Dimday Red TTRPG Quikstart
Dimday Red TTRPG Quikstart
Dimday Red TTRPG Quikstart
12
PRESENTS
QUICKSTART_
1_
about this qs contents
Welcome to the DDR Quickstart! This is a comprehensive Fragment story _3
preview of Dimday Red, a tabletop RPG set in the final days
of humankind. Overview _6
The World
Dimday Red has been a labor of love I have been working Neu Bonn
on for the past couple of years, but it has been in the back Castes
of my mind for much longer. It encompasses the experi- Factions
ences, ideas, and stories of a lifetime. Although it may not Mutations
always be evident, and until the Netflix adaptation arrives, The Characters
this is a personal project made possible with a great deal of About Diversity
actual sweat, digital blood, and metaphorical tears! The DM
Tone & Theme
The Quickstart contains all the main mechanics you will Making Characters _8
need to play the game, but please bear in mind that they Choosing an Archetype
are still being fine-tuned for the upcoming finalized version. Name, Appearance, Attitude
They are based on the Powered by the Apocalypse sys- Character Quirks
tem, so those familiar with it can jump right in. For those Initiation Questions & Introductions
who haven’t played a PBTA game before, you’ll find it quite Equipment
easy to join in as it prioritizes storytelling over complicated Moves & Idioms
mechanics. Connections
Playing The Game _10
I personally want to thank you for taking the time to check Rolling Dice
it out! If you have any questions or feedback, or if you sim- Tenet Dice
ply want to exchange views about the end of the world, you Basic / Other Moves
can reach out on the Dimday Red Discord server.
Basic Moves _11
Cheers, Moribus _13
Spiros Drakatos / Creator - Dimday Red Sins & Virtues _14
Original Sin
Advancement _16
credits Passage
Equilibrium
Pivot Points
Although I have Robert-Rodrigez-ed the whole DdR project,
writing, designing, illustrating, prototyping, marketing,
Convergence _17
PRing since the summer of 2020, it wouldn’t be here if not Heat _18
for the help and support of these special people. Harm & Violence _18
Marking / Healing Harm
Constantinos Drakatos - Additional writing & TTRPG Protection
consulting Miseries
Tonia Avgoustaki - Consulting & emotional support Exodus Moves
Orion Makrinelis - All round support & feedback
Caio Nery - Character art
The Doom Monger _20
Game Plan
Jason Lazaro - Editor
Foundations
Doom Monger Basic Moves
I would also like to thank all the artists who have contrib-
Pushing the story forward
uted for the Dimday Red Artbook project, and the writers
who have added their stories to the Fragments project. You Creating & Using NPCs _21
can check more at www.dimday.red. Raison d être
Cannon fodder
Combat
Harm & Healing
Player vs Player Combat
Play Materials _22
Tenet Dice Analogies
Basic Moves Index
Moribus Cards Analogies
Playbooks
“Grab my hand!” he yelled, blazing Lately, the numbers of the less fortunate had been rising,
but she paid little attention. It wasn’t her problem, was it?
bullets bouncing off of him. Until she found that folder on her desk. Inside it, a docu-
ment listed the next month’s Unworthies, and to her horror,
Nora had never touched a Hardskin before. She used to her name was on it. The document seemed official, bearing
walk by them, holding her breath so she wouldn’t inhale the Seal of the Eight and all. A yellow sticker outside the
their disease. There was no proof they were contagious, but folder read: “Broken Record, Sector 05, Center - 22:00.”
it was better to be safe than sorry.
Reluctantly, she found her way to the infamous Broken
Among all mutations, Hardskin was the most common yet Record bar, and despite her dread, she felt a bit proud she
least respected. Those who couldn’t afford the effective but had made it. It was an adventure far beyond anything she
pricey Sun Guardian™ cream often developed hard, rock- had experienced in her ordinary life, and the omnipresence
like tumors on their skin. The tumors would grow, covering of danger invigorated her. But that excitement was gone
the host’s entire body, making their skin impenetrable but now, as warm blood splattered onto her left cheek, bring-
eventually leading to their death. ing her back to harsh reality. A blast had taken half her ear
off, though it would be some time until she realized it. The
As bullets flew around her, she second-guessed her deci- Solar Knights were upon them, and she knew it was too
sion to play detective and investigate that mysterious note. late for explanations.
What seemed like ages ago, Nora led a quiet life behind She reached out and grabbed the Hardskin’s hand.
her desk in the Citizenship Approval Office. Her job was to
review whether Authorized Citizens fulfilled their appointed
duties and were thus eligible to remain in their Safe Zone.
Every month, those deemed unworthy were sent to the
Center slams. Story by 1sickPuppy
Part of the Fragments project
Read more at www.dimday.red
3_
world map
THE WORLD OF
5_
Overview Consequently, people across the globe find themselves
once again isolated.
Dimday Red is a dystopian fantasy tabletop roleplaying For most metropolitan areas, democracy is now a thing
game centered around the final days of humankind. Earth of the past, as power has shifted to those who already
hurtles toward a collision with the Sun, leaving a mere held it, operating from the shadows. New superpowers
52 years until its unavoidable demise. As a result, social have emerged, with Paneuropa standing as one of the
structures have crumbled, and totalitarian regimes have most dominant. When Old Europe succumbed to the
seized control over the remnants of society. floods caused by melting polar ice, a new coalition was
established and relocated to the south to initiate the re-
In Dimday Red, players immerse themselves in Neu Bonn, colonization of Africa.
a city divided by social Castes, religious and enigmatic
Factions, and mutations caused by solar radiation. Your
character’s choices shape their abilities, powers, and stance
in the face of impending doom.
Neu Bonn
The capital city of Paneuropa, Neu Bonn, stands as the
Whether you succumb to your darker impulses, prioritizing northernmost metropolis on the continent. Built upon the
personal gain, or seize control of your virtues to serve the site of Cairo in the Old World, it is divided into two colossal
greater good, you navigate a world where every action regions: the Citadel, where the upper Castes reside and
carries consequences and no act of kindness remains operate, and The Center, a ghetto encompassed by the
unpunished. Will you find yourself amidst the ruins of Catharsis Wall, confining the lower Castes. Its strategic
humanity or succumb to the overwhelming allure of power placement aims to assert dominance over the Sahra,
in the engulfing darkness? where the Diedrich Family’s primary sources of income and
authority, the immense solar-power factories, are located.
