:Otherscape 2024 Update

The future is fast approaching, and so is Son of Oak’s next TTRPG! The mythic cyberpunk roleplaying game :Otherscape is now out to print! I’m Video Producer Kevin Carpenter, and today we’re giving all of you mercs and street punks the lowdown on what’s been going on and what’s coming to you soon.

First, the big news. :Otherscape is coming out digitally in August 2024 and is currently in print, with the physical books arriving in November or December 2024. The final delivery date is to be announced at a later time. If you’re a backer, you already have the digital files, but if not, you can pre-order the game and get the digital downloads immediately. 

What is :Otherscape?

If you’re new to Son of Oak, you may be wondering what :Otherscape is. :Otherscape is a tag-based cyberpunk-fantasy roleplaying game. In the not so distant future, due to the incessant Noise of technology and post-modern life, Humanity has become so numb and apathetic that spirits of Myth and legend, once constrained to the shadows, can now roam the world freely. These awakened demons and gods, bound to physical objects, places, and rituals, now join the war for the future of humanity.

You play as experienced mercenaries taking dangerous jobs for the profit, the street cred, or just to survive. With an expansive yet rapid character creation system, you determine how your character is balanced between the identity of their Self, the magical gifts of Mythos, and the technological enhancements of Noise.

This mix of meat, magic, and metal allows for a variety of character types. Will you play as a Hovercycle Gearhead or a Renegade Android? A Sorcerous Gunslinger or a Magical Fashion Icon? Whatever character you create, it’s up to your crew to complete jobs like stealing from a nanite hive mind and pulling off a cyberspace train heist.

Rules of :Otherscape

The game runs on an engine developed out of Son of Oak’s flagship game City of Mist, with streamlined rules that allow for greater creativity. Every action comes down to a single roll of 2d6, but what bonuses you add to that roll and what Effects you choose to spend your Power on allow for infinite possibilities.

Your character is made up of narrative tags instead of stats. Each tag gives a +1 bonus or -1 penalty, and it’s up to you to stack relevant tags together to add more Power to your roll. These tags can range from weapons like a missile launcher to qualities like being charming or to abilities like transform into a wolf. They can also be skills, connections, assets, and anything else that’s important to your character.

Every scene follows the same flow of Establish - Action - Consequence. First, the Master of Ceremonies, or MC, establishes the scene and narrates the Threats and stakes. Then, the player takes action and makes a roll if needed. If the action is complex, they can also choose the Effects of their roll. Then, the MC delivers the results: success, dangerous consequences, or both.

If you’d like more details on how the engine works, check out our previous video on Son of Oak’s new game engine.

:Otherscape Products

:Otherscape will be released as two separate books. The core book, Metro:Otherscape, contains the core rules along with themebooks, kits, and tropes for character creation, as well as Challenges, loot and job advice for the MC. Metro:Otherscape also includes a starter job called Strings Attached, where your crew is hired to conduct a prison break from the heavily polluted Sludge Zone.

There is also the setting book, Tokyo:Otherscape. Explore the megacity of Tokyo in the year 20XX, where otaku neo-samurai clash with oni motorcycle gangs, and mythical yokai prowl cyberspace domains. Within this book you’ll find a detailed megacity, new character options, new gear, new challenges, and new factions. There are also six jobs for your crew to complete, including the job Lost & Flooded, written by yours truly.

But that’s not at all! Son of Oak is also releasing an :Otherscape box set. The box set will contain custom :Otherscape dice, tracking cards,, an MC screen, and a set of 10 pregenerated character folios so your crew can tap right in to the action. They also make great posters if you’re looking to decorate.

How To Get :Otherscape

If you would like to get your hands on :Otherscape, pre-orders are currently open. When you preorder, you get immediate access to all the digital files, a better price, and a guarantee to get your copy as early as possible.

If you would like to try out :Otherscape, you can also check out the free quickstart, which contains the basic rules, pregenerated characters, and a small job. Just go to cityofmist.co and sign up for updates to receive the :Otherscape quickstart. You can also obtain the quickstarts for City of Mist and the upcoming rustic fantasy RPG, Legend in the Mist.

Son of Oak Game Studio is so excited to release a brand new world for you all to explore. What part of :Otherscape are you most looking forward to checking out? Let us know in the comments, on social media, or on the official Discord.

And until next time, have fun!