H. G. Wells' Island of Doctor Moreau Roleplaying Game
H. G. Wells' Island of Doctor Moreau Roleplaying Game puts you right in the heart of the eerie, twisted world envisioned by one of science fiction's greatest minds. It's a deep dive into human nature, morality, and the blurred lines between science and madness. Here, you not only play a character, you become part of a living, breathing story that adapts and evolves with every choice you make.
The book is your gateway to exploring the tension and terror of Moreau's infamous island, where grotesque experiments have birthed creatures caught between humanity and beast. Whether you’re wrestling with the ethics of science or fighting to survive in a world where the rules of nature no longer apply, the narrative is driven by your decisions. This isn’t about rolling dice and smashing through obstacles, it's about navigating dilemmas, building relationships, and confronting the horrifying consequences of unchecked ambition.
What makes this sourcebook stand out? It's all about imagination, collaboration, and agency. The story-focused structure gives you the freedom to craft intricate tales while the character-driven approach ensures that every action carries weight. The gamemaster is a collaborator, working with the players to create a session that’s immersive, unpredictable, and downright unforgettable.
Fans of the original novel will feel right at home. The tone and setting remain true to Wells’ haunting masterpiece, from the eerie jungle shadows to the unsettling presence of Moreau himself. At the same time, this roleplaying experience offers a fresh perspective, letting you explore the story from angles you’ve never considered. It’s familiar, but it’s not the same journey you’ve read a dozen times, it’s yours, shaped by choices and brought to life by imagination.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves roleplaying but wants more from their sessions than combat and looting. If you’re tired of the same old grind and crave a story where every conversation matters, where your character’s arc feels real, and where the stakes are more than a pile of gold or a bigger sword, then this is exactly what you need.
Whether you’re drawn to the ethical quagmire of Moreau’s experiments, the psychological depth of the human-beast hybrids, or the sheer terror of being stranded on an island with no way out, Island of Doctor Moreau delivers. It’s a story you create, a narrative that will linger long after the session ends.
Ready to challenge your assumptions about humanity, power, and the price of progress? This is your chance to step onto the island and see how far you’re willing to go when faced with the unimaginable.
All literary roleplaying games published by Lightspress use The Simple Approach system and philosophy, and are completely compatible with one another, making all sorts of interesting crossovers possible.
Navigating This Book
Here’s what you’ll uncover in these pages:
Overview: This section opens with an exploration of The Island of Doctor Moreau, its origins, its historical context, and why it’s the perfect foundation for a roleplaying setting. The themes of science run amok, humanity’s hubris, and the blurred lines between man and beast offer endless narrative potential. Whether you’re a long-time fan of H. G. Wells or coming to the story for the first time, this deep dive will leave you eager to make the island your own.
Characters: Dive into the cast of the original novel, from the coldly methodical Doctor Moreau to the conflicted Montgomery and the tragic hybrids that populate the island. You’ll also find guidance for creating original characters that fit seamlessly into the setting, along with a robust character creation system built specifically for this roleplaying experience. Craft complex personalities who navigate moral dilemmas, confront monstrosities, and question their humanity.
Factions: The book details the major factions and power structures from the novel, from Moreau’s dominion to the hybrid creatures who follow the Law. Beyond that, it offers inspiration for inventing new factions, whether they’re rival scientists, explorers seeking to plunder the island’s secrets, or resistance movements among the hybrids. These groups add layers of tension and intrigue to any session.
Setting: Step into the shadowy jungles and treacherous beaches of Moreau’s island. This section goes beyond the novel, offering a fuller understanding of the time period and how the setting can be expanded. Build out the wider world, from the ships that visit the island’s shores to the scientific circles grappling with rumors of Moreau’s work. The detailed exploration will help you make the setting feel alive and immersive.
The System: This is where the mechanics of The Simple Approach come into play, adapted specifically for The Island of Doctor Moreau. The rules are streamlined, story-focused, and character-driven, giving you the tools to keep the narrative flowing while ensuring every decision matters. Whether you’re a veteran of the system or completely new, the mechanics are easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Beat Chart: The original novel is broken down into narrative beats, each mapped out for use in your sessions. You can recreate the book’s story as written, remix the beats to suit your group, or use them as a springboard for completely original tales. It’s a flexible structure that caters to both literary purists and creative adventurers.
