User:Sangrolu/Sandbox

This is a sandbox for the Spycraft page. Will fold back in when I get enough text and references for the new Mastercraft/Fantasy Craft subsections.

TODO List:

• Add section for Fantasy Craft, MasterCraft, Spycraft 3.0. DONE - for now, just one section until SC 3.0 and Ten Thousand Bullets are published.
  • Either add 10KB to header or take SC 3.0 out until they are published.
  • Add dates of announcements and releases.
• Remove references to things that are not on the Crafty-Games.com in-development page. Those are products that are actually being worked on per Crafty. Any other entries (like Vow of Silence) are WP:CRYSTAL.
• Consider removing product lists as non-encyclopedic.
• Consider restructuring. Put system stuff first and history stuff later? Anything else.
• Merge sections back to main article and note here when done.
  • (none yet)

This page is about the role-playing game. For the computer game, see Spycraft: The Great Game.

Spycraft

Designers	Patrick Kapera, Scott Gearin, Alex Flagg, Kevin Wilson
Publishers	Alderac Entertainment Group
Publication	2002 (1st edition) 2005 (Revised edition)
Genres	Espionage, Action
Systems	d20 System (variant) (1st edition) OGL (Revised edition)

Spycraft is a d20 and OGL-based role-playing game dealing with superspies and modern action. Originally published by the Alderac Entertainment Group, it is currently published under licence by Crafty Games.

History

Spycraft 1st edition ("1.0")

Originally envisioned—and initially publicised—as a paranormal superspy game called Series Archer, the game was split into 2 complementary product lines: Spycraft (silver trade dress) which devoted itself to a generic cinematic superspy/action setting, and Shadowforce Archer (black trade dress) which featured a setting focused on a global shadow conspiracy based on a wide variety of supernatural elements. After the release of the core book (subsequently referred to as the "Spycraft Espionage Handbook") in 2002, multiple print supplements were released in the following years for both lines. Each of these books sported highly distinctive cover art by artist Veronica V. Jones.

SERIES ARCHER REFERECE: http://www.ukroleplayers.com/columns/dave-mcalister/patrick-kapera-interview

Spycraft 2.0

A new edition of the rules, Spycraft 2.0, was released in August 2005. Shortly afterwards, economic issues forced AEG to cull Spycraft from its product range. As a result, early in 2006 the core authors of the 2nd edition—Alex Flagg, Scott Gearin and Patrick Kapera (who also co-authored Spycraft 1.0). -- formed Crafty Games to continue the line under licence, predominantly through PDF file releases supported by strategic print releases. This model has changed over time, permitting a growing number of print releases including compilations of previous PDF releases.

MasterCraft, Fantasy Craft, and Spycraft 3.0

Under construction

At Gen Con 2007, Crafty Games announced that they were working on a fantasy genre book, Fantasy Craft that would use the Spycraft 2.0 rules set, and would be an outgrowth of a number of fantasy-themed products they had released for the game.

Crafty eventually changed their strategy. Fantasy Craft was to be released as a standalone rule book that did not require use of the the Spycraft 2.0 book. The Fantasy Craft rules are based on a streamlined version of the Spycraft 2.0 rules that the company has branded MasterCraft. TODO: More dates, possible inline cite.

Ten Thousand Bullets and Spycraft 3.0 are in development, and are to be based on the MasterCraft rules baseline. TODO: Citation

Reception & Influence

Put info here about other systems that use elements of the games (if you can do it without original research.)

Awards & Nominations

1st Edition

• ENnie (Nominee for Best d20 Game, 2002)
• Outie (Best New RPG, 2002)
• Pen & Paper (Best Graphic Design Runner-Up, 2002)
• Pen & Paper (Best RPG Runner-Up, 2002)
• Grog d'Or (Best RPG Nominee, 2003)

2nd Edition

• Outie (Best Retread, 2005)
• Diana Jones (Nominee for Excellence in Gaming, 2006)
• ENnie (Nominee for Best d20 or OGL Product, 2006)
• ENnie (Nominee for Best Game, 2006)
• ENnie (Nominee for Best Product, 2006)
• ENnie (Nominee for Best Rules, 2006)

System

Spycraft 1.0

Spycraft 1.0 is a d20 System game, implementing a number of changes to the core mechanics in order to give a more contemporary feel:

• The system used the Vitality/Wound Point system originated in the Star Wars d20 RPG.
• Races were replaced by Departments. The mechanic would later evolve into the slightly more simulist meta-Departments before then being used to model non-humans.
• Characters gained both a Defense and Initiative bonus which improved with their character levels, while armor instead adds damage resistance rather than add to defense (Armor Class).
• Modern day skills like Computers and Electronics were added to the skill list. Characters in Spycraft can also critically succeed or critically fail at skill checks.
• A system for resolving high-speed chases was included in the main rulebook (and expanded somewhat in later supplements). The system involves both sides of the chase picking maneuvers with specific game effects and then rolling a contest of skill to determine which takes effect. The system was later used by the d20 conversion of White Wolf's Aeonverse games.
• Characters kept a certain amount of personal gear, but the gear would be replaced by the Agency the characters worked for when lost. Characters also received additional gear for each mission based on the threat level code of the mission (White, Yellow, Red, or Black).
• Characters received a number of "Action Dice" based on their character level (and feat selection) for each play session. These Action Dice would be used during play to add to die rolls or to activate a critical success (or critical failure on the part of your opponents). The Game Control (Spycraft's term for a Game Master) also received a number of Action Dice to use for his NPCs, and could award the players (and himself) additional Action Dice for particularly good play.

Spycraft 2.0

Spycraft 2.0 took these changes a step further and was released under the Open Game Licence (OGL), but not the d20 System Trademark License. There were also numerous changes from Spycraft 1.0, such as:

• New character options, including Wealth and Interests, help flesh out characters more effectively.
• The introduction of plug-and-play modifications called Campaign Qualities that allow characters to advance in some skills and abilities faster at the expense of others that slow down by the same rate. Other Campaign Qualities have more general effects like setting the game in a specific time period, or making combat more dangerous than it already is.
• Each character chooses an Origin at character creation. Unlike D&D's Race mechanic and Spycraft 1.0's Departments, Origins consist of two parts which allow players to choose an almost unending variety of character benefits and detriments.
• The skills system has been largely reworked. The d20 System skill list has been replaced by a new list, and each skill has a variety of codified checks that that skill can perform. The skills rules more rigorously detail matters that were often left to group contract in other d20 System games.
• A re-designed gear system that simplifies one of the more unwieldy parts of Spycraft 1.0. Budget and Gear Points have been replaced with Common Items, and a number of Gear Picks based on a character's class and gadgets can now be designed freeform style.
• Vehicular chases have been expanded into a new rules mechanic called Dramatic Conflicts. The one system covers chases, seduction, hacking and other suitably dramatic events.
• Mission and NPC creation have been redesigned, and are now crafted to give a set amount of XP based on their ability instead of using Challenge Ratings. As well, it is presumably a relatively simple exercise to create a mission.

Campaign settings

1st Edition

Shadowforce Archer

The first of all the Spycraft campaign settings. The world of Shadowforce Archer (SFA) is an Earth where mystical and psionic powers are real. A series of supplemental books that were released to support the SFA worldbook. Each book details one of the international Chambers of world. Each book has a different theme and includes new rules and agent options appropriate to the theme. The setting was discontinued at the beginning of 2005. Spycraft 2.0 contains many classes and feats that first appeared in the SFA line.

The Shadowforce Archer World Book has recently been re-released in PDF format by Crafty Games. The rest of the SFA line will also be made available in PDF format throughout the rest of the year (and possibly into the next).

Dark Inheritance

Released in 2004 by Mythic Dreams Studios, Dark Inheritance (DI) was originally a d20 Modern campaign setting but converted across to the Powered by Spycraft banner using the Spycraft 1.0 rules. It describes an Earth that has been ravaged by ancient mystical powers, allowing Demons and other foul beasts access to this dimension. The setting book contains new rules that allow agents to play as Titans (powerful descendants of antediluvian demi-gods), worship the demonic forces and gain access to mystic powers (reprinted from the SFA world book).

There are a number of supplements planned for DI, similar in fashion to those for SFA. There is no release date as yet for any of these supplements.

2nd Edition

World On Fire

Released in December 2007, World On Fire is the title of the world book that covers the setting detailed in the Spycraft CCG. Agents are able to fight the forces of evil alongside such groups as the Shadow Patriots and Banshee.Net. The book features even more character options (in the form of new origins, base and expert classes, and new master classes for higher level characters). New classes include the Ace, the Centurion, the Edgemaster, the Fixer, the Forward, the Goliath, the High Roller, the Martial Artist, the Medic, the Menace, the Mole, the Ninja, the Provocateur, the Saboteur, the Spin Doctor, the Street Knight, and the Terrorist.

