Merc (role-playing game)
Merc is a tabletop role-playing game published by Palladium Books, first released in 1989. The game is set in a near-future world of corporate espionage, private armies, and global conflict. Player characters typically take on the roles of mercenaries, spies, or corporate troubleshooters operating in a world where megacorporations hold significant power.
Core Concepts:
- Near-Future Setting: Merc presents a vision of the future influenced by cyberpunk themes and the sociopolitical climate of the late 1980s.
- Corporate Warfare: The core conflict revolves around the power struggles between powerful corporations, who employ mercenaries and covert operatives to gain an advantage.
- Rifts Integration (Optional): Merc is compatible with Palladium's Rifts role-playing game, allowing for crossovers and the introduction of supernatural elements. However, it is primarily designed as a more grounded and realistic setting.
- Palladium Megaversal System: Like other Palladium games, Merc uses the Palladium Megaversal System, characterized by a percentile-based skill system, S.D.C. (Structural Damage Capacity) and M.D.C. (Mega-Damage Capacity) for vehicles and advanced technology, and a focus on detailed character backgrounds.
- Skills and Combat: The game places a strong emphasis on skills related to combat, espionage, and technical expertise. Combat can be lethal and is often tactical in nature.
- Equipment and Technology: Mercenaries have access to a wide array of weaponry, vehicles, and technological gadgets, reflecting the advanced technology of the setting.
Gameplay:
Players create characters by selecting an Occupational Character Class (OCC), which defines their skills and background. The game master (GM) presents scenarios, often involving corporate espionage, sabotage, rescue missions, or direct combat encounters. Players use their skills and equipment to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives.
Key Publications:
- Merc (Core Rulebook)
- Merc Sourcebook One
Criticisms:
Like other Palladium games, Merc has been criticized for its complex rules system and sometimes unwieldy combat mechanics. Some also find the setting to be somewhat derivative of other cyberpunk and near-future genres. However, it maintains a dedicated fanbase due to its detailed setting and compatibility with other Palladium games.