The Villains that Make Us is a narrative-first solo TTRPG centred around the decades long sagas from classic superhero comic books. You follow the team of supes you create as their ideals fracture, bonds break and legacies are written in the scars left by the enemies they face.
The antagonists aren’t more than mere obstacles in these superhero’s stories, they are the (perhaps unknowing) architect of their evolution. But how will the tale shape itself through the rise, peak and fall of these bastions of justice? Find out in - The Villains that Make Us.
The Structure
The game itself is structured into four distinct Arcs that mirror a legendary series:
The Structure
The game itself is structured into four distinct Arcs that mirror a legendary series:
- The Rise: The early days. The team is idealistic, fast, and the world is still full of hope.
- The Peak: They are at the top of their game. Things seem positive and they have some measure of power and influence over their world.
- The Fall: Mistakes happen. Bonds snap. Old enemies return and make the team question themselves or a new enemy pushes them too far.
- The Legacy: The final chapter. Who is left to tell the story, and what did it all actually mean?
Each of these arcs can be played more than once (to the discretion of the player) if you wish to include more of the amazing villain archetypes we have filled the game with.
What sets us apart?
Villains as Narrative Anchors: Just like the very best villains we know and love (or hate/fear as the case may be) the ones in The Villains that Make Us are designed to shape the game and the story you are building through the use of reflective, narrative heavy questions that you answer for each arc.
A Team That Evolves: No team that has gone through traumas stays the same. They might start as a United front, but by Arc 3, you might be Vengeful, Outlawed, or completely Broken. The mechanics of the game allow (and encourage) for these changes to constantly happen.
The Weight of Time: Between Arcs, the Interlude System lets years pass. You’ll see the landscape change, watch friends grow old, and deal with the political fallout of your "victories." Nothing is simple and even good acts can be twisted over time.
Infinite Replay-ability: With the sheer number of villain and hero archetypes we’ve got to work with (not to mention all the other adaptable story-beats that are sewn into the game’s fabric) there are endless ways your story could go. Want an idealistic cyber crew on the edge of the universe? Gotcha’ covered? How about a shades-of-grey team in a Victorian England back alley? SORTED. How about a team of kid supes dealing with everyday troubles? No problem!
What do we offer in the game as is?
What do we offer in the game as is?
15+ Hero Archetypes inspired by great comic book legends but full adaptable for your game.
30+ Villain Archetypes from the devilishly cunning, the utterly destructive and the totally bizarre.
3 Prebuilt Settings designed to get you going if you need inspiration: The heroic streets of Albion City, the twisting back alleys of Gutter’s Light and the mystical realm of Farwind Reach.
3 Prebuilt Teams to help you get started in these settings if you need! The silver-age comic inspired Sentinel Order, the steampunk centric Foxlight Club and the sweepingly magical Dragon Knights.
Reflective Interlude Tables from Power and Politics to Friends and Family - there are endless ways the world can shape itself around your heroes in ways even they can’t control.
WITH BACKING THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WE HAVE PLANNED!
Support us and let’s build a super story together.
3 Prebuilt Settings designed to get you going if you need inspiration: The heroic streets of Albion City, the twisting back alleys of Gutter’s Light and the mystical realm of Farwind Reach.
3 Prebuilt Teams to help you get started in these settings if you need! The silver-age comic inspired Sentinel Order, the steampunk centric Foxlight Club and the sweepingly magical Dragon Knights.
Reflective Interlude Tables from Power and Politics to Friends and Family - there are endless ways the world can shape itself around your heroes in ways even they can’t control.
WITH BACKING THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WE HAVE PLANNED!
Support us and let’s build a super story together.