechriron, have you looked at the Vortex system as a slight alternative to Unisystem? I imagine one could put together a fine Con X game using the Primeval RPG with the Con X setting material.
« Last Edit: January 01, 2015, 09:42:24 PM by 3rik »
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Molotov

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« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2015, 09:10:36 PM »
I own them, and just closed down a successful Conspiracy X (2nd ed) campaign a few months ago. It was tremendous fun.

The rules engine was perfectly functional. To be honest, not my favorite system, but it worked fine.

If I were to run it again, I'd likely use 6d6 rpg, or another engine, and use much of the Con X material.

urbwar

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« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2015, 02:42:41 AM »
I've got them all. I used to play Unisystem frequently, as I am a playtester for them. Not so much now as there hasn't been any new books (and those Con X books were playtested years ago).

I like Con X, but more so the alien/conspiracy aspects. Not as keen on the supernatural elements of the game, as other Unisystem lines handle those better (and the reasons why it works a little different are based on the setting).

It's a perfectly serviceable game/system, and even if you don't use it, you could probably port material over to other games if you wanted

trechriron

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« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2015, 06:20:53 AM »
Quote from: 3rik;807295
...
Trechriron, have you looked at the Vortex system as a slight alternative to Unisystem? ...


I haven't, but I will check it out. I read the thread here just now and it sounds interesting.
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jan paparazzi

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Conspiracy X sourcebooks
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2015, 11:42:26 AM »
Quote from: trechriron;807291
I own them, was part of the Kickstarters, and I have run/played Unisystem several times (more with AFMBE).



I heard there is only one guy now working all the books of Eden Studios. I hope they will kickstarter a Witchcraft supplement as well, but it doesn't look like it because of low sales.

I really like the books for it's practicality. The only downside unisystem has is the settings can be a little generic. But if they flesh out the setting more with supplements, it can only improve, right?
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3rik

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« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2015, 07:09:50 PM »
Quote from: trechriron;807351
I haven't, but I will check it out. I read the thread here just now and it sounds interesting.
Also, alternatively, the excellent Covert Ops doesn't have any supernatural stuff in it, but using the GMs Operations Manual you could easily port over any non-supernatural elements from Con X you like and then come up with something for the supernatural and alien elements yourself. Putting together your HQ, contacts, resources, Pulling Strings, etc. etc. : it's all there.
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trechriron

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« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2015, 10:29:52 PM »
Quote from: jan paparazzi;807389
I heard there is only one guy now working all the books of Eden Studios. I hope they will kickstarter a Witchcraft supplement as well, but it doesn't look like it because of low sales.

I really like the books for it's practicality. The only downside unisystem has is the settings can be a little generic. But if they flesh out the setting more with supplements, it can only improve, right?


Yeah, I think that's part of the appeal with Unisystem, is it is a light generic system you tweak out to fit your premise. There's a sci-fi game called Eldritch Skies for example that uses the cinematic version with lots of flavor and a nifty setting with it.

There is basically one or two people working IIRC. It's all very slow. Seems to be the status quo these days for most small publishers, it's hard to make ends meet 100% on the hobby.
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no one important

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Conspiracy X sourcebooks
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2015, 01:18:01 AM »
I'm really liking the Extraterrestrials book - lots of useful ideas in it.  Haven't had a chance to look at Paranormal.

I thought too much of the Conspiracies sourcebook was spent on lengthy descriptions of NPCs, but there were enough good parts in it that I don't regret the purchase.

In the Conspiracies book especially, there are a number of references to a third group (other than Aegis and NDD) and other elements just mentioned in passing (like Nostradamus predicting, if I remember correctly, the Saurians' return).  Were these discussed more in the first edition stuff, or is it intentionally left undeveloped?

My players want to do an X-Files style game next, and Conspiracy X is the perfect setting, but I'm finding some parts of the system problematic.  I don't think the 'Beautician' skill is necessary.  The professions all seem very expensive for a 'Pre-Heroic' level campaign.  Why don't FBI Field Agents have the "arrest power" string to pull?  Combat seems a bit finicky.

I'm considering using BRP or FATE (leaning towards FATE because it looks like it would take less time to stat out antagonists).  Does Unisystem play smoother than it reads?
Not as dumb as I look, sound, or best testing indicates.  Awful close, though.

Molotov

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« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2015, 01:45:33 AM »
Quote from: Nick Bower;807536
I'm considering using BRP or FATE (leaning towards FATE because it looks like it would take less time to stat out antagonists).  Does Unisystem play smoother than it reads?

It does, and with system mastery. My group and I found the system functional. At least one of the players was a big fan of the system (and game in general). That said, I find the game is strongest in its source material, pulled strings for organizations and such.

From your post, I think you'd be better served with BRP or Fate. The biggest piece to convert to any system would be the idea of the pulled strings. With Fate, I think you'd want to make sure to include some additional Stress tracks or otherwise consider how you can have PCs feel more threatened / at risk.

The other big learning for me with a modern conspiracy campaign was the vast amount of information the player group can generate, request and require.

no one important

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« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2015, 03:53:33 AM »
Quote from: Molotov;807540
The other big learning for me with a modern conspiracy campaign was the vast amount of information the player group can generate, request and require.


Yeah, even aside from any game-specific resources, just being able to surf the net on a smartphone makes some mystery harder.  On the other hand, it's useful for context-dumps ("Oh, so that's where that quote that the serial killer keeps leaving behind actually comes from.  Now, why is he so obsessed with Monster High?").
Not as dumb as I look, sound, or best testing indicates.  Awful close, though.