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The Call of Duty: Black Ops series has long been celebrated for its intricate and captivating storylines, drawing players into a world filled with betrayal, deception, and hidden agendas. As we gear up for the launch of Black Ops 7, it's essential to understand the full scope of the Black Ops saga. From World War II to the brink of 2035, this guide will take you through the key events leading up to the latest chapter in the Black Ops universe.

The Beginnings: World War II and the Birth of Nova 6

The story of Black Ops begins in the midst of World War II. Soviet soldiers, led by Demetriano and Victor Resnov, played pivotal roles in reclaiming key cities in Eastern Europe. However, victory for the Soviets didn't last long, as they quickly turned their focus toward weaponizing bioweapons to counter the growing threat of the United States. In 1945, Soviet officer Nikita Dragovich led a mission to capture Nazi scientist Frederick Steiner, who was working on a bioweapon called Nova 6. This marks the first appearance of Nova 6, a substance that would play a significant role in the Black Ops narrative.

After a series of high-stakes operations, Dragovich betrays his comrades, using them as test subjects for the deadly Nova 6. Victor Resnov survives, but the fallout from the bioweapon forces the destruction of the ship carrying the chemical weapon, sealing its fate.

The Cold War and the Rise of Alex Mason

Fast forward to 1961, and the story shifts to CIA operative Alex Mason. Mason, alongside Frank Woods and Joseph Bowman, is tasked with a covert mission to assassinate Fidel Castro during the Bay of Pigs invasion. However, the mission goes awry, leading to Mason's capture by Soviet forces and a horrifying brainwashing experiment. For two years, Mason is subjected to Soviet mind control, turning him into an unwilling sleeper agent.

It's during his imprisonment that Mason meets Victor Resnov, who helps him break free from the effects of the mind control program. This marks the beginning of Mason and Resnov's alliance, leading them on a dangerous journey to thwart the Soviet Union’s plans to unleash Nova 6 on the world.

The Numbers Program and the Vietnam War

The storyline continues in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Mason, Woods, and their team uncover a new Soviet plot involving Nova 6, a mysterious Soviet agent named Perseus, and the continuation of the Numbers program—a secret Soviet operation designed to turn American soldiers into sleeper agents. During their mission, Mason and Resnov uncover shocking truths about the numbers broadcast and its connection to Mason's past.

The Vietnam War provides the backdrop for some of the series' most intense action sequences, with Mason and his team facing off against Soviet forces, while dealing with the haunting memories of Resnov’s betrayal. However, it is not until Mason begins to piece together the secrets behind the numbers broadcast that the true scope of the threat becomes clear.

The Battle Against Perseus and the Global Conspiracy

The conspiracy deepens as the team confronts Perseus, an elusive Soviet operative who plans to detonate nuclear bombs in major U.S. cities. The CIA, led by Russell Adler, gathers a team of operatives, including Mason, Woods, and new allies, to track Perseus and stop his plan. Their mission takes them across the globe, from Vietnam to Russia and even the remote Solivetski Island, where they face off against Perseus' sleeper agents.

This is where Black Ops players are introduced to the complex web of espionage, deception, and high-stakes combat. The line between ally and enemy begins to blur, and players must navigate through the labyrinth of lies to uncover the truth behind Perseus' plans.

Black Ops 7 and the Legacy of Nova 6

As Black Ops 7 draws closer, players are left with lingering questions about the future of the Black Ops universe. With the conclusion of the Cold War-era storylines, the franchise has laid the groundwork for a new generation of operatives, missions, and global conflicts. Black Ops 7 will likely explore the ramifications of past events, particularly the devastating impact of Nova 6 and the fallout from the Numbers program.

In the wake of Perseus’ death, new threats emerge on the horizon, and a new wave of sleeper agents begins to awaken, signaling that the war for control of the world is far from over. With a new generation of operatives, including those recruited by U4N, the next chapter in the Black Ops saga will take players to new frontiers, challenging them to prevent the rise of a new global catastrophe.

