RPG Encyclopedia: M
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Machineguns and Magic
1st ed by William L. McCord, Jr. (1992) M.G. Games
2nd ed (1994)
A fantasy RPG about modern-day soldiers stranded in a medieval fantasy world by some spacewarp. It includes an original magic system with 30 spells, where spellcasters can cast as many spells as they like until they fail a roll. The 1st edition has a paper cover, while the 2nd edition has the usual softcover and better art.
Macho Women With Guns
1st ed by Greg Porter (1988) self-published
3rd ed (1994) BTRC
4th ed by James Desborough (2003) Mongoose Publishing
A hilarious parody RPG which features the battle of "macho women with guns" against over-the-top post-apocalyptic strangeness. The background is that in the nineties, the world began to collapse due to "male chauvinist leadership". The fabric of society collapsed, the states and nations crumbled, and Hell itself vomited forth a plague of lawyers and tax collectors to ravage the land. The 3rd edition incorporates two sequels to the original: "Renegade Nuns on Wheels", and "Bat-Winged Bimbos from Hell". It uses a simple system of roll under skill on 3d6, with a hex-based combat system. It has point-based character creation, including ads/disads like "Look good in armor" and "Top-Heavy". The 4th edition was completely rewritten by a different author, and uses the D20 System from 3rd edition D&D.
Mächte, Mythen, Moddermonster
1st ed (1989) Edition Einhorn
A small-press German-language fantasy RPG, similar to D&D. It includes a range of classes including slave, prostitute, and combat mage -- plus races such as half-trolls.
Mach: The First Colony
1st ed by Michael Lange (1983) Alliance Publications Ltd.
A science fantasy RPG, in a universe where humankind in the 1980's is "rescued" from a pending supernova and deposited on an alien planet, which they share with 3 other refugee races. They are then left to fend for themselves with weapons smuggled in. The game takes place after 200 years of war and technical atrophy. PC's can be of one of the refugee races, native Machs or a very non-humanoid alien race who made it to Mach on their own with unknown intent. It uses a skill-based system, with attributes and races similar to AD&D. Experience is based on adventuring, practice, or study. Reviewed in "The Space Gamer" #69.
Maelstrom: The Turbulent Role-playing Game of Thieves, Rogues, Magick, and Mayhem
1st ed by Alexander Scott (1984) Puffin Books
1st ed (2008) Arion Games
A historical RPG about life in 16th century England, in pocket book format (in a line of "Adventure Books", ISBN 0-14-031811-9). The system uses percentile rolls as well as d6's. It has limited point-bought character creation, with packages for chosen profession. The 10 attributes each has a base of 30, you could distribute 50 points among them plus bonuses from your profession package. Witchcraft was handled as semi-freeform Willpower roll vs difficulty, with an extensive chapter on herbs. The second edition was published electronically via RPGNow.
Maelstrom Storytelling
1st ed by Christian Aldridge, Seth Lindberg (1998) Hubris
A fantasy RPG of pseudo-science, Leonardan magic and gunpowder set in a different reality which constantly shifts as a magical storm passes over it. The system (" Story Engine") is a cinematic dice pool system which has no numerical stats. Instead, the size of the pool depends on the number of textual "descriptors" (like "strong") the character has that apply. Success is determined by the number of odd numbers rolls ("Odds") vs the difficulty.
Mage: The Ascension
1st ed by Stewart Wieck (1993) White Wolf
2nd ed (1995)
A modern-day game of secret magic, where magicians from nine rebellious traditions struggle against the Technocracy -- a group of magicians who are trying to control all magic within reality, enforcing the limits of mundane science for everyone except themselves. It uses a variant of the "Storyteller" system originally used in Vampire: The Masquerade. It has a magic system with effects in several broad spheres, where due to the Technocracy, magic is made more dangerous if the effects visibly break physical laws -- but are allowed if there is a plausible mundane explanation.
Mage: The Sorcerers Crusade
1st ed by Phil Brucato et al. (1998) White Wolf
A companion RPG to Mage: The Ascension set in 1430 to 1550, prior to the founding of the Technocracy. The rules are similar, but the magic system is significantly altered to reflect the different mystic laws (i.e. "Paradox" is changed). In this time period, the "Daedalans" (predecessors of the Technocracy) are innovators who seek to change the old ways, with strong religious beliefs.
Magic Frontiers Explorer Edition
1st ed by Wyant (1999) Event Horizon Productions
A science fantasy genre RPG with no setting per se but provides support for both magic and advanced technology side-by-side. Character creation uses random-roll attributes, but assumes each character is from a unique race. Race is created by a number of selections of abilities and templates. Skills are based on character class. There are also rules for magic in three varieties (Arcana, Elementa, and Mindra) as well as robots and cyborgs and special powers.
Magikon
1st ed by Marco Donadoni (unknown) International Team
An Italian-language fantasy boardgame / RPG, using a very simple system for limited dungeon-delving.
MAGIUS
1st ed (unknown) Suzaku Games
A Japanese-language universal RPG system. It's vaguely similar to Big Eyes, Small Mouth, actually, except the 3 attributes are Body, Mental and Technique. There are about 8 skills that are written on the included character sheet, and they include winners like "Booze", "Cooking", and "Love-Related".
M.A.G.U.S.