Prequels: What happened before Prendick’s arrival? This section explores ways to create prequels that examine Moreau’s experiments, Montgomery’s fall from grace, or the early lives of the hybrids. These stories offer a chance to explore new perspectives and set the stage for the events of the novel.
Side Stories: What’s happening elsewhere on the island while Prendick is unraveling Moreau’s secrets? Discover ideas for parallel narratives that expand the world and give other characters their moment in the spotlight. Side stories can add depth and dimension, making the island feel bigger and more interconnected.
Sequels: What happens after the novel’s conclusion? This section provides inspiration for continuing the story, exploring the fates of the hybrids, the consequences of Moreau’s experiments, or new characters who find themselves drawn to the island. Sequels can take the narrative in bold, unexpected directions.
Crossovers: Imagine what happens when The Island of Doctor Moreau collides with other literary worlds. Could Moreau’s island catch the attention of Sherlock Holmes, or might a stranded time traveler from The Time Machine stumble upon its shores? This section is full of creative ways to blend Wells’ work with other classic stories.
Reference: Finally, you’ll find a comprehensive toolkit: stock characters, ready-made creatures, and equipment tailored to the setting. Notes on converting this material into other systems, or bringing content from elsewhere into this one, ensure the book’s versatility. Whether you’re sticking to The Simple Approach or blending it with your favorite system, this section has you covered.
273 pages. PDF and epub files included.
H. G. Wells' Island of Doctor Moreau Roleplaying Game puts you right in the heart of the eerie, twisted world envisioned by one of science fiction's greatest minds. It's a deep dive into human nature, morality, and the blurred lines between science and madness. Here, you not only play a character, you become part of a living, breathing story that adapts and evolves with every choice you make.
The book is your gateway to exploring the tension and terror of Moreau's infamous island, where grotesque experiments have birthed creatures caught between humanity and beast. Whether you’re wrestling with the ethics of science or fighting to survive in a world where the rules of nature no longer apply, the narrative is driven by your decisions. This isn’t about rolling dice and smashing through obstacles, it's about navigating dilemmas, building relationships, and confronting the horrifying consequences of unchecked ambition.
What makes this sourcebook stand out? It's all about imagination, collaboration, and agency. The story-focused structure gives you the freedom to craft intricate tales while the character-driven approach ensures that every action carries weight. The gamemaster is a collaborator, working with the players to create a session that’s immersive, unpredictable, and downright unforgettable.
Fans of the original novel will feel right at home. The tone and setting remain true to Wells’ haunting masterpiece, from the eerie jungle shadows to the unsettling presence of Moreau himself. At the same time, this roleplaying experience offers a fresh perspective, letting you explore the story from angles you’ve never considered. It’s familiar, but it’s not the same journey you’ve read a dozen times, it’s yours, shaped by choices and brought to life by imagination.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves roleplaying but wants more from their sessions than combat and looting. If you’re tired of the same old grind and crave a story where every conversation matters, where your character’s arc feels real, and where the stakes are more than a pile of gold or a bigger sword, then this is exactly what you need.
Whether you’re drawn to the ethical quagmire of Moreau’s experiments, the psychological depth of the human-beast hybrids, or the sheer terror of being stranded on an island with no way out, Island of Doctor Moreau delivers. It’s a story you create, a narrative that will linger long after the session ends.
Ready to challenge your assumptions about humanity, power, and the price of progress? This is your chance to step onto the island and see how far you’re willing to go when faced with the unimaginable.
All literary roleplaying games published by Lightspress use The Simple Approach system and philosophy, and are completely compatible with one another, making all sorts of interesting crossovers possible.
Navigating This Book
Here’s what you’ll uncover in these pages:
Overview: This section opens with an exploration of The Island of Doctor Moreau, its origins, its historical context, and why it’s the perfect foundation for a roleplaying setting. The themes of science run amok, humanity’s hubris, and the blurred lines between man and beast offer endless narrative potential. Whether you’re a long-time fan of H. G. Wells or coming to the story for the first time, this deep dive will leave you eager to make the island your own.
