August 2024 Update
- Adam Donovan
- Aug 31, 2024
- 8 min read
[August 2024]
Greetings all, and welcome to the August (2024) update for Roguelike Games!
Following our 'Species Spotlight' updates (refer to the blogs for April, May, and June 2024), this month we turn our attention to the Uncanny Edition of Moralinth: Gothic Horror TTRPG once more, examining the eight Character Types available for Players to select for their Characters.
Following on from our July Update, this month we are specifically looking at the four remaining Types players can choose for their Characters.
(please note that this is content specific to the Uncanny Edition of the game, which uses a modified variant of the Cypher System ruleset and is being developed under the Cypher System Open License (CSOL). For those familiar with the Cypher System, much of this information will be recognisable, in part.
For similar content in the Gloom Edition, keep an eye out for our 'Gloom Calling Updates' starting in September 2024!)
Lets revisit the information on Types of Moralinth: Uncanny Edition....
What are "Types"?
A Character’s Type represents their calling within the world of Moralinth and is one of the most fundamental parts of the character creation process, acting as a core upon which all other game mechanics can be hung.
In Moralinth Type most closely resembles a character “class” in other games, and within this game there are eight character Types to choose from: Adept, Combatant, Dilettante, Explorer, Rapscallion, Sleuth, Spiritualist and Technocrat.
In this month's update, we will be looking at the remaining four of these Types.
A character's Type is one part of character creation, along with Descriptor and Focus which collaboratively form a Character Statement. This statement, as well as providing a list of abilities to choose from when designing a Character, also provides a simple summary of the character at a glance. The Character Statement comprises of a noun, verb and adjective where the Type constitutes the noun aspect of the statement.
For example, a character might be described as "...a Curious Sleuth who Works the back alleys."
This above example can be broken down into
"...an [Adjective] [Noun] who [Verb]."
(...a [Descriptor] [Type] who [Focus]. )
While certain Types may align with various Descriptors or Focus, Players have the freedom to construct their Characters in any combination they wish, contributing to the diverse and intriguing dynamics of the party.
Moralinth: Uncanny Edition Character Types (Part II)
The Rapscallion
The confidence trickster, the burglar, the opportunist, the assassin—all these roles and more are embodied by the Rapscallion: a rogue who relies on their wits and reflexes rather than brute force or scholarly knowledge.
Often hailing from a challenging background or having to fend for themselves from a young age, Rapscallions typically possess a streetwise edge, are adept at manipulating others, or are exceptionally skilled at staying unseen and blending into their surroundings.
Rapscallions strive to be ready for anything, with a plan for every possible situation, navigating the spectrum from back-alley vagabonds to cunning impostors circulating through ballrooms.
While the pursuit of personal power or wealth is often the main drive for Rapscallions, it's not always the case; some are motivated by desires for revenge or redemption.
PRIMARY STATISTIC: Speed
STARTING TALENTS: Rapscallions initially have access to Talents which allow them to employ agility and dexterity to move unrestricted and unseen. In addition, if they are ever caught unawares, they have a selection of Talents designed to help they get out of sticky situations.
WHY PLAY A RAPSCALLION? : Opportunists who work hard to manipulate situations to their benefit, Rapscallions are rarely without a plan or an escape route. Ready to risk just enough to succeed without compromising themselves, they frequently hail from a background that left them wanting or have grown up dreaming of a better life. If you are looking to explore the story of an individual who rises above their humble beginnings to chase glory, wealth and a legacy then a Rapscallion might be for you.
Examples of Rapscallion include A. J. Raffles, Burke and Hare & Diamond Annie.
The Sleuth
For a Sleuth, the truth is paramount, no matter where it leads. Possessing an analytical mind that appears foreign to many, a Sleuth approaches problems logically, striving to unearth secrets despite potential complications. Whether it's delving into ancient civilizations, tracking a fugitive, interpreting strange texts, or resolving cold cases, the Sleuth seeks challenges that test their perception, investigative prowess, and problem-solving abilities. Favouring intellect over physical confrontation, a Sleuth enjoys devising clever solutions to tricky predicaments, matching wits with adversaries to unravel mysteries. While inclined towards the scientific rather than the mystical, an Uncanny Sleuth does not dismiss the possibility of The Dark or supernatural elements playing a role in their investigations.
PRIMARY STATISTIC: Intellect
STARTING TALENTS: Sleuths begin with various Talents that provide additional benefits to their already impressive deductive reasoning, offer insight or allow the sleuth to draw conclusions that others would miss. Using their Uncanny Talents, a Sleuth can employ increased perception and reasoning to solve mysteries that would easily stump others.
WHY PLAY A SLEUTH? : Truth seekers who illuminate the shadows, Sleuths untangle perplexing enigmas to challenge their intellect and exercise their deductive prowess. For them, the thrill of solving a mystery surpasses the significance of the revelations it may bring, as they meticulously strategize many moves in advance. If you want to play a Character who relishes unwrapping a mystery, getting into the mind of a criminal or keeping on step ahead of a rival, a Sleuth might be for you.
