Numenera: Ninth World A Cypher System Game

Mar 1

Welcome to Dice and Dialogue, a new tabletop RPG show brought to you by Crit Academy! In this show, we'll be discussing a variety of RPGs, exploring different game systems and settings, and sharing tips and tricks for running successful games. Today, we're delving into the world of Numenera, a unique RPG setting that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy to create a world of mystery and danger.

Numenera is powered by the Cypher System, an open-ended game engine that can be used to run games in any genre. In Numenera the setting is the Ninth World. It’s a world that has seen eight previous civilizations rise and fall, each leaving behind its own legacy of technology and wonders. The current civilization is a hodgepodge of cultures and societies, each with its own unique traditions and beliefs. Technology is everywhere, but it is often incomprehensible and unpredictable, leading to a mix of superstition and awe.

The people of the Ninth World are known as the "Ninth Worlders," and they are a diverse group of humans and other species, including mutants and cyborgs. They live in a variety of environments, from the lush forests of the Steadfast to the barren deserts of the Beyond.

The Ninth World is also home to a variety of strange and dangerous creatures, from intelligent robots to bizarre mutants to extradimensional beings. Exploring the Ninth World can be a perilous endeavor, as danger and mystery lurk around every corner.

Numenera is a tabletop roleplaying game set in the Ninth World. Players take on the roles of adventurers, exploring the world and discovering its many mysteries. The game uses the Cypher System, a ruleset that emphasizes storytelling and creativity. With its starter set, it’s easy to get into.

Players create characters with unique abilities and skills, choosing from three different character types: Glaive, Nano, and Jack. They also select a descriptor and a focus, which add more flavor and depth to their characters. The game is designed to encourage players to create their own stories and adventures, and the rules are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different playstyles.

Our hosts recently played a session of Numenera and wanted to share their thoughts and experiences with the game. Here's what they had to say:

Alex: "Numenera and the Cypher System were so open, it was actually a little hard to grasp at first how vast and open they were. But as you play, you realize that you can do so much, you can have any weapon that you can think of, it just matters if it's light, medium, or heavy. Overall, I had a really positive experience with it."

Brandon: "I found Numenera to be a really interesting setting, with lots of room for creativity and exploration. The Cipher System was definitely a bit daunting at first, but once we figured it out, it was really fun to play with."

Ian: "I enjoyed the session we played, but I did find the rules a bit confusing at times. I think it would take some practice to really get comfortable with the game mechanics."

Justin: "As the GM for our session, I thought Numenera was a great game to run. The setting is so unique and full of potential, and the Cypher System allowed me to improvise and adapt to the players' choices and actions. I had a personal love of GM Intrusions. This took the place of traditional story branching, adding a bit more of a challenge, but topping it off with an extra reward for the players."

Overall, our hosts had a positive experience with Numenera and the Cypher System. They found the system to be open and versatile, with lots of room for creativity and exploration. However, they also acknowledged that the rules can be a bit confusing at first and that it takes some practice to really get comfortable with the game mechanics.

If you're interested in trying out Numenera or the Cypher System for yourself, there are plenty of resources available online to help you get started. And if you're a seasoned player or GM, we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the game as well!

Give a listen to the full podcast here and stay tuned for future episodes of Dice and Dialogue for the rest of this series, and where we'll be exploring more RPGs and sharing tips and tricks for running successful games. Thanks for tuning in!

Capes and Crooks - A 5e Superhero RPG

Capes and Crooks utilizes the core rules for the 5th Edition of the world’s greatest roleplaying game and adds its own unique twist. You will take on the role of a superhero (or a villain if you prefer) and completely customize your character with unique origins, roles, powers, and alter-egos. With a group of friends and a bit of imagination, you will strike out on dangerous missions and terrifying challenges, from stopping bank robbers and handling deadly hostage negotiations to slaying monstrosities created from a mad scientist’s experimentations. You will also have to deal with the realities of a law and order society that doesn’t exactly look kindly on those with powers. This book contains a world setting, character creation rules, equipment, powers, enhancements, magic items/tech, monsters, villains & NPC’s, and a full adventure.

Capes and Crooks takes place in the ultra-modern world of Terra, a place of science, technology, evolution and even ancient lost magic. 25 years ago people around the world found themselves mysteriously imbued with fantastical gifts. Now called deviants, these people take on many roles as they struggle to find their place in this new world. Some wish to use their gifts to help others, some to gain wealth and power, and some to do evil to satisfy their darkness. In a world where what is right, and what is the law often conflicts, how will you choose to use your powers and conceal your identity from those who wish to stop you?

There will always be good and evil; light and dark. There will always be Capes and Crooks!

Get your copy here and make your next 5e tabletop adventure…super!

RPG Player Tip!

The Power of Active Listening

As a player in a role-playing game, one of the most important skills you can develop is active listening. It's easy to get caught up in your own character's story and forget to pay attention to what others are saying and doing. However, taking the time to actively listen can have a significant impact on the game experience for everyone involved.

Active listening involves more than just hearing what others are saying. It requires you to focus your attention on the speaker, ask clarifying questions, and respond appropriately. By doing so, you can pick up on important details that might otherwise be missed, such as subtle hints about a character's motivations or clues about the larger game world.

Not only does active listening help you better understand the game world and the other characters, it also has the potential to build stronger relationships between characters. When you actively listen to another player, you show them that you value their input and that you are invested in their character's story. This can lead to more meaningful interactions and story moments, as well as a deeper sense of immersion in the game world.

So, how can you practice active listening in your role-playing games? Here are a few tips:

Focus your attention: When another player is speaking, make a conscious effort to focus your attention on them. Put aside any distractions and try to give them your full attention.

Ask clarifying questions: If you're not sure you fully understand what another player is saying, ask them to clarify. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that you're on the same page.

Respond thoughtfully: When it's your turn to speak, take a moment to consider what the other player has said before responding. This can help you build on their ideas and create a more cohesive story.

Avoid interrupting: Interrupting another player can be disruptive and can make it difficult for everyone to stay focused. Try to wait until they're finished speaking before jumping in.

By actively listening to other players and the game master, you can become a more engaged and invested player in your role-playing games. Not only will this help you better understand the game world and the other characters, but it can also lead to more meaningful and memorable experiences for everyone involved. So next time you're playing a game, remember the power of active listening and see how it can enhance your gameplay.

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