Characters: Dive into the cast of the original novel, from the coldly methodical Doctor Moreau to the conflicted Montgomery and the tragic hybrids that populate the island. You’ll also find guidance for creating original characters that fit seamlessly into the setting, along with a robust character creation system built specifically for this roleplaying experience. Craft complex personalities who navigate moral dilemmas, confront monstrosities, and question their humanity.
Factions: The book details the major factions and power structures from the novel, from Moreau’s dominion to the hybrid creatures who follow the Law. Beyond that, it offers inspiration for inventing new factions, whether they’re rival scientists, explorers seeking to plunder the island’s secrets, or resistance movements among the hybrids. These groups add layers of tension and intrigue to any session.
Setting: Step into the shadowy jungles and treacherous beaches of Moreau’s island. This section goes beyond the novel, offering a fuller understanding of the time period and how the setting can be expanded. Build out the wider world, from the ships that visit the island’s shores to the scientific circles grappling with rumors of Moreau’s work. The detailed exploration will help you make the setting feel alive and immersive.
The System: This is where the mechanics of The Simple Approach come into play, adapted specifically for The Island of Doctor Moreau. The rules are streamlined, story-focused, and character-driven, giving you the tools to keep the narrative flowing while ensuring every decision matters. Whether you’re a veteran of the system or completely new, the mechanics are easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Beat Chart: The original novel is broken down into narrative beats, each mapped out for use in your sessions. You can recreate the book’s story as written, remix the beats to suit your group, or use them as a springboard for completely original tales. It’s a flexible structure that caters to both literary purists and creative adventurers.
Prequels: What happened before Prendick’s arrival? This section explores ways to create prequels that examine Moreau’s experiments, Montgomery’s fall from grace, or the early lives of the hybrids. These stories offer a chance to explore new perspectives and set the stage for the events of the novel.
Side Stories: What’s happening elsewhere on the island while Prendick is unraveling Moreau’s secrets? Discover ideas for parallel narratives that expand the world and give other characters their moment in the spotlight. Side stories can add depth and dimension, making the island feel bigger and more interconnected.
Sequels: What happens after the novel’s conclusion? This section provides inspiration for continuing the story, exploring the fates of the hybrids, the consequences of Moreau’s experiments, or new characters who find themselves drawn to the island. Sequels can take the narrative in bold, unexpected directions.
Crossovers: Imagine what happens when The Island of Doctor Moreau collides with other literary worlds. Could Moreau’s island catch the attention of Sherlock Holmes, or might a stranded time traveler from The Time Machine stumble upon its shores? This section is full of creative ways to blend Wells’ work with other classic stories.
Reference: Finally, you’ll find a comprehensive toolkit: stock characters, ready-made creatures, and equipment tailored to the setting. Notes on converting this material into other systems, or bringing content from elsewhere into this one, ensure the book’s versatility. Whether you’re sticking to The Simple Approach or blending it with your favorite system, this section has you covered.
273 pages. PDF and epub files included.
H. G. Wells' Island of Doctor Moreau Roleplaying Game puts you right in the heart of the eerie, twisted world envisioned by one of science fiction's greatest minds. It's a deep dive into human nature, morality, and the blurred lines between science and madness. Here, you not only play a character, you become part of a living, breathing story that adapts and evolves with every choice you make.
The book is your gateway to exploring the tension and terror of Moreau's infamous island, where grotesque experiments have birthed creatures caught between humanity and beast. Whether you’re wrestling with the ethics of science or fighting to survive in a world where the rules of nature no longer apply, the narrative is driven by your decisions. This isn’t about rolling dice and smashing through obstacles, it's about navigating dilemmas, building relationships, and confronting the horrifying consequences of unchecked ambition.
What makes this sourcebook stand out? It's all about imagination, collaboration, and agency. The story-focused structure gives you the freedom to craft intricate tales while the character-driven approach ensures that every action carries weight. The gamemaster is a collaborator, working with the players to create a session that’s immersive, unpredictable, and downright unforgettable.
Fans of the original novel will feel right at home. The tone and setting remain true to Wells’ haunting masterpiece, from the eerie jungle shadows to the unsettling presence of Moreau himself. At the same time, this roleplaying experience offers a fresh perspective, letting you explore the story from angles you’ve never considered. It’s familiar, but it’s not the same journey you’ve read a dozen times, it’s yours, shaped by choices and brought to life by imagination.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves roleplaying but wants more from their sessions than combat and looting. If you’re tired of the same old grind and crave a story where every conversation matters, where your character’s arc feels real, and where the stakes are more than a pile of gold or a bigger sword, then this is exactly what you need.
