Recon (role-playing game)
Encyclopedia
Recon is a role-playing game
wherein players assume the role of U.S. military characters during the Vietnam War
.
& Track Commander (1982) – and a pair of adventure modules – The Haiphong H.A.L.O. and Hearts & Minds (both 1983) – were released to involve player characters in other mercenary missions, rather than just the Vietnam War.
. Many of the basic rules were kept the same, but author Erick Wujcik
made an attempt to "balance" them. This was achieved by reducing elements of chance or luck. For instance, rather than randomizing the number of skills a character had, one could select a number of skills based on his class
. Another significant change was the concept of a "minimum" skill level for weapon proficiencies. These were originally decided by rolling percentile dice, which meant that a character could theoretically have a skill level anywhere from 1 (meaning that he was a very poor shot) to 100. However, in the revised edition, a low roll could be "bumped" up to whatever the minimum skill level was for that particular weapon (usually 20–30). Also notable in the revised edition was the substantial amount of information it provided about equipment and vehicles. Whereas RPG Inc.'s version had only limited information regarding guns, the Palladium edition had pages of gun statistics as well as detailed descriptions of air- and seacraft and tanks.
Palladium published a "deluxe" revised edition April 1999. This was a reprint of both Revised RECON and Advanced RECON, a supplement released February 1987 that introduced new rules, focusing more on the characters' lives after the wars.
RECON bears the distinction of being the only active game series published by Palladium Books that is not compatible with any of the other games in their Megaversal system
. However, Palladium provides conversion rules in order to bring things in line with the rest of their role-playing game series.
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
wherein players assume the role of U.S. military characters during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
Original Recon
The first edition was written by Joe F. Martin and published by RPG, Inc. in 1981. This edition introduced the idea of easily created and disposable characters. A supplement – SayaretSayeret
Sayeret , literally means "reconnaissance unit" in the Israel Defense Forces . In practice, these units specialize in commando and other special forces roles, in addition to reconnaissance...
& Track Commander (1982) – and a pair of adventure modules – The Haiphong H.A.L.O. and Hearts & Minds (both 1983) – were released to involve player characters in other mercenary missions, rather than just the Vietnam War.
The Revised RECON
The second edition, Revised RECON, was released June 1986 by Palladium BooksPalladium Books
Palladium Books is a publisher of role-playing games perhaps best known for its popular, expansive Rifts series . Palladium was founded April 1981 in Detroit, Michigan by current president and lead game designer Kevin Siembieda, and is presently based in Westland, Michigan...
. Many of the basic rules were kept the same, but author Erick Wujcik
Erick Wujcik
Erick Wujcik was an American designer of both pen-and-paper and computer role-playing games, and co-founder of Palladium Books.- Gaming career :...
made an attempt to "balance" them. This was achieved by reducing elements of chance or luck. For instance, rather than randomizing the number of skills a character had, one could select a number of skills based on his class
Character class
In role-playing games, a common method of arbitrating the capabilities of different game characters is to assign each one to a character class. A character class aggregates several abilities and aptitudes, and may also sometimes detail aspects of background and social standing or impose behaviour...
. Another significant change was the concept of a "minimum" skill level for weapon proficiencies. These were originally decided by rolling percentile dice, which meant that a character could theoretically have a skill level anywhere from 1 (meaning that he was a very poor shot) to 100. However, in the revised edition, a low roll could be "bumped" up to whatever the minimum skill level was for that particular weapon (usually 20–30). Also notable in the revised edition was the substantial amount of information it provided about equipment and vehicles. Whereas RPG Inc.'s version had only limited information regarding guns, the Palladium edition had pages of gun statistics as well as detailed descriptions of air- and seacraft and tanks.
Palladium published a "deluxe" revised edition April 1999. This was a reprint of both Revised RECON and Advanced RECON, a supplement released February 1987 that introduced new rules, focusing more on the characters' lives after the wars.
RECON bears the distinction of being the only active game series published by Palladium Books that is not compatible with any of the other games in their Megaversal system
Megaversal system
The Megaversal system, sometimes known as the Palladium system, is a set of mechanics specifically employed in most role-playing games published by Palladium Books, the exception is Recon. It uses dice for roll-under percentile skill checks, roll-high combat checks and saving throws, and...
. However, Palladium provides conversion rules in order to bring things in line with the rest of their role-playing game series.
External links
- Palladium Books Forums of the Megaverse – Official discussion board for The Revised RECON
- RPG Geek Database – Recon role-playing games information
- RPGnet Game Index – Recon product listing