LUMEN by Spencer Campbell is a role playing game supplement published by Gila RPGs. This is the system reference document for a system that was developed for LIGHT and NOVA.
The supplement is available for free from itch. It comes with four PDFs, all containing the same content. There is a 24-page PDF and a 13-page spreads PDF, then low ink versions of both. The 24-page version is the one reviewed, though the material is the same for all. Two pages are the front and rear covers and one the Contents.
What is LUMEN? explains that this is a rules-lite system intended to tell the stories of powerful characters with access to incredible powers. It is also combat focussed, though it doesn’t require maps or similar. It is also driven by a gameplay loop. LUMEN is designed to use d6s only.
Core Mechanic explains that LUMEN uses d6 dice pools with ranges of success. Every class has three Attributes. Actions fail with consequences, succeed with complications or succeed.
Attributes explains that characters do not have skills; they are assumed to be extremely competent. Attributes represent powerful actions, speed and quickness and practiced actions.
Classes explains that characters have 3-5 Powers. They also have Health, but death rarely happens; this is a power game. How Health works is considered.
Powers covers the broad types and how to use them, with examples. There are also optional features; passive powers/perks, health alternatives and genre specifics.
Character Creation Options has a couple of options; pre-packaged classes, where you get what you see, and a framework where you can pick powers.
Combat explains how combat works. It is divided into rounds and turns, and range is divided into close, near and far. Harm and death are covered here.
Enemies covers these and using them in combat.
Weapons covers these, with types and tags. Tags are features for what weapons do.
Gameplay Loop is how the system works. Characters go on missions, advance after the mission and repeat.
Advancement covers how characters improve after a mission.
Making a LUMEN Game is a summary as to how to do this.
LUMEN in Review
The PDF is bookmarked with major and minor sections linked. The Contents is to a similar level of depth and is also hyperlinked. Navigation is good. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be mostly free of errors. There are a few small black and white illustrations. Presentation is okay.
Being an SRD, this isn’t a game in and of itself, but a way of creating games of a certain type. The author explains why they chose various options throughout the SRD, giving an insight into the creation process. Naturally, the types of games LUMEN can be used to make won’t appeal to everyone. This SRD is designed to create ultra-powerful beings who can easily survive challenges, not a gritty, complex game. LUMEN is useful for creating games of a certain type and can be found on itch.
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