1st ed by Csanád Novák, Zsolt Nyulászi (1993) Valhalla Páholy LLC
2nd "SUMMARIUM" ed (1996)
3rd "új Tekercsek" ed (2001)
4th "M.a.g.u.s. d20" ed (2004) INOMI Publishing
5th "Első Törvénykönyv" ed (2007) "Mazsola" Húsáru és Delikát Trade LLC "Mazsola" Húsáru és Delikát Trade LLC Tuan Publishing
A popular Hungarian-language fantasy RPG, based on a series of popular fantasy novels by various authors. It is set on the world of Ynev, that closely resembles Renaissance Europe, full of political intrigue. The PCs are adventurers, often dragged into political schemes by corrupt local officials by money, blackmail, or other means -- influenced by cyberpunk genre tropes as much as traditional fantasy. The world is dominated by humans, but is also inhabited by "aquirs" -- a powerful, dying race of demon-like entities. The 1st and 2nd edition use a system similar to AD&D, including ability cores, races, and classes. Distinctive elements include new classes such as knights, headhunters, martial artists, and gladiators. There are six different magic systems, including the black magic of warlocks, the seduction of witches, and the "mosaic-magic" of wizards who assemble their spells from smaller components. There are also three schools of psionics available to all classes. The original system includes two-level skills (basic and master levels), but there is no general resolution system for these. The combat system uses percentile rolls, and includes critical hits and armor that reduces damage. The 2nd edition adds many options. The 3rd edition provides complicated point-buy character generation options and a detailed five-stage skill system, but still no general task resolution. The 4th edition is based on the D20 System from 3rd edition D&D. Characters start out in a base class (warrior, rogue, novice and aristocrat) and enter regular "adventurer" classes on 4th level. The 5th edition reverted to the original percentile system. Characters creation uses skill and background options in a point buy system, but the traditional classes are also present in the form of premade packages.
Maid RPG
1st ed (2004) Sunset Games
"which you love" ed (2005) Sunset Games
A humorous Japanese-language RPG about women cleaning the house of a master where wacky events occur. There is no physical combat system, but there is a conflict system where the loser accumulates Stress points. When a maid has greater Stress than her Spirit rating, she has a Stress Explosion. Maids also gain points of Favor from the master, which can be used to boost rolls, reduce Stress, to raise attributes, or invoke random events. There are three charts of random events for Outer Space, Modern, and Fantasy -- including many game-changing events. There are two supplements: Koi Suru Maid RPG and Yume Miru Maid RPG. Koi Soru Maid RPG has an introduction and errata, rules for playing a head maid or butler, rules for generating a master, tables for designing a mansion, rules for "romance and enticement," comforting (to reduce someone else's Stress), costume changes (a table of 36 alternate costumes, each with a Favor cost and special rules), items (in a D666 table of 216 of them!), and a total of 13 different random event tables. Yume Miru Maid RPG is mostly a scenario collection, but it also has rules for complexes and apprentices, tables for two new settings (Old West and Old Edo), a second table of costume changes (including plugsuits, Gundam uniforms, and hero suits), and a weather table.
Les Maîtres-Mondes
1st ed by Ivan Strobino (1992) L'Arkalance
A French-language generic fantasy RPG system, intended for a variety of fantasy worlds.
Maléfices
1st ed by Michel Gaudo, Guillaume Rohmer (1985) Jeux Descartes
A French-language Victorian horror RPG, set around 1880-1920 with various witch doctors and occult sorcerers in the background. One of the 5 top-selling RPG's in France at one time.
Manga World
1st ed by Koneko (unknown) self-published
A French-language generic manga RPG (Japanese comic-book), aimed at allowing easy adaptations of Manga settings.
Manhunter
1st ed by Ramon P. Moore (1987) Kingslayer Publications
2nd ed (1993) Myrmidon
A sci-fi adventure RPG in a multi-species interstellar federation (the Aglio-Terran Planetary Defense System). It uses a complex system: skills are percentile rolls under rating, combat is (attack stat+d20) vs (defense stat+d20), with table-driven damage. Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought skills.
Man, Myth, and Magic
1st ed by Herbie Brennan (1982) Yaquinto
A mythic fantasy RPG ostensibly drawing from 4000 B.C. to 1000 A.D. Earth legends. The game mixes many elements from this wide period. Character nationality and class are determined randomly, so a party might have an African witch-docter, a Greek sybil, and an Oriental shaman. It uses a class-based percentile system, where you roll and add stat to beat 100. The basic game includes a starting adventure set in a gladiator school.
Manual of the Eternal Sages
1st ed by Scott J. Compton (1993) self-published
A small-press fantasy RPG, published as a spiral-bound book of photocopies. It uses a percentile system, with a complex tree structure of attributes.
Marauder 2107
1st ed by Christina Laird, Delbert Laird (1994) Maelstrom Hobby
A post-nuclear-apocalypse anime-genre sci-fi RPG, set in a chaotic Japan filled with Nomads, Newlords, a great Citystate and Breeders (humans mutated into creatures resembling both demons and conventional fantasy monsters).
Mars: A Roleplaying Game of Planetary Romance
1st ed by Gareth-Michael Skarka (2007) Adamant Entertainment
A retro science fantasy RPG based on the Barsoom stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs and other early sci-fi authors. It uses a variant of the D20 System as found in D20 Modern.
Marvel Superheroes
1st ed by Jeff Grubb, Steve Winter (1984) TSR
2nd ed (1988)
The first superhero RPG liscensed from Marvel comics. This used a simple system based on a universal table and attributes rated in broad worded categories (from "Typical" to "Unearthly"). Zan's superhero rules page has the complete original rules available online.
Marvel Superheroes Adventure Game
1st ed by Mike Selinker, Michele Carter, Bill Olmesdahl, Steven Schend, Steven Brown (1998) TSR
A superhero RPG on the same subject, but an unrelated system (the "SAGA" system). The system uses a special 96-card deck rather than dice. Each player has a hand of cards, and actions are resolved by attribute+(card) vs difficulty. Wounds reduce the size of your hand (so the number of cards you hold is also your hit points).
Marvel Universe Roleplaying Game
1st ed by Dan Gelber, Jeffrey Simons, Evan Jones (2003) Marvel Publishing Group
A superhero RPG set in the universe of Marvel Comics, unrelated to the two earlier RPGs published by TSR. It uses a diceless system, where players spend "stones" of effort out of a pool. Action resolution is by stat plus stones of effort vs difficulty. Character creation is point-based.
MasterBook
1st ed by Ed Stark, Bill Smith (1994) West End Games
A generic RPG system, packaged with various worldbooks but not as a standalone product. The system is a variant of the Torg system, using 2d10 instead of 1d20 on the bonus chart and a modified drama deck. Worldbooks include Indiana Jones (1994) Bloodshadows (1994), Tank Girl (1995), Necroscope (1995), Tales from the Crypt (1996), Species (1995), and Aden (1995).
