Backstage Press
$19.95/144 pages

Theatrix presents a basic rules set for use across genres. The gist of the game can be summed up by one particular statement from the book: "Whether an action succeeds or fails, and to what extent it does so, is a judgment left up to the Director [GMV'

Obviously outside the paradigm of most RPGs, Theatrix forces all character actions to serve the Game Master's vision. The GM determines if the task succeeds based entirely on whether it fulfills the storytelling aims. This removal of randomness alters an RPG game from a set of rules mirroring "reality" to a set of rules that allow minor improvisations in a predetermined story.

The good news is that the game brilliantly succeeds.

A character is described by a number of traits, including physical and mental attributes, skills, and abilities. Each of these traits are rated on a scale from 0-10.0. The decimal scale is subjective across genres. While the average score for Strength in a pulp genre might be 3.0, and 10.0 the maximum, in a sci-fi genre, 3.0 might be average human strength, with 4.5 the human maximum.

Descriptors are a set of unranked traits describing a character's background and various other qualities. Secret Identity, Ambidextrous, and Magic Sword would all be examples. Plot points, gained through experience, can activate Descriptors or buy successes. In both instances the GM can override such an expenditure or make the point cost prohibitive.

Action resolution, ranging from picking a lock to shooting your opponent, is resolved by flow charts. Charts exist for combat, intellectual, athletic, and interpersonal task resolution. Each chart ingeniously takes into account variables of the situation. Depending on the GM's estimation of the character's capability to perform the task, a resolution is provided. While the GM makes the initial determination of success or failure, the flow charts wonderfully figure in the logic of the situation and narratively justify the outcome.

Theatrix is definitely not for everyone. Many gamers would retch at the thought of the gamemaster utterly controlling their character's destiny. However, for those that can have a good time participating in a story rather than guiding it, Theatrix proves to be loads of fun.