However, this advantageous position also renders Neu
The World Bonn unbearably hot due to its perilous proximity to the
scorching Sunlands.
Ninety-eight years have passed since Earth’s orbit was
perturbed, causing it to head towards the sun. This event, Dominating the skyline, the towering structure of the Hellios
known as the Lapse, has drastically changed the world. In Conglomerate symbolizes the city’s significance as the eco-
the aftermath of the initial unrest, subsequent wars and nomic and governmental nucleus for the influential Died-
the re-colonization of the South, the world has undergone richs, one of the most powerful Families among the Eight.
profound transformations.
Within Neu Bonn, one can also find the headquarters of the
Technology has regressed to the level of the Industrial Church of Ra, a meta-religion extolling the divine powers
Revolution due to incessant solar storms that rendered of the Sun. Shrouded in mystery for most, the recently
all electronic devices useless. In addition, the weather has constructed Pyramid of Radiance serves as a wellspring of
become increasingly unpredictable, characterized by high inspiration for countless rumors and conspiracy theories.
winds and superstorms, which impede long-distance travel.
Castes Oldboys - This faction comprises individuals who are
obsessed with preserving mechanical knowledge and its
After the Descent Wars, the heads of the all-powerful Eight application.
Families of Paneuropa gathered in its newly founded
capital, Neu Bonn, to establish an order for what remained Rayweavers - A highly secretive and exclusive sect
of the world. They drafted the Novus Ordo, a set of rules capable of invoking and manipulating the rays of light
aimed at bringing order to chaos and structure to anarchy. surrounding them.
Augs - They seek to incorporate various materials into
their bodies, either for practical purposes or to inspire fear.
Knights of Ayyadieh - Commonly referred to
as Solar Knights, they are a group of religious zealots
determined to make everyone perceive the Divine Light.
Subhumans - Rather than being a faction, they
resemble more of a horde, consisting of beings who live
outside society, devoid of much humanity.
7_
The DooM monger stands as a pillar of knowledge and preservation, espe-
cially concerning anything mechanical.
In Dimday Red, one player will take on the role of the Doom
Monger (DM). The DM is responsible for portraying the Cen-
Aug - Merch - Proficient in the remnants of technology,
the Aug strives to manipulate information and cognition
ter ghetto, including all the non-player characters (NPCs).
to their advantage.
The DM isn’t playing against the players; their job is to
bring the world to life, making it a vibrant, meaningful, and
Each player (except for the DM) chooses an archetype at the
ever-clashing place that inspires and challenges the players
beginning of the game and utilizes it to create their charac-
and their characters.
ter. No two players can select the same archetype. Dimday
Red is all about bringing together a diverse array of conflict-
Tone & Theme ing characters and pitting them against all odds.
Dimday Red is not a post-apocalyptic story; rather, it de-
picts the path leading to an impending apocalypse, a slow
but inevitable descent. Despite the crumbling and withering
state of its world, it bears striking similarities to our own. In
Dimday Red, the characters embark on a quest for purpose
and strategies to survive each passing day, much like many
of us.
Making Characters
Choosing an Archetype
However familiar, nothing is ordinary in the world of Dimday
Red, and this holds true for its player characters. Each of
them possesses a unique set of personality traits and pow-
ers. They are presented as archetypes that encapsulate the When selecting an archetype, choose one that empowers
core aspects that drive this world. In this Quickstart, you the types of stories you want to tell. Each archetype pos-
will find five of these archetypes, with more on the way! sesses its own strengths and weaknesses, carrying its own
experiences and burdens. Their physical and spiritual traits
will shape the narrative and present you with challenges,
Marble Eyes - Insight - Gifted with extraordinary goals to achieve, and obstacles to overcome.
sight, Marble Eyes is esoteric and provident, carefully
considering various viewpoints and seeking resolutions.
Hardskin - Armor - Tough both inside and out, Name, Appearance, Attitude
Hardskin is accustomed to enduring and overcoming After selecting an archetype, you can create your character
challenges, persevering through each day. and determine their name, appearance, and attitude:
Zealot - Berserker - Deadly yet focused, the Zealot
embodies unwavering determination and loyalty, wheth- Give your character a name. Names can hold meaning,
er consciously or not. sound pleasing, or be unique. We have provided some sug-
gestions that may be a good fit for your archetype, but feel
Oldboy - Craft - Resourceful and tactical, the Oldboy
free to give them a name that you believe suits them best. order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your
ideas and intentions. Endeavor to respond to these inquiries
Decide on their appearance. Looks aren’t everything, but in a thorough manner.
they serve as the initial layer through which others perceive
us. You can be a formidable individual with a gentle heart,
or a small and deadly combatant. Regardless, your ap- possessions
pearance can either project or conceal your true nature, so Dimday Red is a game that delves into the inner quest
choose accordingly. of finding one’s place in a dying world. It also tests your
survival skills in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Define their attitude. The archetypes represent individuals Alongside your character traits and unique powers, you will
from diverse backgrounds and experiences, resulting in require possessions to aid you in coping and conquering
unique attitudes and mindsets. Therefore, you can choose challenges. Depending on your archetype, this gear can in-
and define your character’s attitude accordingly. clude weapons and offensive equipment, or mystical items
that unlock new pathways and possibilities.
Character Quirks Certain items can be obtained from your archetype’s play-
Character quirks describe your character’s traits, both their book, which you can select at the beginning of the game.
strengths and weaknesses. Each archetype has four quirks: Some gear possess specific abilities and statistics, while
others must be established at the story’s outset and can be
AFFINITY reflects the manner in which you connect upgraded as the narrative progresses.
and interact with others, encompassing your level of
charisma and charm.
9_
Moves & Idioms its instructions. Otherwise, the story will continue until a
move is triggered. Some actions and decisions are more
When playing Dimday Red, advancing the story usually crucial than others, so it is up to the DM to determine when
involves making moves. Each archetype has its own set of the players need to make a move and when they can pro-
moves, allowing you to select the ones that align with your ceed with the story.
goals at the start of the game. In many cases, making a
move will require rolling a specific quirk, so consider how
your character’s quirks influence and enhance your moves. Rolling Dice
Additionally, each archetype possesses distinctive idioms, When a move requires you to roll dice, roll two eight-sided
abilities, and characteristics. It is advisable to synergize dice (2d8) and follow the instructions provided in that move
your chosen moves with the idioms associated with your based on the results. The dice included with the physical
archetype. This way, they can collaborate harmoniously to game are numbered from 0 to 7. If you are using regular
aid you in accomplishing your objectives. eight-sided dice, consider the 8 as zero.