Masters of the Universe
1st ed by L. Ross Babcock, Jack C. Harris (1985) FASA
A fantasy RPG/boardgame presented in comic book format, based on the animated children's TV series. It uses pre-generated characters ("He-man", "Teela", etc.) only.
Mean Streets
1st ed by Mark Bruno, Todd Downing (2002) Deep7
A film noir RPG, using the "XPG" rules system published in electronic PDF format. It is a very simple system designed to immediately jump into play. The default setting is New York City in the 1940's, during WWII. The basic game includes a sample adventure, "A Tangled Web".
Mecha Aces
1st ed by Anthony Ford (2005) ComStar Media, LLC
A mecha anime RPG built using a variant of the Fudge system. It includes rules for mecha treated as characters on a different scale from human characters.
Mechanical Dream
1st ed by Benjamin Paquette, Francis Larose (2002) SteamLogic Editions, Ltd
An "industrial fantasy" RPG, set on Kainaas, a circle of light nearly 30,000 miles in diameter surrounded by a mysterious black wall. There is a mix of modern technology for the elite, while in slums and far-flung villages life is still in the medieval stage. It uses a dice pool system where attribute determines the type of die rolled (d4,d6,...) and skill determines the number of dice. The highest roll is the result. Character creation is open point-based.
The Mechanoid Invasion
1st ed by Kevin Siembieda (1981) Palladium Books
2nd ed (1985)
A sci-fi game about invasion by evil aliens with robotic bodies. This introduced the basic Palladium RPG system, later used by Palladium Fantasy and a number of other games. It uses random-roll attributes and class-based character creation, with advancement based on levels. Action resolution is by d20 (combat and saving throws) or d100 (skills), similar to AD&D.
Mechwarrior
1st ed by L. Ross Babcock, Jordan Weisman, Walter H. Hunt, Evan Jamieson, William Keith, Patrick Larkin, Richard K. Meyer, Kevin Stein (1986) FASA
2nd ed by Brian Nystul, Lester W. Smith (1991)
3rd ed by Brian Nystul (1999)
"Classic Battletech RPG" ed (2004) FanPro
A sci-fi RPG in the world of the Battletech boardgame, set in a 31st century where constant wars are fought by giant robots ("mechs"). The 1st and 2nd editions focuses on PC's as pilots and crew of battlemechs, while the 3rd edition expands the scope. The 2nd edition system uses 2d6, roll over target number (based on attribute) minus skill. The 3rd ed system uses 2d10 + skill vs difficulty. Character creation is by a life path, choosing skills and rolling for random events for different stages. The 3rd edition was later reprinted by FanPro as the "Classic BattleTech RPG", since the title "MechWarrior" was used for a related collectible miniatures game.
Med ild og sværd
1st ed by Jørn Eriksen (1984) self-published
A Danish-language fantasy mini-RPG, whose title translates as "With fire and sword". It claims to be "the first fantasy roleplaying game in the history of Denmark" which is probably correct. The rulebook is 20 A4 pages with a sketched cover. It is essentially a basic system focused on miniatures combat, with no explanation of what role-playing is. There was only one edition and no supplements.
Mediterraneo
1st ed by Andrea Angiolino (1992) Giochi del 2000
2nd ed (1995) Qualitygame
An Italian-language fantasy-genre mini-RPG, set in the Europe of classical myth, among Greek and Roman deities, demigods, and monsters. The first edition was an independent booklet and came out as supplement of "E Giochi" magazine #5 in January/February 1992. The 2nd edition from Qualitygame was released as part of the "I Giochi del 2000" collection.
MEGA
1st ed by Didier Guiserix, Michel Brassinne (1984) Jeux & Strategie magazine
2nd ed (1986) Jeux & Strategie magazine
3rd ed (1992) Casus Belli magazine
4th ed (1993) Descartes
A French-language time-travel / alternate-worlds RPG (MEGA is short for "Messagers Galactiques" or "Galactic Messengers"). The first three editions appeared as special magazine issues (in J&S and CB). The 4th edition (hardcover) includes the campaign includes the campaign "Le Voleur d'Ygol" by Tristan Lhomme.
MEGA Role-Playing System
1st ed by Allon, Brakas (1987) Mega Games
An heroic fantasy RPG, English-language published in Norway. It uses a complex system with numerous tables. Players are required to write up a character background, and the GM then assigns skill development levels based on the background. It had a single adventure module: "Ogre Forest".
Meikyu Kingdom (迷宮キングダム)
1st ed by Touichirou Kawashima (2004) Adventure Planning Service Hobby Base
Miekyu Kingdom (lit. "Labyrinth Kingdom") is a Japanese fantasy role-playing game. The player characters, called Landmakers, are members of a tiny kingdom's royal court: king, knights, viziers, oracles, ninjas, and servants. A magical force called "Dungeon Hazard" made the whole world (mountains, rivers, plains, etc.) into dungeons. Landmakers explore and conquer dungeons for their kingdom. The English title, "Make you kingdom!!", is broken English, but has a double-meaning because it is pronounced similarly to the Japanese title ''Meikyu Kingdom''. It's setting is cynically tongue-in-cheek. For example, it includes a "vorpal bunny" drawn from the computer game Wizardry's famous monster (itself based on Monte Python and the Holy Grail), but its illustration is a bunny girl.
Meks 'n' Mekanoids
1st ed by Denton R. Elliot (1987) Doc's Games
A sci-fi mini-RPG from the publisher of Dinky Dungeons, published in a 3''x5'' ziplock bag(!). There were three supplements, all written by Stu Wagner: "Beasts 'n' Bots" (animal forms for robots), "Weapons Wastebucket" (new weapons and other features), and "Chaotic Combiners" (mega-robots formed from smaller robots).
