The World of Synnibarr
Designers | Raven C.S. McCracken Bryce Thelin |
---|---|
Publishers | Wonderworld Press |
Publication | 1991 (first edition) 1993 (second edition) |
Genres | Multi-genre |
Website | synnibarr |
The World of Synnibarr (sometimes referred to simply as Synnibarr) was a multi-genre role-playing game published by Wonderworld Press and written by Raven c.s. McCracken.[1] A second edition of the game, co-written by Bryce Thelin, was published in 1993. It is noted largely for its exceptionally poor design.[2]
The game features an unusual amount of variety in play. It combines elements of fantasy, science-fiction, super-hero and other genres and does occasionally lend itself to power gaming.[3]
A third edition of the game (tentatively known as Synnibarr Invicta) was funded by a Kickstarter in 2013, which was expected to be released in 2014–2015, but remains only partially complete as of June 2020.[4]
Setting[]
Synnibarr is set on Mars 50,000 years in the future, hollowed out and turned into a spaceship to take humanity to a safe place after the Earth had been destroyed. Civilization is beginning to be rebuilt after a series of disasters and technology is practiced as a religion.
Synnibarr is also noted for bizarre monsters, including the Giant Mutant Fire Clam and the Flying Grizzly (capable of shooting laser beams from its eyes). Guilds and organizations play a major role in the Synnibarr "Worldship". Mortals are often able to interact with immortals, demi-gods and even the gods themselves.
System[]
Most rolls are of percentile dice (d100) though some are additive while others use a roll-under mechanic. The third edition game mechanic replaces the previous percentile system with a streamlined skill-based system, where resolve and experience create cogency levels that are pitted against opposing cogency levels for determining results.
McCracken and a group of other people have been playing and developing Synnibarr since the mid-90s. In December 2012 a Kickstarter was launched to publish a new edition. The project was expected to span three books, an "Ultimate Adventurer's Guide", a "Worldship Atlas", and a "Book of Fate".[4] The "Ultimate Adventurer's Guide" was published in August 2018, but as of December 2019 backers had received neither books nor updates for some time.[5][6]
References[]
- ^ McCracken, Raven c. s. (February 2011). Eat Butterflies: Tales of Vampire, Mages and Mutants. Swooping Grizzly Publications. ISBN 978-0-615-45124-4.
- ^ MacLennan, Darren (2001-08-03). "Review of The World of Synnibarr by Darren MacLennan". Rpg.net. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ^ Mier, Roger (2004-08-20). "Review of The World of Synnibarr by Roger Mier". Rpg.net. Retrieved 2011-12-22.
- ^ a b "Republishing: The World of Synnibarr". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ^ McCracken, Raven c.s. (22 August 2018). The Ultimate Adventurers' Guide: The World of Synnibarr. Ascensionnw. ISBN 978-0996417303.
- ^ "Republishing: The World of Synnibarr (Comments)". Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- Fantasy role-playing games
- Role-playing games introduced in 1991
- Science fiction role-playing games
- Science fantasy role-playing games