Connections In most moves, you need to roll with a specific attribute, such
People tend to come together in times of crisis, and what as “roll with Ego” or “roll with Affinity.” This means you add
greater crisis is there than the imminent end of the world? the corresponding attribute value to the result of the roll.
In the aftermath, various groups have emerged, some
struggling for survival, others plotting for power and con-
trol, and still others attempting to preserve their remaining
humanity.
All characters use the basic moves that cover most situ- • you wreak havoc
ations their characters can encounter, and each of these • you make use of something around you
moves is connected with a quirk. • you create an opening for a +1 Connection
Seeing Red - Passion Seeing Red always has some kind of cost, even on a hit,
your opponent has a chance to strike you back. If they try to
Bare your Teeth - Passion escape, you have a chance to stop them by playing another
Help the Other- Affinity move. In any case, you get to inflict harm on a hit.
Under your Skin - Affinity
On an 11+, you also get to pick an option:
Size them Up - Intellect Wreak havoc: you empower your attack by adding +1 harm
Become Temptation - Intellect to your total damage capability.
Unwind and Cool - Ego Make use of something around you: make use of your
environment to enhance your attack.
Open your Mind - Ego Create an opening for a Connection: if you are in the
fight with one of your +1 Connections, you can give them
Most of the actions and challenges your characters will face
the advantage to strike first.
fall within these moves. They are designed to create engag-
ing situations that will demand you to utilize your character
traits and abilities to the fullest. Bare your Teeth
When you Bare your Teeth you roll with
Other Moves Passion. On a hit, you intimidate your
opponent in order to avoid conflict but
There are other sets of moves that complement your Basic
you have to choose one of the following
Moves, giving your character a wider range of options and
consequences:
abilities, but also presenting challenges to overcome.
Archetype Moves - These moves are specific to your • you suffer reduced harm (-1) but you
archetype and are connected to your unique powers and escalate the situation.
disadvantages, often resulting from your Mutation or • you suffer harm but you escape.
Faction. • you have to sacrifice something.
Tenet Moves - These moves are acquired when you • you mark +1 Heat.
obtain a Sin or Virtue card. They are the most powerful
moves, but they also carry devastating consequences. On an 8-10, your opponent will also choose one.
Convergent Moves - Depending on the Connections
you have established with other players, you may be Bare your Teeth is how you can get out of confrontation, by
able to perform specific moves when working together taking the risk of getting into more dangerous trouble. It is
towards a common goal. mostly bluffing your way out when you get cornered by an
Exodus Moves - There are multiple ways to escape opponent who is out of your league.
Death in Dimday Red. However, when it is your time to
depart, you can do so with a bang! Your Exodus move
helps bring your character’s story to a memorable end. Help the Other
When you Help the Other you roll with
Affinity. On a hit you can offer your assis-
Basic Moves
tance to another player or NPC in a non
violent way. Help is not what it always
seems though. You can pretend to be
helpful in order to achieve your own
Seeing Red hidden goals.
When you are Seeing Red, roll with Pas-
On a hit, you get to offer them your assistance. On an 8-10 they
sion. On a hit, you inflict harm to your op-
may get suspicious of your actions and question you about
ponent as this is calculated by your skills
them. If you don’t manage to ease their doubts they may even
and gear and they can choose one of:
turn against you. Trust is hard to earn in the Center!
• they inflict harm back to you
In some cases your intentions may be honest, but the other
• they give you a hard time
side still won’t believe you. Argue your case passionately,
• they try to escape
but remember that no good deed escapes punishment; you
might gain a new enemy.
11_
Under your Skin Your mind is a powerful weapon capable of bending peo-
ple’s wills to your advantage. Whether your intentions are
When it gets Under your Skin you roll noble or selfish, as long as you assert your influence, they
with Affinity. On a hit you can get into will provide you with everything... until they no longer do!
the moment and lose yourself in your
feelings. Others will recognize that and
get inspired, making it easier for them to
believe in you and follow you. But as your Unwind and Cool
emotions take over you have to suffer one When you Unwind and Cool you roll with
of the following: Ego. On an 11+ you will be able to cool
• mark +1 Heat down and assess the situation in the
• mark - 1 ongoing to your Intellect most useful and efficient way. Mark -1
• lose your chance for Equilibrium for one turn Heat.
On an 11+ you can also choose: On an 8-10 you the other side chooses
• mark +1 to one of your Connections one of the following:
• mark +1 forward to your Passion • they put you in a tough spot
• you have to answer a personal question
Control of your emotions, or the lack thereof, will play a sig- • lose your chance for Equilibrium for one turn
nificant role in how your character evolves in the story. Pas- • mark -1 forward to your Ego
sionate individuals are the ones who make things happen,
but it is essential to be aware of the potential costs involved. Cooling down can help you escape unwinnable situations.
Unlike Bear your Teeth where bluffing is the strategy, Un-
wind and Cool offers more viable options to avoid confron-
Size them Up tation. Success chances may be lower, but if achieved, it
yields the best result.
When you Size them Up you roll with
Intellect. On a hit you can get information
about another player or NPC. Ask two of
the following questions: Open your Mind
When you Open your Mind you roll with
• who is behind their actions? Ego. On a hit you get a more com-
• what are their intentions? prehensive view of what’s happening
• what do they need to help you? around you. You can choose one of the
• what do they fear/hope? following:
why do they think they have a drop on you?
• ask another character about their
On an 8-10 you have to answer one too. On a Fail you have backstory
to unmark a point from your Tenets chart. • investigate your surroundings or other characters
• combine information to assess your goal
Getting to know those around you, other players or NPCs, • ask a +1 Connection to share their view on a situation
will let you assess a situation better and in many cases give
you an advantage. Sometimes though, socializing can leave On an 11+ choose one of the following:
you open for others to read and take advantage of you. • mark -1 Heat.