Mekton
1st ed by Mike Pondsmith (1985) R Talsorian
Mekton II ed (1987)
Mekton Zeta ed by Mike Pondsmith, Mike MacDonald, Benjamin Wright (1995)
A far future sci-fi RPG, in the Japanese anime giant mecha genre. It includes a brief mecha-genre far-future setting (Algol) and GM notes on running anime adventures, but the dominant part is treatment of the mechs themselves. The first edition was predated by a earlier Mekton game in 1984 which was not really role-playing. Editions "II" and "Zeta" use a variant of the "Interlock" system, which is skill based with actions resolved by attribute+skill+d10 vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based, with a random number of points (distribute 10d10 points to attributes, skill points determined by your "Education" attribute). Various random-roll "life path" tables add background color to the character.
Melanda: Land of Mystery
1st ed by Lee McCormick, John Corradin (1980) Wilmark Dynasty
2nd ed (1981)
A fantasy genre RPG set in an original fantasy world. The character creation system has attributes determined by the character's childhood studies. The magic system has spells which are cast by combining runes, each of which has a different purpose: nouns, prepositions, and adjectives. The fewer number of words used, the better chance of success but the more general the effect. The more words used, the more precise the effect, but the less chance of success. It has a few supplements (including an adventure module) made before it went out of print.
Men in Black
1st ed by George Strayton, Nikola Vrtis (1997) West End Games
A humorous alien-conspiracy RPG based on the movie. The game background and source material concentrates on silliness and slapstick elements. It uses the "D6" system from the Star Wars game. It adds "Cue Cards", given to each player with an action or line of dialogue written on them. If the PC can do or say what's on the card in the context of the adventure, they get a bonus.
Merc
1st ed by Paul D. Baader, Walter Mark, Lawrence Sangee (1981) FGU
A military action RPG.
Merc: 2000
1st ed by Loren Wiseman (1990) GDW
Not a standalone RPG, but rather an alternative campaign supplement for Twilight: 2000, featuring a world where the big ugly nuclear war never came, but brushfire wars, rebellions and other minor conflicts are fought all over the world, thus offering plentiful employment for PCs.
Mercenaires
1st ed by Francois Perrinel (1991) FLEO
A French-language modern-day action RPG. It uses a system intent on realism, including extensive weapon tables. Character creation is skill-based, with modifiers depending on whether you choose a civilian or military career.
Mercenaries, Spies, and Private Eyes
1st ed by Michael A. Stackpole (1983) Blade (a division of Flying Buffalo)
A generic modern-day mystery and espionage game. Uses a simple skill system with level-based advancement. Action resolution by attribute plus skill plus 2d6 (re-rolling doubles open-endedly) vs difficulty.
Le Messager
1st ed by Christoph Guillermet (1991) Éditions Role'Mag
A French-language space opera RPG, published by the game magazine "Role'Mag". It is set among seven worlds created by gods, complete with magic and demigods and various powerful organizations. It includes three booklets: a 76-page rulebook, a 26-page universe book, and an 18-page scenario book. The rules include 14 races ranging from cat-men and bird-men, to more exotic races like the Levyx (who are legless but levitate and have "hyper-vision"). Stats are based on a mix of random-roll and profession choices. Attributes are tested on 1d20, while skills are percentile.
The Metabarons Roleplaying Game
1st ed by Peter Schweighofer (2001) West End Games
A space opera RPG based on the French series of graphic novels written by Alexandro (El Topo) Jodorowsky and illustrated by Juan Gimenez. The series is a galaxy-spanning space opera focused on a clan of powerful warriors. The RPG uses the "D6Legend" variant of the D6 System. It uses special six-sided dice where 3-6 is a success. You roll dice equal to your stat, count the number of successes, and compare to the difficulty.
Metalface
1st ed by R. Wallace Garner (2001) Eternal Tempest
A scifi RPG set on a far-future Earth where people are able to transfer their souls into robotic bodies known as 'metalfaces.' Past wars have ravaged the planet and reduced the population, and free-enterprise now rises and battles for control of the solar system. The game uses a six-sided dice system and a free version of the rules can be downloaded in Adobe PDF format.
Metamorphosis Alpha: Fantastic Role-Playing Game
1st ed by James Ward, Brian Blume (1976) TSR
A sci-fi game set on a 30-mile long generation starship ("The Warden") gone awry. A radiation storm causes mutations to occur to its occupants creating outlandish mutated humans and animals. The concept was wandering around the interior encountering strange creatures in a dungeon-like way -- including many concepts that would later surface in Gamma World. In 90's, a universebook for this setting was made for the Amazing Engine system.
MetaScape
1st ed by Blake Mobley, David Webb, Anthony Pryor (1993) The Game Lords, Ltd.
A space opera RPG. Its background is the "GuildSpace" setting, which mixes far-future technology with medieval elements of sorcery, psionics, swordplay, knighthood, and evil supernatural villains. There are six character races, none of which is strictly human. Each has focuses in one special ability: psionics, the Sorce, psychosomatics, high-tech powered armor, bioware, and cybernetics. The base mechanic uses a "doubling die" which open-ends on a 16.
La Méthode du Docteur Chestel
1st ed by Daniel Danjean (1991) Presses du Midi
A French-language sci-fi RPG, where the PC's are psychiatrists who telepathically enter people's dreams to help them. The catch is that mistakes can leave the doctor dead or brain-dead, or the patient in worse shape than before.
M-Force: Monster Hunting in the 21st Century
1st ed by Leighton Connor (2002) Hex
A modern-day monster-hunting RPG, set in an alternate Earth where horrific monsters have been around throughout history. The PCs are agents for a modern-day monster-hunting organization called M-Force, founded as a non-profit organization in 1952. The rules are based on Hex Games' QAGS system, adding character design rules, and skills. There are three attributes (Body, Brain, and Nerve) along with three traits (Job, Gimmick, and Weakness): all rated 1-10. Action resolution is to roll under attribute + skill on 1d20, while contests require rolling higher than your opponent's 1d20 roll but still under attribute + skill. It also includes a hero point mechanic (called "Yum-Yums").
