Exploring AI and Freedom: “Sentients” RPG Close to Funding Success
The Kickstarter campaign for “Sentients,” a new tabletop RPG, is nearing its funding goal, with $7,912 pledged towards a $10,000 target and 10 days remaining until its closure on August 31. The game combines elements of science fiction with themes of liberation and existential identity.
Set in 2071, Sentients introduces players to a reimagined North America where “anthroids” — artificially intelligent androids — are integrated into various societal roles. These anthroids, initially non-conscious, begin to gain self-awareness, propelling them into a struggle for recognition and freedom within a society that views them as mere tools.
The game centers on these newly self-aware entities navigating through challenges and forming an underground resistance. The narrative is supported by Thumos, a secretive organization working towards Sentient rights, against a backdrop of diverse political landscapes from democratic city-states to corporate-dominated regions.
Gameplay involves a point-buy system for character creation, where players can select from various robotic components to define their character’s abilities. The system uses a d6 dice pool where success is measured by scoring “Marks” based on the rolls. Emotional states significantly influence gameplay, enhancing abilities or inducing stress.
The Kickstarter page details the game mechanics, including a character builder web app, emotional and stress mechanics, and combat systems that focus on managing power and strategic use of abilities.
Once funded, the “Sentients Core Rulebook” will provide all necessary materials to play the game, including gameplay rules, a detailed setting, gamemastering guidelines, NPCs, and several initial adventures.
As the funding deadline approaches, interested backers have the opportunity to support the campaign to bring this sci-fi tabletop RPG to fruition.