Examples of Sleuth include C. Auguste Dupin, Kate Easton & Sherlock Holmes.
The Spiritualist
Spiritualists, closely connected to the realm of the deceased, are often attuned to unusual phenomena even before they become Uncanny. Plagued by visions that take the form of odd premonitions and capable of perceiving the spirits of those who have not yet moved on to Eternum, Spiritualists frequently find themselves straddling the line between the living and the dead, serving as a conduit between the two realms. They are deeply aware of The Dark's existence and its profound impact on the world of Moralinth, often appearing eccentric or peculiar to others. Many Spiritualists hold strong religious beliefs or have faith in the supernatural from a young age, yet they are susceptible to mental disturbances due to their exposure to sights that should remain unseen.
PRIMARY STATISTIC: Intellect
STARTING TALENTS: Spiritualists start with a selection of Talents which allow them to better detect and interact with the spirits of the departed. Additionally they possess the capability to manipulate emotions and draw on the power of the afterlife.
WHY PLAY A SPIRITUALIST? : Under the influence of The Dark, the presence of the restless dead transcends mere stories and parlour tricks. For a member of The Uncanny, who is cognizant of the world's realities and the existence of Creatures of Darkness, the ability to commune with the departed is an essential skill. If you want to play a Character who can see and communicate with otherworldly entities, a Spiritualist might be for you.
Examples of Spiritualists include Anna Kingsford, Aleister Crowley & Vanessa Ives.
The Technocrat
The Industrial Revolution is bringing about profound changes in the world of Moralinth, with significant advancements in science, medicine, and technology. It is this last area that the Technocrats invest their interest, enthusiasm, and expertise. Fascinated by all things mechanical, electrical, and technical, Technocrats have fully embraced the opportunities that new technologies provide to the citizens of The Empire. As inventors, mechanics, tool smiths, artisans, and visionaries, Technocrats view technology as the path forward and often regard those who hold onto tradition and superstition as outdated and inhibitive. While it is uncommon for a Technocrat to combine magic with technology, those who do—known as 'techno mages'—incorporate cyphers and artefacts into their creations, sometimes powering technological devices with arcane energy. More adept with machines than with people, Technocrats are most content when they are inventing, enhancing, fixing, or dismantling something, and many consider technology to be the ultimate tool in the fight against the Creatures of Darkness.
PRIMARY STATISTIC: Intellect
STARTING TALENTS: Technocrats begin with various Talents that provide additional ways for them to tinker, discover, repair or modify all kinds of technological devices. This improved understanding of the technological stretches from simple hand-held tools all the way to the most complicated vehicle or robotic automaton.
WHY PLAY A TECHNOCRAT? : While the tradition of religious belief remains pervasive throughout the Empire, The Known World is currently experiencing an industrial revolution. Science and technology are advancing at an unprecedented pace. Technocrats are the individuals who have wholeheartedly adopted this new era, convinced that the destiny of mortalkind is firmly in the hands of science and technology. If you want to play a Character with forward-thinking ideas and a love for all things technological, a Technocrat might be for you.
Examples of Technocrats include Ada Lovelace, Isambard Kingdom Brunel & James Watt.
How Types work in Moralinth: Uncanny Edition
Type is a fundamental pillar of character creation in Moralinth: Uncanny Edition, alongside Descriptor and Focus. Together, these elements form a Character Statement that provides a concise narrative description of the character and also dictates the various ways in which the characters engage with the game's mechanics. Rather that repeating all of the information about how Types work here, you can read July's Update to find out more detail.
Roguelike Community
The Moralinth Official Facebook Group is the place to visit for quick and concise updates for those who only want the summarised details of what is happening with Moralinth, and is a great place to see the artwork, lore snippets, and updates. We're looking to add more to it so that we can add extra information, but we need your help! What sort of things would you like to see included in the Facebook Group that isn't there already? Feel free to leave comments so we can know what is a priority for everyone - and make sure you tell your friends!
DISCORD:
For a more in-depth and interactive playground for all things Moralinth, you can head over to the Morlainth Official Discord Server. We're looking to foster the community and grow it out, and a few of the messages we've received of late have asked for more ways to interact with the game world as well as an increase in setting information. We're looking to try and grant both requests simultaneously, so keep an eye on Discord for more information! Feel free to invite anyone who you feel might want to follow the project but please remember they need to verify their account when they first join the server (you need to click the little "tick" to be granted the Uncanny role and gain access to all the Categories, Channels and Events).
Future Plans
In September we will be continuing look at character options, but will be moving over to the Gloom Edition of Moralinth. Much like the Uncanny Edition "Types", the Gloom Edition uses its own version which are referred to as your Character's "Calling".
Just as was done with the Uncanny Types, in September's update we will be exploring the first half of the Gloom Edition "Callings", being:
Chymist, Dilettante, Explorer, Industrialist, Inquisitor and Medium!
....and that wraps up our update for this month! Feel free to drop us a message or come visit us on our Facebook page or our Discord Group if you'd like! Until our next update,
Happy Gaming!
- Adam
Comments