Etherscope RPG : Revised & Expanded

I am an experienced RPer, and GM, and have played, and run, several different RPGs. The D20 system, most famous for D&D 3-3.5 ed, is a robust gaming system that does tend to provide dynamic, fast paced gaming with a relatively simple core mechanic. Etherscope is a D20 system Role Playing Game which describes itself as 'Cyberpunk Victoriana', set in an alternate earth history where science took a different rout in the Victorian period.

The essential basis of the game is that shortly after Darwin published his great theory; a lesser known scientist discovered an alternate dimension, adjacent to earth, filled with 'ether' which redefined science as we know it. This proved to be a dimension affected by human thought (similar to virtual reality), and the source of a great amount free power useable in mechanical devices. Thus humanity sprang forward technologically, developing futuristic armour, weaponry, and computing devices in the mid Victorian period, and leading to the creation of vast conurbations and huge military war machines centuries before their time.

Thus you are presented with a setting with a wealth of technological development set alongside a society still struggling under the caste-like Victorian class system; and the archaic political views of the period. Europe is largely controlled by the huge Prussian military, and Britain’s Navy still holds much of her overseas empire, though is facing a power-struggle against the newly formed Americas.

Obviously, there is much scope for adventure in such a setting, ranging from high-society political struggles, criminal investigations in the depths of the 'Great Metropolis', street wars, exploration, warfare on many fronts, and the strange realm of the Etherscope which holds both the wealth of useful human information, and sinister secrets which threaten humanity.

Those familiar with D20 products will be pleased to find that to accommodate this, a much expanded social system has been included; with a few new skills, and the introduction of a system to measure the influences your character has on certain tiers of society, and how they can use/abuse these social ties. The in game reward system for good Role Playing that has been devised is a helpful factor to enhance one of the erstwhile weak points of the D20 system, and the adaptation of the combat system to reflect more modern elements is complete and effective.

The continuing theme of Victorian Spiritualism provides a magic system which both fits, and is explained by, the setting. The magic mechanic is far more intuitive then most D20 magic systems, simply expanding the skill mechanic to deal with casting spells. This does tend to simplify the available effects, but with magic's role as a useful aid, rather than a key component of the game, it is probably the best way of doing things. The following through of Victorian attitudes to eugenics allows several different 'races' to be played; whilst maintaining the fact that humans are the sole species (or so they believe). The character creation system is very interesting, with 6 basic classes, each focusing on one of the primary attributes, all of which are hugely customisable to result in a practically limitless character creation system. Now two characters, even if they choose the same basic class, will be the same; for example, using only the 'Combatant' class, you can come up with a trained Imperial Redcoat rifleman, a lowlife street brawler, a skilled hacker, an oriental martial artist, or an aristocratic master of the Art of Fisticuffs, without breaking a sweat.

All in all, a very satisfying and original game; a definite buy for any interested in the genre, and for any D20 fans who want to see a good use of the system.

A soundly deserved 10/10.