Masks: A New Generation ⎼ An Overview

Masks: A New Generation, published by Magpie Games, is a superhero roleplaying game (RPG) focused on young heroes navigating their identities and responsibilities in Halcyon City. It uses Powered by the Apocalypse mechanics.

What is Masks: A New Generation?

Masks: A New Generation is a superhero tabletop roleplaying game published by Magpie Games. It focuses on the lives and struggles of young superheroes in a vibrant, bustling city called Halcyon City. Unlike traditional superhero RPGs, Masks emphasizes the personal drama and emotional development of its teenage heroes.

The game utilizes the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system, focusing on narrative gameplay and collaborative storytelling. Players take on the roles of young heroes grappling with their identities, relationships, and responsibilities. They confront villains, save lives, and try to understand their place in the world while dealing with typical teenage problems. Masks explores themes of identity, influence, and the challenges of growing up in a world of extraordinary powers. It is an ENnie-award winning game known for its engaging mechanics and focus on character development, making it a standout title.

Key Mechanics of Masks RPG

Masks RPG uses the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system, emphasizing narrative and collaborative storytelling. Key mechanics include character playbooks, Influence, and Relationships, focusing on the teenage superhero experience in Halcyon City.

Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) System

Masks: A New Generation employs the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system, a narrative-driven approach that prioritizes collaborative storytelling over rigid rules. Inspired by Apocalypse World, PbtA emphasizes character-driven plots. This system focuses on player agency and GM responsiveness. Instead of strict rules, PbtA games offer guidelines and principles to shape the narrative organically.

In Masks, this translates to moves that trigger based on character actions. Moves prompt players to roll dice and interpret the results within the story. The GM uses principles and moves to react to player actions. They guide the story forward, making threats real and misdirecting attention. This creates a dynamic and engaging experience. This makes the game fun.

Character Playbooks

In Masks: A New Generation, character creation revolves around Playbooks. These pre-defined character archetypes offer a starting point for players. They define the hero’s origin, powers, and relationships. Unlike traditional character classes, Playbooks in PbtA games are more flexible. They guide the character’s development through narrative choices.

Each Playbook presents unique moves. They are special abilities that trigger during gameplay. Examples include the Legacy, the Nova, and the Protege. Each reflects a different aspect of the young superhero experience. Players choose a Playbook that resonates with their desired character concept. Then they customize it with details about their hero’s personality and background.

First-time players may misunderstand the function of playbooks. They are not fixed paths. They provide a framework for exploring the character’s journey.

Influence and Relationships

Masks: A New Generation places significant emphasis on Influence and Relationships. These mechanics reflect the teenage experience. They highlight the impact of others on a young hero’s development. Influence represents the power of adults and peers to shape a character’s actions and beliefs. Characters can exert Influence on each other. This leads to shifts in Labels, which represent a hero’s self-perception.

Relationships are crucial in defining a hero’s motivations and conflicts. Strong bonds with teammates, mentors, or family members can provide support and guidance. However, strained relationships can create tension. It can lead to difficult choices. The game encourages players to explore these dynamics.

The Deck of Influence enhances this system. It provides prompts and situations that challenge relationships. This adds depth to the social interactions within the game.

Playing the Game

Masks uses conversation to resolve actions. GMs should describe like a comic book. They should also address the heroes, not the players. Making threats real is also important.

GM Tips for Running Masks

Running Masks: A New Generation effectively involves several key strategies. First, describe the world like a comic book, using vivid language and dynamic imagery. Address the heroes directly, immersing players in the narrative. Make the threats real, emphasizing the consequences of their actions or inactions. Be prepared with pre-made villains to introduce conflict. Take detailed notes on NPCs connected to player characters, and weave them back into the story. Misdirect your moves, keeping players on their toes.

Remember that Masks blends superheroics with the struggles of youth. Have some Villains ready. Take notes, especially about NPCs connected to PCs, and call on those NPCs when you need an NPC.

Resolving Powers Through Conversation

In Masks: A New Generation, resolving powers effectively hinges on conversation. Facilitate a discussion with your players about their characters’ powers. Explore the extent and limitations of these powers collaboratively. This dialogue ensures that everyone understands what the characters can do.

Emphasize the narrative aspect of power usage; don’t focus solely on mechanics. Encourage players to describe how they use their powers. The writers of Masks: A New Generation, sure love their buzzwords. Well, all PbtA authors do. In Masks, powers are resolved through the conversation- you should definitely sit down with your players and discuss what their powers do so.

Resources for Masks RPG

To enhance your Masks RPG experience, explore the Magpie Games official website for core books and supplements. Also, engage with online communities and forums to exchange tips and ideas with fellow players.

Magpie Games Official Website

The Magpie Games official website serves as a central hub for all things related to Masks: A New Generation. Here, you can find the core rulebook, supplements, and accessories to enhance your gameplay experience. The website also offers valuable resources for both players and game masters (GMs), including character sheets, play aids, and community forums.

Explore the site to discover the latest news, updates, and promotions related to the game. You can also find helpful articles and blog posts that delve into the mechanics, setting, and themes of Masks. Engage with the Magpie Games team and fellow fans through the website’s forums and social media channels. Stay informed and connected with the ever-evolving world of Masks: A New Generation.

Online Communities and Forums

For players and GMs seeking to delve deeper into the world of Masks: A New Generation, online communities and forums offer invaluable resources and opportunities for collaboration. These platforms serve as vibrant hubs where fans can connect, share experiences, and exchange ideas about the game.

Engage in discussions about character builds, plot hooks, and campaign settings. Seek advice from experienced players and GMs, and contribute your own insights to the community. Many online forums also host play-by-post games, allowing you to participate in ongoing campaigns with players from around the world. Share your artwork, fan fiction, and other creative works inspired by Masks. Explore the diverse range of online communities dedicated to Masks: A New Generation and discover a supportive and welcoming environment for all fans.

Masks RPG Products

Magpie Games offers several products for Masks: A New Generation, including the core book, which contains all the rules. They also provide supplements and accessories to enhance your gaming experience and expand your options.

Core Book

The Masks: A New Generation Core Book is the essential resource for playing the game. It contains all the rules, character playbooks, and guidance needed to create thrilling superhero stories. Within its pages, you’ll discover the vibrant setting of Halcyon City, a metropolis brimming with both superpowered heroes and menacing villains.

The Core Book details the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system, which emphasizes collaborative storytelling and character-driven narratives. It provides GMs (Game Masters) with invaluable advice on running engaging sessions and crafting compelling storylines. Furthermore, the book includes descriptions of various threats and challenges that young heroes might face.

Whether you’re a seasoned RPG player or new to the genre, the Masks Core Book is your gateway to an exciting world of teenage superheroes.

Supplements and Accessories

To expand your Masks: A New Generation experience, Magpie Games offers a range of supplements and accessories designed to enhance gameplay and provide new options for players and GMs alike. These resources can add depth to your campaigns, introduce new challenges, and offer exciting possibilities for character development.

The “Deck of Villainy” provides GMs with pre-made villains, each with unique motivations and powers, to quickly integrate into their games. The “Deck of Influence” offers a tool to manage and track the complex relationships between characters and NPCs, adding nuance to social interactions.

The “Halcyon City Herald Collection” brings the city to life through in-game news articles and reports, immersing players in the setting. Furthermore, additional playbooks and scenarios are available, providing fresh character options and story hooks to keep your campaigns engaging and dynamic.