Editing Transformers Roleplaying Game

[[File:Transformers RPG Logo 2022.jpg|centre|500px]]<br>

[[File:Transformers Roleplaying Game cover art (Preorder).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Are you prepared for all of those shabby impersonations of beloved characters? ''Are you?'']]

The '''''Transformers Roleplaying Game''''' is a tabletop roleplaying game created by [[Renegade Game Studios]]. It was first teased in the summer of [[2020]]<ref>https://www.dicebreaker.com/universes/power-rangers/news/power-rangers-rpg-deckbuilder-announced</ref>, and officially announced on [[September 1]], [[2021]]. The game was digitally released on [[August 2]], [[2022]], followed by a physical release on [[October 11]].

The game sees players create their own [[Autobot]] characters and wage their battles to destroy the evil forces of the <s>Game Master</s> [[Decepticon]]s. (Or vice-versa!)

==Gameplay==
The ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' makes use of Renegade Game Studios' own Essence20 system, which is also used in their other [[Hasbro]]-licensed games, including their ''[[Power Rangers (franchise)|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'', ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', and ''[[My Little Pony]]'' roleplaying games; as such, characters from the different games can theoretically be mixed and matched for crossover campaigns. Renegade has also noted that the game "lends itself to cinematic action and cooperative roleplaying experiences, by using a character's background along with mechanics to incorporate unique character flaws", as well as a "Story Point" system which will be rewarded to players for finishing missions, performing daring heroics, and roleplaying.

Essence20 uses a system based on the d20 (20-sided die) and what they call a "skill die", which ranges from a d2 to d20. By rolling these dice, a player must exceed the numerical difficulty of the task at hand to succeed. The finer points of this mechanic are designed to "[lead] to more chances for [critical successes] and more opportunities for great roleplaying incorporating them".

===Character creation===
Skills are based on Strength, Speed, Smarts, and Social, referred to as "the 4 S's". First level characters begin with 16 Essence Points—four of these points are automatically assigned based on the player's choice of Origin, Role, and Focus, while the remaining twelve may be allocated at the player's discretion.

When creating a new character, players may freely combine most Influences, Origins, and Roles at will. This provides players with an "amazing depth and breadth to the variety of characters [they] can create",<ref>https://renegadegamestudios.com/blog/introducing-the-essence20-roleplaying-system/</ref> and allows for some charmingly outlandish combinations.

====Influences====
Influences flesh out a character's backstory and provide players with inspiration for a character's personality, appearance, and traits—these include former professions such as "[[Gladiatorial combat|Gladiator]]", or "Refinery Laborer", personality traits like "Skeptic" and "Stargazer", or the presence of additional body augmentations, such as "Experiment" or "[[Binary bonding|Binary Bonded]]". These Influences may provide minor stat boosts or a chance to re-roll specific failed skill tests. Each Influence comes with several suggested Background Bonds, which players can select at will to add some additional flavor to their in-character roleplaying.

A player can take as many influences as they want; however, for every two Influences they select, they must choose a Flaw, which permanently impacts their character's stats or raises the chance of failing specific skill tests.

====Origins====
In the ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'', a character's Origin generally corresponds to a Cybertronian's [[alternate mode]] or physical construction. A character's Origin also determines factors such as their size, starting health pool, movement speed, and overall Essence Points distribution. The ''Core Rulebook'' features the first eight Origins listed here; subsequent sourcebooks have added at least one Origin each.