• discover a hidden secret from your environment
Become Temptation When you open your mind, you see the bigger picture, with
yourself positioned in the center of it all. All other charac-
When you Become Temptation you roll ters assume the role of pawns in a chess game within your
with Intellect. You will use your wit to mind. You possess the power to manipulate them, whether
tempt the other side in order to achieve for good or evil, as you stand as the game master. Well, at
your goals. One a hit choose one of the least in your own imagination!
following:
• convince them follow your cause
• make them an offer they can’t refuse
• mark +1 to one of your Connections
• become irresistible and mark +1 Heat
Your Moribus (traits) define the progression of your charac- deity cards
ter through their Sins and Virtues. They represent a combi- There are 7 Deities in the Moribus card set. These represent
nation of conscious choices made in life and the element of the divine element and function as wildcards for the Sin and
luck that often disrupts our plans. Virtue symbols. If you choose a Deity card you can put a
mark in whichever gauge you wish.
13_
Sins & Virtues When desire drives every thought and action, it can be
carnal or even ethereal. Once you surrender to its promises,
you will experience unparalleled excitement. This excite-
ment will amplify the impact of every encounter, but it will
also cloud your judgment, depleting focus and cognitive
abilities.
Gluttony
Thus, closely pressed to one of the two borders,
On passed we, hearing sins of gluttony,
Followed forsooth by miserable gains;
The craving for physical and mental energy towers over all
others in your mind. It will lead you to unprecedented levels
of short-term vigor and efficiency. On the flipside, in the
long term, your energy will decrease, leaving you reminisc-
ing about your former glory.
Greed
Your Tenets, aka your Sins and Virtues, serve as the ultimate Because thy father and thyself have suffered,
embodiment of your character’s psyche in the world of Dim- By greed of those transalpine lands distrained,
day Red. Every action you take will lead you closer to these The garden of the empire to be waste.
aspects of your being, granting you remarkable skills and
powers. However, it’s important to note that there are always You continue to crave more: wealth, informa-
consequences associated with them, regardless of how hard tion, sensations. This relentless desire makes you cunning
you try to evade them. and sharp, always two steps ahead of the competition.
However, nothing comes without a price. Eventually, others
The central concept behind the Tenets system is that our will perceive the person you’ve become, causing them to
world, as well as the doomed world of Dimday Red, lack keep their distance and consider you a persona non grata.
absolutes of pure good or evil. Even in the darkest slum,
traces of light can be found, just as shadows will exist even
in the brightest daylight. The choices you make and the way
Sloth
you live will offer you glimpses of both sides, and even if you And he who was in every need my succour
are drawn to one extreme, there will always be a path to the Said: “Turn thee hitherward; see two of them
other. Come fastening upon slothfulness their teeth.”
In the boxed game, Sins and Virtues are represented by Nothing is important enough to disturb your tranquility.
cards. However, it’s possible to play the game without the You will achieve heightened levels of perception, making
cards by utilizing the Tenets Chart provided in the Index at the the world around you easier to comprehend. However, in
end of this document. the temple of awareness, you will have to sacrifice your
potency and performance, rendering you less effective in
You can obtain a Sin or Virtue card by filling its gauge. It’s im- your endeavors to overcome all that you have come to
portant to choose strategically, as each specific Sin or Virtue understand.
can only be possessed by one player. Each Tenet comes with
a considerably powerful move. However, playing that move
requires you to return the corresponding Sin or Virtue card to Envy
the set. Goodness Divine, which from itself doth spurn
All envy, burning in itself so sparkles
These are the Seven Deadly Sins: That the eternal beauties it unfolds.
Pride Nothing worth having ever comes easy. You know that well
by now, so you will work hard to achieve your goals. You will
There shall be seen the pride that causes thirst, be rewarded, of course, as you grow stronger and more resil-
Which makes the Scot and Englishman so mad ient, but you will have to sacrifice time from other important
That they within their boundaries cannot rest; aspects of your life, causing your relationships to suffer.
15_
Original Sin
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one
man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men
because all sinned.
Advancement
As the story deepens, your characters evolve alongside
Life in the Center is always challenging. Even when things it. They gain experience, develop a clearer understanding
appear to be going well, the obstacles you must overcome of their surroundings, and grasp the implications of their
will place a heavy burden on your shoulders. Your Original choices and actions.
Sin represents that burden. It will weigh you down con-
stantly, but because what doesn’t kill you makes you
stronger, you have the opportunity to embrace it and grow
Passage
more powerful. In Dimday Red, this process is known as the Passage,
where your progression can take you towards either the
left (Darkness) or the right (Light). Your character’s devel-
opment depends on the side you choose, shaping your abili-
ties accordingly. Despite being immersed in Darkness, you
can still opt to perform good deeds and show compassion
towards others. However, your true nature and subsequent
power will emerge from these choices.
WRATH
Equilibrium
Equilibrium embodies the concept of life’s balance. When
balance is attained, we often find ourselves in a favorable
Each player begins the game with an archetype-specific position to comprehend the broader scope. However, in
Original Sin. Some archetypes share the same Original doing so, we forfeit the extraordinary encounters found at
Sin. It comes with the disadvantage of that sin, but not its the edges.
advantage.
The Equilibrium region encompasses three compartments.
You can choose to Embrace your Sin, in which case you can Within these compartments, you have the option to allocate
instantly benefit from its advantage, but you will also have your points back and forth, thereby maintaining a centered
to endure its drawback twice as much. position and attaining balance.
You cannot utilize the special power of your Original Sin Your reward manifests when you expend 3 points within the
unless you fill its gauge. Equilibrium area, enabling you to select a Moribus. Through
Equilibrium, you can swiftly acquire Moribus, benefit from
their advantages, and acquire your desired Sin or Virtue.
Convergence
Playing a tabletop RPG, you are typically part of a group,
leading to the formation of relations and connections
with other characters. Whether intentional or not, these
connections contribute to the overall experience. Some
relationships are harmonious, while others are strained. In
rare cases, two or more parties may choose to form a more
intimate bond.
17_
The DM primarily controls your Convergence status with areas, and Neu Bonn, situated as the northernmost metrop-
other characters, based on your interactions throughout the olis in Paneuropa, is the epitome of scorching conditions.
story. The Doom Monger will assign and deduct points from
your relationships, requiring you to adjust their positions The heat profoundly impacts the lives of all individuals, yet
within the Convergence circles. none suffer more than those residing in the Center. Forsak-
en by the system and left with scant resources to endure,
Your Sins and Virtues also influence your Convergence, the relentless heat becomes their most formidable foe.
significantly impacting the balance of your relationships.