Fantasy Craft

Fantasy Craft is Crafty Games' entry into the fantasy genre, prompted by the dissatisfaction many Spycraft fans felt with 3rd Edition Dungeons & Dragons. Originally intended for release as a Spycraft 2.0 expansion, but was later changed to a stand alone product utilising Crafty Games' updated and refined Mastercraft mechanic.

External links:

Fantasy Craft on RPG Talk

Ten Thousand Bullets

Long teased on the Spycraft forums under the name 'Project X', Ten Thousand Bullets is a gritty crime setting intended to bring Spycraft down to street level with new rules to allow players to become police, gangsters and everything in between. Originally intended for release at Gen Con Indy 2007, the creative process behind Fantasy Craft has resulted in its being slated for release as a Mastercraft title.

Vow of Silence

...

Organized Play

Spycraft has a long history with Organized Play and Living Campaigns. For several years Spycraft could also be played as part of the Living Spycraft campaign, which was a part of the Role Playing Game Association's (RPGA's) network of Living Campaign settings. As a Living Campaign, modules created by volunteers are available for play, and players track character progression on a log sheet.

Living Spycraft

Crafty Games ended the Living Spycraft campaign on 31 December 2007 although the original campaign scenarios are still available as free downloads.

For Queen & Country

For Queen & Country is a UK only campaign started after Crafty Games announced that Living Spycraft was ceasing. Uses the Spycraft v1 rules.

Spymaster

October 2008 the managing staff who ran Living Spycraft when it ended restarted the campaign independently. The Spymaster campaign is community run and independent of Crafty Games but still uses the most recent Spycraft rules. Living Spycraft characters can be directly converted for play in Spymaster. The Spymaster campaign rules are the same as used in Wyrmstone, the fantasy Living Campaign for Fantasy Craft.

Supplements

Spycraft 1.0

• Modern Arms Guide (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Gentleman's Agreement (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Game Control Screen (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Soldier/Wheelman Class Guide (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Fixer/Pointman Class Guide (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Faceman/Snoop Class Guide (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• The 1960s Decade Book (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Most Wanted (Paradigm Concepts)
• Agency (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Mastermind (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• U.S. Militaries (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• World Militaries (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))
• Battlegrounds (Alderac Entertainment Group (print), Crafty Games (PDF))

Crafty Games has re-released the first edition books in PDF format. The first two PDF releases, the Spycraft Espionage Handbook and Shadowforce Archer came with a Conversion Document that allows owners to use the material with Spycraft 2.0.

Spycraft 2.0

There are currently 27 supplements available for the new version of Spycraft (21 from Crafty Games and 6 licensed products).

• Agent X: Firebrand (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Agent X: One Man Army (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Agent X: The Runner (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Back to Basics: Modern SRD Classes for Spycraft (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Bag Full of Guns: Dragon's Fury (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Bag Full of Guns: Red Heat (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Bag Full of Guns: This is My Gun (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Bag Full of Guns: This is My Rifle (Crafty Games (PDF))
• The Big Score (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Black Knight Casino (Darkfuries (print))
• Combat Missions (Paradigm Concepts (print and PDF))
• Conspiracies (Paradigm Concepts (print and PDF))
• Fragile Minds (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Odd Jobs (Crafty Games (print))
• Operation: Nightfall (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Origin of the Species: Classic Fantasy ([[rafty Games (PDF))
• Origin of the Species: Light of Olympus (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Origin of the Species: Transmechs (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Practice Makes Perfect (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Skyshark Stealth Helicopter (Fat Dragon Games]] (PDF))
• Shadow Play (Crafty Games (print))
• Spellbound: The Channeler (Revised) (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Spellbound: The Seer (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Spycraft 2.0 Game Control Screen (Crafty Games (PDF))
• Twilight 2013 Shooter's Guide: Alternate Arms (93 Games Studios (PDF))
• Twilight 2013 Shooter's Guide: Pistol-Caliber Carbines (93 Games Studios (PDF))
• World on Fire (Crafty Games (print and PDF))

Online sources

• The official Spycraft website has a selection of free downloads for both versions of Spycraft, including downloadable missions and character sheets.
• Modus Operandi is a fan-run site for all things Espionage Role-playing related. They have a large collection of material for Spycraft players.

See also

The Spycraft system was used in the Stargate SG-1 role-playing game. This has often been referred to as Spycraft 1.5 due to some small changes that were made to the Spycraft 1.0 rules and were subsequently incorporated into Spycraft 2.0, such as Gear Picks.

External links

(no work here; keep article)