Masks: A New Generation is an award-winning superhero RPG where young heroes explore identity‚ heroism‚ and teamwork‚ powered by the Apocalypse framework‚ with core rulebooks available as PDFs.
1.1 Overview of Masks: A New Generation
Masks: A New Generation is an ENnie-award-winning superhero RPG where young heroes navigate identity‚ teamwork‚ and conflict in Halcyon City. Powered by the Apocalypse framework‚ it emphasizes storytelling and character growth. Players take on roles like The Beacon or The Nova‚ each with unique abilities and struggles. The game blends action‚ drama‚ and self-discovery‚ with a core rulebook available as a PDF. It introduces conditions like Afraid or Angry‚ affecting gameplay. Masks combines comic book inspiration with deep narrative‚ making it a standout in the PbtA genre. The PDF includes playbooks‚ GM guides‚ and tools for crafting adventures. Ideal for fans of superhero tales and collaborative storytelling‚ Masks offers a fresh take on the genre‚ focusing on heroism and personal evolution.
1.2 The Role of Masks in Superhero Role-Playing Games
Masks: A New Generation stands out as a unique blend of superhero action and narrative depth in the RPG genre. Unlike traditional superhero games‚ Masks emphasizes character development and emotional storytelling‚ allowing players to explore their heroes’ identities and vulnerabilities. The game’s use of “moves” and conditions like Angry or Afraid adds a dynamic layer to gameplay‚ influencing how characters interact and grow. By focusing on teamwork and personal struggles‚ Masks provides a fresh perspective on the superhero genre‚ encouraging players to delve into their characters’ motivations and relationships. This approach has made Masks a standout title in the Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system‚ appealing to fans of both superheroes and story-driven role-playing experiences. The PDF format of the core rulebook and supplements has further expanded its accessibility‚ making it a modern classic in the world of RPGs.
Core Rulebook Features
The Masks core rulebook features a 6×9 book with full-color interior‚ available in softcover or hardcover‚ including 10 core playbooks‚ GM materials‚ and a free PDF via DriveThruRPG.
2.1 Structure and Content of the Masks Core Rulebook
The Masks Core Rulebook is structured to guide players and GMs through character creation‚ game mechanics‚ and storytelling. It begins with an introduction to role-playing games‚ followed by detailed chapters on core principles‚ playbooks‚ and moves. The book includes 10 core playbooks‚ each offering unique roles and abilities for players. GM sections provide tools for creating engaging scenarios and managing the game world. The rulebook also features supplementary materials like condition cards and GM reference sheets. Available in both physical and PDF formats‚ the core rulebook ensures accessibility for all players‚ with free downloadable resources enhancing the gameplay experience.
2.2 Key Playbooks and Their Roles
Masks features 10 core playbooks‚ each defining a unique superhero archetype. The Beacon is the heart of the team‚ inspiring others‚ while the Brain uses intellect and technology. The Guardian protects allies‚ and the Janus handles dual identities. The Legacy follows a heroic tradition‚ and the Maestro orchestrates team actions. The Nova wields immense power‚ the Outsider operates outside norms‚ the Protege learns from mentors‚ and the Rebel challenges authority. Each playbook offers distinct moves and playstyles‚ allowing players to craft diverse characters and stories. These roles blend to create dynamic team interactions‚ enriching the narrative and gameplay experience in Halcyon City.
2.3 Game Mechanics and Core Principles
Masks RPG employs the Powered by the Apocalypse (PBtA) system‚ where players roll two six-sided dice‚ add a relevant stat‚ and reference predefined moves for outcomes. Basic moves‚ such as “Assess the Situation” or “Provoke Someone‚” are universal‚ while advanced moves are playbook-specific. Conditions like Angry‚ Afraid‚ or Hopeless impose penalties‚ encouraging narrative progression. The GM follows principles like “Describe like a comic book” and “Make your move‚ but misdirect‚” fostering dynamic storytelling. Players address each other as heroes‚ not players‚ immersing themselves in their roles. Threats are real‚ pushing heroes to confront challenges and grow. These mechanics blend to create a collaborative‚ story-driven experience‚ emphasizing teamwork‚ identity‚ and heroism in Halcyon City.