The Black Ops series has always thrived on its complex storytelling and memorable characters. As we look toward Black Ops 7, it's important to recognize how each chapter has built upon the last. From World War II to the Cold War and beyond, the saga of Mason, Resnov, and their allies has been one of relentless action, deception, and intrigue.

As players gear up for the next chapter, it’s clear that the legacy of Nova 6, the Numbers program, and the ongoing battle against shadowy forces will continue to shape the fate of the world. Black Ops 7 is set to provide new insights into the past, while introducing fresh challenges for a new generation of operatives.

For longtime Plants Vs Brainrots players, the recent addition of the Star Fruit seed has been a game-changer. After patiently waiting for it to appear in the Plants Vs Brainrots shop, I finally managed to secure a few seeds on multiple accounts, giving me the chance to experiment and analyze their potential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the strategies I used to plant, upgrade, and optimize the Star Fruit, along with tips on other important mechanics in the game.

Planting Strategy and Timing

One of the first things I noticed is that timing is crucial. Star Fruit takes about 30 minutes to grow, while other premium plants like King Lemon and Mango require longer. To maximize efficiency, I recommend planting a combination of seeds across accounts so you can stagger growth and manage your inventory effectively. Using water buckets or premium water dramatically reduces growth time, allowing you to cycle new plants into your collection faster.

When planting, consider positioning Star Fruit at the frontlines. While I was initially unsure if it would be better for missions or general attack, placing them in active lanes increases their chances of dealing more damage and gaining experience. Pairing Star Fruit with other plants like King Lemon can create strong synergies that significantly improve your performance during missions.

Card Usage and Enhancements

One discovery that stands out is the Riot Potion and the freezing cards. Certain cards, like the frozen blast, deal 1000 damage per second to Brain Hots, which can be further enhanced with additional upgrade cards. By strategically combining Star Fruit with these cards, players can maximize damage output and create more effective strategies for higher-level encounters.

I also experimented with mutations. Some special items, such as the Wit Potion, can increase the chance of mutations in planted seeds. While I wasn’t able to apply this to Star Fruit immediately, saving these potions for future planting can yield rare and more powerful variations, making it worthwhile to accumulate and plan your inventory carefully.

Managing Inventory and Resources

Managing plant slots and cards is a continuous challenge. For instance, I had to remove some older plants to make room for Star Fruit, carefully evaluating which plants were less effective. The same goes for cards: while opening multiple Halloween or event boxes can give you a variety of useful items, prioritizing rare or synergistic cards ensures you get the most value for your resources.

A practical tip is to use multiple accounts to manage planting and harvesting cycles. Transferring mature plants like King Lemon between accounts ensures you can always have high-level plants ready without waiting too long. This method also reduces downtime in farming missions and allows better planning for upcoming events.

Buying Recommendations

If you’re looking to expand your collection or quickly boost your plant roster, U4GM offers a reliable option to buy Plants Vs Brainrots Plants or top-tier items. Utilizing the Plants Vs Brainrots shop for essential seeds and upgrades ensures you don’t miss rare opportunities to improve your gameplay. Having a balance of farming, purchasing, and strategic planting is key to staying competitive.

The introduction of Star Fruit has added a new layer of strategy to Plants Vs Brainrots. By focusing on optimal planting positions, leveraging cards for synergy, and carefully managing resources, players can significantly enhance their gameplay. Mutations and potions like the Wit Potion further add depth to strategic planning, making timing and resource management more critical than ever. Whether you grow plants manually or use external resources like U4GM, thoughtful preparation ensures consistent progress and stronger plants for challenging missions.

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Custom AI Call Center Software is redefining how businesses manage customer interactions. Unlike traditional systems, it’s tailored to fit your specific workflow, industry, and communication goals — delivering a seamless, automated experience for both customers and agents.

