How to Play PbtA (Powered by the Apocalypse)

Summary

This video provides an in-depth introduction to Powered by the Apocalypse (PBTA) games, covering the core mechanics, GM principles, and the flexible, narrative-driven nature of the system. It explains how PBTA games rely on a 2d6 roll system to determine success and failure, and how each game offers unique twists through character playbooks and custom moves. The video also discusses the role of the Game Master (GM), GM moves, and the principles for creating compelling, collaborative stories. While each PBTA game has its own flavor, the underlying mechanics offer an accessible and adaptable framework for storytelling-focused gameplay.

Takeaways

• 😀 PBTA games use 2d6 dice rolls to determine the outcome of actions, with three possible results: miss (6 or less), mixed success (7-9), and full success (10+).
• 😀 Players create characters using playbooks, which define their starting stats, unique moves, and personal narrative arcs.
• 😀 Moves are the core mechanic in PBTA games, with basic moves available to everyone and playbook-specific moves tailored to each character.
• 😀 GM moves, unlike traditional RPGs, are not based on dice rolls. Instead, GMs make narrative decisions based on the players' failures or successes.
• 😀 PBTA games prioritize narrative flexibility, allowing players and GMs to improvise and adapt the game to their preferences and the situation at hand.
• 😀 Advancement in PBTA games is achieved through gaining experience points, which players use to enhance their character's stats or gain new moves.
• 😀 PBTA games encourage a collaborative storytelling experience, where the GM and players shape the narrative based on the results of the moves.
• 😀 While each PBTA game has its own unique elements, understanding the core mechanics of PBTA makes it easy to transition between different PBTA systems (e.g., *Masks*, *Urban Shadows*, *Blades in the Dark*).
• 😀 GM principles, such as 'be a fan of the PCs' and 'give everything a price', guide how the GM should run PBTA games, ensuring a compelling and engaging story.
• 😀 PBTA games are designed to be flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of play styles, including different genres like post-apocalyptic, superhero, or urban fantasy settings.
• 😀 Learning one PBTA game (e.g., *Masks*) helps players understand the mechanics of other PBTA games, as most systems share common features like the 2d6 rolls and playbook structure.

Q & A

What is the core mechanic shared by most Powered by the Apocalypse (PBTA) games?

The core mechanic shared by most PBTA games is the use of 2d6 dice rolls. A roll of 7 or higher is considered a success, with 7-9 being a mixed success and 10+ being a full success. A roll of 6 or below is a miss, which triggers the GM's moves.

What is a 'playbook' in PBTA games, and how does it differ from traditional RPG character sheets?

A playbook in PBTA games is a combination of character class and archetype. It determines the character's stats, starting abilities, and unique moves. Unlike traditional RPG character sheets, playbooks are typically more streamlined and focused on narrative actions rather than complex stat management.

How do moves function in PBTA games, and how do they influence gameplay?

Moves are the defining actions in PBTA games. They are specific actions players can take, often triggered by dice rolls, and can be general (basic moves) or unique to a character's playbook. They help move the narrative forward by creating consequences or opportunities, and they determine the outcome of key actions within the game.

What happens on a miss (roll of 6 or below) in a PBTA game?

When a player rolls a miss (6 or below), the GM gets to make a move from their list, which typically results in a negative or challenging consequence for the player. This could be inflicting harm, creating a difficult situation, or otherwise complicating the narrative.

How are damage and harm tracked in PBTA games?

Damage and harm are tracked differently across PBTA games. Some games use a 'harm track' (e.g., *Apocalypse World*, *Urban Shadows*) to track physical damage, while others, like *Thirsty Sword Lesbians* and *Masks*, use conditions that reflect emotional or psychological states rather than physical harm.

What is the role of the GM (Game Master) in PBTA games?

The GM in PBTA games is responsible for guiding the story and making decisions based on the players' actions. They use GM moves to react to players' actions on a miss or lull in the action. Additionally, the GM is tasked with maintaining the narrative flow and following the game's principles to create engaging and compelling storylines.

What are GM moves, and how do they differ from player moves?

GM moves are actions that the Game Master takes in response to players' failures or narrative lulls. Unlike player moves, which are triggered by dice rolls and have specific outcomes, GM moves are more flexible and are aimed at pushing the story forward, often creating tension or complications for the players.

How does the concept of 'shared narrative' work in PBTA games?

In PBTA games, the concept of shared narrative means that both players and the GM collaborate to build the story. Players have freedom to describe their actions and outcomes based on the game’s mechanics, while the GM ensures the story remains dynamic and engaging by reacting to those actions with their own moves.

What is the significance of the '7-9' result on a dice roll in PBTA games?

A 7-9 result on a dice roll is considered a mixed success. The player achieves their intended action, but with complications or lesser outcomes. This range often introduces narrative consequences or challenges that the player must deal with, which makes the gameplay more dynamic and unpredictable.

How do PBTA games encourage player creativity and engagement in storytelling?

PBTA games encourage player creativity by focusing on narrative-driven mechanics rather than rigid rule sets. The flexibility of moves allows players to shape the story, and the absence of complex actions like turn order or initiative lets them focus on character development and collaborative storytelling. Players are also encouraged to make narrative choices that affect the world and other characters.