Electric Bastionland is an Ennie-Nominated roleplaying game by Chris McDowall‚ author of Into the Odd․ It offers a minimalist‚ rules-light system‚ set in a unique world called Bastion‚ with a free PDF available․
Background and Development
Electric Bastionland was created by Chris McDowall‚ known for Into the Odd․ It expands on the earlier game’s systems‚ offering a streamlined‚ rules-light approach while introducing a unique‚ sprawling world called Bastion․
2․1․ Chris McDowall and Into the Odd
Chris McDowall‚ the creator of Electric Bastionland‚ is also known for his work on Into the Odd‚ a critically acclaimed roleplaying game․ Into the Odd introduced a minimalist‚ rules-light approach that streamlined traditional RPG mechanics‚ focusing on simplicity and flexibility․ McDowall’s work on Into the Odd laid the foundation for Electric Bastionland‚ which expands and refines these systems․ Both games emphasize storytelling‚ player agency‚ and a Referee’s ability to create dynamic‚ unpredictable worlds․ The success of Into the Odd established McDowall as a prominent figure in the indie RPG community‚ earning praise for his innovative design philosophy․ Electric Bastionland builds on this legacy‚ offering a unique setting while maintaining the accessible‚ intuitive gameplay that fans of Into the Odd have come to appreciate․
Core Features of the Game
Electric Bastionland combines minimalist rules with a rich‚ immersive setting․ Its design emphasizes simplicity‚ accessibility‚ and dynamic storytelling․ The game features Failed Careers‚ a unique character creation system‚ and a vibrant world teeming with possibilities․
3․1․ Rules and Gameplay Mechanics
Electric Bastionland features a streamlined‚ rules-light system designed for simplicity and ease of play․ Building on the foundation of Into the Odd‚ the game emphasizes minimalist mechanics to facilitate dynamic storytelling and player creativity․ The core rules are concise‚ fitting on a two-page spread‚ making it easy for both players and referees to grasp․ Gameplay revolves around resource management‚ skill checks‚ and narrative-driven decision-making․ The system encourages flexibility‚ allowing referees to adapt situations on the fly without heavy rulebooks․ A key mechanic is the concept of “Debt‚” which drives characters into adventures and shapes their stories․ Combat and exploration are handled with straightforward‚ fast-paced systems‚ ensuring that the focus remains on storytelling and collaboration․ The game also includes guidelines for treasure‚ item management‚ and navigating the game’s diverse settings‚ such as Bastion‚ Deep Country‚ and the Underground; This design philosophy ensures that Electric Bastionland is both accessible and engaging for new and experienced players alike․
3․2․ Character Creation and Failed Careers
Electric Bastionland offers a unique approach to character creation through its “Failed Careers” system․ Each character begins with a Failed Career‚ which defines their starting point and background‚ providing immediate narrative hooks and world integration․ Over 100 Failed Careers are available‚ each with distinct traits and starting equipment‚ ensuring a wide range of character diversity․ Players are not limited to traditional classes or roles‚ allowing for highly personalized and creative builds․ The system emphasizes storytelling over optimization‚ encouraging players to embrace their characters’ flaws and past failures as part of their identity․ Even the free PDF edition includes ten Failed Careers‚ giving new players a taste of the system’s depth․ This approach makes character creation quick‚ engaging‚ and deeply tied to the game’s setting‚ ensuring that every character has a unique place in the world of Bastion․
3․3․ Setting and Worldbuilding
Electric Bastionland is set in a sprawling‚ unknowable world centered around Bastion‚ the “Electric Hub of Mankind․” Bastion is a chaotic metropolis‚ too large to fall and too complicated to function‚ filled with alleyways‚ legal complexities‚ and diverse inhabitants like aliens‚ Mockeries‚ and humans․ Beyond Bastion lies the Deep Country‚ an endless expanse of mysterious landscapes‚ and the Underground‚ a realm of strange creatures and hidden dangers․ The setting is designed to inspire exploration and creativity‚ with a focus on evoking a sense of wonder and unpredictability․ The game provides guidance for referees to craft and navigate these environments‚ ensuring each session feels unique and immersive․ The worldbuilding emphasizes atmosphere and narrative potential‚ making Bastion a compelling backdrop for adventures that blend the bizarre with the familiar․
Editions and Availability
Electric Bastionland is available in a free PDF edition‚ featuring player rules and ten Failed Careers‚ and a paid hardcover with a PDF bundle‚ accessible via Itch․io and DriveThruRPG․
4․1․ Free PDF Edition
The Free PDF Edition of Electric Bastionland is a 42-page downloadable version available on platforms like Itch․io and Google Drive․ It includes the core player-facing rules‚ equipment lists‚ and ten of the over 100 Failed Careers from the full game․ This edition is designed to be a convenient handout for new players‚ offering a concise introduction to the game’s mechanics and world․ The free PDF features a minimalist design‚ with fast and simple rules that fit on a two-page spread‚ making it easy for players to reference during gameplay․ While it doesn’t include the full breadth of content from the paid version‚ such as the extensive setting details or additional careers‚ it provides everything needed to start playing․ The free edition has been praised for its accessibility and serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the game․
4․2․ Paid Hardcover and PDF Bundle
The Paid Hardcover and PDF Bundle of Electric Bastionland offers the complete experience for players and referees․ Priced at £45‚ it includes a high-quality hardcover book and a digital PDF version․ The hardcover features the full ruleset‚ over 100 Failed Careers‚ detailed setting descriptions‚ and exclusive artwork by Alec Sorensen․ The PDF version is fully bookmarked for easy navigation‚ making it a valuable resource for game preparation and play․ This bundle is ideal for those who want a physical copy for their shelf while also having the convenience of a digital version․ It is available for purchase on platforms like Itch․io and is a popular choice among fans of the game․ The paid edition is a must-have for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the world of Bastion and explore its depths․
Community and Resources
Electric Bastionland fosters a vibrant community through its free PDF‚ serving as a great handout for new players․ The game is supported by active fan discussions and official resources․
5․1․ Fan Community and Support
The Electric Bastionland fan community is highly active and supportive‚ with enthusiasts sharing resources and discussing the game online․ The free PDF edition serves as a great tool for attracting new players‚ fostering growth within the community․
Players often engage in discussions on platforms like Reddit‚ where they exchange tips‚ create custom content‚ and provide feedback․ The minimalist design of the game encourages collaboration‚ with fans developing their own supplements and adventures․ This collaborative spirit has led to a vibrant ecosystem where both newcomers and veterans can contribute and learn․
The game’s unique setting and mechanics‚ such as the failed careers system‚ inspire creative storytelling and worldbuilding․ Fans frequently share their experiences‚ creating a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the game․ This strong community support ensures that Electric Bastionland remains a dynamic and engaging experience for all players․
5․2․ Official Resources and Supplements
Electric Bastionland offers a range of official resources to enhance gameplay․ The free PDF edition includes core player rules and ten Failed Careers‚ providing a solid foundation for new players․ Additionally‚ the paid hardcover and PDF bundle offers the complete ruleset‚ over 100 Failed Careers‚ and detailed setting information․
Official supplements expand the game’s possibilities‚ with spot color artwork by Alec Sorensen adding visual depth․ Essays and sample content provide inspiration for referees to craft unique adventures․ The game’s official website and publisher’s page are hubs for accessing these resources‚ ensuring players and referees have everything needed to immerse themselves in Bastion’s world․
These official materials are designed to be accessible and comprehensive‚ supporting both newcomers and experienced players․ They maintain the game’s minimalist ethos while offering richness and variety‚ making Electric Bastionland a dynamic and engaging RPG experience․