Discovering Alterra Age of Exploration: A TTRPG Review

Today we jump into the world of “Alterra: Age of Exploration” created by Parrish Danforth and Evan Hamilton. Welcome to our TTRPG series on All Ages of Geek where we dive into different worlds you can immerse yourself in, and mechanics you can master.

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Introduction to “Alterra: Age of Exploration”

“Alterra: Age of Exploration” is an inviting gateway into the realm of tabletop role-playing games, designed to bridge the gap between seasoned role-players and newcomers. This rules-light, open-license RPG is perfect for experienced players eager to introduce others to the joys of role-playing. With a vibrant world to explore, intuitive mechanics, and stunning artwork, “Alterra: Age of Exploration” offers an accessible yet richly detailed gaming experience.

The World of Alterra in Age of Exploration

Setting and Atmosphere

Set in the bright and optimistic world of Alterra, Age of Exploration eschews the grim darkness of many fantasy settings for a more noble-bright tone. Here, adventures unfold in tactically rich outdoor scenes rather than confined dungeon corridors. The world is lush with diverse landscapes, from verdant forests to majestic mountains, inviting players to immerse themselves in its beauty and wonder.

A set of four detailed tabletop RPG maps from the "Alterra Age of Exploration" series, featuring various environments such as a river with boats, a lush forest, a mystical night scene, and an ancient temple. Each map is gridded for gameplay, showcasing vibrant and immersive artwork suitable for enhancing tabletop role-playing adventures.

Artistic Inspiration for “Alterra: Age of Exploration”

Featuring art by David Revoy, Matt Holmberg, Aikurisu, and Party of 2, the visual style of “Alterra: Age of Exploration” is inspired by the enchanting aesthetics of Studio Ghibli. This art breathes life into the world of Alterra, with each piece capturing the magical essence of the setting.

“Alterra: Age of Exploration” Gameplay and Mechanics

Card-Based System

“Alterra: Age of Exploration” employs a card-based system where every spell, weapon, and item has its own card. This design ensures that combat moves swiftly, as players have all their options laid out before them. The cards are not only functional but also beautifully illustrated, enhancing the tactile and visual appeal of the game.

Box and components of "Alterra Age of Exploration" tabletop game, including detailed maps, character standees, colorful cards, and a set of multi-sided dice. The game cover features an adventurer and a cat in a lush, fantastical forest, capturing the spirit of exploration and adventure.

Rules-Light Approach

The simplicity of “Alterra: Age of Exploration’s” mechanics is one of its standout features. Everything players need to know fits on a two-page Quickstart Guide. This makes it easy for first-time game masters and players to dive into the action without being bogged down by complex rules. The streamlined approach ensures that the focus remains on storytelling and exploration.

Elemental Spell Schools

Players can choose from one of six elemental spell schools, each offering a distinct flavor of magic and tactical advantages. These schools add depth to character customization and strategic gameplay, allowing players to tailor their abilities to fit their unique playstyle. The diverse array of magical schools ensures that every player can find a path that resonates with their character’s story and strengths, enhancing the game’s richness and replayability.

Exploration and Quests

Exploration is at the heart of “Alterra: Age of Exploration”. Players can embark on epic quests that take them across the realm, uncovering hidden secrets and facing formidable foes. The game master (GM) plays a crucial role in guiding these adventures, crafting intricate storylines that create personal character arcs and grand, world-shaping events.

Creating and Customizing Adventures in “Alterra: Age of Exploration”

Collaborative World-Building

The open-license nature of “Alterra: Age of Exploration” invites players and game masters to contribute to the world of Alterra. This collaborative spirit fosters a dynamic and ever-evolving game environment. Players can easily customize their adventures, adding personal touches that make each campaign unique.

Character punch-out sheet from the "Alterra Age of Exploration" tabletop game, featuring various detailed figures including goblins, knights, dwarves, dragons, a griffin, and a shark warrior. Each character is colorfully illustrated and designed for use as standees in the game, enhancing the visual and immersive experience of gameplay.

Digital and Physical Components

The game includes 72 cards in a tuck box, with all other materials available digitally. The Print and Play Edition includes illustrated cards for spells, weapons, and treasures, helping players visualize and plan their turns. Additional digital files include all cards, a Player Quickstart Guide, and an introductory adventure. These resources ensure that both digital and physical gameplay experiences are seamless and enjoyable.

Personal Experience with “Alterra: Age of Exploration”

Diving into “Alterra: Age of Exploration” reveals a game that is super welcoming. A memorable session involved a group of adventurers setting out to explore a mystical forest known for its ancient secrets. The use of illustrated cards for spells and items made the game intuitive allowing players to focus on their strategic choices and role-playing.

In one particularly exciting encounter, the group faced off against a band of marauding creatures under the canopy of ancient trees. The swift card-based combat system kept the action flowing smoothly, while the vibrant descriptions and artwork brought the scene to life. The adventurers, drawing from different spell schools, combined their abilities in creative ways to overcome the threat, showcasing the game’s emphasis on teamwork and tactical depth.

Thematic Depth and Emotional Resonance in “Alterra: Age of Exploration”

“Alterra: Age of Exploration” excels in tying thematic depth into its gameplay. The noble-bright tone of the world, combined with the detailed art and collaborative storytelling, creates an emotionally resonant experience. Players embark on quests that not only test their skills but also explore themes of heroism, discovery, and camaraderie.

Is “Alterra: Age of Exploration” the TTRPG for You?

“Alterra: Age of Exploration” is an excellent choice for those seeking a rules-light, visually stunning, and collaborative TTRPG experience. Its accessible mechanics, combined with the rich, optimistic world of Alterra, make it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned role-players. Whether exploring enchanted forests or battling mystical creatures, “Alterra: Age of Exploration” offers an adventure that is both engaging and memorable.

Play “Alterra: Age of Exploration”

For those ready to embark on their own journey in the world of Alterra, the Print and Play version is available for free download. Players can also look forward to professionally printed spell and item cards, as well as the Kickstarter version, which promises even more exciting content and enhancements.

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Bailey Harris

Bailey, born in 1988, is a passionate and analytical writer specializing in TTRPGs, MMORPGs, and Light Novels. Known for descriptive and meticulously detailed reviews, Bailey's work serves as a valuable resource for research. His love for geography shines through in vivid descriptions of maps and locations. Bailey's articles immerse readers in the intricate worlds of games and novels.