{{collist|2|

* '''Champions''' transform into sports cars, luxury sedans, and other such flashy vehicles, which gives them an edge in social scenarios.<ref name="CR">''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]]''</ref>
* '''Cutters''' transform into aquatic vehicles like boats or submarines, which lets them easily cross watery terrain or attack from unexpected angles.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Lookouts''' convert into inconspicuous vehicles or inanimate objects, and excel at espionage and reconnaissance.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Monoliths''' use heavy-duty alternate modes like trucks and vans to literally throw their weight around.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Outriders''' usually become off-road vehicles like SUVs.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Rainmakers''' specialize in firepower and often transform into military vehicles like tanks.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Seekers''' are nimble fighters who transform into jets and other high-speed air vehicles.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Supports''' take the form of practical vehicles like cranes, ambulances, or helicopters. Although they're not dedicated fighters, they can use their vehicle mode equipment as an extra weapon.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Pretenders''' are a unique group of Cybertronians capable of disguising themselves as organic creatures.<ref name="FG">''[[Field Guide to Action and Adventure]]''</ref>
* '''Armory Call''' characters become hand-held firearms or armor for other Transformers.<ref name="DD">''[[Decepticon Directive]]''</ref>
* '''Drones''' may have begun as mindless soldiers, but they've somehow developed independence and unique quirks that differentiate them from their [[Drone|mass-produced brethren]].<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Insecticons''' are tough fighters who become giant insects.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Mini-Cons''' are often partnered with larger Cybertronians. However, with the ''Decepticon Directive'' sourcebook, a player can choose to roleplay as an independent [[Mini-Con]].<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Monstrosities''' adopt [[beast mode]]s based on [[dragon]]s, [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaur]]s, and other fearsome creatures.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Salvaged''' Transformers, such as the [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]]s, can cobble together improvised weapons from whatever's at hand.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Chargers''' specialize in vehicle mode combat, using bulldozer blades and cowcatchers to flatten their foes.<ref name="EC">''[[The Enigma of Combination]]''</ref>
* '''Pillars''' protect their smaller comrades by drawing enemy aggression.<ref name="EC"/>
* '''Speakers''' boost morale and generate free Story Points on critical successes.<ref name="EC"/>
* '''Fuzors''' become strange hybrid creatures. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Behemoths''' transform into huge animals like dinosaurs or elephants. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Carapaced''' Transformers become armored beasts like tortoises or crustaceans. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Climber/Nimble''' Transformers are cunning fighters who become agile creatures like rodents and spiders. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Flora''' Transformers adopt plant-based alternate modes, which give them additional regenerative powers. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Flyers''' use their winged beast modes to attack from the air. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Many-Armed''' Transformers can use their extra limbs or tentacles in combat. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Primates''' are efficient climbers and can use their dexterous digits to manipulate delicate instruments while in their beast modes. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Quadrupeds''' are efficient trackers and skilled hunters. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Saurian''' Cybertronians are resilient fighters with reptilian forms. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Slitherers''' become snakes, giant millipedes, and other such low-slung creatures. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Swimmers''' take the form of aquatic creatures. <ref name="TS">''[[Technorganic Secrets]]''</ref>
* '''Bots''' are Transformers who lack [[transformation cog (biology)|T-cogs]]. <ref>''[[Transformers One Sourcebook]]''</ref>
}}

====Roles====
The ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' offers nine distinct Roles, which correspond to an overall character "class" in a game like ''Dungeons and Dragons''. A player's chosen Role dictates some of their Essence Points allotments; additionally, each Role offers at least one unique way a player can use their Energon Points. Each Role is further subdivided into at least two distinct Focuses—for instance, a Transformer who takes the "Gunner" role must choose whether to specialize as a Gunslinger or Sharpshooter. Subsequent expansions have offered further Roles and individual Focuses within preexisting Roles.
 
