Kickstarter For Polaris, An Underwater Rpg

[Knight_of_Avalon]

We're in the final hours of a kickstarter for Polaris. A science fiction roleplaying game, Polaris takes place in a future where humanity has been forced to flee the surface, taking refuge beneath the waves in undersea colonies:

The Polaris RPG is set in a far future where the world above ground has become uninhabitable for the human species. Human beings have found refuge in the depths of the ocean, where they try to somehow survive in spite of the many difficulties they encounter in this hostile environment. The species’ degeneration (characterized by the increasing number of sterile individuals and various genetic mutations), the perpetual wars that have ravaged entire colonies, the monsters, and, above all, the difficulty of exploiting natural resources are the immediate problems faced by this civilization.

In this new world of silence and darkness, players can choose to become agents of one of the underwater factions, mercenaries working to keep afloat, or freelancers trying to establish their own communities. No matter which side they pick, they will discover that nothing is completely black or white, and that humankind will need to unite against a common adversity if it wants to survive. Meanwhile, they will have to fight against all odds and gear up as best they can, buying precious breathing mixes or fluids. They will need to tinker, patch up, and stitch together their submarines. Luck may smile upon them when they discover brand-new equipment or one of the stashes left behind by the ominous Empire of the Geneticians. Their fate will be much darker if they happen to stumble upon raiders or pirates. Adventurers will, however, get a chance to gain fame and even influence the world’s destiny through their actions and discoveries. Humankind is in need of heroes, and empires can sometimes be born from simple ideals. All these elements and many others make up the backdrop of this universe in which one great mystery prevails: the Polaris Flux.

Originally a French RPG, this kickstarter campaign is for an English adaptation of the current (third edition) rules and setting. Rewards for various pledge levels include ebooks, hardbound copies, and even a limited edition collector's version of the game. Worth a look, if you're tired of orcs and dragons in your games, and would prefer submarines and sea creatures.



Edit: Even if you're not into roleplaying games, there's some nice undersea/sci-fi artwork in the trailer (a.k.a. the pitch video for the campaign).