Outgunned is a cinematic action RPG that captures the pulse-pounding feel of classic action films. From high-speed car chases to intense shootouts, the game thrives on dramatic moments and over-the-top storytelling. At the core of this system lies the Outgunned RPG character sheet a tool that organizes your hero’s traits, abilities, and backstory into a streamlined layout. Whether you’re portraying a suave spy, a grizzled soldier, or a rebellious vigilante, understanding how to use and fill out this sheet is key to fully immersing yourself in the explosive world of Outgunned.
The Purpose of the Outgunned RPG Character Sheet
Tracking Everything That Matters
The Outgunned RPG character sheet is more than just a page of numbers. It’s your guide to who your character is, what they can do, and how they shine in the game’s cinematic spotlight. It contains everything from your character’s background and style to the weapons they wield and the drama they cause. It also includes core stats, health tracking, and unique mechanics like Hero Dice and Flashbacks that fuel the game’s narrative momentum.
Encouraging Narrative-Driven Play
Unlike traditional RPGs that focus heavily on stats and grid-based combat, Outgunned leans into action-movie storytelling. The character sheet supports this with sections dedicated to dramatic moments and character motivations. Players are encouraged to think like movie characters bold, daring, and full of personality. Your sheet reflects this through colorful mechanics that allow you to shine in the middle of chaos.
Core Elements of the Character Sheet
Character Identity
This section includes basic but essential information:
- Name The character’s chosen name or alias.
- Look A short description of their appearance, style, and attitude.
- Background Where they come from and how that influences their actions.
- Drive What motivates them revenge, redemption, loyalty, etc.
These details help flesh out your character’s role in the story and guide their choices during play.
Roles and Tropes
In Outgunned, your character adopts a Role and a Trope. The Role defines your mechanical function like Shooter, Driver, or Face while the Trope captures your archetype, such as Loose Cannon or Old Veteran. Together, they create a unique blend of skills and flavor, giving you tools for both narrative and mechanical gameplay.
Attributes and Skills
Characters are defined by core attributes that influence how well they perform certain tasks. Attributes typically include:
- Brawn Physical strength and resilience.
- Agility Speed, reflexes, and finesse.
- Smarts Intelligence, perception, and tactical thinking.
- Charm Persuasion, manipulation, and charisma.
These stats help determine the number of dice you roll during an action, combining with your chosen skills based on the situation.
Hero Dice and Flashbacks
One of the most distinctive features of the Outgunned system is the use of Hero Dice and Flashbacks. These elements are represented on the character sheet and can be used to twist the narrative in your favor.
- Hero Dice Special dice you can use to increase the success rate of dramatic actions. These are earned through stylish gameplay and spent to make key moves.
- Flashbacks A narrative mechanic where players can introduce events from the past to justify current actions. Your sheet includes a tracker for how many flashbacks you’ve used.
Both mechanics reward creativity and timing, encouraging players to play out scenes like a movie hero would.
Health, Stress, and Status
Instead of tracking hit points in a traditional way, Outgunned uses simplified damage and stress systems. The character sheet includes:
- Condition Track Tracks your current status: fine, injured, critical, or down.
- Stress Reflects psychological strain and tension from intense situations.
- Status Effects Temporary conditions like Bleeding, Pinned Down, or Panicked.
This approach keeps gameplay fast and fluid, emphasizing story over math.
Customizing Your Action Hero
Gear and Signature Moves
Your character sheet includes space to list weapons, gadgets, and gear. Each item should be described with cinematic flair, whether it’s a customized shotgun, grappling hook, or bulletproof sports car. Characters can also have Signature Moves unique actions they can perform with dramatic flair, often linked to their Trope or Role.
Allies, Rivals, and Contacts
Outgunned encourages players to build relationships within the game world. The sheet includes optional fields for:
- Allies NPCs who support or follow your lead.
- Rivals Characters with conflicting goals, often returning throughout the campaign.
- Contacts Useful individuals who provide information or gear.
These connections bring the world to life and make your hero feel grounded in their own story.
Tips for Filling Out the Character Sheet
Think in Tropes
Outgunned is built on genre awareness. When creating your character, don’t be afraid to lean into clichés just do it with style. Embrace the over-the-top traits of action movies and use them to inform every part of your character sheet, from their backstory to their battle tactics.
Keep It Visual
When writing descriptions, use visual language. What does your hero wear? How do they carry themselves? What makes them iconic on screen? These touches help the entire table picture your character as the star of an action film.
Balance Stats with Style
While attributes and skills matter mechanically, it’s the character’s personality and dramatic flair that define the game’s tone. Use the numbers to support your vision rather than dominate it. A low-stat character who makes bold moves is still a star if they play their role well.
Coordinate with the Group
Since Outgunned often mimics ensemble-cast movies likeMission: ImpossibleorFast & Furious, it’s helpful to coordinate with fellow players. Make sure each Role is distinct and that characters complement each other. The character sheet can also include team information if you’re working as part of a crew.
Making the Most of the Sheet During Play
Update Frequently
As the game progresses, characters grow, make decisions, and face consequences. Regularly update your sheet with new gear, injuries, and roleplay developments. The more detailed it is, the more you’ll feel invested in your hero’s journey.
Use It as a Performance Tool
Your character sheet is your script. Use it to remember motivations, act out signature lines, and make decisions in line with your hero’s identity. It’s not just about solving challenges it’s about performing your character in a high-stakes narrative.
The Outgunned RPG character sheet is an essential part of bringing your action hero to life. With a design that supports storytelling, dramatic gameplay, and over-the-top moments, it helps transform every session into a thrilling cinematic experience. Whether you’re diving through explosions or confronting your nemesis on a rooftop, your character sheet keeps your tools, personality, and drama front and center. In a game where bullets fly, tires squeal, and one-liners echo across the screen, this sheet is your passport to the spotlight.