Available PDF Resources
Official Masks RPG PDFs include the core rulebook‚ playbooks‚ and supplements. Free downloads like basic moves handouts and character sheets are available‚ along with expansion packs and guides.
3.1 Free Play Materials and Downloads
Players can access a variety of free Masks RPG PDF resources to enhance their gameplay. These include downloadable character sheets‚ condition cards‚ and basic moves handouts‚ which provide quick references for core mechanics. Additionally‚ free play materials such as the GM Reference PDF and Quick Start Guide are available‚ offering tips for new players and game masters. These resources are designed to help players dive into the world of Masks: A New Generation without cost‚ making the game accessible to everyone. They can be found on official platforms like DriveThruRPG or the game’s website‚ ensuring easy access to essential tools for both new and experienced players. These free downloads complement the core rulebook and playbooks‚ providing a comprehensive introduction to the game’s universe and mechanics.
3.2 Official Masks RPG PDFs and Handouts
The official Masks RPG PDFs and handouts are essential resources for both players and game masters. The Core Rulebook PDF provides a detailed guide to the game’s mechanics‚ character creation‚ and world-building‚ featuring a 6×9 format with full-color interiors. Additional handouts like the Basic Moves Reference and GM Principles Guide offer concise summaries of key gameplay elements. These official materials are available for purchase on platforms like DriveThruRPG and include supplementary content such as pre-generated characters and scenario ideas. The Masks GM Reference PDF is particularly useful for game masters‚ outlining tips for creating compelling narratives and managing player dynamics. These resources ensure a seamless and immersive experience‚ aligning with the game’s Powered by the Apocalypse framework. They are regularly updated to reflect community feedback‚ making them invaluable for fans of Masks: A New Generation.
3.3 Supplements and Expansion Packs
Masks RPG offers a variety of supplements and expansion packs to enhance gameplay and deepen the narrative experience. One notable expansion is Unbound‚ which introduces new playbooks‚ moves‚ and settings to expand the game’s possibilities. Another key supplement is Halcyon City‚ a sourcebook that provides detailed setting information‚ NPCs‚ and adventures set in the iconic city central to the game. Additionally‚ Secrets of A.E.G.I.S. delves into the mysterious organization‚ offering plot hooks and character backgrounds. These expansions are available in PDF format‚ ensuring easy access for players and GMs. They also include optional rules‚ such as condition cards and advanced moves‚ to add complexity to the game. Supplements like Capers and Playbooks further enrich the experience‚ providing new character archetypes and storylines to explore. These resources help keep the game dynamic and engaging for long-term play.
Playbooks in Masks RPG
Masks RPG playbooks define character roles‚ detailing unique abilities‚ moves‚ and progression paths. Each playbook includes character sheets and advancement options‚ shaping distinct hero narratives in Halcyon City.
4.1 The Beacon Playbook
The Beacon playbook in Masks RPG represents a leader and inspiration to their team. This character embodies hope and unity‚ often stepping into the spotlight to rally allies. The Beacon’s abilities focus on boosting morale‚ coordinating teamwork‚ and making sacrifices for the greater good. Their moves include actions like “Lead the Charge” and “Emotional Appeal‚” which highlight their role as a motivational force. The Beacon’s playbook is available in the core rulebook and as a downloadable PDF‚ offering character sheets and detailed progression paths. Players who choose the Beacon embrace a narrative of heroism and camaraderie‚ making them central to the team’s dynamics. This playbook is ideal for those who enjoy playing a supportive yet impactful role within their superhero squad.
4.2 The Brain Playbook
The Brain playbook in Masks RPG represents the team’s strategist and intellectual backbone. This character excels at solving complex problems‚ inventing gadgets‚ and analyzing situations. The Brain relies on their intelligence and technological prowess to support their teammates‚ often creating devices or hacking systems. Key moves include actions like “Invent” and “Analyze‚” showcasing their problem-solving skills. Conditions like “Afraid” or “Angry” impose penalties‚ reflecting the Brain’s vulnerability under stress. The Brain’s backstory ties their abilities to their intellectual journey‚ emphasizing their role as the team’s thinker. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Brain playbook is ideal for players who enjoy strategic thinking and technological problem-solving‚ making them indispensable in high-stakes missions and complex challenges.
