Sep 9, 2025 11:10 am
So, I'm back here again. At the start of 2024 I ran "Fabula Ultima: Press Start" on here. I would like to think it went well, but I'll leave the judgement up to my players from the time if they want to weigh in. There were bumps along the way, and as with any good thing there were areas for me to improve on, though, alongside the fun. I've reviewed, reworked and returned hopefully stronger than ever!
Only I don't intend to run the same game a second time; this time I plan to put more of a twist on it. Keeping the story beats the same I'm going to transfer it to a technofantasy setting. Think space, think robots and aliens, think star magic and gods. Well, you get the idea. Therefor if that's something which interests you then welcome to Technofantasy; Press Start!
The Pitch
2283.
The planet of Dunova sits on the frontier of exploration. It's a place of peace, prosperity and opportunity. In the lush cities people gather to experience holidays in the sun, mingle in the multicultural public spaces packed with all manner of aliens, or to find a new life. It's one of the few planets out there completely free of corporate influence, having been hidden behind a strange interstellar storm for much of the first age of expansion.
It's ideal but expensive, and it's found itself under the greedy scrutiny of Elonia; a "foundation" built to provide infrastructure on the frontier worlds. Elonia is shady and suspicious, and has been linked to a number of disasters as they continue to experiment with new technology. Their CEO mysteriously vanished from the public eye five years prior and has only been heard, never seen, since.
Our group are travelers headed to Dunova for reasons of their own, using one of the transport ships paid for by Elonia. They could be heading to the planet to start their new life, on business arrangements or even to take a vacation hunting through the archeotech ruins sprawling about the verdant planets surface.
The question is, what will they find there?
The System
For this game I'm going to be using Fabula Ultima. I know it's fairly well known around here, but I still want to provide the opportunity for new players, those who've dabbled and experienced players alike. It's reasonably rules lite, and easy to pick up. In addition since we're playing through the Start Game mini-campaign there are always ways to pick up tips!
In terms of dice mechanics, it's entirely built around 2 dice used for all checks, these dice range between sizes based on how high a character's stats are, and skills provided by classes. The game is more narrative focused, giving rules for; backgrounds, changing motivations and, most importantly, the bonds between player characters.
It also has rules for mutually building the setting, so that will feature into the character creations and likely ongoing parts of the game. A perfect opportunity for some collaborative world building.
There's no external software or equipment needed. I'm happy for anyone to play, although if you're still new to FU the Fultimator! character builder (found on the link) can be really helpful with getting set up.
Character creation notes
Our characters will be starting at level 5 as per usual. I'm allowing classes from the Core Book and Technofantasy, although if a case is made for one of the others I may be happy to add them in!
When creating a character I'll be asking for some background, so that I can potentially incorporate it into the game. The first thing I'll be asking for is two truths and a lie, with the more detail the better. Only I as the GM and you as the character should know which parts are true and which is the lie.
The other thing I'll be asking is why your character is travelling to planet Dunova?
You don't need all of this information to apply, but since I don't like to do first come first served it'll help to have a bit more detail! :3
Adult or controversial themes
As a Technofantasy JRPG, this game may touch on some darker topics, but I can't imagine I'd go into anything extreme because it's not the tone I'd want from this game. At most I'd give a general warning of light horror elements assuming we move past the "press start" mini-campaign. Otherwise, I have no reason to believe anything will be outrageously controversial. It's always good to be aware of such things, though. I'll be using the x card, lines and veils with this game in case anything darker does potentially come up.
Also, any marginalised or LGBT groups are always welcome, and encouraged, in my games! :)
Anything else?
For the duration I'd ideally go for a post per day, however I have ongoing health problems so while that'll be the goal it will not be the case every week. I understand that real life comes first for others too, and that things will slow down as time goes on, so 1 per two days will be fine. If you can't for any reason, let me know. I don't mind waiting longer but if I don't hear from you and you don't post in 3 days, I may consider shuffling things along without you.
When I ran this on here before it took around 7 months from the opening post to the conclusion, so bear that in mind for expected duration.
Last edited September 9, 2025 11:48 am
