Augusta Universalis (AU) is a new military science fiction roleplaying game from Italian independent publisher Acchiappasogni (pronounced “Ah cap a sony”), and the English language PDF is available on Drivethru RPG. Acchiappasogni calls AU an “uchronic” RPG, the adjective form of “uchronia,” meaning an idealized, semi-fictional history similar to alternate history. Whatever term you use, this setting is very well-imagined and intriguing. And the core book has a lot of immersion. There are fiction vignettes ranging from combat to nobles’ intrigues. The writers also add to the Roman flavor by incorporating a lot of Latin into both the fluff and crunch. (Fortunately, between high school and university I have 4 years of Latin under my belt.) While I personally love the use of Latin for in-game terms, since I enjoyed learning it, I have mixed feelings about its use for mechanical terms, like the names of character attributes. While it does increase the immersion, I worry that it might be a little frustrating for players who aren’t familiar with either Latin or a modern Romance language. I had a little trouble to be honest.
In the case of AU, the alternate history is a never-fallen Roman Empire, which has so far lasted long enough for faster-than-light space travel to be developed, and now rules other planets–in the Sol system and beyond–as well as Earth. In addition to space conflict, there is the conflict between 2 rival empresses, Livia Akiko Augusta (Rome/holy Roman Empire) and Anastasia Heraclides (Byzantium/Moscow). Livia and Anastasia are depicted on the cover art above. I let my husband, an equally avid gamer and history buff, have a read-through as well and he quickly pointed out the similarities between Warhammer 40K Space Marines and AU’s Praetorian PCs, as well as the Cthulu-esque nature of one of the big threats, the Dark Thrones.
So who, or what, are the PCs? In real world history, the Praetorian Guard (cohortes praetoriae) were the elite bodyguards of the Caesares, and in some eras also had roles in intelligence and intrigues. In AU, the Praetorians are still THE elite soldiers of Rome, outfitted with some serious cyborg upgrades, called technolorica (pl. technoloricae). During character creation, among other things, you will customize your PC’s technolorica—protection, movement, and weaponry. Yes! High-tech BFGs, and other BF weaponry. Best thing about technoloricae? They are implanted in the PC’s skeleton, so they can’t be dropped or removed, but they can be deactivated if you don’t want to be recognized as a Praetorian. By definition, PCs are all going to be fighters of various types but the various Ordo you can choose from in character creation, as well as where your PC comes from–see below–will give you different types, from assassins to hunters. One of the fiction vignettes even includes a military chaplain type character, although a lot more martial than M*A*S*H’s Father Mulcahy.
Your PCs don’t have to be from Mediterranean Europe, or male, either, a big plus in my opinion. Since the setting’s Roman Empire has been literally worldwide for ages, and divided into regions (regiones) each ruled by one Augustus/a, there are a wide range of cultures and races open–and the Roman trappings have been adapted to the local cultures. For example, the ruler of the Regio Africana is the Shaka, and one of the included pre-gens is a female Praetorian of Zulu background. The extensive background on the regiones includes tables for names, a touch I have always loved in RPGs.
AU uses the Dark Destiny 2.0 engine, as does their earlier RPG, The Nights of Nibiru. The system, as used in this game, has narrative elements. I’d call it about 30% narrative/70% crunch, but your mileage may vary. The core mechanic is a 2d8 roll, added together with any modifiers. Resolution allows several degrees of successes and failures, depending on the total. Additional 8-siders are rolled and added/subtracted from the original roll with certain results. Rolling a 7 and an 8 on the check adds 1d8 to the result while rolling double 8s adds 2d8. These are called Fas dice (Latin “favorable”). Likewise, if a 1 and 2 or double 1s (“snake eyes” in American English slang) are rolled on the check, subtract 1d8 or 2d8 from the original check roll. The subtracted dice are called Nefas dice (Latin “unfavorable”).
I think Augusta Universalis will appeal to gamers who enjoy Sci-fi games of various subgenres, especially military SF. Warhammer 40K players should certainly give it a look. If you enjoy Coriolis, you may also enjoy AU, which has roots in a different real Earth culture (Arabic), although AU is less space opera style, but does share making religion more or less important to characters and a touch of the supernatural. If you’re interested in learning more about this RPG, surf over to the (funded) Augusta Universalis Kickstarter page. It has English-language videos covering the unique setting and the Dark Destiny 2.0 mechanics, by the gentlemen who know it best, the developers. Since Acchiappasogni doesn’t have an English language option on their website, that KS page is the best source I have found, much better than the Drive Thru RPG link above.
I really enjoyed reading the book, especially all the background material and looking at the vivid art. This is the first game I’ve come across that uses Ancient Rome in any form, aside from tabletop miniatures wargaming, and it is a refreshing change. I look forward to a chance to play AU.
Disclaimer: d20 Radio received a free pdf copy of this game for review purposes.
Linda Whitson
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