Alessandro Rocchi
In this review we talk about The Electrum Archive, a science-fantasy role-playing game set in the world of Orn.
The game was developed by Emiel Boven and published in English by Cult of The Lizard King. In Italian, on the other hand, it was located and published by Nigredo Press, which we thank for sending us a review copy. We recommend following them on their official website, Facebook page and Instagram page to discover new projects.
If you are interested, you can buy the manual in physical version (including the PDF) for 17 euros at the official store. The digital version alone costs 10 euros, also on the Nigredo Press store.
Review of The Electrum Archive Structure and Aesthetics
The Electrum Archive is presented in a very elegant 74-page manual bound in milled paperback, completely in black and white (except for the cover). The dimensions are 14.8x21cm and this is easily transportable.
Writing is simple and immediate to follow. In addition, we find excellent use of bold, italics and references to previous or subsequent sections. All this makes reading very easy.
From an artistic point of view, the manual is really valuable. Thanks to the use of black and white, the manual maintains a very strong stylistic consistency. In addition, the illustrations are really suggestive and fascinating thanks to a weird-fantasy style that immediately strikes the eye.
World of Orn
The Electrum Archive takes players to the world of Orn, an unknown planet at the edge of the universe where technology and magic mingle.
The premise is that humans were brought to Orn by the Ancients, mysterious beings who have now disappeared. From here the different eras of Orn follow, which are recounted in some detail in the manual. In addition, the six regions of the game world also have their own dedicated chapter. We find the main places, how to reach them from other regions and also a series of tables for narrative hooks and meetings.
In the manual we do not find the world map, as it is included but in a larger format (so that it can also be used as a valuable prompt during the sessions). It is also available as a free download on the storepage.
One of the most interesting regions is the Electrum Sea, a desert where a titanic faceless statue stands. This region is well described and all the narrative hooks proposed are really interesting, allowing you to create a lot of sessions with very little preparation. For the rest we can find the Crossroads of the Spirits, the Mithral Delta, the Ruined Lands, the Unknown Plains and other intriguing places.
The Protagonists of the World of Orn
The creation of PCs is a very fast process, which takes a maximum of ten minutes.
At the beginning we will have to determine the value of the 5 Attributes that make up the character by rolling a simple d4. These are:
- Agility: used for times when the PG must demonstrate dexterity.
- Archive: The character’s ability to find or remember information.
- Body: indicates physicality and strength.
- Mask: represents both the hero’s charisma and his ability to go unnoticed and sneak around.
- Spirit: it is used to indicate the intuition and mental resistance of the character.
After doing this, they will need to cast 2d4 to determine their character’s Hit Points .
Another key point is the Background, which is what the character did before going on an adventure. Each of them provides Talents and attributes bonuses to be applied to their PG. Those proposed in the manual are all very interesting and themed, such as the Reaper or the Nomad.
We will then have to determine which of the 3 Archetypes our hero follows. Each provides a set of unique Features to gain advantages in various situations. The Archetypes are:
- The Fixer: A cunning and charismatic individual with plenty of resources at his disposal.
- The Vagabond: an experienced fighter who travels the world looking for increasingly varied challenges.
- The Warlock: the “spell caster” of the game, with the peculiarity of having to learn the names of the spirits in order to do so.
After the following steps, we will receive our equipment and have to assign a name to the PG.
In doing so, we will get an adventurer ready to discover the secrets of the world of Orn.
The Electrum Archive Game System
The Electrum Archive offers simple, quick and intuitive regulation.
Each time our character performs a dangerous action, we will have to roll a d10 and if the result is equal to or less than the Attribute in play, a success is obtained.
This shot can be modified by putting a Talent into play, that is, an area in which the PG is particularly experienced. Thanks to the Talents we can shoot with Advantage, that is, use 2d10 and keep the lowest. In some situations our hero will be in difficulty so he will pull with Disadvantage. In that case, of course, we’ll throw 2d10 and consider the highest.
Combat is also very simple. Each character can take an action on their turn, but the peculiarity is that attacks always hit and you only have to roll the weapon’s damage and compare it with the target’s armor. On the other hand, if you want to carry out particular maneuvers, you will have to carry out tests normally.
Damage management is also very interesting. Whenever our PG drops to 0 PF, you will need to roll a d6. With a score from 1 to 3, it dies; otherwise, with a roll of 4 or more, it will faint and you will have to shoot for a random scar from the dedicated table. These scars all have a disadvantage like reducing total HP or Character Attributes.
The Spells
A peculiarity of The Electrum Archive is that they do not have a list of fixed spells, but are generated dynamically by the player.
Whenever you learn a new spell, you must build it together with the Seer (the Storyteller in the game). This process is very quick, in fact you will choose a model for the name (for example Noun + Adjective) and then you will have to draw on a table to determine the components.
Subsequently, the effect must be proposed and from here the power will be determined, choosing between 4 levels: Minor, Moderate, Major and Mythical. The higher it is, the more the cost will matter. In fact, in The Electrum Archive we do not find a classic resource like mana, but we will have to spend drops of Ink.
Ink is a very important and rare resource in the game world because it is used both to cast spells and as a bargaining chip. It is therefore necessary to evaluate its use very carefully!
The Electrum Archive Equipment System Review
Equipment is a fundamental component of the game because the world of Orn is vast, mysterious and full of dangers. No one survives without the right tools!
For items like weapons, armor, food rations, and more, we don’t have precise quantities or durability values. To define how long they can last, use the Points of Use. Each item usually has 3 Usage Points and you consume one each time you use it.
When they end, it means that the object is no longer usable. For example, for an oil lamp you might have run out of fuel.
For armor and weapons, the discourse is different. After each fight you will have to throw a d6 and only with a result from 1 to 3 then you will have to score a Use Point.
Another peculiarity of the system is that each adventurer only has 6 slots to carry objects in the backpack, so you will have to be careful what to prioritize.
Obviously, in the manual we find various tables that illustrate weapons, armor, common and special objects. There is also a set of rules for creating your own customisations.
Conclusion of The Electrum Archive Review
In conclusion, I consider The Electrum Archive an excellent title that allows you to explore a well-built and particular world, embracing a genre that is still little explored that of science-fantasy.
Thanks to its very simple and quick-to-learn system, it is perfect for those approaching a RPG for the first time and allows you to enjoy many exciting adventures. In addition, the world of Orn is really well detailed and in-depth, but there is enough room for manoeuvre for the Seers who want to add their own. To all this is added an excellent artistic sector that is very inspired and enjoyable.
I recommend The Electrum Archive to those looking for an intuitive and very inspired RPG so that they can experience many sessions in the world of Orn!
Now you know what to expect. Are you ready to jump into the world of Orn?
