Big Robots + alien invasions + growing up
EMPTY CYCLE is a rules-light "experimental" tabletop RPG that allows players to control two individual characters at once. Inspired by series like FLCL and Kill la Kill.
Everything changes when otherworldly beings known as "Parasites" arrive on earth and begin to affix themselves to our protagonists in order to survive. Parasites are humanoid, planet-hopping alien beings that are able to take on a new human form based on their hosts Complex, Emotions and Desires, often using an attractive appearance to persuade and influence their hosts for a mutual gain between the two life forms.
However, there are other beings known by the Parasites and Epoch Agency as “Reapers”. These Reapers, much like their Parasite counterparts, look remarkably human and almost angelic yet they possess extraordinary abilities much like their Parasite counterparts. A Reaper’s goal seems to be solely to eradicate the Parasites while the Parasites resist and find suitable hosts in order to utilize their own parasitic abilities.
Once the Parasite(s) arrive, strange events begin to happen within the town. Ranging from a robot attacking you through your TV screen to a giant hand falling onto your town from outer space. No one knows what causes these events but you have a feeling it has something to do with the Parasites and Reapers presence in your world.
Check out the teaser
Take a peak into the book before you buy. A teaser featuring the core character creation mechanics is available now for free, no strings attached.
EMPTY CYCLE has been structured in a way that provides players with a unique focus on the narrative experience while retaining the love of rolling dice across the table to determine the various outcomes of player decisions.
Both the Character and the Parasite embody three of six total stats: Physical, Mind and Soul for the Character; and Complex, Desire and Emotion for the Parasite. Players and the GM may decide to have control over one or both of these Player Characters switch hands depending on the situation present in-game. The Parasite can be summoned or automatically manifested by strong emotions. This can be during times where the Character could be harmed or angered but can also happen in a myriad of other ways
Features of the full version of EMPTY CYCLE will include:
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Game
Character Creation Rules
Parasite Creation Rules
Rules on how to Play the Game
Enemy Creation Rules
Designer Notes
APPROX: 46 Pages