Disecting "Caught Between the Planes"

Not too long ago, I downloaded Evil1's CBP RPG. For a while, I was annotating the PDF (one of the few benefits of actually using the Adobe program rather than using a 3rd party program)to send back. However, since one of our new members started a new trend in reviews, I figured I should share with everyone.

As with any other review from my collection, this is based on a read through as opposed to actual play. I lack players interested in trying a new game every week.

Overall, I think its a good idea, and the game would be fun to try. There are some questions about the various abilities and attributes. The layout is in dire need of redesign. My most pressing concern, however, is with the professionalism of the document.

Its a given that a game about the literal manifestation of angels and demons is going to offend some, but the attitude expressed on the first page (paragraph 4) is not helping. Far worse is one of the notes on page 8: "...a can of s--- i don't wanna open." Profanity has no place in an instructional document. Proper capitalization and word use are to be expected! This may be a place for rough drafts, but even those have standards.

As I said, the document could use some readability enhancements. It is all one size (probably the standard 12 point) blocky/teletype font. Section headers should be rendered larger, and in a different typeface to help them stand out. I'm not sure how well a two column layout might help, but it would not hurt to reorganize the attributes by either alphabetical order or by point cost. (I might suggest increasing the size and using bold-face to help the prices stand out of the text.)

Pertaining to the actual rules - they're simple and effective. I could see this as a great travel game - all of the characters abilities and the 6 point action chart wold fit on a note card. Just add a d6 or a 6 place randomizer (some cards, a spinner etc) and you could play it on the bus (other passengers staring notwithstanding) or anywhere - you don't need much at all. Also, since its so simple, you can really get cinematic in descriptions without occurring major penalties. (Though do mind that +1/+2 on a single d6 is a major bonus. A rule about stacking abilities may be needed!)

Some issues with the body text:

• Why is a cost associated with Normal body type? Average Joe personality doesn't have a cost.
  Oh, and some other possibilities for physical descriptors might be: Wiry (thin, but tough), 90 lb weakling, and Like a bank vault (think sumo wrestler, without the flab)
• Alcoholism is a body feature, yet smoking is a (negative) skill.
  
• The pricing of abilities seems a little hap-hazard.
• While magic is mentioned, and a list of potential effects is given (along with the affect that opposed elements harm each other) nothing is said about how a spell is actually cast. Times per day, Supply of energy, components - how does it work?

While all of this sounds negative, there really is a lot to like. Each Familiar has a list of potential motivations, and notably, any angel or demon has a 1 in 6 chance of acting against type (a desire to fall or be redeemed etc.) It has an unusual take on supernatural in the modern world (average citizen gaining a symbiotic link with a divine creature) and the caveat that "if one lives-both survive" means action movie stunts can be attempted with little repercussion.

The detail about rolling bullets in blood to imbue them with demonic power is a visceral image. However, I think the other notes about silver weapons should be changed. A blade alloyed with silver would be incredibly likely to break, and silver plating wouldn't last. Perhaps instead, the blade in question needs to be specially forged by the user, or have specific elements/ motifs in the design. (an organic part like ray-skin/bone grips, a certain type of pommel etc.)

I'm eagerly awaiting a second addition.