Whether you’re drawn to the ethical quagmire of Moreau’s experiments, the psychological depth of the human-beast hybrids, or the sheer terror of being stranded on an island with no way out, Island of Doctor Moreau delivers. It’s a story you create, a narrative that will linger long after the session ends.
Ready to challenge your assumptions about humanity, power, and the price of progress? This is your chance to step onto the island and see how far you’re willing to go when faced with the unimaginable.
All literary roleplaying games published by Lightspress use The Simple Approach system and philosophy, and are completely compatible with one another, making all sorts of interesting crossovers possible.
Navigating This Book
Here’s what you’ll uncover in these pages:
Overview: This section opens with an exploration of The Island of Doctor Moreau, its origins, its historical context, and why it’s the perfect foundation for a roleplaying setting. The themes of science run amok, humanity’s hubris, and the blurred lines between man and beast offer endless narrative potential. Whether you’re a long-time fan of H. G. Wells or coming to the story for the first time, this deep dive will leave you eager to make the island your own.
Characters: Dive into the cast of the original novel, from the coldly methodical Doctor Moreau to the conflicted Montgomery and the tragic hybrids that populate the island. You’ll also find guidance for creating original characters that fit seamlessly into the setting, along with a robust character creation system built specifically for this roleplaying experience. Craft complex personalities who navigate moral dilemmas, confront monstrosities, and question their humanity.
Factions: The book details the major factions and power structures from the novel, from Moreau’s dominion to the hybrid creatures who follow the Law. Beyond that, it offers inspiration for inventing new factions, whether they’re rival scientists, explorers seeking to plunder the island’s secrets, or resistance movements among the hybrids. These groups add layers of tension and intrigue to any session.
Setting: Step into the shadowy jungles and treacherous beaches of Moreau’s island. This section goes beyond the novel, offering a fuller understanding of the time period and how the setting can be expanded. Build out the wider world, from the ships that visit the island’s shores to the scientific circles grappling with rumors of Moreau’s work. The detailed exploration will help you make the setting feel alive and immersive.
The System: This is where the mechanics of The Simple Approach come into play, adapted specifically for The Island of Doctor Moreau. The rules are streamlined, story-focused, and character-driven, giving you the tools to keep the narrative flowing while ensuring every decision matters. Whether you’re a veteran of the system or completely new, the mechanics are easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Beat Chart: The original novel is broken down into narrative beats, each mapped out for use in your sessions. You can recreate the book’s story as written, remix the beats to suit your group, or use them as a springboard for completely original tales. It’s a flexible structure that caters to both literary purists and creative adventurers.
Prequels: What happened before Prendick’s arrival? This section explores ways to create prequels that examine Moreau’s experiments, Montgomery’s fall from grace, or the early lives of the hybrids. These stories offer a chance to explore new perspectives and set the stage for the events of the novel.
Side Stories: What’s happening elsewhere on the island while Prendick is unraveling Moreau’s secrets? Discover ideas for parallel narratives that expand the world and give other characters their moment in the spotlight. Side stories can add depth and dimension, making the island feel bigger and more interconnected.
Sequels: What happens after the novel’s conclusion? This section provides inspiration for continuing the story, exploring the fates of the hybrids, the consequences of Moreau’s experiments, or new characters who find themselves drawn to the island. Sequels can take the narrative in bold, unexpected directions.
Crossovers: Imagine what happens when The Island of Doctor Moreau collides with other literary worlds. Could Moreau’s island catch the attention of Sherlock Holmes, or might a stranded time traveler from The Time Machine stumble upon its shores? This section is full of creative ways to blend Wells’ work with other classic stories.
Reference: Finally, you’ll find a comprehensive toolkit: stock characters, ready-made creatures, and equipment tailored to the setting. Notes on converting this material into other systems, or bringing content from elsewhere into this one, ensure the book’s versatility. Whether you’re sticking to The Simple Approach or blending it with your favorite system, this section has you covered.
273 pages. PDF and epub files included.