The Gaming Den

Specifcally, El Eternauta (The Eternaut).

I got a copy at a book publisher's fair in argentina, it was written in the early 50's, and is considered to be a very subtle commentary on the politics of the time. My brother lost it on the plane ride back, but it turns out that my dad had brought back a novel-shaped version on a trip that he had taken years ago. I'm reading where I last left off.

I like it as fodder for a campaign b/c the premise of the protagonists is that of the "hero group", instead of the "sole protagonist".

The best problem solver in the game isn't the protagonist, it's a heavy-set physics proff; the bravest character isn't the protagonist, but a single guy that worked in a factory; the best shot early in the book is a 12-year old boy that worked in a metal-repair shop; the best resource manager is the narrator's wife (she seriously finds all sorts of supplies at the start of the book, and finds ways to keep the characters with gear when she is back in the story); the best all around fighter is a young soldier (obviously); the person with the best eyes if the main character's 8-year old daughter.

Really, the main character is middling/average at most of those things, and acts more as narrator and relayer of information than being an actual "hero."

Of course, it's got some problems with conversion to a game, but they shouldn't be too hard to work with.

I'll probably start the game with the players playing a card game, before the "lethal snow" begins to fall. I'll probably make it black... or lurid green. The bulk of the 'threats' I'll leave the same, since it means less creatures to create.

I'm not sure on the system though. I want lots of skills available, since I want the players to play literally, themselves; and will write up character sheets for the whole group; and hand them out to the players that show up, allowing players to round-robin characters that aren't there; or leave them behind to guard their home base.

Heck, the PCs might end up going from house to house of their friends and rescuing them, to gain more potential PCs.

Of course, the alien invaders might pose a threat to those plans.