This software uses AI-driven voice technology to handle calls, route inquiries, provide instant responses, and analyze customer data in real time. The result? Faster support, lower costs, and higher satisfaction.

Is your business ready to switch to an AI-powered call center? Share your thoughts or experiences with custom AI solutions below!

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If you're looking to add the sweet and fluffy Swirlix to your team in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you're in for a fun and rewarding journey. Known for its cotton candy-like appearance, Swirlix is a Fairy-type Pokémon that can be a strong ally in both battles and exploration. Whether you prefer to catch it through traditional means or purchase it from in-game shops, this guide will provide you with all the tips and methods to add Swirlix to your collection.

Catching Swirlix in the Wild

One of the most exciting ways to get Swirlix is by tracking it down in the wild. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon can often be found in specific locations depending on the time of day and weather conditions. To catch Swirlix, head to the lush, grassy areas where Fairy-types are more common. Specifically, Swirlix can often be found in forested regions or near clearings where Fairy-type Pokémon are known to roam.

Once you've located the right area, be patient and keep an eye out for Swirlix. The cotton candy Pokémon might be a bit elusive, but with some persistence, you'll be able to find it. Using the right bait or lures can also increase your chances of encountering Swirlix, so be sure to come prepared with those.

Using the Right Pokéballs

When you do encounter Swirlix, make sure to have a variety of Pokéballs on hand. Since it’s a Fairy-type, consider using a Dusk Ball if you’re hunting at night, or an Ultra Ball if you want to ensure a higher chance of capture. While Swirlix isn’t extremely difficult to catch, the more powerful the Pokéball, the better your odds.

Buying Swirlix in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

For those who prefer a more direct approach, purchasing Swirlix is also an option in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The in-game store offers rare Pokémon, including Fairy-types like Swirlix, for players willing to spend some in-game currency. While this method saves time and effort, it’s important to note that the availability of Swirlix in the store may vary depending on the in-game events or updates.

Make sure to keep an eye on the store's rotation of available Pokémon, as Swirlix may not always be available for purchase. In some cases, limited-time events or special promotions may increase your chances of finding Swirlix for sale, so be sure to check frequently.

Evolution of Swirlix: Sweet Rewards

Once you’ve caught or bought your Swirlix, you might want to evolve it into its next form, Slurpuff. To do this, simply use a Whipped Dream item during the evolution process. Slurpuff gains a substantial boost in stats, making it a worthy addition to your team. This evolution can be a game-changer in battle, especially if you're facing tough opponents who don't expect a Fairy-type powerhouse like Slurpuff.

Whether you choose to catch Swirlix in the wild or purchase it directly, this adorable Pokémon is sure to be a useful and charming addition to your lineup. The journey to get it might differ, but the end result is the same: a fluffy, sweet ally that’s ready to take on anything that comes its way in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

There's a new Reddit community that has been created for discussing the Saga Machine roleplaying games (Age of Ambition, Shadows Over Sol, Against the Dark Yogi, Dime Adventures) or other Tab Creations games.

Check it out and join today!

https://www.reddit.com/r/sagamachine/

Hey all, Tab Creations just launched it's latest project on Kickstarter for a new printing of our sold out Ganjifa. Check it out!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/ganjifa-traditional-indian-playing-cards-reincarnated

I am pretty excited about our upcoming kickstarter. I will be the first time any of my own actual writing will be part of one of our kickstarted projects. (so it is only one side trek, but you have to start somewhere!)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/jovian-whispers-dark-science-fiction-roleplaying

Today in Inspirational Media for Dime Adventures, we present: Genghis Khan Conquers the Moon!

https://youtu.be/p8W9tObWc3o

A new blog post is available here.

Contents Below:



Today have again updated the open playtest of Dime Adventures, our upcoming pulp alternate history roleplaying game! This will be the final open beta test of the game before its January Kickstarter. Anyone can sign up for the open beta today, and download a fully-playable draft of the game rules! Just enter your email into the signup form here!