Middle Earth Role Playing
1st ed by S. Coleman Charlton (1984) Iron Crown Enterprises
2nd ed (1993)
A game set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy series. The adventures are set prior to the trilogy, around the year 1640 of the Third Age. This is before Sauron had re-established himself at Dol Guldur in Mirkwood and the Dwarves had awakened the Balrog in Moria. It uses a simplified version of the Rolemaster mechanics: open-ended percentile die rolls, resolved on extensive tables.
Midgard - Das Fantasy-Rollenspiel
1st ed by Juergen E. Franke (1981) Verlag für Fantasy und SF-Spiele
2nd ed (1985) Verlag für Fantasy und SF-Spiele
3rd ed (1989) Klee Spiele
4th ed (2001) Klee Spiele
5th ed (2005) Verlag für Fantasy und SF-Spiele Pegasus Spiele
A German-language medieval fantasy RPG, set in a Norse-themed fantasy world ("Midgard") with giant, dragons, elfs, and dwarfs. It is mid- to low-level fantasy. The rules system is class- and level-based. Character creation has random-roll attributes but point-based skill development. This was the first German-language role-playing game to be published, and has since had several new editions and two spin-off RPGs: the Victorian RPG Midgard 1880 and the licensed sci-fi RPG Perry Rhodan (2004).
Midgard 1880
1st ed by Heinrich Glumpler (1994) Klee Spiele
A variant of the German-language fantasy game Midgard, set in Victorian times. It features master criminals, anarchists, and conspiracies as well as mummies, werewolves, vampires, and so forth. Support for the game was later taken over by Pegasus Spiele and Verlag für Fantasy und SF-Spiele. There were at least 14 adventures published for the game as well, along with the long-titled sourcebook, "Doctor Nagelius' wohlfeiles und weitschweifiges, exzentrisches und eklektisches Enzcyclopaedisches Compendium der bekannten Welt" (Doctor Nagelius' ... Encyclopedic Compendium of the Known World).
Midian Dark Fantasy Roleplaying Game
1st ed by Golgotha Kinslayer (2003) Lost Souls Publishing
A dark fantasy genre RPG, where the PCs include humans, dwarves, elves, trolls, and gaijin (a sort of barbaric human). It uses a skill-based system, with optional classes purchased with skill points. Character creation is a mix of random-roll and point-based, including ads and disads. Action resolution uses 1d20.
Midnight at the Well of Souls
1st ed by Timothy R. Green (1985) TAG Industries
A sci-fi RPG based on the eponym Jack L. Chalker's novel series. It features 150 character races and a partial map of "Well World".
Midway City
1st ed by Eddy Webb (2005) Spectrum Game Studios Z-Man Games
An RPG set in a far future on a space colony 50 miles diameter where the dictator mandated that everyone live in what he calls "the Golden Age of humanity" -- meaning pre-World War II America. The dress, speech and technology are strictly regulated by the government to conform to this. This has been the status quo for roughly 120 years, and most people just accept what is going on and lead their normal lives out. Besides normal humans there are aliens (the Kyrhee), rare psychic half-breed aliens (known as "Gazers"), androids (known as "Blanks"), and mutants (known as "Flips"). Further, wounded people are sometimes given cyberware replacements. It uses a variant of the rules from Cartoon Action Hour. Character creation features an open-ended system for designing special abilities including steelware, flips, and psychic powers. Action resolution uses stat + 2d6 vs difficulty.
Miekka ja Magia
1st ed by Risto J. Hieta (1987) Ultimate Oy
A small-press Finnish-language fantasy RPG, whose title translates as "Sword and Magic". It is a rules-lite version of D&D, The classes include "barbaari" (barbarian), "taistelija" (fighter), "seikkailija" (adventurer), "metsäläinen" (ranger), "velho" (wizard) and "kerubi" (cherub -- something that can turn into a spirit at will). This was the successor to a generic RPG adventure entitled "The Secret Treasure of Raguoc in the Acirema Dungeons".
Miekkamies
1st ed by Ville Vuorela (1994) Burger
A Finnish-language baroque fantasy RPG, with heavy swashbuckling elements. The title translates as "swordsman". It is set on an original fantasy world called Arleon, a cross-breed between the Roman Empire and 17th century Europe with supernatural elements. The PC's are swashbuckling heroes, facing an evil magical force known as the Darkfire which spawns monsters and is worshipped by cultists. Areas that had fallen under its influence turned into representations of hell. There are witches with powerful magic, although they rely on numerous ingredients for their spells to work.
Miles Christi
1st ed by Benoit Clerc (1995) Sans Peur et Sans Reproche
A French-language historical RPG set in the era of the crusades. The PC's are Templar Knights, although supplements cover other character types. The system uses playing cards (i.e. Ace thru King).
Mili KK: El Juego de rol de la puta mili;
1st ed by Ricard Ibáñez, Jordi Cabau (2003) Proyectos Editoriales Crom
A Spanish-language humorous RPG about modern-day military service. "Mili" is the name for Military Service, and "K K" sounds like "caca", a word for shit. In this humourous game the PCs are youths in the Military Service, with a rich popular culture of humour and bad taste, drugs, jokes and characters as the Fascist Sargeant, the Pacifist Joint-Smoker and the Rambo-like Soldier. Based on mythical comic strips of the brilliant Ivá.
Millenium's End
1st ed by Charles Ryan (1992) Chameleon Eclectic
2nd ed (1993)
A techno-thriller RPG, in the style of novels by Michael Crichton and Tom Clancy. It uses a percentile skill-based system. The damage system uses a transparent overlay on silhouette figures for hit location, and a table which includes determines blood loss and stun from location, damage type, and amount.
Mimétis
1st ed by Gilles Candotti (1990) Éditions des Sept Pierres
A French-language RPG, subtitled "The Game of Adaptation". Players play themselves, mysteriously transported to an unknown world, with only a pocket knife and a hangover. It includes a detailed background for this world.
M.I.S.S.I.O.N.
