Phase Shift: Full Edition

This is the core rules and player's handbook (full edition) for the Phase Shift system.

What is Phase Shift?

The easy answer is that it’s a hybrid science fiction/fantasy standalone tabletop RPG system. What makes Phase Shift different from other RPGs? Phase Shift attempts to keep gameplay as simple as possible while keeping the feeling of a high power level. Our rolling system is streamlined to keep things moving as quickly as possible. Each class has abilities that are extremely effective in their own way, so no player feels like they aren’t contributing. For instance, even a Runner, who can’t take or deal nearly as much damage as other classes, can make a fight completely one-sided by stealing an enemy’s weapons and armor or redirecting a giant energy cannon to fire back at the person who fired it. And that all starts at a starting-level (0 XP) character!

And what makes Phase Shift so easy to play? Well, before you roll a skill check, you know exactly what number you are trying to reach. Roll a d20, add your bonuses, and if your total is 15 or higher, congratulations! You succeeded on whatever you were trying to do. While some more difficult actions might require you to roll more d20s and hit a higher number, you’re still doing the same basic process.

“But what about the setting?” you might ask. Excellent question, reader. Phase Shift is set far in the future, in a universe where magic and science are intertwined and inseparable after two dimensions merged. Magic is quantifiably real and magical fields can be manipulated easily by scientific instruments. Scientists can build a doom cannon that runs on soul power, and Arcanists can perform complex repairs on robots with a single magical spell. A side effect of the Merger was also that gods from previous dimensions took physical form and became empowered by those who worship them. Generally speaking, the galaxy is mostly in chaos. Areas of the galaxy are generally controlled by factions or shadowy mega-corporations, but for the most part there’s no government strong enough to control and/or cover up all of the cosmic horrors that keep showing up.

Most player characters belong to a mercenary organization known as the Galactic Department of Mercenary Affairs (GDMA), working for the Galactic Federation, which is the closest to a unified government that the galaxy has. GDMA mercenaries are given carte blanche on collateral damage during their missions (they understand the traditional “murderhobo” mentality of wandering adventurers), but they can be blacklisted if they are too destructive. The GDMA has some great malpractice attorneys.