Let’s Talk Archetypes
Some folks have asked me about Archetypes: What they are and if they’re necessary. So I figured I’d take a moment to explain more about Archetypes to give you a better idea of what is we are previewing here.
Are they the same as the Archetypes in the Savage Worlds Deluxe corebook?
No, they’re not. I chose the term because it was fitting for what they are in Streets of Bedlam. In order to avoid confusion though, I’ll likely change the term to “Character Type” or something similar.
So then, what are Archetypes?
Archetypes are character foundations, not skill packages like classes are. Much like races function in other Savage Worlds games, Archetypes provide you with a basic idea, a special ability, edges and hindrances either specific to the Archetype or that would be good fits for it, and some suggestions as to where to go from there. (What I’m showing here on the site is just the tip of the iceberg. Archetype write-ups in the book will include a lot more information.)
Beyond those guidelines, you’re not restricted. For example, the Monster archetype put up yesterday could be used to create Marv from Sin City or Batman from The Dark Knight. All Monsters have a few things in common, the way the Kehana from 50 Fathoms all have sharp teeth and claws. Monsters are tough, a bit slow, and have a high resistance to bullets. Valkyries, whom we will meet tomorrow, are all charming, especially to those they intend to take down. Badges, Pilgrims, and others all have things in common, base traits, edges, and hindrances that make them, well, Archetypes.
Are Archetypes necessary?
Not in the strictest sense, no. Streets of Bedlam doesn’t depart greatly from the rules presented in Savage World Deluxe. One of the benefits of that is, if you’re already familiar with Deadlands Reloaded!, Rippers, Realms of Cthulhu, and such, you don’t have to learn a new ruleset. Another benefit is you can bring any other character your group allows into a Streets of Bedlam campaign.
Archetypes provide a lot of flavor, speak to the core of both the world and neo-noir point-of-view of the setting, but you are not required to use them. Most of the folks in the game world are average citizens living everyday lives. If telling their stories interests you, by all means, tell them!
What else would you like to know?
What questions do you have about Archetypes? Or about Streets of Bedlam in general? I’d love to know what you’d like to know about the game. Leave a comment below!
—Jason L Blair, Writer & Game Designer
December 6th, 2011 at 12:42 PM
I really like this idea! I originally saw Archetypes and thought that these were your ‘grab-and-go’ characters that are a new feature in Savage Worlds Deluxe. I know another product uses the term Archetypes for these, but I’m not sure if SWD does. Anyway, that was my confusion.
Using the Race construct to deliver a character foundation is a really cool idea. If so desired, you can build away from your archetype, I’d assume.
Now, speculating – say the Monster archetype has a pace of 4 instead of 6. You could take the edges that improve pace, and play against type – and that’s cool.
December 6th, 2011 at 1:00 PM
In the corebook, Savage Worlds Deluxe uses Archetypes as take-and-play characters. In Streets of Bedlam, I’m using the term differently. It’s the best fit for the idea but, to avoid further confusion, I’ll likely change the term before going to print.
And, yes, you can buy off limitations in order to play against type!
December 6th, 2011 at 1:59 PM
As questions come up, I’ll update this post (which I’ve already done to clarify my use of the term “Archetypes”)>.
If you have a question, please ask!
December 6th, 2011 at 2:27 PM
I like the term Archetype in this context, but you can obviously see the confusion!
December 12th, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Alright, another question popped into my head.
Will the selection of an Archetype be the same as changing your race in other settings? That is, by playing an Archetype you will lose the “free” starting Edge that a human normally gets? Or will they get the Archetype items and the free edge?
December 12th, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Yes, it’s the same as choosing a Race. If you want to play a roll-your-own character, you create a Citizen (mechanically, the human-analogue in Streets of Bedlam).