Pyramid Review
Beyond Science (for Alternity)
Published by Wizards of the Coast
Written by Sean K. Reynolds
96 pages, $18.95
Subtitled A Guide to FX, Beyond Science is a collection of "FX (special effects) powers" and rules for including such varied elements as super powers, magical spells, and religious miracles into an Alternity campaign. Especially useful for Dark*Matter players, I was personally surprised the book was published as an Alternity book rather than a Dark*Matter specific sourcebook.
At a glance, Beyond Science is an attractive and well written sourcebook. At its core the book truly begins to shine as is evident when the book is broken down and examined chapter by chapter.
Chapter One, FX Rules
The first chapter details the specific game rules of FX powers for use within the Alternity game system. Presented along the same lines as the psionics skills in the Alternity Players Handbook, players and gamemasters will find the rules familiar and easily understood.
The FX powers are presented as skills which are purchased in the same manner as mundane skills already presented in the basic rules although priced at a higher level than those more mundane skills. For gamemasters wishing to run a high level FX campaign, an optional rule -- FX Achievement Points -- is included. FX Achievement Points increase the number of starting skill points and may only be used for purchasing FX skills.
FX Powers have a cost for each use (usually just 1 point but some . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: March 24, 2000
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