Focuses are not locked behind faction affiliations; for instance, players wishing to roleplay as morally ambiguous Autobots are free to choose more destructive Focuses from the ''Decepticon Directive'' sourcebook.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 500px;" | Role
! scope="col" style="width: 1000px;" | Focuses
|-
| '''Analysts''' are information warfare specialists who can manipulate the game's Initiative-based combat order by boosting up allies or suppressing enemies.
| 
* '''Manipulators''' disorient their foes with [[holographic projector|holo-projector]]s and [[electro-disrupter]]s.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Spec Ops''' use charisma and deception to gain an enemy's trust... then strike when their foes least expect it.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Corruptors''' fool their enemies through espionage and misdirection.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Inquisitors''' gain the information they need through interrogation and coercion.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Hubs''' keep teammates connected by acting as a mobile communications center.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
|'''Field Commanders''' make everyone around them better—they can temporarily boost an ally's stats or inspire their teammates to take free actions.
| 
* '''Ambassadors''' prefer to minimize casualties through negotiations, but will fight fiercely to protect non-combatants from harm.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Strategists''' combine their inspiring presence with clever tactics to control the flow of combat.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Masterminds''' lead from the rear, using cunning strategies to mislead and deceive their enemies.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Tyrants''' lean on their terrifying presence in combat to intimidate enemies into surrendering—and frighten allies into obedience.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Team Leaders''' lead by example, fighting alongside and supporting the 'bots under their command.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Gunners''' always have the right firearm for the job—whether they're sniping foes from afar, laying down a hail of close-range covering fire, or obliterating hard targets with heavy weapons.
|
* '''Gunslingers''' adapt to the changing battlefield by rapidly switching from one firearm to another.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Sharpshooters''' are long range fighters who rely on single, precise shots.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Cannonade''' Gunners deploy explosive munitions to blow their enemies to bits.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Triggerbots''' specialize in two-handed heavy weapons.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Cannoneers''' use heavy artillery to obliterate enemy cover.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Modemasters''' are well-rounded fighters with enhanced [[transformation]] abilities, who can take on extra [[alternate mode]]s or link up with a smaller [[Mini-Con]] partner.  Unlike other Roles, Modemasters can choose how to allocate their Essence Score Points and Skills as they level up.

|
* '''Microlinked''' Transformers have formed a symbiotic partnership with a smaller [[Mini-Con]]; as they level up, they may pair up with an additional Mini-Con.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Triple Changers''' gain extra flexibility by choosing an additional Origin.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Mimics''' gradually gain Origins as they level up, until they cap out at [[Six Changer|six]].<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Minion Masters''' may control up to four Mini-Cons, and can gain additional Mini-Cons through General Perks.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Bonded Masters''' have been [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] with a smaller being, either a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], [[Powermaster]], or [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]].<ref name="EC"/>
* '''Component Ace''' Transformers lend additional expertise to a [[combiner]] team.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
|'''Scientists''' start with extra Energon Points, which they can use to heal and support their allies in and out of combat.  
|
* '''Medical Officers''' patch up injured teammates and protect them from incoming damage.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Gadgeteers''' can augment their allies with advanced technology, jury-rig battlefield equipment, and take out enemy equipment.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Cyber Engineers''' apply various stat boosts by experimenting on themselves and their fellow Cybertronians.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Elementalists''' specialize in weaponry involving one particular element, such as fire, lasers, or acid.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Counsellors''' provide psychological support for allies... or prey upon the psychological problems of their enemies.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
|
'''Scouts''' excel at gathering intelligence, marking targets, and causing havoc behind enemy lines.
|
* '''Outriders''' rely on speed to evade their enemies.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Prowlers''' use stealth tactics and silenced weapons to ambush their opponents.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Demolitionists''' trip up foes and destroy buildings with booby traps and explosives.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Trackers''' pursue and isolate single targets across long distances.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Surveyors''' map out terrain, plan routes, and lay explosive traps.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Warriors''' are close-range fighters who specialize in melee combat. When a Warrior takes enough damage to be Defeated, they may choose to instead lose one of their limbs and fight on with a temporary stat loss.
|
* '''Sentinels''' emphasize defence and precision.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Wreckers''' prefer one-on-one combat.<ref name="CR"/>
* '''Brutes''' cut foes down to size with underhanded tactics.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Shredders''' work themselves into an unstoppable rage. ref name="DD"/>
* '''Pugilists''' pummel foes into submission with their fists.<ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Envoys''' prefer diplomacy over violence, and this wide perspective allows them to use another faction’s specific Faction Benefit in addition to their own.
|
* '''Alien Ambassadors''' specialize in translating languages and assisting beings from other planets, even those that don't share a common language with the party.<ref name="FG"/>
* '''Grid Psychics''' can telepathically tap into the power of the [[Morphin Grid]] to assist their allies in combat situations.<ref name="FG"/>
* '''Military Attaches''' are combat diplomats who can handle themselves in a fight.<ref name="FG"/>
|-
|'''Raiders''' take whatever they feel they're owed, through coercion, deception, or brute force. 
|
* '''Acquisition Experts''' combine sticky fingers with hit-and-run tactics.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Siegemasters''' use heavy weapons to bust bunkers and crack open fortifications.<ref name="DD"/>
|}

===Perks and levels===

All player characters begin with multiple Perks—these include universal perks that apply to all Cybertronians, faction-specific Perks for Autobots and Decepticons, Origin Benefits based on a character's Origin, and Perks based on their chosen Roles and Focuses. As they level up, characters gain additional Role and Focus Perks; at certain levels players may also select from a General Perk from a universal pool to further customize their character.

The ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' does not use an experience-based level system. Instead, levelling is left to the discretion of the GM, who may award the party the opportunity to level up at the end of an adventure or after a key encounter such as a boss fight.

==Game content==
===Sourcebooks===
* ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Core Rulebook]]'' — The first book to be released, which presents the basics of the gameplay and contains rules for character creation, mechanics for tools, equipment, weapons, and vehicles, all to be used while exploring the world of the Transformers along with your friends (as well as the GM). The ''Core Rulebook'' also includes material for the Game Master, such as guidelines for creating adventures and campaigns, and a dossier of famous and infamous Cybertronians to use as non-player characters. A starter-adventure, "[[Troubled Waters]]", is included in the book to help prepare players and the GM for what the game has to offer.
* ''[[Field Guide to Action and Adventure]]'' — A sourcebook meant to not only be used with the ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'', but also with the ''Power Rangers Roleplaying Game'' and the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]] Roleplaying Game''. The book offers new character options, as well as rules and tools for GMs to create crossover adventures between the aforementioned roleplaying games and new threats.
* ''[[Decepticon Directive]]'' — A sourcebook all about creating Decepticon characters and running a Decepticon campaign. The ''Decepticon Directive Sourcebook'' adds several new character options, including a new Role, many of which are also compatible with Autobot characters. Various Decepticon-themed settings, non-player characters, gear, and so forth are also included for GM usage, along with a new adventure scenario.
* ''[[The Enigma of Combination|Enigma of Combination]]'' — A sourcebook focusing on [[combiner]]s and [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] characters, along with several new Roles, Inspirations, and Focuses.
* ''[[Technorganic Secrets]]'' —  A [[beast mode]]-based expansion, featuring [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, and [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s.
* ''[[Transformers One Sourcebook]]'' — An expansion set in the universe of the [[Transformers One (film)|animated film]].

===Adventure scenarios===
Adventure scenarios are pre-written game modules that provide a full session's worth of content for players, including characters to interact with, branching story paths based on their choices, and plenty of enemy encounters to overcome.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="25%" valign="top"|<u>'''Regular release'''</u>
*"[[Troubled Waters]]"
*"[[A Beacon of Hope]]"
*"[[The Time is Now]]"
*"[[Memories and Salvation]]"
*"[[The Great Energon Robbery]]"
|
|width="25%" valign="top"|<u>'''''Play Renegade'' program'''</u>
*"[[Winner's Cup]]" (season 1 adventure PDF)
*"[[Catch a Falling Starscream]]" (season 2 adventure PDF)
*"[[From Yesterday to Today]]" (season 3 adventure PDF)
*"[[Danger at Dinobot Island]]" (season 4 adventure PDF)
*"[[The Breakdown Shakedown]]" (season 5 adventure PDF)
|
|width="25%" valign="top"|<u>'''Free RPG Day'''</u>
*"[[Cobra/Con Fusion]]" (cross-compatible with the ''G.I. Joe Roleplaying Game'')
*"[[Unnatural Disaster]]" (cross-compatible with the ''G.I. Joe'', ''Power Rangers'', and ''My Little Pony'' ''Roleplaying Games'')
*"[[Shock and Mayhem]]" (cross-compatible with the ''G.I. Joe Roleplaying Game'')
|
|width="25%" valign="top"|<u>'''Gen Con'''</u>
*"[[Worlds Collide: Battle for the Multiverse]]"
*"[[Worlds Collide 2: The Pony Puzzle]]" (cross-compatible with the ''G.I. Joe'', ''Power Rangers'', and ''My Little Pony'' ''Roleplaying Games'')
|}

===Bonus material===
Additional pieces of material, such as stat blocks for new characters and items the GM can choose to implement, are available as part of [https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game-free-bonus-material/ a free "Bonus Material" download], which is set to be updated with new content as time goes on.
* [[Polarity gauntlet]] lore sheet.
* Potential plot hooks on how to implement everyone's favorite self-serving, backstabbing Decepticon, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], into a campaign.
* Game details and lore regarding the [[Hate Plague]].
* Pre-Generated character sheets for [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Eject (G1)|Eject]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]].