4.3 The Guardian Playbook
The Guardian playbook in Masks RPG embodies the team’s protector and defender. This character is a natural leader‚ skilled in combat and dedicated to safeguarding others. The Guardian excels at defending allies‚ controlling the battlefield‚ and making tough decisions to ensure the team’s safety. Key moves like “Protect” and “Lead” highlight their defensive and leadership abilities. Conditions such as “Hopeless” or “Insecure” affect their effectiveness‚ emphasizing their emotional depth. The Guardian’s backstory often ties their powers or skills to a sense of duty or responsibility. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Guardian playbook is perfect for players who want to take on a protective role‚ making them the team’s cornerstone in both combat and moral dilemmas.
4.4 The Janus Playbook
The Janus playbook in Masks RPG represents a character consumed by an inner duality‚ blending heroism with a darker‚ often villainous identity. This playbook explores the tension between light and shadow‚ with unique moves that reflect their conflicted nature. The Janus struggles with balancing dual personas‚ making them unpredictable yet intriguing. Their backstory often includes a traumatic event or a hidden past that fuels their dual existence. Conditions like “Angry” or “Guilty” amplify their inner conflict‚ influencing their actions. The Janus playbook is designed for players who enjoy complex‚ morally ambiguous characters‚ offering rich narrative opportunities. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Janus playbook adds depth to the team dynamic‚ challenging both allies and enemies with their unpredictable behavior and hidden motives.
4.5 The Legacy Playbook
The Legacy playbook in Masks RPG focuses on a hero who carries the mantle of a predecessor‚ striving to live up to expectations while forging their own identity. This playbook emphasizes the weight of legacy‚ with moves that reflect both the burden and the privilege of inherited responsibilities. The Legacy character often grapples with the pressure of their predecessor’s reputation‚ seeking validation while carving their own path. Their backstory typically includes a mentorship or a significant event that led them to adopt the legacy. Conditions like “Insecure” or “Hopeless” highlight their internal struggles. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Legacy playbook appeals to players who enjoy exploring themes of duty‚ honor‚ and self-discovery‚ offering a unique perspective on heroism and responsibility.
4.6 The Maestro Playbook
The Maestro playbook in Masks RPG is designed for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield and directing their team with precision. This playbook centers around orchestration‚ strategy‚ and leadership. Maestros use their charm‚ intellect‚ and tactical prowess to manipulate situations and inspire allies. Their abilities often involve coordinating team efforts‚ creating opportunities‚ and exploiting enemy weaknesses. The Maestro’s moves reflect their role as a conductor‚ allowing them to set up advantageous scenarios and amplify their teammates’ actions. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ this playbook is ideal for players who relish strategic thinking and enjoy playing a supportive yet influential role within the team. The Maestro’s narrative often revolves around balancing control with collaboration‚ making them a key asset in both combat and social challenges.
4.7 The Nova Playbook
The Nova playbook in Masks RPG represents characters who are raw‚ powerful‚ and often unpredictable. Novas are driven by their emotions and instincts‚ making them explosive and volatile in both combat and social situations. Their abilities focus on unleashing devastating attacks‚ manipulating the battlefield‚ and dealing with the consequences of their actions. The Nova’s moves often involve high-risk‚ high-reward scenarios‚ reflecting their tendency to act impulsively. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ this playbook is perfect for players who enjoy playing chaotic‚ intense characters. The Nova’s story frequently explores the struggle between their inner turmoil and their desire to protect others‚ creating a dynamic and engaging narrative within the game. Their presence on the team adds a layer of unpredictability‚ making them a fascinating and complex character to portray.
4.8 The Outsider Playbook
The Outsider playbook in Masks RPG is designed for characters who exist outside the norms of society‚ whether due to their alien origins‚ supernatural nature‚ or otherworldly powers. These characters often struggle to understand or connect with humanity‚ making their interactions unique and challenging. Their abilities reflect their otherness‚ with moves that emphasize their alien perspectives‚ strange powers‚ and the barriers they face in relating to others. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Outsider playbook allows players to explore themes of isolation‚ belonging‚ and what it means to be human. Their stories often delve into the tension between their origins and their desire to fit in‚ offering a rich narrative experience. This playbook is ideal for players who enjoy playing enigmatic‚ mysterious characters with a compelling backstory. The Outsider’s presence adds depth and intrigue to the team dynamic‚ making them a standout choice for those looking to explore complex character arcs.