Want to know more about Dime Adventures? Here's the blurb:


Pulp Tales of an Alternate Earth!

The year is 1904, but in a world that never was!

Dinosaurs still roam forgotten corners of the land. Alien influences operate from the skies. Mystics wield ancient powers, while strange new sciences promise to change the world. The dead rise from the grave. All the while, modern movements sweep the globe, and bold explorers venture deep into the unknown or delve into forgotten ruins.

The world is ripe for adventure!

Dime Adventures is a pulp alternate history role-playing game using the Saga Machine system.

A new blog post is available here.

Contents Below:

We have updated the open playtest of Dime Adventures, our upcoming pulp alternate history roleplaying game! Anyone can sign up for the open beta today, and download a fully-playable draft of the game rules! Just enter your email into the signup form here!

Want to know more about Dime Adventures? Here's the blurb:

Pulp Tales of an Alternate Earth!

The year is 1904, but in a world that never was!

Dinosaurs still roam forgotten corners of the land. Alien influences operate from the skies. Mystics wield ancient powers, while strange new sciences promise to change the world. The dead rise from the grave. All the while, modern movements sweep the globe, and bold explorers venture deep into the unknown or delve into forgotten ruins.

The world is ripe for adventure!

Dime Adventures is a pulp alternate history role-playing game using the Saga Machine system.

A new blog post is available here.

Contents Below:

I've been thinking quite a bit recently about RPG combat system design. After all, combat systems are a major emphasis in many (if not most ) RPGs.


Combat system design is a fun/time optimization problem.


These days I think about combat system design as a fun/time optimization problem. That is, ideally you want to maximize the amount of fun you get out of the combat system per unit of time spent. Obviously, how much fun you get out of something is quite subjective, and how much time you want the combat system to take up is going to vary with the design goals of the game, but I still think this is a useful optimization metric to keep in mind when considering potential rules for a combat system. Here are a few ways this can be applied:


If a rule in combat takes time to resolve, but doesn't add to the system's fun in some way, it's probably a bad rule. Example: If scoring a critical hit means rolling on a critical hit table, but most of the results are some variation of ‘add a few bonus points to damage,’ it might be better skip the table entirely and go right to adding a few points to damage. Alternatively, the table might be made interesting enough to justify the time it adds to combat.
If combat isn't an emphasis in your game, it's okay if the combat system isn't all that exciting, so long as it's super-quick to resolve. Example: If I'm running a game based after telenovelas, it's okay not to have an in-depth system for combat maneuvers, ambushes, suppression fire, etc. So if two rival suitors pull guns on each other after a shocking realization, it's fine if the combat system is just ‘make an opposed guns roll.’ The combat itself doesn't have to be all that interesting - just quick - so that the game moves on to the interesting parts.
Even if combat is a major part of the game, it's good to have a way for uninteresting combats to resolve quickly. Example: If a two-bit thug points a gun at Batman, this isn't an interesting fight, even if combat is a major focus in supers games. The GM shouldn't have to break out minis, initiative rules, counting hexes/squares, etc. Batman should just knock the gun away and take the thug out! A good GM will recognize this and run the situation accordingly, but it's amazing the number of games that recognize this situation in their rules as written.


Another important realization about combat systems is to recognize that they are basically a just mechanism to resolve a particular type of scene in the game - specifically, combat scenes. Ideally, every action made in combat should contribute to progressing the resolution of the scene, or to making the resolution interesting in some way.


A Combat system is a mechanism to resolve combat scenes. Every action should move the scene towards resolution.


This is an important realization because in many traditional combat systems, a large number of actions don't significantly contribute to the scene's resolution. The quintessential example of this is attacking and missing in combat. When this happens no real progress has been made by either side to resolve the situation, the stakes have not been raised and usually the outcome of that attack isn't particularly interesting.