1st ed by Ernest T. Hams (1982) Kabal Gaming Systems
A modern espionage RPG, using a complex system and including detailed floorplans. It includes a secret base design system where the GM spends a fixed budget of money on guard dogs, steel doors, laser eyes, guards, etc. The PC's then attempt to break into the installation and get to the protected secret. The basic game includes seven 17.5" x 23" full-color maps and four 15.5" x 23" building interiors.
Mob Justice
1st ed by Malcom Craig (2006) Contested Ground Studios
A game of modern crime, set amidst mafia violence in America during the time of Prohibition (the 1920s). It uses a playing-card based system where you assemble poker hands after drawing a number of cards based on skill. In addition, each player has "story chips" which can be used to manipulate the scene and bet on success. Character creation is limited point-based. Two key stats, Reputation and Stature, are chosen freely. There is also a Loyalty rating and a Code which has both a numerical rating and a description (such as "All of the crew on my jobs come back alive"). There are also broad skills bought using points.
MOD RPG System
1st ed by Sebastian Dietz (2000) Nimble Ogre Games
A German-language universal RPG system, designed to be a modular game with genre modules for Fantasy, Magic, and Guns (modern-day firearms and explosives). There are currently no predesigned settings, however. Action resolution is by rolling under skill on 1d20 + modifiers. There are also drama points which may be used to influence die rolls and prevent damage, but they are single-use and can only be replenished with new experience points. Character creation is open point based, using a single pool of points for attributes, skills, race, advantages, and disadvantages.
In combat, characters have a number of short, long and very long actions to spend (long and very long actions are multiples of a short action). A character may defend himself by parrying or dodging without spending actions, but every subsequent defense is more difficult than the previous. A character may spend actions to improve his defense. The damage system uses six hit locations, each with its own hit points and armor points.
Moffet Babies: el juego de rol de los bebes mofetas
1st ed by Miguel Garcia Fernandez (2002) La Cocoguawa
A humorous RPG where you play a baby and other players are your roommates or your playmates. It incorporates a "good nanny manual".
Mondagor
1st ed by Christian Neff (2004) fiveSTORMS Productions
A German-language fantasy genre RPG, set in an original fantasy world of the same name. Player characters can be from 10 races (including humans, elves, and dwarves) and 16 sub-races (including 3 human, 4 elven, and 2 dwarven). Character creation is limited point-based, starting with choosing a race (and sub-race) if any, then spending attribute points, skill points, and combat/magic talent points. The experience system emphasizes "learning by doing". It includes a magic system with three spheres of magic.
Mondes et Heros
1st ed by [the "Migou" team] (1995) Gallimard
A French-language RPG line. It is an attempt at an easy RPG by putting players in pre-generated roles as characters lifted from novels. It had several books released: "Marid Audran" (from the books by G.A. Effinger); "Odysseus" (from Homer's Oddessey); "Orlando"; and "Sherlock Holmes".
Monkey, Ninja, Pirate, Robot: the Roleplaying Game
1st ed by Chad Underkoffler (2004) Atomic Sock Monkey Press
A tongue-in-cheek RPG based on a board game where cartoon-like characters try to foil the plots of cow-napping aliens, gain Mojo, and lay their hands on the all-powerful sweet, sweet Uranium! Mojo is the peculiar power of being cool and funkily awesome, and is used to be cool, and gained by being cool -- as well as by eating uranium (naturally). The game uses a variant of the Prose Descriptive Qualities (PDQ) system introduced in Dead Inside. Character creation is by choosing race, a Goal, 2 to 4 freeform keywords which give bonuses, and a weakness. Action resolution is by 2d6 + bonus vs difficulty.
Monster Horrorshow
1st ed by J.H. Brennan (1987) Armada
A humorous horror RPG, written by the British author of the GrailQuest and DemonSpawn fantasy adventure books. The GM is called the "WereWizard", and must qualify for the position by passing through a solo adventure entitled the "Labyrinth of Squat". The book includes a simple system, monster cards, and the adventure.
Monster Island: The Game of Giant Monster Combat
1st ed by Bruce Harlick, Patrick Sweeney (2002) Firefly Games
A miniatures/role-playing game of giant monster combat.
Monsters & Magiërs
1st ed by Foob, Koen De Waele, David Van Dijck, Dirk Vandenheuvel (1989) The Wise Tree
A Dutch-language fantasy RPG: "Monters & Magicians". This is a shorter 72-page introductory version of Schimmen & Schaduwen . It is a simple but complete RPG with different characters, magic spells cards, monsters and an introductory scenario.
Monsters and Other Childish Things
1st ed by Benjamin Baugh (2007) Arc Dream Publishing
A horror RPG about kids who each have a monster that does things for them. It uses a simplified variant of the One-Roll Engine rules found in Wild Talents and Godlike. As in other games, the d10 dice pool is used to resolve conflicts, looking for number of matching faces. Character creation is limited point-based. There are five attributes (Feet, Wits, Hands, Guts, and Attention) and related skills. Character also have rated relationships, which could be to parents, friends, or even stuffed animals. Lastly, they create their monster according to another limited point system.
Monsters & Slayers
1st ed by Clifford Raymond Fagan (1991) Atlantis Enterprises
An RPG set in a mythic version of the British Isles in 527 A.D. (with faeries and monsters). It uses a d6 based system: roll 3d6 under attribute, or roll 2d6 under 8+mods for combat. Characters have 7 attributes (Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, Intelligence, Luck, Persuasiveness, and Attractiveness).
Monsters! Monsters!
1st ed by Ken St. Andre (1976) Flying Buffalo
A fantasy RPG spin-off from Tunnels and Trolls. This is a traditional fantasy game reversed with players play the monsters fighting human heroes.
Monte Cook's World of Darkness
1st ed by Monte Cook, Luke Johnson, Sean K. Reynolds (2007) White Wolf
A modern dark fantasy/horror RPG, a variation of the World of Darkness setting where extra-dimensional horrors known as the Inconnu opened a gate hundreds of miles wide in the central United States. Now one year later, the U.S. has collapsed into dealing with its internal problems, and horrors stalk the fringes. The Inconnu create vampires, werewolves, and demons -- while there are also mages and the Awakened (extraordinary humans). It uses a rules variant based on the D20 system, where character type (such as vampire or werewolf) functions as both a race and a class.
