Aftermath!
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| Aftermath! | |
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 Aftermath! logo |
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| Designer(s) | Paul Hume, Robert Charette |
| Publisher(s) | Fantasy Games Unlimited |
| Publication date | 1981 |
| Genre(s) | Post-apocalyptic fiction |
| System | Custom |
Aftermath! is a role-playing game created by Paul Hume & Robert Charette which was published in 1981 by Fantasy Games Unlimited.
It is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which the characters typically have to fight for food, water, basic supplies and shelter. The rules are reasonably complex and include many flow charts and tables to enable the Games Master to simulate the world. This leads to a very immersive gaming experience. However, it does require a good knowledge of the rules to play.
The nature of the Apocalypse is up to the Games Master but it is often reminiscent of the Mad Max films. There is even an expansion (Aftermath! Magic!) to play in a universe dominated by dragons in the style of the film Reign of Fire.
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[edit] Game design
While it undoubtedly adds a richness and depth to the game lacking in others, the sheer detail involved really cannot be overstated. One fan commented on a forum... "I've heard legends about early games like Aftermath, which were said to cause bleeding from the eyes due to the sheer complexity of their rules". An example of the extreme lengths the games designers went to is evident in this sample of the shotgun cartridges table.
One player, at least, was dubious of the benefits of this approach: "Aftermath: you have to figure out the flight velocity of an arrow to get its damage...and it isn't listed anywhere in the book. 40 hit and encumbrance locations front and back. And the infamous 'Stop Running' roll!"
The game designers responsible can be found in the credits list below (see External Links).
[edit] Contents
- 3 rulebooks
- an introductory scenario
- character sheets
- a 3 panel reference sheet (full of tables and charts)
- counters and a feedback sheet.
[edit] Scenarios
A number of add-on scenario and campaign books were published. Because of the detailed rules, it was possible to build extremely detailed and believable worlds around actual places, such as Sydney University, where for example every room in the University was modeled with lengthy descriptions of items in each room, and maps based on actual university blueprints. Even if never played, the campaigns are notable artistic achievements of imagination.
- Aftermath Scenario Pack 1: Into The Ruins - The City of Littleton (1981), by Robert N. Charrette and Paul R. Hume. Published by Fantasy Games Unlimited. Takes place in the city of Littleton, Illinois.
- Aftermath Scenario Pack A1: Operation Morpheus - The Ruins of the University (1982), by Phil McGregor. Published by Fantasy Games Unlimited. Takes place in Australian based on Sydney University
- Aftermath Campaign Pack A2 - Sydney, The Wilderness (1984), by Phil McGregor. Published by Fantasy Games Unlimited. Sydney region.
- Adventure Pack K1 - The Empire of Karo (1984), by William Pixley. Published by Fantasy Games Unlimited. Set in Cairo, Illinois.
- Aftermath Campaign Pack C1 - The City State, Chicago & The Illinois River Valley (1987), by J. Andrew Keith. Published by Fantasy Games Unlimited.
- Aftermath! Technology (1992), by David S. Harmer. Published by Dinosaur Games. Rules expansion and technology supplement.
[edit] Fanbase
The game attained cult status rapidly and is still very much alive and well, mainly in the hands of enthusiasts. There seems to be a lot of interest on French websites and there is even a play by email game run by Portland Aftermath!...