In our Saga Machine games, this is the primary reason that, defensive reactions aside, the math is heavily stacked in favor of attacks hitting. Attacks that connect progress the game state by reducing the defender's health, and bring the scene closer to resolving. Furthermore, most of the time that attacks miss, it's because the defender took a defensive reaction. Since those always have a cost in AP/prana, the game state is progressed in a different way, with the defender having fewer AP/prana resources.


A combat system is a cycle, within which are smaller cycles. Each cycle has its own resources and its own pacing.


That leads me to the final, insight that I want to bring up in this post: The vast majority of combat systems consist of some sort of cycle within cycles. These are repeated over and over again until the scene resolves. In fact, roleplaying game sessions themselves are a sort of cycle within which the the smaller combat system cycles are placed.

The most obvious example of this is the traditional combat round: everyone gets a turn, takes action(s) and then that process repeats. Each round is one cycle. Within that, each turn is its own mini-cycle. In Against the Dark Yogi, for example, that would be: take an action, resolve it, repeat until out of prana or until an action requiring a flip is played.

Each kind of cycle has its own pacing and its own resources. For example, in many combat systems, an important resource for combat overall is HP. As the combat progresses, HP is lost, moving the game state forward towards the resolution of the scene. Within a combat round, an important resource is actions. Each character gets some number of actions and then uses those to affect the state of the game.

Ideally, every cycle should offer the opportunity to do something fun that progresses the game state. For example, on her turn, a player wants to be able to do something interesting that helps out her side in the combat. One reason why stun/shaken mechanics are disliked in some parts of the RPG community is because they frequently are implemented in a way that denies players the ability to do this. Similarly, healing mechanics can be controversial because they can be seen as reversing the progress of the game state, giving the sense that state is just ‘treading water’ rather than bringing about a resolution one way or the other.

To sum up my post: Visualize combat systems as this interlocking set of cycles. Each cycle you want to squeeze out as much fun as you can in a timely manner. And every time you do this, you should be moving the game forward, towards the resolution of the combat scene.

A new blog post is available here.

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Today we are proud to release our second accessory for Shadows Over Sol: Science Fiction Horror Roleplaying! These would be the Shadows Over Sol: Consequence Cards.

A key component of the Shadows Over Sol rules are for characters to take consequences - the mechanical representation of various penalties, bonuses or status effects influencing the character. Different mechanics within the game can cause consequences, including special traits, critical successes and failures - or any situation where the GM thinks the consequence will heighten the tension in the game!

Shadows Over Sol: Consequence Cards are a quick and easy way to keep track of consequences in your game. Simply set them on the table in front of you as your character takes consequences, or hand them out to other players when you cause them! Each of the 14 consequences listed in Shadows Over Sol are featured here.

Status Report


The first printing proof for the Shadows Over Sol core rulebook had an issue with the lower margin. The files have been corrected, and sent to the printer for a second printing proof. See the DevBlog post here. We're hoping it will arrived and be given the OK next week.
The Small Mercy adventure is now finished with both editing and layout.
Printing proofs of the Shiny New Toys and Ready-Made Heroes supplements, and the Small Mercy adventure, have also been ordered.
The Small Mercy adventure is almost out of editing and will be entering layout soon.
The Beyond Human supplement is now in active layout. Both the Fatal Frontier supplement and the Eviction Notice adventure are waiting to be next in line.

A new blog post is available here.

Contents Below:

We are happy to announce the public release of Shadows Over Sol: Science Fiction Horror Roleplaying! Available in PDF, EPUB and MOBI, Shadows Over Sol can be purchased from DriveThruRPG.

A hard science fiction future of conspiracy and horror!

Two hundred years from now what should be the shining beacon of the future is instead cloaked in conspiracy and horror. Humankind has expanded throughout the solar system, and there it has discovered mysteries older than humanity.

The culture has shattered into myriad subcultures; nation-states are the hollow shells of what they once were. Corporations and other groups wage small-scale wars in the streets or in space. Bioengineered horrors left over from these conflicts stalk the hulls of ruined stations and abandoned colonies.