Moros Role-Playing Game
1st ed by Jurjen Stellingwerff (2006) self-published
A fantasy genre RPG using a simple dice pool system. It is set in a medieval world, where mystical powers can be obtained easily but has side effects and is often illegal. The book is self-published via print-on-demand service Lulu.com. An earlier free version is available on a Geocities site.
Morpheus
1st ed by Devin Durham (1990) Rapport Games Crunchy Frog
A virtual reality RPG set in the near-future, where PC's are players in Morpheus Mind Park virtual reality games. Characters have 4 attributes (Imagination, Confidence, Ego, and Reputation), 3 skills (Reality Control, Accuracy, and Defense), and various virutal "powers" (which include more regular skills). You have a pool of dream points, which can be used to buy new powers - even in mid-play. It uses a percentile resolution system, which is slightly math-heavy (i.e. damage = (100% + (Attack - Defense) * 10%) * Xd10).
The Morrow Project
1st ed by Kevin Dockery, Robert Sadler, Richard Tucholka (1980) Timeline, Inc.
2nd ed (1980)
3rd ed (1983) Timeline, Inc. Abacus Dimensions
A realistic post-apocalyptic RPG. The PC's are agents deliberately frozen to rebuild the world after nuclear war, as part of a private project by Bruce Edward Morrow (aka "The Morrow Project"). However, something went wrong with the project mechanisms, and the PC's wake up alone 150 years after World War III. This game has a lot of attention paid to detail and hardware, reflecting the survivalist genre. The system is combat-focused, with other issues covered only after the 3rd edition. cf. the Morrow Project home.
Mortal Coil
1st ed by Brennan Taylor (2006) Galileo Games
A modern fantasy role-playing game inspired by Miyazaki's film "Spirited Away" and Neil Gaiman's comic "Sandman". It allows a range of fantasy backgrounds. It has a diceless mechanical system, where players spend from four pools of tokens: Action, Passion, Power, and Magic. Characters have four attributes (calls "Faculties") named Power, Grace, Wits, and Will; as well as player-defined aptitudes like "Barfly". The mechanics work by bidding tokens on conflicts.
Mortal Combat
1st ed by David John Morris, Steve Foster, Andrew Murdin (1979) Waynflett House Ltd (UK)
A generic "historical or fantasy" RPG rules system (softcover booklet, 64 pages). Nine attributes: Strength, Constitution, Manual Dexterity, Agility, Speed, Looks, Intelligence, Learning and (magical) Talent. Advancement is level-based. Magic works with spell points and success chance for spells, organised in 8 spell levels, around specialties : Alchemy, Antiquities & Languages, Demonology and Artificery.
The Mountain Witch
1st ed by Timothy Kleinert (2005) Timfire Publishing
A role-playing game with a built-in adventure: a group of ronin samurai are hired to assault and kill O-Yanma, the dreaded Mountain Witch of Mount Fuji. It uses a simple resolution system, with player-created Fates for their characters and a system of Trust which focuses play on trust and betrayals among the PCs.
MSF High RPG
1st ed by Joseph Fanning (2007) self-published
A humorous anime-inspired RPG set in MSF Highschool, a training ground for teenage superheroes, including both alien and magical races. The book is self-published via print-on-demand service Lulu.com.
MuggerHunt
1st ed by Kevin Dockery (1983) Firebird, Ltd.
A light-hearted solitaire game -- not really an RPG -- about hunting down muggers in urban "game preserves". The only "attribute" of hunters/muggers is what they are armed with.
Multimondes
1st ed by Michel Gaudo (1988) Oriflam
A French-language hard science-fiction RPG, with only a few outer colonies.
Multiverser
1st ed by E.R. Jones, M. Joseph Young (1997) Valdron Inc.
2nd ed (2000)
A dimension-hopping RPG where players play themselves with the discovery that they reincarnate in a new universe / scenario upon death (via personal energy known as "scriff"). The skills are divided into "biases": Technology / Psionics / Magic / Body. These are also the categories of rating dimensions (i.e. some universes are high-magic, low-technology).
Multiworlds
1st ed by A. Piparo, L. de Luca (1999) Cuccia Editore
An Italian-language universal RPG system. It has a lengthy and complex character creation process and simple resolution system.
Munchkin RPG
1st ed by Andrew Hackard, Steve Jackson (2003) Steve Jackson Games
A humorous parody of D&D and other fantasy RPGs based on the card game "Munchkin" card game. It uses the D20 System from 3rd edition D&D. Complete rules are not provided: basic rules for character creation, combat, and other systems refer to the D&D Players Handbook.
Murphy's World
1st ed by Kevin Davies, David Brown (1995) Peregrine
A humorous RPG about the world where the junk of many universes collects, intended particularly for characters from other game universes to drop in for light-hearted adventures.
Mutant
1st ed by Mikael Petersén, Gunilla Jonsson (1984) Aventyrspel
2nd ed (1989) Target Games
"Undergångens Arvtagare" ed by Joakim Bergström, Martin Bergström, Mattias Jonsson, Mattias Lilja, Fredrik Lindregn, Andreas Marklund, Johan Normark (2002) Järnringen HB
A Swedish-language post-nuclear-apocalypse RPG, set many years after world wars and great plague. The PCs are descendants of survivors, in a feudal Scandinavia that is slowly rebuilding. The rules are based on 3rd ed Drakar och Demoner, with new rules for mental powers and mutations instead of magic. The 2nd edition kept the rules but converted it to a generic cyberpunk RPG without any post-apocalyptic aspect. The 3rd edition's title translates to "Mutant: The Heirs of the Apocalypse". It returns to the post-apocalyptic world of the first edition, with some changes. The rules have been simplified and streamlined.