These traits define your character and determine how
others approach or avoid you. Therefore, before pursuing
a specific Sin or Virtue, consider how they will affect your
Convergence circles and whether you are comfortable with
the consequences.
Convergence Moves
Affection and Rancor constitute the innermost and outer- Heat has three stages:
most circles of your Convergence. They represent your most 1-2 - Hot - The heat is high wearing you down, but you
distinctive relationships, for better or worse. When two are used to it by now.
players find themselves in the same circle within either of
these two categories, they can initiate a Convergence move.
3-4 - Blazing - The air you breath burns your lungs. -
+1 every time you get Harm.
5-7 - Scorching - You can barely think straight, your
body functions are shutting down. - +1 every time you
get Harm - You can’t heal - -1 to all your Rolls.
Outbreak
Some moves give you the chance to perform an Outbreak,
during which you can fill your Heat gauge when it is below
Scorching and unleash it on your enemies, doubling the
effects of your moves. The Outbreak can be a desperate
Convergence moves are specific to each archetype, aiming action when everything seems lost. It will leave you ex-
to deepen the relationship either intimately or through cold hausted, weak, and vulnerable, and you will definitely need
and competitive means. For a Convergence move to occur, the help of others to reach a safe place and recover.
both parties must agree to it.
19_
Miseries Dismal - -1 Empathy - You return but you are cold
When your Harm gauge fills, you enter Purgatory, a mental inside. Your relationships with others will suffer as you
state between Life and Death. There, you will have the choice will have trouble finding meaning in your connections.
to let your character die or have them cling to life, returning Fragile - -1 Ego - You come back but you don’t feel
with a Misery that marks their near-death experience. like yourself anymore. Your will to overcome has faded,
everything looks gloomy and meaningless.
You can choose one of four miseries:
Dismayed - -1 Passion - Returning with a broken Living in misery may sound like a better deal than not
spirit and a depleted body, you’ll encounter difficulty in living at all, but having been brought to the edge and tasted
keeping up with your physical activities and achieving defeat, it will take a considerable amount of courage to get
your goals. back to the fight. One thing is for sure: life will go on with or
without you!
Abashed - -1 Intellect - You come back but some part
of your mind has been left behind. Your concentration
and critical thinking will never be the same. Exodus Moves
If you decide to end your suffering and give up, either
through death or withdrawal from the story, you have an
opportunity to leave a lasting impression on others.
When your time to depart arrives, declare your End Move and
follow its instructions. Your suffering in this world has come
to an end, so it is time to let others handle it.
Foundations
• Bring the suffocating world inside the C-Wall to life.
• Keep the characters in the Center. Talk to the charac-
ters, not the players.
• Bring everyone together and push them beyond their limits.
• Place the characters at the epicenter of the narration.
• Conceal your motives in plain sight.
• Make everyone real, with genuine motives and emotions.
• Give them what they deserve.
• Posing questions will create a more captivating story.
• Provide a path for the players.
• Allow the players to incorporate their own elements
into the story.
• Ensure no one is excluded from the action.
• In the Center, everything comes at a cost. Make them pay.
Doom Monger Basic Moves world they inhabit. This can lead to the discovery of new
clues, which in turn may reveal hidden or previously
The DM plays the part of everyone else except the player unknown pathways.
characters. The DM doesn’t get to roll dice, but they have
moves of their own:
Wreck some havoc!
Nothing beats a good old brawl, especially when things
Establish friction.
feel stagnant. Ramping up the action will not only propel
Inflict harm.
the narrative, but it can also lead to fresh ideas and new
Offer an opportunity with a cost.
situations.
Disclose hidden information.
Turn the tables.
Propose a Pivot Point.
Turn the tables with a Deus ex Machina.
Caution of incoming crisis.
Creating NPCs
Raise environmental heat. Making and utilizing NPCs in Dimday Red is a straightfor-
Invoke a Convergence moment. ward process: when you desire to introduce a fresh charac-
After every move ask: “What do you do?” ter, select a Convergence circle, assign them a name, and
Pushing the story forward provide players with a brief description. That’s all there is
to it. No complex character sheets, no intricate forms, no
At times the narrative may seem like it has entered a cul- anxiety. By inventing NPCs in a fictional manner, the rest
de-sac. Here are some suggestions on how to jump start a will naturally unfold.
dead battery!
As you generate more NPCs, start contemplating their con-
Introduce an NPC in their Convergence nections with each other, identify adversaries and potential
alliances, and consider the additional resources they can
Circles. bring into play. Ponder their offscreen activities and grad-
When progress appears to stall, introducing a new char- ually disclose the deals struck among them to the players,
acter can inject fresh energy into the situation. Give the enticing them to participate in the city’s political dynamics.
non-player character (NPC) depth, a significant purpose,
and perhaps a hidden agenda. This will inspire the other
characters to actively engage in the NPC’s storyline. Raison d'etre
When crafting NPCs, it’s essential to assign them drives
Polarize the atmosphere that fuel their actions. These motivations, such as seeking
Neu Bonn teeters on the brink of ignition, consumed by revenge or striving for personal gain, give depth to their
a polarization so intense it threatens to unravel at any character. While drives can be tailor-made for each NPC, a
given moment. Harnessing this seething tension, infuse predefined list of common drives is available for reference.
the narrative with a gripping political crisis that emerges
either from within the confines of the Catharsis Wall or As challenges arise, consider how they affect the NPC’s
from an external source. Let this crisis infiltrate the lives drive. If the challenge opposes it, expect a swift and aggres-
of your characters, upending their carefully laid plans sive response. However, when the challenge isn’t a direct
and plunging them into chaos. contradiction, the NPC may probe, waiting for opportunities
to exploit the situation.
