Karbon

User summary

Karbon is a 24-hour RPG influenced by the movie Blade Runner. The characters are hired killers that are sent out to hunt and "dismiss" karbons. Karbons are genetically engineered and cloned humans. They look like normal humans but are usually genetically enhanced. Another problem the characters face is that one of them could be a karbon, too, as the karbons have infiltrated the killer operations.

Actions are resolved by rolling a d20, adding a trait (=attribute) value, and then comparing it to a chart that lists the success levels, here called Levels of Effort, rated from 0 to 9. The second type of test is a saving roll that opposes a previous check. This test is made by rolling a d20 and trying to beat the previous success level. If roll is higher than the success level, it is a partial save. If it is higher than the level + 10, it is a full save.

A character can modify his roll by using "press", which gives a +5 bonus, but also has the chance of revealing the character as a karbon to the other players.

Character creation starts with selecting one of three character types. This choice gives the character different "picks" in three different categories. Trait picks may raise the character's attribute values (determined randomly or by assigning pre-defined values). Money picks may be spent on equipment and genetic enhancements. History picks give a bonus to certain actions because of details from the character's past.

Karbon has no real skill system, only a ranged and melee stat and one for detecting karbons. Those are derived from the attributes.

The combat system is derived from Cinematic Unisystem. The acting sequence is based on the character attributes. A character may take as many actions as he wants until he fails an action. Damage is counted in wounds. If too many wounds are accumulated, the character may die. Serious wounds lower a character's attributes at the end of the adventure, but wounds also are used a bit like experience in that they allow gaining new picks.

Killed karbons earn the characters some cash and picks at the end of the adventure.