But for an enterprising team willing to brave the horrors, there’s always a profit to be made.



Shadows Over Sol is a hard science fiction horror roleplaying game using the Saga Machine system. Its features include:


Discover the secrets of the Sol system, with multiple GM options to keep players on their toes.
Support for a wide spectrum of play in the science fiction and horror genres.
A fully-realized setting with a detailed breakdown of both social dynamics and the solar system, from Mercury to the Oort Cloud.
Systems for personal combat, engineering, hacking and more!


Status Report


Printing proofs of the Shadows Over Sol core are being ordered and print copies should be available later this month.
Character sheets are available here!
The next items for release are, in order: GM Screen Inserts, Consequence Cards and Ready-Made Heroes for Shadows Over Sol. They should be made available, one ever couple weeks from this point forward.

A new blog post is available here.

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Engineering to solve problems is a common trope in the science fiction genre. I can't count the number of times in sci-fi movies, books or TV shows that I've seen characters whip up a technological solution to the problem at hand through the expert use of improvisation and engineering know-how.

Shadows Over Sol supports this common genre trope through the engineering subsystem. This system allows players to design, assemble and use new technology of their own design. Sometimes these solutions work as designed, sometimes there are bugs that cause unforeseen complications and sometimes these designs can fail spectacularly.

Mechanically, engineering is divided up into two stages. The first is the design stage. In this stage the player describes what she is trying to achieve. The GM then assigns the task a difficulty, timeframe, cost and other requirements. The player then makes an action to perform the actual design work, draw up the blueprints, do the required math, etc.

The second stage of the engineering subsystem is the prototype stage. In this stage the character gathers the necessary components and then does the actual assembly. Engineering jobs can be rushed, which reduces the required time, but increases the difficulty. Players may also choose to only use whatever makeshift components are on hand, which reduces cost and increases the possibility of complications.

Throughout this process there is the possibility that the design or prototype will work, but still have unknown bugs. These issues can provide further complications when the technology is used. This can make for a fun narrative hook as characters deal with the unforeseen consequences of their untested tech. This also makes a good hook for the horror genre tropes in the game. The technology may be successful, but at what cost?

Shadows Over Sol is our upcoming science fiction horror RPG. Its Kickstarter is scheduled to begin September 1st. In the meantime, you can download the free Quick-Start, or sign up to be notified when the Kickstarter is ready.

A new blog post is available here.

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This week saw the release of the next supplement for Against the Dark Yogi: Mythic India Roleplaying!

Want to run a quick adventure, but don't have the time to write and stat out a full party? Are you starting up a new campaign, but your players don't know what they want to play? Here are five pregenerated heroes ready for anything!

Against the Dark Yogi: Ready-Made Heroes is a supplement for Against the Dark Yogi. It's features include:


Five pregenerated heroes ready to run, perfect for a one-shot adventure or full campaign!
A full portrait and backstory for each hero.
Two character sheets for each hero: a starting version and a high-powered version.
Fleshed out connections between heroes, as well as connections to published adventures.

A new blog post is available here.

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After the roller coaster which was March-April-May this year, things have finally gotten back on track. While a number of Tab Creations members have new positions, the toll from all these administrative shifts, however, is coming to an end. We didn’t have any releases in Q2 this year, but we are now set for the upcoming quarter.

Downloads of our Shadows Over Sol: Quick-Start are still going strong, which is a positive indicator as the Shadows Over Sol Kickstarter continues to be on target for a September 1s launch. At this point we’ve gotten back all of the edits for the game, and are in the process of reviewing those edits. Meanwhile, we’ve received all of the preview artwork for the Kickstarter, written a draft of the profile and we have the audio track for the Kickstarter video in hand. We still need to match the audio to the visuals. The Shadows Over Sol open beta test also came to a close.

