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Full disclosure: This product was sent to us for an honest and objective review. No promises were made of financial remuneration, free gifts or holidays in the sunny Bahamas in exchange for our review…….sadly
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Modiphius are one of my favourite TTRPG companies in terms of the range of fabulous products that they offer; Dune: Adventures in the Imperium, Star Trek Adventures & Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20, to name but three. So I was delighted when they recently offered to send me, for a honest and objective review, materials from one of their most recent releases; Dreams & Machines. Well, when I say ‘materials’ not only did they send the Players Guide and Gamemasters guide, but they also included in the package of goodies the Dreams & Machines Starter set. Now, my long-suffering postman (fellow role player, I believe) who frequently comments with a degree of envy on the amount of ‘stuff’ I’m lucky enough to be sent, may not be delighted in having to lug more packages into my eager hands.
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“Dreams and Machines collide in a far future where its people come together to rebuild, the ultimate tale of hope and heroism in the shadow of the Wakers. Danger grows and the world is once more under threat. Do you dare to dream?”
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I’ll be honest, I’m a sucker for post-apocalyptic narratives, so I had been keen to have a look at Dreams & Machines since its release in 2023. Set let me pass some lore your way……. Buckle in me hearties……
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In the far reaches of space, a human settlement, scarred by a catastrophic self-induced disaster, perseveres on the distant expanse of Evera Prime. Amid the remnants of colossal cities now in ruins, humanity is engaged in a process of reconstruction, drawing upon the remnants of advanced technology from the bygone era and embracing a more simplistic existence. In the expansive terrain of New Mossgrove, nestled amidst towering mountains and winding valleys, relics of the Old World in the form of mechanical beings, remnants of a corrupt Artificial Intelligence’s reign, scatter the landscape. Following the total war that vanquished these malevolent machines, they have remained dormant for centuries. Yet, sporadically, these dormant entities, known as ‘Wakers,’ rouse from their extended slumber, resuming their pre-programmed directive to sow chaos and devastation across the slowly recovering world.
Well that sounds rather good doesn’t it?
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Dreams and Machines Starter Set:
The Dreams and Machines Starter Set contains everything you need to play and explore the world of Evera Prime:
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
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The Starter set is great value, allowing you to dive straight into the immersive experience with a tutorial nicely crafted to swiftly orientate both novice players and seasoned gamemasters into the unfolding narrative. You can craft distinct characters through the approach of drawing cards, setting the stage for a uniquely personalised journey. This revamped 2d20 system introduces exclusive enhancements which I would argue helps in fostering a collaborative atmosphere where players support each other at every turn of their expedition.
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Dreams and Machines Gamemaster’s Guide
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227 pages packed with full color art bringing the world to life. A detailed guide to the history and secrets of Evera Prima, a map and guide to the region around New Mossgrove, information on the wider continent of Nedresita. The book unlocks the narrative potential of Evera Prime, plunging you and your players into the heart of its vibrant factions and peoples. With 40-odd pages of deliciously detailed lore……..you can immerse yourself in their histories, values, and simmering conflicts, weaving a tapestry richer that rivals many a release.
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After the break up of the old world, the survivors formed into factions for safety. Each faction, each people, are nicely detailed and becomes a fertile ground for stories – seeds of conflict, personal struggles, and hidden agendas waiting to be sown. Imagine ‘The Dreamers’, grappling with duty and compassion and completely mis-understood by other factions, or a a warrior from ‘The Spears’ unearthing a history-altering artifact, igniting a perilous chase. This isn’t just a setting, it’s a canvas for epic tales. With this guide, your players won’t just be heroes, they’ll be creators, leaving their mark on Evera Prime and etching their stories into its very fabric.
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Also included:
Detailed briefs on the Thralls, the Wakers, the Builder, and the Dark City — dangerous forces at work behind the scenes or actively opposing the Everans.
Guidance for the gamemaster on running scenes and advice on core mechanics, like Skill Tests, Truths, Threat, Hazards, Action Scenes, the Spirit Economy, and creating and running NPCs.
A host of challenging enemies including malevolent Nanograms, Civilian, Industrial, and Military Wakers, vicious bioengineered creatures, and dangerous plantlife! Plus a host of sample NPCs from across various factions to populate your adventures.
Rules to build your own Wakers and challenge the players!
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Also included is a complete starting adventure: Secrets in Los Rios in you’re a seasoned crew of Evera Prime veterans hungry for fresh intrigue (well, at least completed the starter set scenario), or wide-eyed newcomers eager to plunge into the vibrant chaos of this post-apocalyptic world, this is your gateway to unforgettable escapades.
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Stand alone, revel in its twisting mysteries and pulse-pounding action, or weave it seamlessly into the fabric of the Dreams and Machines Starter Set campaign, where familiar faces take on surprising new roles and the stakes have never been higher. Los Rios, a sun-bleached city clinging to the edges of two rivers, hums with secrets. Whispers of lost technology, forgotten alliances, and ancient shadows dance on the wind, beckoning your intrepid heroes deeper into its labyrinthine alleyways and crumbling mansions. Beneath the sunbaked plaster and tangled vegetation, danger lurks. Rival factions clash for control, mutated creatures stalk the shadows, and forgotten machines stir in the dust. Will you unravel the tangled skein of conspiracies, forge unlikely alliances, and emerge as a legendary hero of? Or will you succumb to the city’s seductive whispers, becoming another lost soul swallowed by its secrets?
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So what are you waiting for? Embark on an exhilarating adventure filled with the exploration of ancient ruins, discovery of potent technologies, confrontations with perilous Wakers, and encounters with prowling Thralls, bio-engineered creatures, and sinister nanograms. Utilise the art of weaving to conjure equipment seemingly out of thin air, engage with sophisticated ancient systems, uncover age-old records, and barter ‘Knowledge Fragments’ for invaluable resources, encouraging players to delve into the intricacies of the immersive world that unfolds before them.
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Dreams & Machines Player’s Guide
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Evera Prime with the Dreams and Machines Player’s Guide, a comprehensive 222-page manual that not only guides you through the core rules and character creation but also unveils the rich history and current state of this enthralling universe. The stunning artwork, meticulous design, and engaging writing seamlessly transport you to a realm filled with wonder and excitement.
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One particular aspect that I loved is seeing the innovative 2d20 system in a whole new light as it emphasizes the importance of your Spirit as a valuable resource as you journey alongside humanity as they explore the stars, facing triumphs and failures on Evera Prime. With 5 distinct origins and 9 archetypes to choose from, character creation offers good flexibility, allowing you to tailor your character to your liking.
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Embark on a journey of character growth as you pursue short and long-term goals, unlocking advanced archetypes along the way. Equip your character with relics from the Old World, ranging from powerful plasma blasters to sturdy combat armor, and traverse the diverse landscapes using ATVs, mono bikes, grav scouts, and more.
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The Dreams and Machines Player’s Guide not only provides the tools you need to craft unforgettable stories but also serves as a testament to the dedication and talent of its creators. With its breathtaking artwork, thoughtful design, and compelling writing, this guide promises to deliver countless hours of immersive gameplay and storytelling enjoyment.
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Dreams & Machines is available here at DriveThruRPG
The Dreams & Machines section at Modiphius can be found RIGHT HERE
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