Encourage players to Size them Up
Using the “Size them Up” move allows players to gather
additional information about other characters and the
21_
Cannon fodder
In Neu Bonn, there exists a multitude of characters who
Play Materials
serve the powerful. These individuals, are mere minions
without noteworthy reputations. Though given names, they tenet dice correspondence
remain faceless to those who encounter them, preventing In the boxed game, the Sin and Virtue dice are cus-
players from linking names to important NPCs simultaneou- tom-made, but you can roll them with regular d8s. Please
sly. By employing goons, players can avoid the overwhelm- refer below for the corresponding regular dice options.
ing task of tracking numerous significant NPCs across dif-
ferent scenes, allowing them to follow the unfolding events
in the city. Important NPCs gradually emerge, accompanied
SEVEN DEADLY SINS
by their respective entourage of minions and lackeys.
Combat
NPCs may eventually resort to hurting or killing the PCs
in your game. As the game master, you can harm the PCs LUST SLOTH ENVY WRATH
when it fits the story. However, it’s crucial to foreshadow
the impending danger to avoid surprising the players. Set 1 2 3 4
up harm by presenting a milder situation and allowing the
PCs to respond. Once the consequences are resolved, the
PCs can choose to retaliate.
Suffer one of the following: □ SEEING RED - On a 14+, you inflict harm and you de-
• mark +1 Heat stroy your opponent’s armor.
• mark - 1 ongoing to your Intellect □ BARE YOUR TEETH - On a 14+, you intimidate your
• lose your chance for Equilibrium for one turn opponent and you suffer no consequences.
□ HELP THE OTHER - On a 14+, you can move them two
On an 11+ you can also choose: Convergence circles up.
• mark +1 to one of your Connections □ UNDER YOUR SKIN - On a 14+, you inspire others and
• mark +1 forward to your Passion you suffer no consequences.
□ SIZE THEM UP - On a 14+, can ask up to two more
questions.
Size them Up Roll with Intellect □ BECOME TEMPTATION - On a 14+, choose one more.
On a hit you can get information about another player or □ UNWIND AND COOL - On a 14+, can mark -1 Heat
NPC. Ask two of the following questions: more.
• who is behind their actions? □ OPEN YOUR MIND - On a 14+, your discoveries will be
• what are their intentions? of great value to your cause.
• what do they need to help you?
• what do they fear/hope? When you advance a basic move check the box next to
• why do they think they have a drop on you? its name in your playbook.
23_
MORIBUS_
ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7
HARM -1 PASSION +1 FW ITEM +1 FW ARMOR +1 FW NEXT ROLL +1 ROLL TENET HIT > HARD HIT
_
CORRUPTION_ SACRIFICE_ NIHILISM_ REBIRTH_ CURIOSITY_ SURVIVAL_ INSANITY_
ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL
E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7
AFFINITY +1 ON ARMOR +1 ON EGO +2 FW LIGHT CHOOSE CHOOSE AFFINITY +2 ON
PASSAGE +1 QUIRK +1 FW QUIRK +2 FW
MORIBUS_CHART
You can print this page and cut out the cards, or you can assign them to dice rolls like so: A=1. B=2, C=3,
D=4, E=5, F=6, G7. If you roll 0, you roll again. For example, to get the D6 card, you would have rolled 4 in
one dice and 6 in the other (having declared which is which).
tenets chart seven deadly sins
Enjoy an unprecedented short-term lev- You magnify the impact of every Intimidate and make others feel Deliver unparalleled punishment,
el of vigor and efficiency; however, in the encounter you have, but you deplete inferior by relinquishing your ability to but you leave yourself open and
long term, your energy will decrease. your focus and cognitive skills. experience any profound emotions. unprotected.
+ 2 Passion + 2 to selected Convergence + 2 Ego + 2 Passion
-1 all other Quirks -1 Intellect -1 Affinity +1 Heat (permanent)
You become cunning and sharp, but You gain a sense of certainty that Achieve high levels of perception, but
others will keep their distance from you. you can achieve anything; however, you have to sacrifice your potency and
paradoxically, your success dwindles performance.
over time.
+ 2 Intellect + 2 Intellect
+ 1 to all Quirks
-1 to all new Convergence -1 Passion
+1 Heat (permanent)
27_
Character creation possessions
NAME PICK ONE or write yours
Malik, Zainab, Farah, Yasmin, Remy, Natalia,
Hassan, Nour, Khalil, Amina,Lillian, Valentina,
Layla, Yara, Tobias, Bastian, Salma, Mona,
Sebastian, Ayman. OLD WATCH
INTRO QUESTIONS
• Where has your Hardskin formed?
• How does your mutation affect you?
• How do you deal with discrimination?
• Do you use your Hardskin as power?
• What is your greatest ambition?
STARTING GEAR
A run-down shack, old bicycle, pair of sunglasses
made of a piece of wood, a spoon.
hard
skin
name pronouns
look PRIDE
Caste AGE
Embrace your sin
+ 1 to all Quirks
+2 Heat (permanent)
QUIRKS On creation add +1 to any of the
starting values HARDSKIN moves idioms
PASSION INTELLECT You have this move. your GIFTS Choose two:
GROWTH URCHIN
In order to use your giſts, you have to Spend 1 Hold to create spikes from your Hardskin,
grow the tumors that compose your hurting whoever is standing very close to you.
-1 0 Hardskin. Roll with Passion. On a Hard ARMORED
Hit, Hold 3 and mark -1 Harm. On a Hit Spend 1 Hold to expand the area of your Hardskin,
Hold 3 and choose one: creating a shield you can use to avoid damage, even
• Mark +1 Harm from a firearm.
SEEING RED □ SIZE THEM UP □ • Mark -1 Passion Ongoing for the rest of
Go agro Get info about something the scene HAIL
BARE YOUR TEETH □ BECOME TEMPTATION □ • Mark +1 Heat Spend 1 Hold to create sharp projectiles you can use
Intimidate to avoid conflict Charm somebody On a Miss Hold 1. You will not be able to against your opponents. They are not big and they don’t
inflict a lot of damage, but they can distract an enemy
use Growth again for the rest of the for a short while.
AFFINITY EGO scene. On a Holy Mess you won’t be able
to create any Growth until your next GLADIUS
Passage. Mark +1 Heat. Spend 1 Hold to create a large Hardskin blade on one of
your arms. If your Hardskin is not already on your arm,
Choose two more.
1 1 SOLID AS A ROCK
you take 1 Harm to reposition it.
