a TerraDrive Live Life Token front |
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| Players | 2+ required, 4,000 expected |
|---|---|
| Setup time | 1-5 minutes |
| Playing time | 2+ days |
| Random chance | None |
| Skill(s) required | Espionage, Stealth, Behavioral analysis, Card playing, Faction Coordination |
TerraDrive Live, created by Tony Hellmann and Christian Kelley, published by Technomancer Press is a heavily modified form of Assassin which includes Collectible Card Game elements. TerraDrive Live is the first Massively Multiplayer Live Action Role Playing Game.[1] It is set in the TerraDrive Universe, based on TerraDrive, a tabletop roleplaying game also published by Technomancer Press. It is being debuted at Penny Arcade Expo on August 24, 2007 in Seattle.
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TerraDrive Live, like Assassin is a "lifestyle-invading" game; play is not restricted to a specific time interval, but is integrated into the players' everyday activities (in the case of PAX, during a three day convention). TerraDrive Live players are referred to as Mercs and must find other players to defeat in combat. Mercs are identified by the Life Tokens they wear in their convention badge holder. When two players identify each other and agree to combat, they agree to wager an equal number of life tokens, then "fight" each other with three throws of rock paper scissors. Each throw is modified by powerups, which are cards that enhance defensive or offensive capabilities. For example, armor powerups protect against certain throws (either rock, paper, or scissors, depending on the powerup). A specific powerup can nullify armor powerups. There are also weapon, ability, and equipment powerup types. There are currently twelve powerups in the entire set. When one merc beats another (best of three rock paper scissors throws), he or she gets the wagered life tokens and one of the defeated merc's powerups (if he/she had any equipped for the final throw).[1]
TerraDrive Live supports faction play, with the ability for players to form factions. Every faction is allied with one of four "color factions" which are written into the beginning narrative of the game. Each faction member will wear a wristband at PAX to identify which color faction they are allied with. Top factions and the top color faction will be posted at PAX on Sunday, August 26, 2007.[1] There will be faction prizes, and the top color faction will be given the opportunity to write The History of PAX 2007 on the TerraDrive Universe (see Online Play/Storyline below).
Faction Leaders have a special ability to protect themselves and killing one is considered a mark of great skill.
TerraDrive Live is set in the TerraDrive Universe. This wiki is an example of player generated content, and will allow players to develop systems, planets, alien races, factions, and anything else they would like to build into a science-fiction universe. The TerraDrive Universe was partly inspired by Epic Legends Of The Hierarchs: The Elemenstor Saga. Technomancer Press will publish books for TerraDrive (the tabletop roleplaying version of the game) based on the content developed by the fanbase. This means that a player could one day open a TerraDrive adventure to find the main action is set on a planet he/she named, against a crime syndicate his/her friend developed.[2]
According to the initial storyline, PAX is a recently discovered four planet system rich in natural resources which is being fought over by the Corpers, the Crossbones Exchange, the Bleeding Hearts, and the Radicals. These four factions are the TerraDrive Live color factions.