Power's Out

Inspired by a true story.

During a lengthy bout of winter storms, my electrical power was lost when a tree dropped a power line on a neighbor's house. For about two weeks, I balanced keeping warm and safe with fulfilling actual daily requirements like caring for my animals, eating meals, and not losing my mind. It sparked an idea - when you're trying to keep up with your life, how do you function when a power you rely on so fully suddenly just goes out? Written by fire light, 'Power's Out!' (the play on words is of course intentional) lets you imagine a story just like that, albeit with a hero or heroes whose powers are a little less mundane than home electricity.  Nevertheless, I did get my power returned, and so too shall your heroes... after a little adventure.

PREMISE

You're a hero with extraordinary abilities and an extraordinary power. You perform marvelous deeds and save those in trouble. There's just one problem... the power - YOUR power - is out!"

This one-page Caltrop Core* game for two or more players is perfect for a one-shot or party game with friends. The GM quickly chooses a genre, setting, and problem to solve. The team of heroes spends 10 rounds trying to make progress in hurtling past this difficulty, but simultaneously trying to do so without their considerable power.

Each story might tell the tale of the heroes' rediscovery of their powers or simply learning they are able to perform in other ways. Once this is clear, it can be a fun new way to play as old characters, now relying on wit, guile, and luck rather than magic, strength, or martial prowess.

INCLUDED

This simple game fits on a single page, including character sheet and is perfect for a low key oneshot, quick pick-up-game or entryway for a new role player, especially for GMs that like to improv on the fly.

Downloadable Files:

• HQ Printable PDF
• HQ Printable Image File (PNG)
• Screen View PDF
• Plain Text PDF

* This work is based on Caltrop Core published by TitanomachyPRG. This game is not associated or affiliated with TitanomachyRPG in any way. The Caltrop Core SRD is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.