BUNKER
You are used to hardship, so life is just a Spend 1 Hold to create a large shell around your curled
joke for you. Whenever a companion body. No type of damage can penetrate this shell, but
HELP THE OTHER □ UNWIND AND COOL □ needs support, physical or emotional, you can maintain it for up to 2 minutes and will be
Offer assistance Relax and assess unable to move at this time. If your Hardskin is not
you will be there for them. Roll with already on your torso or back, you take 1 Harm to
UNDER YOUR SKIN □ OPEN YOUR MIND □ Passion instead of Affinity. On a Full Hit, reposition it.
Feel hard and inspire See the bigger picture you overcome their expectations and
mark +1 in their Circle.
your COMMUNE
HOLDING A GRUDGE
Harm Armor Many have mistreated you in your unfair
existence. When you choose to exact
Hardskins are among the most discriminated against
people in the Center. In order to cope, they create
Communes to protect and support each other. Each
MILD MAJOR GRAVE vengeance on those who did you wrong, commune has a Commissar, elected by the people,
mark +1 Ongoing in Passion against them. who is responsible for maintaining the order, delivering
justice and representing the people.
I, TANK Choose your place in the Commune:
When playing Seeing Red, your □ Active member, contributing your best
opponent can’t choose a counter- □ Supporting from the shadows
Miseries DISMAYED
-1 Passion
measure. □ Upcoming leader
□ Indifferent
□ Opposing the idea, better off alone
Instead of dying pick one ABASHED SOFT SPOT
of these. -1 Intellect Choose your relationship with the Commissar:
Your body may be hard, but your heart □ You are a trusted friend
DISMAL can be as soſt as a puppy's! When □ You are a dutiful aide
-1 Affinity someone enters your Affection Circle, □ You are a loyal follower
choose one of the following: □ You don’t really care about them
FRAGILE • Engage in an intimate conversation □ You are an opposing rival
-1 Ego with them.
When you level up, review your place in the Commune
• Exchange a valuable object (you can and your relationship with the Commissar.
give or receive).
• Cook your famous street food for
HEAT them.
• Take a bullet (or a beating) for them
when the time comes."
HOT BLAZING SCORCHING
CONVERGENCE
You can use your
RANCOR Convergence move
with people inside your
Affection circle.
advancement DISDAIN
L
PASSAGE lvl D
APATHY
INTRO QUESTIONS
• What were you once known for in the city?
• How long have you lived here?
• What was your greatest accomplishment?
• Why did you step back from who you were?
• What do you desperately need?
STARTING GEAR
Exodus
An old apartment, electric scooter, worn outdoors
breathing equipment, Elvis sunglasses.
marble
eyes
name pronouns
look greed
Caste AGE
Embrace your sin
+ 2 Intellect
-2 all new Convergence
QUIRKS On creation add +1 to any of the
starting values marble eyes moves idioms
You have this move. your second sight
PASSION INTELLECT
SEEING REDDER Ever since you were little, you have had visions of a
Give them a fright. You turn your eyes strange occurrence. You are not sure if it is something
that happened in the past or a message from the
red when you Bare your Teeth and
0 1 make them lose it. On an 8-10 your
future. You always see bits and pieces, and you have
spent most of your conscious life trying to figure them
opponent doesn't get to choose. out.
MILD MAJOR GRAVE NOTHING HIDDEN UNDER Every time you get a new glimpse of your Second Sight,
THE SUN seek your Elder and describe it to them. They will help
you understand and guide you on the path of True
While venturing outside, you can Insight.
combine a Moribus card with 'Open
your Mind' to assess your surround-
ings. You can see objects or details that
Miseries DISMAYED
-1 Passion
others cannot see.
HEAT
HOT BLAZING SCORCHING
CONVERGENCE
You can use your
RANCOR Convergence move
with people inside your
Affection circle.
advancement DISDAIN
L
PASSAGE lvl D
APATHY
INTRO QUESTIONS
• What is your area of expertise?
• What kind of exoskeleton/robot companion
do you have?
• Who introduced you to the Oldboys?
• Do you follow the Code, or are you a Freelancer?
• What do you strive to achieve?
STARTING GEAR
Exodus
An abandoned warehouse, modified electric 2CV, air
filter mask, high leather work boots.
NOTES
the day you were born. You get its drawback but not its
advantage. If you choose to embrace it, you get it’s
advantage but double its drawback.
name pronouns
look
envy
Caste AGE
Embrace your sin
+ 2 Ego
-2 Affinity
QUIRKS On creation add +1 to any of the
starting values oldboy moves idioms
PASSION INTELLECT You get this one: your creed
Oldboys either belong to a Creed abiding by the Code or
NEED FOR CREED work as Freelancers. Creeds don’t charge money for their
If your adventures bring you to a place commissions, and their members are bound to work on
-1 1 with a Creed Workstation nearby, you
can choose to go say hi, even if you are
whichever project is assigned to them by the Creed.
a Freelancer. A member of the Creed If you follow a Creed, choose one of the following:
□ You can have access to more materials and blueprints.
will offer to help you. Roll with Intellect. □ You can have help creating more complex machines.
SEEING RED □ SIZE THEM UP □ On a Hard Hit, you will have access to all □ You may come across information about rare items.
Go agro Get info about something of the Creed's equipment. If you are a
Freelancer, mark +1 Heat because it is If you are a Freelancer, choose one of the following:
BARE YOUR TEETH □ BECOME TEMPTATION □ illegal! On a Hit, you will manage to □ You can make money from your commissions.
Intimidate to avoid conflict Charm somebody work the machine, but it will be missing □ You can choose not to work on a project.
a vital part that requires additional □ You can create machines that are not permitted by the
AFFINITY EGO work. On a miss, you do not impress the Code, such as weapons.
specific Creed with your abilities, and
they forbid you to use their equipment. YOUR WORKSTATION
As an Oldboy, you have access to a workstation, either
1 0 Choose two more: provided by a Creed or created by yourself. Creed
workstations are better equipped, but they don't offer
something new the freedom to create anything that falls outside the
Create an accessory for a member of Order's boundaries.
HELP THE OTHER □ UNWIND AND COOL □ your party. They will be touched by
Offer assistance Relax and assess your gesture and move to their next When you use your Workstation to create a new
machine, the DM will choose one of the following:
UNDER YOUR SKIN □ OPEN YOUR MIND □ convergence Circle. □ You have to quest for one of the needed materials.
Feel hard and inspire See the bigger picture □ You have to get help from another player, and they
all help welcome must be in your Friendship or Affection circles.