===Transformers Roleplaying Game Starter Bundle===
A beginner’s collection of books, PDFs, and Autobot branded accessories to get started in the basic gameplay.
* ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]]''
* ''[[A Beacon of Hope]]'' 
* ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]]'' (PDF)
* ''[[Winner's Cup]]'' (''Play Renegade'' PDF)
* '''Fillable Character Sheet''' (PDF)
* '''Free Bonus Material''' (PDF)
* '''A Beacon of Hope - GM Screen'''
* '''Autobot Dice Set'''
* '''Autobot Dice Bag'''

==Accessories==
* '''Fillable PDF Character Sheet''' ([[August 2]], 2022)
: A fillable PDF file of a standard blank character sheet, to be used by the players. The sheet was released on the same day as the digital release of the ''Core Rulebook'', and is [https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game-fillable-pdf-character-sheet/ available as a free download] from Renegade's website.

* '''Character Journal''' ([[August 16]], 2022)
: An 80-page hardcover book designed for more detailed tracking of character information. The journal includes an expanded character sheet, prompts to assist with character building, cheat sheets and other guidelines for quick reference, and 40 pages of space intended for session note-taking.

[[File:Transformers RPG GM Screen Renegade Game Studios.jpg|thumb|right|350px|We have a feeling that the players won't be able to go all-out murderhobo on these NPCs...]]
* '''GM Screen''' ([[January 4]], 2023)
: A physical screen designed to hide the contents of the Game Master's side of the table from prying eyes. While the exterior features artwork of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], the inside of the screen features rules, lists, and reference tables for the GM's convenience. The screen also comes with a booklet containing the adventure scenario "[[A Beacon of Hope]]"; those who pre-ordered also received the PDF version of the adventure for free.

* '''Dice Bag''' ([[October 11]], 2022)
: A double-lined fabric dice bag bearing the Autobot insignia; a Decepticon variant is schedule for release in November 2023. It measures 6.25 inches x 8.5 inches flat, and features a locking drawstring clasp. Perfect for holding...

* '''Dice Set''' ([[October 11]], 2022)
: A full set of dice required for play, with the Autobot insignia appearing in place of the highest number on each die to instantly let you know when you roll a critical success. The set includes two d20, a d12, a d10, a d8, a d6, a d4, and a d2 coin. A Decepticon set is scheduled for a November 2023 release.

==Notes==
* [[FIRRIB|Frenzy is Red, Rumble is Blue (or both).]]
* When first announced it was implied that all of Renegade Game Studios' Hasbro-related releases would use a modified version of the rules for 5th edition ''Dungeons & Dragons'', managed by Hasbro subsidiary [[Wizards of the Coast]], but such plans seem to have been nixed when Renegade announced the creation of their own unique system—stating: "While we originally announced that these RPGs would be using the 5th Edition Open Game License, during development, it became clear that a custom system would allow fans to take better advantage of these unique worlds."<ref>https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/22652204/power-rangers-g-i-joe-transformers-tabletop-rpg-release-date-price</ref>
* As with a lot of auxiliary Transformers merchandise, the ''Roleplaying Game'' makes heavy use of the [[Evergreen]] designs.
* Unusually for a mostly Generation 1 inspired evergreen product, the ''Roleplaying Game'' makes a number of prominent references to 2001's [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|''Robots in Disguise'']] series. The [[Autobot Road]] (already a fairly obscure reference) is also referred to as the [[Global Space Bridge]], there's reference to the [[Black Pyramid]], and most apparent, enemy sheets for [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://renegadegamestudios.com Official website of Renegade Game Studios]
* [https://renegadegamestudios.com/blog/announcing-the-transformers-roleplaying-game/ Official announcement of the Transformers Roleplaying Game]

[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game| ]]