Masterbook
Encyclopedia
Masterbook is a generic role-playing game that was created by West End Games
as a follow-up to the multi-genre role-playing game Torg
and the science fiction game Shatterzone
, which used a modified version of the Torg system. As of January 2011, it is published by Precis Intermedia Gaming
.
Like Torg, the Masterbook system utilized two complementary forms of in-game conflict resolution: a unified dice mechanic, which was based on a roll of two ten-sided dice, and a game-specific deck of cards (the MasterDeck, similar to the Drama Deck in Torg) that influenced random number generation, character actions, and the game's plot. Masterbook was used for several licensed properties, most notably The World of Indiana Jones
, Tales from the Crypt, Species
, and Brian Lumley
's Necroscope. It was also used for unique settings such as Bloodshadows.
The system was, ultimately, a commercial failure despite these licenses, thanks to a combination of factors, including the high level of detail in game mechanics, the unusual synthesis of dice- and card-based conflict resolution, and the low level of player character
power and effect even in fantastic or pulp-style settings such as Indiana Jones. This last factor was in direct contrast to Torg, which helped to isolate many fans of the game's predecessor and drive them to play games whose systems were more directly accommodating to their preferred style of gameplay.
West End Games
West End Games was a company that made board, role-playing, and war games. It was founded by Daniel Scott Palter in 1974 in New York, but later moved to Honesdale, Pennsylvania...
as a follow-up to the multi-genre role-playing game Torg
Torg
Torg is a cinematic multi-genre role-playing game created by Greg Gorden and Bill Slavicsek and released by West End Games in 1990, which uses several innovative techniques...
and the science fiction game Shatterzone
Shatterzone
Shatterzone is a space opera role-playing game by West End Games. The game went out of print in 1997 after the company went bankrupt. It is now back in print, owned and published by Precis Intermedia....
, which used a modified version of the Torg system. As of January 2011, it is published by Precis Intermedia Gaming
Precis Intermedia Gaming
Precis Intermedia publishes downloadable PDF-based and traditional printed role-playing games. They also pulish downloadable paper gaming miniatures called Disposable Heroes, and other various miniatures and tabletop games...
.
Like Torg, the Masterbook system utilized two complementary forms of in-game conflict resolution: a unified dice mechanic, which was based on a roll of two ten-sided dice, and a game-specific deck of cards (the MasterDeck, similar to the Drama Deck in Torg) that influenced random number generation, character actions, and the game's plot. Masterbook was used for several licensed properties, most notably The World of Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones (role-playing game)
There have been two publications of role-playing games based on the Indiana Jones franchise. The Adventures of Indiana Jones Role-Playing Game was designed and published by TSR, Inc. under license in 1984. Ten years later, West End Games acquired the rights to publish their own version, The World...
, Tales from the Crypt, Species
Species (film)
Species is a 1995 science fiction horror film directed by Roger Donaldson, and starring Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, and Natasha Henstridge...
, and Brian Lumley
Brian Lumley
Brian Lumley is an English horror fiction writer.Born in County Durham, he joined the British Army's Royal Military Police and wrote stories in his spare time before retiring with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 in 1980 and becoming a professional writer.He added to H. P...
's Necroscope. It was also used for unique settings such as Bloodshadows.
The system was, ultimately, a commercial failure despite these licenses, thanks to a combination of factors, including the high level of detail in game mechanics, the unusual synthesis of dice- and card-based conflict resolution, and the low level of player character
Player character
A player character or playable character is a character in a video game or role playing game who is controlled or controllable by a player, and is typically a protagonist of the story told in the course of the game. A player character is a persona of the player who controls it. Player characters...
power and effect even in fantastic or pulp-style settings such as Indiana Jones. This last factor was in direct contrast to Torg, which helped to isolate many fans of the game's predecessor and drive them to play games whose systems were more directly accommodating to their preferred style of gameplay.