There are a lot of ways to enjoy ALIEN RPG on StartPlaying Games. But without a doubt, the best virtual tabletop is the one that has the most support for running the game - and that is Foundry VTT. With the second edition Kickstarter looming on the horizon, it’s never been a better time to get into playing one of the best horror tabletop games. I’ll go over what you need to know, where to buy, what modules to check out, non-specific resources, and also cover the other VTTs which support it if you favor a different platform.
Why is Foundry VTT the best platform for ALIEN RPG?
- Easy. Not only is it quick for the GM to learn how to run the game right away with Foundry, but it makes it a dead space breeze for players. Point and click! In addition, the more complex mechanics such as pushing are made easy by providing a button in the chat log for players when they wish to reroll. Status effects, equipment, and anything else are drag and drop onto character sheets.
- Support. There isn’t another platform that has the books supported as fully anywhere else.
- Tools. You can easily enhance your game with fan made modules in addition to the official campaigns that streamline your prep.
- Ambience. Foundry VTT has easy-to-use integrated soundboard and playlist functions. For my own game I’ve imported the soundtrack to ALIEN: Isolation and relevant sound effects, which are easy enough to find on the internet.
Okay, but what modules do you use?
Alien RPG - Motion Tracker
Perhaps one of the best tools to really frighten your players is to give one of them a motion tracker item in game. (In Hope’s Last Day, one of the premade characters starts with one!) As a GM you can let your players know that while the motion tracker is useful, it does make noise - so having it out when you’re attempting to evade a threat is not wise. It might even alert someone or something to your presence unwittingly. It responds to other visible tokens, so having your xenomorph sneak up on the party is easy. Keep in mind, it only tracks motion, so a xeno being still would not be picked up on - in this case you simply give them the “motionless” status effect. Or you right click the token and make them not visible to players if they are in the vent, etc.
I will say there is nothing like playing an ominous sound effect once and letting the tension at the table rise before you drop some tokens onto the map out of sight of the party, but close enough so that the motion tracker picks them up. Then you can… move them closer.
Find it here: https://foundryvtt.com/packages/motion_tracker
FoundryVTT - Alien Motion Tracker Test
Alien RPG CRT UI
One of my favorite effects to give it that nostalgic feel is to bring your visuals back to the CRT days. Simple and effective.
Find it here: https://foundryvtt.com/packages/alien-crt-ui
Weyland - Alien UI Theme
This works in a complimentary way to the CRT UI and gives you that old school ALIEN monitor feel for you and your players.
Find it here: https://foundryvtt.com/packages/weyland
Alternative Pause Icon
When you pause, isn’t it better to have a little xeno icon?
Find it here: https://foundryvtt.com/packages/pause-icon
Safety Tools
No horror game is complete without robust support with safety tools. They’re just a click away and easy to use in a tense campaign.
Find it here: https://foundryvtt.com/packages/safety-tools
Resources:
ALIEN MOBIUS
One of the best websites that has collected a number of resources to help you expand your campaign beyond the basics. Includes resources like maps, tokens, revised rules, and generators to help spice up your encounters.
TableTop Audio
The most important thing for your horror game is good audio. Don’t skimp on this - make sure you’re giving your players the ick with a well timed skitter.wav!
https://tabletopaudio.com/alien_starship_sp.html
GM Cheat Sheet & More
Tim was kind enough to put out some GM Tools that you’ll find useful, such as the GM Cheat Sheet and life cycle of the xenomorph.
https://timbannock.com/alien-the-roleplaying-game-resources/
Foundry VTT
Buying it through Foundry is the easiest way to get going as it directly integrates into your platform! Easy peasy.
https://www.foundryvtt.store/creators/frialigan
https://foundryvtt.com/packages/alienrpg
Fantasy Grounds
The next best option, if you’re a FG fanatic, is to get it there! With the exception of the newest supplement (Build Better Worlds), it’s all there. And the UI looks great, so there’s that.
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store/?sys=34
Roll 20
For right now, ALIEN RPG only has 2 campaigns and the core book available on Roll20. If you feel as though your group will only want to play it once, then picking up the starter set might do the trick, as it has the one shot Hope’s Last Day. Hope’s Last Day features pre-made characters and everything you’d need to get to playing tonight given a read through of the module and basic rules.
https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/gameaddon/16825/alien-rpg-starter-set
https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/bundle/7841/alien-rpg-starter-bundle
Friday Strout is a pro GM, game designer and podcast host whose work can be found on her website along with a podcast and blog
