This one’s going to take a couple minutes to get through. Carbon Grey RPG is based on the graphic novels by Hoang Nguyen. I was unfamiliar with them, and am still only aware they exist (as of the initial writing of this. I currently own the omnibus version of the graphic novels). It’s diesel-punk, which is a new genre for me. It takes place in Mitteleuropa (vaguely Europe shaped with different country names). The year is 1915 and the Great War is in full swing. Not everything is totally right with reality. There are era appropriate vehicles alongside more modern jet planes and other vehicles.
Chapter one introduces us to the world of Carbon Grey and does the other typical chapter one duties. It gives us the first look at a quick description of the 24 Archetype Templates playable in the game. Included are: Brash Dogfighter, Grease Monkey, Learned Scholar, and Sovereign.
Chapter 2 is skills and attributes. There are 6 abilities: Dexterity, Knowledge, Mechanical, Perception, Strength, and Willpower. Each has 6 skills which are usable from the get go (at the attribute score) with some skills being a higher value. It is the West End Games D6 System, so skills/attributes have a die code of say 3D+1, so roll 3D6 and add 1. If you meet or exceed the Difficulty Number (between 3 and 30 depending on how hard it is) you succeed. There are varying levels of success and failure depending on the roll and how far away from goal it is. There is a wild die and it can affect a success or failure. Continuity flux is what it’s called when random paranormal things (be it a super/para-normal creature or something more modern) appears. There are additional paranormal skills (Manipulate, Divine, Transmogrify) that most won’t have access to, but a select few archetypes do.
Chapter 3 is character creation. What I personally like about the WEG D6 System is how customizable it is out of the gate. Pick an archetype, plug the attribute number in the appropriate spot and you’re halfway there. Here’s where the customization begins. At creation you receive 7D to spend on skills. No skill can be raised by more than +2D. So if the attribute score is 2D+1, no skill under that can be higher than 4D+1. I personally recommend players start by upgrading what they feel are the archetype’s main skills. You start with 6 Hero Points, which can be used to improve rolls on skills or raise ability scores (as you gain more). You also receive skill points which are used to upgrade your skill scores. Skills can reach an infinite number in theory, but attributes can only be raised by 1D. To raise skills by +1, you need to spend what the D6 score it (2D to 2D+1 = 2 skill points). To raise attributes, you need 6 times the number to raise +1 (up to +3 or 1D). Each archetype has suggested equipment. I am of the opinion they are allowed a couple of the pieces listed and can pay for anything else. Money is in Marks, broken down to Phennig, The Mitteleuropa Gold Mark Coin, and Banknote. Quirks are an option, and if you pick a Quirk, you can also pick a Remarkable Ability. Obligations are mandatory and these are the people you answer to. There are tables for Quirks and Remarkable Abilities, or you can create your own with GM approval.
Chapter 4 is Combat and Recovery. The combat sequence is detailed as well as how to handle recovery after. Damage is handled a little differently in D6. There are levels: Stunned, Wounded, Incapacitated, and Mortally Wounded. You compare Damage and Strength rolls and the difference determines how hurt one is. Effects are cumulative. Mental trauma is also a thing and there’s a table for it.
Chapter 5 is gear and weapons and offers a variety of items that make one say “ouch.”
Chapter 6 is vehicle rules and various types available.
Chapter 7 is titled “A World at War” and describes that. There are Axis, Allied, and Neutral States.
Chapter 8 details running the game.
Chapter 9 is “Allies, Enemies, and Extras.” It’s exactly what it sounds like, NPCs out the Wakka Jawakka.
Chapter 10 is adventure ideas.
Chapter 11 is the final chapter, and is the complete character templates with full descriptions.
