Through the Breach

Through the Breach

Wyrd recently came out with a pen and paper RPG for the world of Malifaux,Through The Breach .

It's... okay.

First, the character creation is simple, but lacking in detail. Characters are made from a tarot-like set of cards picked from a deck. Each portion of the cross provides a different set of attribute points, skills, etc. in a random character creation method. This connects into a "Destiny" mechanic, which is somewhat open and takes multiple sessions to figure out and complete (or fail). As they go through their Destiny, the players may gain certain perks or powers. This is where people are divided when it comes to this, because it pretty much guarantees a limited campaign, unlike Dark Heresy or Dungeons and Dragons where it can go for several dozen sessions without a clear goal.

But the next thing can possibly infuriate most neckbeards and call down the wrath of the fucking Blood God. Instead of rolling dice, the players draw from a communal "fate deck" which can decide how encounters or decisions go. And you know what, it somehow fucking works. While constantly pulling up cards like it's Magic can be monotonous, that's only on certain occasions.

If you're interested in Malifaux but not the wargame, or you already play Malifaux and are interested in tabletop RPGs, this can be worth a look. Other people have found this interesting as a Steampunk/Gothic setting though your mileage will vary.

Wyrd has released the second edition of Through the breach, combing the two core books into one. Second edition mostly just streamlined and retooled a couple things. All of the first edition supplements and penny dreadfuls are compatible with second edition with minor tweak here or there.

Pursuits

Unlike other games Through the Breach uses Pursuits instead of classes. The leveling system is based on completing missions(i.e. Discovered/Killed what was threating a town, rescuing an ally from jail). The game is story driven so don't expect to get a level up after killing a dozen giant rats. Each Pursuit has ten stages that progress as you complete stories. And you are freely allowed to switch between pursuits between missions, the only change being that you only benefit from the Active Pursuit's special ability; usually this benefit is a "If you fail X type of action, draw a card".

While each Pursuit is different there can be thematic simularities to other Pursuits. For example the Gunfighter and Mercenary are both Ranged Pursuits, but grant different benefits. Similarly the Guard and Scrapper are both melee centric, but the Guard is more of a tank whereas the Scrapper is a DPS type.

Fated Almanac Pursuits

These are the core Pursuits.

Academic

TBA

Criminal

TBA

Dabbler

The "Wizard" class. Unlike other games magic has a lot more customization and starting off as a Dabbler has its perks. In particular you start off with a grimoire with a Sorcery Magia, Prestidigitation Magia, and a few Immutos to help customize your magic. Also you get a Magical Theory which boosts magic based actions. While playing a spellcaster is really powerful they also are pretty heavily regulated(see Inquisition). If you play correctly and have a really high card in your hand you can increase your target number(read as DC) to increase damage and amount of burning on a target. For those who don't know the game, this would be the equivalent of knowing you have a Critical Hit in your pocket that you could use at any time.

Drudge

TBA

Grave Robber

TBA

Guard

TBA

Gun Fighter

TBA

Mercenary

TBA

Overseer

TBA

Performer

TBA

Pioneer

TBA

Scrapper

This is the melee combat class. In particular

Tinkerer

TBA

Wastrel

TBA

Into the Steam Pursuits

These Pursuits revolve around the Arcanist faction, the renegade magic users of the setting. These Pursuits are varied and are not all magic based. These Pursuits also have different talents than those that are in the main book.

Animator

TBA

Augmented

TBA

Collaborator

TBA

Engineer

TBA

Illusionist

TBA

Mage

This class is like the Dabbler on acid. Normally there is a restriction on what can be put into a spell, single Magia with Immuto to create the spell as well as what skill it goes off of. With these guys they don't, with Fatemaster/GM approval they have no limits and there is no spoon. So how are they not overpowered? They have a limitation of complexity, when new Immuto are added to a spell that increases the TN and their spells cannot increase passed their step in the Pursuit.

Primal

Based on the Malifaux Master Marcus, Primal is essentially the Druid class from DnD. You can get an animal companion and it leads to the character becoming more like a beast than a person. They also become sort of like the Ranger in that they are better at tracking quarries and targeting a single target .

Under Quarantine Pursuits

Based on the Quarantine Zone location in Malifaux. The Zone is known for being filled with criminals, monsters, and undead. In particular this is used by Resurrectionists as a haven to create Undead creatures. As such the Pursuits are very much focused with this in regard.

Bully

Essentially the Intimidation character. They give out the "Terrorize" condition and get bonuses against NPCs with the condition.

Chemist

TBA

Forgotten

TBA

Ghost Eater

TBA

Ghoul

TBA

Medium

TBA

Necromancer

TBA

Sawbones

TBA

Into the Bayou Pursuits

Based on the Bayou, a collection of swamps outside the city. Chock full of Gremlins and swamp monsters. Most of these Pursuits are for those of you who want to play as gremlins, though gremlins can use any pursuit and non-gremlins can use these pursuits themselves.

Bokor

TBA

Boomer

TBA

Boozer

TBA

Buckaroo

TBA

Copycat

TBA

Pugilist

TBA

Swineherd

TBA

Trapper

TBA

Above the Law Pursuits

An upcoming book focusing on Guild characters, these pursuits focus on people who likely work for the guild, but can be freelance or work for other groups.

Magewright

TBA

Bureaucrat

TBA

Gunner

TBA

Propagandist

TBA

Commander

TBA

Marksman

TBA

Advanced Pursuits

Fatemaster's Almanac Advanced Pursuits

Death Marshals

TBA

Freikorpsmann

TBA

Steamfitter

TBA

Grave Servant

TBA

Torakage

TBA

Into the Steam Advanced Pursuits

December Acolyte

TBA

Silent Ones

These are the mute worshippers of the Tyrant December. Originally they would have their tongues removed, but this has been changed as Rasputina has taken leadership of the cult. Expect few to take this Advanced Pursuit unless they are a female character. Male Silent Ones have to be castrated when they take their vows.

Showgirl

TBA

Shapeshifter

TBA

Demolitionist

TBA

Under Quarantine Advanced Pursuits

Abettor of Obliteration

TBA

Exorcist

TBA

Revivalist

TBA

Revenant

TBA

Student of Transmortis

TBA

Into the Bayou Advanced Pursuits

Virtuoso

TBA

Big Hat

TBA

Lightning Bug

TBA

Rocketeer

TBA

Taxidermist

TBA

Above the Law Advanced Pursuits

Witchling Handler

TBA

Executioner

TBA

Soulstone Aficionado

TBA

Guild Lawyer

TBA

See Also

• Through the Breach, the roleplaying game set in the same universe as Malifaux.
• The Other Side, the army sized wargame set in the same universe as Malifaux.
• Plast Craft Games, who make the licensed scenery for Malifaux.