Shadowflux RPG

I read through the Shadowflux setting for Savage Worlds last night. Its very similar to World of Darkness in tone, but the lore is different. All supernatural creatures come from a dark essence called Shadow, which can be felt and manipulated by Awakened humans and can also manifest into spirits tied to nearby human emotional turmoil.

Its a neat setting, with a nice layout, but needs a lot of editing. Many pages have typographical errors and/or grammar problems. The ideas are fun though. I can see how Shadow supports its own setting, but I think that if I use this, it’ll be part of a greater whole. It seems like it could be easily overlaid or simply inserted into many settings for added variety, and if the story is already of a dark/supernatural bent, its a very natural fit.

Players are mainly regular humans who have become aware of the existence of Shadow. There are archetypes, much like White Wolf’s games, which are based on the character’s perspective to Awakening. They have different base stat bonuses and some other differentiators. These are:

• The Open-Minded: You witnessed a manifestation of Shadow and your mind began to try to rationalize and understand it. Its expanded your worldview.
• The Pure: You’re basically resistant to the influence of Shadow and can actively suppress it. Think exorcist, non-corrupt priest, faith healer, or just spiritual but stubborn. You view Shadow as evil.
• The Scarred: You’re touched by Shadow and a little nuts. You can manipulate it to a degree, like magic, but its affected your personality and possibly your rationality.
• The Simple: You’re more naïve than stupid, but ultimately, you’re either afraid of the Shadow or hostile to it. Think of most horror victims, cowering from the terror unfolding around them, who try to retreat to safety, or even the ones who call on their inner reserve to defend others, like their children. They’re upset at the Shadow for existing and adding horrific threat to their otherwise mundane lives.