Typically, when Geek Native shares a free to download tagged discovery it’s a quickstart, small RPG or supplement. In this case, the NOVA Creator Kit are 7-pages of notes for designing for NOVA.
I found it a helpful introduction to NOVA too.
NOVA is a rules-light, power fantasy, sci-fi RPG. It’s powered by LUMEN, and both are made by Gila RPG.
Inspired by the computer game Destiny, this tabletop RPG is all about powerful PCs who have the skill and raw power to go headlong into great danger and ace it.
That’s the power fantasy that designer Spencer Campbell wants to protect. For NOVA, the background is also Destiny-like with light versus dark.
When the sun exploded, humanity rebuilt itself around the sunshards. Those shards provided us light and warmth, but also nearly limitless power. With that power, we made the Sparks to face the dangers of the Dusk. You’ve met 9 of those Sparks, and just some of the horrors out there in the shadows. It’s time to harness the power of the sunwells and build again. Are you ready to get started?
There are no art assets in the creator pack, no maths, no comments on balance, no world information. It’s all about the theme.
The Sparks are ridiculously powerful, and that is intentional. NOVA’s gameplay loop is about going out on missions, destroying the enemies in the Dusk that stand in your way, and looking badass while doing it.
I say that because the advice I’ll be giving in this book focuses on maintaining that theme, rather than fighting against it. That doesn’t mean you can’t include those elements! They just aren’t what I see in NOVA.
All of this is timely because in less than 24 hours, and due to run until the 1st of February, the NOVA Jam opens on Itch.
The Jam is a chance to submit your ideas for NOVA, new Sparks, enemies, missions and rules.
The output of the Jam will be a host of new materials for the game. Tabletop gamers will be able to search through what’s been made, make purchases, hunt for deals and otherwise expand their own NOVA collection.
Jams are part of the Itch.io designer community and one of its strengths.
NOVA itself was a successful Kickstarter, it looks good, and the physical books are coming. Surveys are yet to be sent.
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