You use your exoskeleton or companion □ You have to clean your Workstation aſter completion,
making you unavailable for the next day.
Harm Armor robot to overcome a physical confronta-
tion. Mark +1 to Armor and Harm for this
scene. You will have to spend time
□ One of your tools will break, and you will have to
replace it in order to use it again.
□ You are missing a component, so you will have to
MILD MAJOR GRAVE repairing them depending on the come up with a creative solution for it. Describe how
intensity of the battle. you overcome the problem, for example, using a lot of
duct tape!
swiss army guy □ Your power tools are unavailable, and you have to do
all the work the old-fashioned way. Depending on the
Having dedicated your life to working project, it will take 1-7 days to complete.
on machines, you can provide a □ You need the guidance of another Oldboy to
Miseries DISMAYED
-1 Passion
variety of services to your party. Roll
with Intellect. On a Hard Hit, hold 3.
complete your machine/weapons
advancement
RANCOR Convergence move
with people inside your
Affection circle.
L
PASSAGE lvl D
DISDAIN
INTRO QUESTIONS
• What is your first memory?
• Who is the person closer to your heart?
• How do you feel about your Boss?
• What is your worst nightmare?
• Do you take pleasure from your job?
STARTING GEAR
A room in a defunct hotel, modified bike, heat
regulating coat, a cart-postal from Venice.
An old apartment, electric scooter, worn outdoors
breathing equipment, Elvis sunglasses.
Exodus
One weapon of choice: If you die or retire, you discover that
• Claw hammer your lucky die was hollow, containing a
• Brass knuckles clue from your life before you became a
• Makeshiſt mace Zealot. Ask the DM to tell you about it.
Lucky Die
You have this die as long as you can remember
yourself, but you don’t know how you got it. You play
with it when you need to relax, finding peace in the
randomness of chaos. It also helps you make
ORIGINAL sin -1 Intellect
important decisions, although you don’t always trust This is your Original Sin, it was bestowed upon you since
its judgment. the day you were born. You get its drawback but not its
advantage. If you choose to embrace it, you get it’s
advantage but double its drawback.
NOTES
name pronouns
look
lust
Caste AGE
Embrace your sin
+ 2 to selected Convergence
-2 Intellect
QUIRKS On creation add +1 to any of the
starting values zealot moves idioms
PASSION INTELLECT your boss
Choose two: Someone out there has your trigger word, and as a
result, they can have complete control over you
let them in whenever they wish. You can share the word with your
Roll with Affinity to add another player
1 1 to your Affection Circle. Once there, you
party, but you will always be bound to your boss.
Choose one of the following options:
can share your trigger word with them, □ A Syndicate
but it won't work if it comes from any □ The Seed of Ra
□ The Divine Light
other member of your party. □ The FOI
SEEING RED □ SIZE THEM UP □
Go agro Get info about something
BARE YOUR TEETH □ BECOME TEMPTATION □
On a Hard Hit, the person you choose is YOUR focus
obliged to use the trigger word only
Intimidate to avoid conflict Charm somebody with your permission. On a Miss, they Once activated, a Zealot will focus on one task.
Everything else goes on autopilot, and all his faculties
can use it even in cases when they will serve that task. Choose the area in which you have
AFFINITY EGO know you disagree. been trained to focus:
□ Physical combat
□ Code breaking
mind over matter □ Problem solving
0 -1 Take +1 on Intellect (max +3) □ Weapon handling
CONVERGENCE
You can use your
advancement RANCOR Convergence move
with people inside your
Affection circle.
L
PASSAGE lvl D
DISDAIN
INTRO QUESTIONS
• Why did you choose to become an Aug?
• What was your latest contract?
• Which was your first implant?
• What is your reputation amongst other Augs?
STARTING GEAR
Abandoned basement, electric monobike, hooded
mantle, Zippo lighter.
Weapon of choice:
• Slingshot
• Throwing Knife
Exodus
• Compact makeshiſt crossbow
If you die or retire, you pass the ability to
Magnetic Plate use one of your augmentations, at its
This is your lucky charm, which clips magnetically onto current state, to another player.
your metal collarbones. You removed it from the However, they will not be able to
lifeless body of your first contract, and you always advance it further.
wear it when you're on a job..
aug
name pronouns
look
WRATH
Caste AGE
Embrace your sin
+ 2 Passion
+2 Heat (permanent)
QUIRKS On creation add +1 to any of the
starting values aug moves idioms
Choose three:
PASSION INTELLECT YOUR SECT
now you see me As an Aug, you have to choose between the Tech and
Become one with your surroundings Terra Sects. The Tech Sect seeks the advancement of
and vanish from plain sight. Others the human body through technology, while the Terra
1 1 won’t be able to see you, even when
standing next to you, until you move.
Sect believes that the body must converge with the
natural habitat.
Can’t be used during a confrontation or Choose one of the following:
if someone has already seen you.
SEEING RED □ SIZE THEM UP □ □ TECH SECT
Go agro Get info about something all out • You can implant low-tech devices.
BARE YOUR TEETH □ BECOME TEMPTATION □ • You can implant metal alloys.
Put those augmentations to use! • You can implant makeshiſt mechanical weapons.
Intimidate to avoid conflict Charm somebody When you inflict Harm, add +1 to your
attack. □ TERRA SECT
AFFINITY EGO • You can implant animal fangs and claws.
• You can implant rock and metals.
guardian angel • You can implant makeshiſt melee weapons.
In a conflict, when you play Help the
-1 0 Other, you will put yourself in harm’s
way to protect them.
Every time you level up, you can choose to make a
small advancement to your implants.
Miseries DISMAYED
-1 Passion
You have to take a day off to recover. • Granite blade
• Black marble knuckles
• Rough diamond nails
Instead of dying pick one ABASHED rise up • Extruded titanium elbows
of these. -1 Intellect When upgrading your augmentations, • Extruded titanium knees
there is a chance of entering a deep • Metal chestplate
DISMAL • Bear claws
-1 Affinity trance state that enhances your body's • Elephant tusks
chemistry and improves the implants. • Large basalt blade (replaces arm)
FRAGILE
-1 Ego Roll with Ego. On a Full Hit, you can
choose an additional attribute for the
specific augmentation.
L
PASSAGE lvl D
APATHY
GLUTTONY TEMPERANCE