# Palatine tags: #game/rpg/palatine ![[Palatine (cover).jpg]] _Palatine_ is a tabletop role-playing game that invites you to step into the expensive, probably gold-plated shoes of the ruling elite on Neo-Terrax—a planet so overpopulated and polluted that the sun is practically an afterthought. Developed by Gabriel Ciprés, it is a game where "the action rarely leaves the council chamber," because why bother with the grime of the real world when you can sentence millions to death with a flick of a fountain pen? It draws heavy, unapologetic inspiration from _Dune_, _Warhammer 40,000_, and the _Powered by the Apocalypse_ engine, ensuring that your inevitable descent into corruption is at least narratively satisfying. You aren't here to save the world; you’re here to make sure you’re the one holding the gavel when the lights finally go out. ## Core Die Resolution Mechanics The mechanics of _Palatine_ are built on the classic _Powered by the Apocalypse_ (PbtA) framework, though refined for the delicate art of backstabbing. Most actions are mediated through **Moves**, which trigger when a specific narrative condition is met. - **The Roll:** When a Move requires a roll, you throw **2d6** and add the relevant **Attribute** (Charisma, Cunning, or Determination). - **The Results:** - **10+ (Total Success):** You get exactly what you wanted, likely while looking dashing and principled. Complications are for the lesser nobility. - **7-9 (Partial Success):** You achieve your goal, but the universe demands its pound of flesh. You might stop a conspiracy but end up indebted to a crime syndicate, or find the information you need only to realize your enemies now have leverage over you. - **6 or less (Failure):** The Narrator makes a "Hard Move." This usually results in public scandals, riots, or the sudden, inconvenient death of a useful subordinate. The game also features a **Glory** track. If you hit 10, you win the campaign and go down in history (presumably before the planet explodes). If you hit 0, you are unceremoniously removed from office and must play a "Lesser Noble"—the equivalent of being demoted from CEO to the person who polices the office microwave. ## Editions and Evolution _Palatine_ originally surfaced as a "rough prototype" entry for the _Cyber-Punk Jam 012_. While the core PbtA identity has remained consistent, the game has evolved from its jam roots into a more structured political simulator. Early versions focused heavily on the immediate crises of Neo-Terrax, while the current iteration emphasizes the "Civilization Moves" (Expansion and Production), allowing the High Council to mismanage entire planetary systems rather than just a single, miserable city-globe. ## References - [Official Store Page - DriveThruRPG](https://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/550043/Palatine) - [Gabriel Ciprés' Developer Profile - itch.io](https://warbriel.itch.io/)