Mutant Chronicles
1st [Swedish] ed by Magnus Seter, Henrik Strandberg, Nils Gulliksson, Michael Stenmark, Jerker Sojdelius, Stefan Thulin, Fredrik Malmberg (1993) Target Games
1st [English] ed by Matt Forbeck, Paul Beakley (1993) Target Games Heartbreaker Games
2nd ed (1996)
A techno-fantasy RPG and miniatures system from Sweden. It is set in a distant future where Earth has been destroyed, and the solar system is colonized by soulless megacorps. A discovery on Pluto unleashes "The Darkness", which makes computers go crazy and throws the solar system into chaos. The fanatical "Brotherhood" arose to resist the taint of "Dark Symmetry" in an Inquisition-like manner -- later leading the crusade when a tenth planet was found, unleashing a horde of "Necromutants" which nearly wiped out humanity.
Mutantes en la Sombra
1st ed by Jose Felix Garzon, Igor Arriola (1991) Ludoctenia
A Spanish-language modern-day psychic powers RPG along the lines of Psi World, where PC's can be either mutants or normals. The system uses stat + d20 vs difficulty.
Mutant R.Y.M.D.
1st ed (1992) Target Games
A short-lived Swedish-language sci-fi/cyperpunk RPG, a predecessor to Mutant Chronicles. The system is similar to Warhammer.
Mutants & Masterminds
1st ed by Steve Kenson (2002) Green Ronin Publishing
A generic superhero RPG. The rules are a standalone system based on the D20 System used by 3rd edition D&D. It includes a point-based character creation system and an assortment of feats, super-feats, and powers. The basic rulebook includes 12 "ready to play" hero templates, aloing with sample villians and an introductory adventure. The damage system is streamlined to require only a d20. Damage is handled by a saving throw against the damage value. Failing accumulates "hits" which incur penalties, while failing the save by 5 or more can stun or knock unconcious an opponent.
Mutazoids
1st ed by Ken Whitman (1989) Whit Productions
2nd ed (1991)
A post-apocalyptic RPG, set in the year 2073, sixty years after the world was swept by the accidental release of the man-made plague virus. The government is the "Second Republic", which suppresses the mutant majority, with political and racial overtones. The PC's are "Enforcers" who hunt the dangerous mutants ("mutazoids"). The system uses 2d6 roll vs stat on a universal table. Character creation is by random-roll attributes, and semi-random lifepath approach for skills.
Muthom
1st ed (unknown) PL Productions
A French-language sci-fi RPG set in the near future as the Earth is being invaded by aliens.
Rollespillet Muu
1st ed by Tomas HV Mrkrid (1989) self-published
A Norwegian-language fantasy RPG about peaceful, semi-intelligent creatures trying to find food, take baths, cuddle, and sleep. The muu have no language. All actions in the game are initiated by normal playing cards. Any conflicts are resolved by the use of dice. The method involves strong techniques for transforming the language used in-game into poetic Muu-phrases. The aim of the game is to create a kind of merry harmony.
My Life With Master
1st ed by Paul Czege (2003) Half-Meme Press
A horror RPG where the PCs are all deformed minions of an evil, demented genius -- in the vein of Igor or Quasimodo. It uses a set of strict rules on the dramatic progression of the story, which depends on the stats and rolls made. Each minion character has two descriptive traits: "More than Human" and "Less than Human". There are also three numeric traits: Self-Loathing, Weariness, and Love (though Love always starts at zero).
Myranor: Das Güldenland
1st ed by Britta Herz, Jörg Raddatz, Thomas Römer (2000) FanPro
A fantasy-genre German-language RPG related to Das Schwarze Auge system. It is set on a different continent of the same world as DSA, called the "Golden Land" by Aventurians. It uses a precursor to the 4th edition DSA rules. Character generation is open point-bought, and it includes a very open magic system.
Myrskyn aika
1st ed by Mike Pohjola (2003) Johnny Kniga Publishing
A Finnish-language fantasy RPG aimed at immersion in character and emotional realism. The text focuses on setting and GM instructions, with simple rules provided for both tabletop and larp. The book describes the semi-medieval world of Valenor, with a spaghetti western look and strong political themes. The mechanics aim to emphasize the character's experience rather than the physical reality.
Mystic Forces
1st ed (2000) Positive Roleplaying
A fantasy RPG, set on an original world ("Oryathar"). The PC's are "Shinkai" who have been granted mystic powers by the Light to battle the Shadow which threatens the world. There are five races: the telepathic Brightlings, the stout and durable Grak, the agile and long-armed Loremek, the cat-eyed Valkin, and the giant and stone-skinned Warlum.
Mythes et Légendes
1st ed by A. L. Gohin (unknown) self-published
A French-language traditional medieval fantasy RPG.
Mythic Role Playing
1st ed by Tom Pigeon (2003) Word Mill Publishing
An universal improvisational game, which has rules for spontaneously generating adventures. It uses parameters determined at the start, combined with randomly determined answers to yes/no questions. It is designed to be playable as a standalone RPG or also as a supplement for GM-less play using other RPG rules.
Mythic Russia: heroism and adventure in the land of the Firebird
1st ed by Mark Galeotti (2006) Firebird Productions
A standalone fantasy RPG, using the HeroQuest engine in the setting of the ancient Russia of history, legend and folktale. The setting is a cinematic one where the PCs are rare magical heroes. All magic is based on theism in HeroQuest, with a single Otherworld common to both pagan and Christian worship. Religion is a pastiche of paganism and Christianity. For example, one character might worship Volos the cattle god, and argue with his brother, who insists on calling him Saint Vlasii -- while both agreeing on many details. The game includes extensive notes on the body of myth and folklore including many villains and heroes, as well as maps, an introductory scenario, and many adventure seeds.
Mythworld
1st ed by Paul Cardwell, Jr. (1986) Hippogriff Publications
A medieval fantasy RPG, set in the historical Europe with magic added.
John H. Kim <jhkim@darkshire.net>
Last modified: Tue Jul 22 13:51:48 2008