4.9 The Protege Playbook
The Protege playbook in Masks RPG focuses on characters who are mentored by experienced heroes or villains‚ offering a dynamic of growth and learning. These characters often have a mix of natural talent and inexperience‚ with moves that highlight their reliance on their mentor and their journey toward independence. Their abilities reflect their dual role as both student and burgeoning hero‚ with options to gain insights from their mentor’s guidance or face challenges that test their skills. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Protege playbook explores themes of trust‚ legacy‚ and self-discovery. Players can navigate the balance between following their mentor’s path and forging their own identity‚ creating a compelling narrative of personal and heroic development. This playbook is perfect for those who enjoy stories of mentorship‚ growth‚ and overcoming personal limitations to become a true hero.
4.10 The Rebel Playbook
The Rebel playbook in Masks RPG represents characters who challenge authority‚ defy norms‚ and fight against oppressive systems. These heroes are driven by a desire for change and justice‚ often operating outside traditional heroic structures. Their moves emphasize resistance‚ subversion‚ and inspiring others to join their cause. Rebels may struggle with trust issues‚ having been betrayed in the past‚ which adds depth to their interactions with teammates. Available in the core rulebook and as a PDF‚ the Rebel playbook allows players to create characters who are fiery‚ charismatic‚ and determined to disrupt the status quo. This playbook is ideal for those who enjoy playing characters who are catalysts for revolution‚ pushing boundaries‚ and leading by example‚ making them a dynamic and impactful addition to any team. Their stories often explore themes of rebellion‚ sacrifice‚ and the power of standing up against overwhelming odds.
Game Mechanics and Moves
Masks RPG uses simple core mechanics‚ with players rolling two six-sided dice‚ adding stats‚ and resolving moves based on outcomes‚ driving narrative and character development dynamically.
5;1 Basic Moves and Advanced Moves
Masks RPG features a dynamic system where players engage with basic moves‚ such as fighting‚ investigating‚ or comforting allies‚ using two six-sided dice rolls plus relevant stats. Advanced moves offer specialized actions tied to playbooks‚ enabling unique abilities like The Nova’s explosive powers or The Brain’s technological prowess. These moves drive narrative progression and character development‚ with outcomes influencing the story and relationships. Conditions like Afraid or Angry impose penalties‚ adding depth to gameplay. The GM uses principles to create threats and guide the action‚ ensuring the game remains engaging and collaborative. This system balances simplicity with complexity‚ allowing players to craft compelling stories while mastering their heroes’ abilities. The interplay between basic and advanced moves creates a rich‚ immersive experience‚ making Masks RPG a standout in superhero role-playing games.
5.2 Conditions and Their Effects
Conditions in Masks RPG represent emotional or mental states that affect characters‚ such as Afraid‚ Angry‚ Guilty‚ Hopeless‚ or Insecure. Each condition imposes a -2 penalty to specific actions‚ shaping gameplay and story. For example‚ Afraid penalizes comfort or support moves‚ while Angry hinders provoke or assess actions. These conditions are applied by GM moves or player choices‚ adding narrative depth. Players can resolve conditions through designated moves or narrative resolution‚ allowing characters to grow and overcome challenges. Conditions enhance the emotional stakes‚ making heroism and vulnerability central to the game. This mechanic ensures characters’ personalities and struggles are integral to the story‚ creating a dynamic and engaging experience in Masks RPG.
5.3 GM Principles and Practices
GMs in Masks RPG follow key principles to create dynamic stories and engaging gameplay. “Describe like a comic book” encourages vivid‚ action-packed narratives‚ while “Address yourself to the heroes‚ not the players” keeps the focus on characters. “Make your move‚ but misdirect” allows GMs to introduce threats without railroading. “Make threats real” ensures stakes are genuine‚ driving tension. GMs are also encouraged to “Make the players’ choices matter‚” integrating their decisions into the story. Principles like “Be a fan of the players” foster collaboration‚ ensuring everyone enjoys the game. The GM’s role is to facilitate heroism‚ vulnerability‚ and growth‚ using tools like the Influence card to guide interactions. These practices create a balanced and immersive experience‚ blending superhero action with personal character development in Masks RPG.