Modiphius Entertainment, a renowned publisher in the tabletop gaming industry, has announced the pre-order availability of the Dreams and Machines Starter Set, the first game based on their original sci-fi fantasy intellectual property. Created by Modiphius founder and Chief Creative Officer, Chris Birch, Dreams and Machines immerses players in a distant world where dormant mechanical monstrosities are awakening to pose a threat once again. This article provides an overview of the Dreams and Machines Starter Set, its release details, and the expansive future of the Dreams and Machines IP.
Pre-order and Release Details
The Dreams and Machines Starter Set is set to debut at Gen Con on August 3, 2023. However, eager players can secure their copies by pre-ordering the set. Those who pre-order will receive the quickstart PDF immediately, allowing them to delve into the world of Dreams and Machines ahead of the official release. Additionally, pre-order customers will receive the final starter set PDFs as soon as they become available. It’s important to note that the quickstart PDF will not be publicly accessible until two weeks after the pre-order launch.
Exploring Evera Prime
The setting of Dreams and Machines takes place on Evera Prime, a remote planet located far from Earth. This human colony has endured the aftermath of a self-inflicted apocalypse, navigating the remnants of ruined megacities and adapting to a simpler way of life. Within the picturesque landscapes of New Mossgrove, remnants of the Old World manifest as dormant mechs—deadly tools controlled by a corrupted artificial intelligence (A.I.). These machines, which have been in a centuries-long slumber since their defeat in the war, occasionally awaken to continue their destructive programming and sow chaos across the world.
Key Features of the Dreams and Machines Starter Set
The Dreams and Machines Starter Set offers an immersive and accessible experience for both new players and experienced gamemasters. It comes with the following features:
- Tutorial: The set includes a tutorial booklet that allows players to dive into the action immediately without the need for extensive preparation.
- Unique Character Creation: Players can create their own unique characters using a hand of cards, offering a dynamic and customizable approach to character development.
- Thrilling Adventure: The set provides an exciting adventure that encompasses exploring ancient ruins, discovering powerful technologies, battling dangerous Wakers (awakened mechs), and encountering hunting parties of bio-engineered creatures called Thralls and malevolent nanograms.
- Cooperative Gameplay: Unique updates to the 2d20 system encourage players to collaborate, relying on each other’s assistance throughout their journey and utilizing their Spirit to fuel their actions.
- Weaving and Knowledge Fragments: The game introduces weaving, a mechanism that enables players to conjure equipment seemingly out of thin air. Furthermore, players can interact with advanced ancient systems, uncover ancient records, and trade “Knowledge Fragments” for valuable resources, fostering an environment where players can deepen their understanding of the world.
Contents of the Dreams and Machines Starter Set
The Dreams and Machines Starter Set comprises the following components:
- Tutorial Booklet
- Adventure Booklet
- Rules Reference Booklet
- 5 twenty-sided dice
- 152 tokens
- 42 player character cards
- 26 equipment cards
- 52 NPC cards
- 31 illustrated location cards
- 13 Knowledge Fragment handouts
- 7 character save envelopes
- 7 rules reference cards
A Transmedia IP
Dreams and Machines is more than just a tabletop game; it is a transmedia intellectual property that will expand beyond the realm of tabletop gaming. The Dreams and Machines IP has ambitious plans to encompass various media formats, including a core RPG line, a skirmish miniatures game, novelizations, a television show, and even video games. To bring this expansive world to life, Modiphius Entertainment has assembled a diverse and talented team of creatives, including Carrie Harris, Amanda Harmon, Anne Toole, Michele Nelson, Matt Zxodiac, Nathan Dowdell, Samantha Webb, Daniel Lade, Bryce Johston, Natalie Whipple, Dave Semark, Mari Tokuda, Logan Boese, and Jen Kretchmer.
Delving Deeper with the Creative Team
For an in-depth understanding of the world, history, and factions of Dreams and Machines, the creative team behind the project has released a captivating deep-dive video. This video provides valuable insights into the inspiration behind the setting, giving players and enthusiasts a glimpse into the rich and immersive universe they can expect to explore.
As the Dreams and Machines Starter Set opens the gateway to this unique and captivating sci-fi fantasy IP, Modiphius Entertainment invites players and fans alike to embark on a thrilling journey through the world of Evera Prime. With its intricate gameplay mechanics, cooperative elements, and the promise of an expanding transmedia universe, Dreams and Machines is set to captivate the imagination of tabletop gamers and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.
Please note that pre-order information, release dates, and details about the Dreams and Machines IP mentioned in this article are accurate as of the time of writing and are subject to change. Stay tuned for further updates and announcements from Modiphius Entertainment as the world of Dreams and Machines continues to unfold.
