Urban Arcana (d20 Modern) - Urban Arcana Campaign Setting

In Urban Arcana, the city becomes a stage where magic and reality coexist in surprising ways. Imagine navigating familiar streets while fantastic creatures and hidden forces intertwine with everyday life. This game brings the adrenaline of modern adventure, allowing players to become heroes who face both the monsters of the night and the challenges of everyday life. With a deck of cards representing amazing skills, spells and equipment, every decision can be the difference between victory or defeat. Players will have to use not only their strength of arms, but also their cunning and teamwork to unravel mysteries and confront sinister organizations. As you explore the dark corners of the city, you'll meet unlikely allies and formidable enemies. Moral dilemmas and difficult choices add a unique depth to the narrative, making each session a new adventure. Whether you're a ruthless warrior, a cunning wizard or a hacker with extraordinary skills, Urban Arcana provides a rich and immersive experience, where fantasy is not just an escape, but part of reality. Get ready to discover the hidden magic that pulses beneath the surface of the city and join the fight for an uncertain and fascinating future.

Age 12 + 120 min 2 to 10 players

Artists: Jason Shawn Alexander; Kalman Andrasofszky

Designers: Eric Cagle; Jeff Grubb

Date: 2003

Note: 

Mechanics: Scenario / Mission / Campaign, Storytelling, Paper and pen, Data Scrolling, RPG

Topics: Fantasy

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

OBJECTIVE OF THE GAME

Urban Arcana (d20 Modern) aims to provide a role-playing experience where characters explore a contemporary world that blends urban elements with fantasy, including mystical creatures and occult magic. This setting invites players to uncover secrets, confront supernatural threats and interact with a society that is both familiar and strange, creating a rich environment for intriguing adventures and complex characters. If you like mysteries in modern settings, Urban Arcana is an excellent choice for experiencing stories that break through the barriers of everyday life.

Tips for playing

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Urban Arcana (d20 Modern) - Urban Arcana Campaign Setting:

  • In Urban Arcana, make room for creativity. Cities are more than they seem; look beyond the surface to reveal the hidden magical elements of the urban environment.
  • Create memorable NPCs. Think of eccentric or mysterious figures who can guide, trick or challenge players. A barista who reads runes over coffee can provide valuable tips.
  • Integrate technology with magic. Use enchanted cell phones or spell-like vehicles as elements of your world. This adds an intriguing layer to the plot.
  • Portray real urban problems with a magical touch. Issues such as gentrification may have their roots in magical beings manipulating the real estate market.
  • Try mixing genres. Mix noir, horror or urban fantasy elements to create a unique and exciting atmosphere.
  • Cultivate mystery and intrigue. Let players discover well-kept secrets, such as secret societies operating in the shadows.
  • Explore the duality of urban life. Characters can live double lives, managing both their mundane existence and their magical powers.
  • Never underestimate the urban environment. Use the setting as a character in its own right, with dark alleys, abandoned subways and enigmatic skyscrapers playing crucial roles.
  • Incorporate familiar places with a magical twist. A local library can house tomes that hold portals to other realms.
  • Leave room for improvisation. Be open to unexpected directions from the players. Spontaneous moments can lead to unforgettable adventures.

Video about the game

GAME mechanics

  • Storytelling - In Urban Arcana, narration is the backbone of the game, woven by the Game Master who builds the plot and the obstacles that the players will face. He creates a universe where fantasy and urban reality merge. The master adapts the story based on the actions of the characters, making each session unique and immersive.
  • Paper and pen - Essential tools for recording character sheets, game notes and maps. They allow you to customize your characters and catalog your progress. Even in a digital age, there's no substitute for the touch of paper when it comes to strategizing or sketching out the layout of a scenario. I remember one time when I needed to quickly scribble down the layout of a hideout, the pen saved the day!
  • Data Scrolling - The heart of the d20 system, dice rolling determines the success or failure of actions. Chance is a crucial element, where one roll of the dice can turn the game for or against the players. The 20-sided die is the most iconic and the climax of many plays depends on its outcome.
  • RPG - Urban Arcana is a role-playing game that mixes aspects of role-playing and strategy. Players take on character personas through narratives and challenges. The RPG here is not limited to combat actions, but includes dialogues, negotiations and exploration of the fantastic urban world. Once, my character had to convince a dragon turned banker to return our treasure. It was epic!
  • Scenario / Mission / Campaign - The adventures take place in an urban setting where magical creatures coexist with modern society. Specific quests form part of the larger campaign arc, which is the thread running through the adventures, with challenges and rewards. The campaign is the bigger picture, while each mission focuses on concrete objectives. It's like diving into chapters of a book where you are the protagonist.

Game components

See all the items in the game below Urban Arcana (d20 Modern) - Urban Arcana Campaign Setting:

  • Urban Magic
  • Parallel Worlds
  • Fantastic breeds
  • Adventure Classes
  • Modern Equipment
  • Supernatural Conflicts
  • Thailand and Technologies
  • Adventures in the Shadows

Additional Information

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