The Against the Dark Yogi core rulebook continues to sell, and we have a new release for the game in the works, which should see publication later this month. Ready-Made Heroes (working title) will be a supplement featuring pregenerated heroes that are ready to play at a moment’s notice. This supplement includes low-enlightenment and high-enlightenment versions of each hero, as well as backstory and hooks for involving the heroes in any of our published adventures. Also relevant to Against the Dark Yogi: we’ve just green-lit several new adventures, which should see publication late this year or into next year.

We’re still going to have a presence at GenCon this year, although our presence will be minimal. Additionally, we will have a minimal presence at TopCon.

That’s about it. As the Shadows Over Sol Kickstarter launches late this quarter and will extend a few days into next quarter, expect the next Tab Update shortly after the close of the Kickstarter! Keep on gaming!

A new blog post is available here.

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Often roleplaying game hackng systems are designed in such a way that it is easy for hackers go off to do their thing while the other players are left sitting and waiting. The hacking and encryption system in Shadows Over Sol is specifically designed to help alleviate this problem.

Any computer system can be "brute forced" given enough time and processing power. This is theoretically effective, but usually requires too much time to be reasonable. After all, no one has the time to wait around a millennium as every possible input is attempted.

The key to defeating encryption in a timely manner is the acquisition of exploits. Exploits can be any number of useful pieces information which can be leveraged to gain access to a computer system. They include personal insight into the computer's primary user, technical knowledge of the system in use, corp protocols surrounding network use or anything else that might glean important information. Exploits are designed so that the entire party can help pursue them. One member may interrogate the computer's user, thereby gaining insight into her thought processes. Another member might dig into restricted corp knowledge to gain acess to their standard practices. Yet another member may test her knowledge of faulty computer memory management schemes.

Put all of these insights together, and the amount of time needed to compromise the computer system drops down to days, hours or even minutes. In this way all members of the team have the chance to feel like they participated and helped out. All players were able to remain engaged, rather than a single member going off to play the hacking subsystem.

A new blog post is available here.

Contents Below:

Shadows Over Sol is a science fiction horror roleplaying game. A good horror story is all about the tension. It’s about the impending doom, the oncoming desperation, the inevitable moment of shock and terror. Then—once the moment of violence arrives—it’s swift, it’s brutal and it’s a game-changer. Frequently characters in horror stories spend more of their time trying desperately to subvert, trick or improvise against the subject of their horror than they do confronting it directly.

The combat system in Shadows Over Sol is designed to model this sort of tense, desperate conflict. Plans can go awry, bones can break, improvisations can be made or characters can be left to bleed out in the cold.

Every character in Shadows Over Sol has a wound threshold. Once the total severity of their wounds passes this threshold, they are in desperate need of medical attention. Rather than simply incapacitating the character, someone wounded to this extent may continue to act, but in doing so they gain the Bleeding consequence. This consequence causes them to take further wounds should they act, thereby risking death and feeding into the sense of tension. If they take too many more, they will die.

The order of the phases in the Shadows Over Sol combat round is also intended to emphasize the sense of tension and threat. Impending attacks are declared in the first phase of the round and executed in later phases, giving players time to worry and sweat about the upcoming devastation. GMs may want to declare enemy attacks near the end of the round, giving players an opportunity for improvisation and desperate actions to prevent the impending doom—but only if they gamble and go “all in” the first phase. This sort of round-to-round dynamic draws out the tension and increases the desperation, playing up the element of horror.

Finally, a well placed hit can be devastating. When a player in Shadows Over Sol scores a critical hit, they have the ability to choose a powerful critical effect that comes with the usual damage. Critical effects can range from crippled limbs to shattered weapons, or from a moment of stun to being pinned down.

Shadows Over Sol is our upcoming science fiction horror RPG. Its Kickstarter is scheduled to begin September 1st. In the meantime, you can download the free Quick-Start, or sign up to be notified when the Kickstarter is ready.