GURPS
| Generic Universal Role Playing System (GURPS) | |
|---|---|
Gurps logo 4th edition |
|
| publication | |
| Author (s) | Steve Jackson |
| Original publisher | Steve Jackson Games |
| Original publication | 1986-date |
| original language | English |
| German publisher | Pegasus games |
| German publication | ? -2000 |
| World and system | |
| genre | universal |
| Game world | universal |
| Ascent | Character point purchase system |
| cube | 3D6 |
GURPS (for Generic Universal Role Playing System , German "generic, universal role-playing system" ) is a widespread pen - & - paper role-playing system , the 1st edition was published in 1986 by Steve Jackson . It is distributed by Steve Jackson Games .
"Universally Generic" means here that the set of rules is kept very general. It is not assigned to a specific RPG genre. From fantasy to science fiction to historical scenarios, it can be used for all conceivable settings . Additional rule modules make it possible to design certain worlds and situations in detail and combine them with the basic rules so that a rule system can be generated that corresponds to the individual wishes of the playgroup.
To achieve this goal, GURPS offers a number of rules for the various game mechanisms, from character creation to magic, superhero powers and PSI powers to combat and vehicle rules, all of which can be combined with one another.
GURPS has a reputation for being particularly suitable for simulation role-playing games according to the classification of the GNS theory . But other ways of playing can also be realized with it.
Game system
A characteristic feature is the restriction to three six-sided dice (3d6) for all throws, except for damage. The numbers on these three dice are added together. This corresponds stochastically to the convolution of three discrete uniform distributions with an expected value of 3.5 each. The expected value of the total number of eyes is thus 3 times 3.5, which is reflected in the centering of all characteristics of the characters around the value 10.
German version
The German basic rules were published by Pegasus Press in 1994. This translation is the 3rd revised edition of the system, which is based on the English-language Third Edition Revised.
The following books have been translated into German:
- GURPS base book
- GURPS magic
- GURPS Voodoo
- GURPS horror
- GURPS time travel
- GURPS Space
- GURPS Conan
- GURPS Vampires: The Masquerade
- GURPS cyberpunk
- GURPS Illuminati
- GURPS Discworld
The fourth edition
The basic set of rules for the fourth edition was published in August 2004. Around one or two more books appear in printed form every year, with many more new materials appearing in PDF form via an online shop .
In all probability, the 4th edition will no longer appear in German.
The main differences to the previous version are:
- A linearization of the attribute as well as the skill costs (skills).
- Previous extension rules have been revised and added to the basic rules.
- purely optical: most books appear as colored hardbacks
A lite version of the basic rules is available for free download on the GURPS website.
The setting “Infinite Worlds”, touched on in the volume GURPS Zeitreise, which, similar to Planescape in Dungeons & Dragons , is supposed to connect different game worlds, has its own hardcover volume in its fourth edition. In addition, all game add-ons are designed so that the displayed content can be integrated into Infinite Worlds.
The 3rd edition
A total of around 250 source books were published for the 3rd edition.