Questions about which game systems have been used for a given purpose. Questions and answers must follow certain guidelines, see the tag wiki for the link.
9
votes
4answers
200 views
Effective game mechanics for handling conflicts with spirits
A very effective set piece can be conflict with the spirit world. A nice example of the kind of thing I am thinking of is from the 1982 Conan film, where the wizard opens a gateway to the spirit ...
8
votes
5answers
512 views
An RPG with less emphasis on 'acting'
I have a friend who is rather shy and is reluctant to join in with my RPG hobby. Their main complaint is that they aren't confident enough to roleplay with others. (Or "act," as they say it.) They are ...
8
votes
10answers
791 views
Non-heroic Post-apocalyptic systems
I am slowly preparing to start my first campaign in a non-DnD setting, and I wanted to start something in a post-apocalyptical setting. I have thought about using modern d20, I like that there are ...
8
votes
15answers
771 views
Occult modern world setting
Recently I have noticed I am a fan of RPGs set in dark occult versions of our own world, like World of Darkness or Dresden Files. While I have played other games, these simply suit me best. So maybe ...
8
votes
9answers
418 views
Best system for a Mortal Kombat style campaign?
What would in your opinion be the best system to play a campaign based on Mortal Kombat?
By this I mean:
a system with a heavy emphasis on martial arts.
this must include supernatural martial arts ...
8
votes
10answers
690 views
What RPG worlds/systems work best together in crossover combinations? [closed]
I'm curious: What RPG worlds have you combined most successfully in a crossover setting as a GM? (Or what was the best crossover that you played as a player?)
My best experiences almost always ...
8
votes
5answers
340 views
What systems use interesting questions to inspire character backgrounds?
In another question, it was suggested that the game "Dread" has a number of questions to make players really consider their character's backstory and personality. However, I'm planning to run a ...
8
votes
6answers
276 views
Looking for Role playing games with interesting social mechanics
Hopefully this produces some interesting sources for inspiration for my own designs: does anyone know of a system with an interesting take on handling social and similar situations, such as a debate ...
8
votes
6answers
265 views
What game systems have a large number of adventures available for them?
One of the huge advantages of playing D&D (any edition) is that it has a truly huge base of adventures, both published and fan-made. Call of Cthulhu also has a reasonably large basis of both ...
8
votes
5answers
295 views
Making an actual system for “playing war”
When I was a kid, we used to play soldiers on a field outside the school. We would make our own toy guns out of wood and make camps, sniping each other in the tall grass. It was a bit like a ...
8
votes
4answers
244 views
Are there any other Beer & Pretzel PnP games along the lines of Paranoia? [closed]
Are there any other Beer & Pretzel PnP games along the lines of Paranoia? Silly games, or mold breaking games meant to be played over hours or at most a few game sessions as opposed to longer more ...
8
votes
4answers
621 views
What game system is best suited for running a campaign based on EVE Online?
The game system would need to (at least) handle the following well:
detailed rules for space combat (especially movement in space and damage to ships)
highly customizable ships (preferably offering ...
8
votes
3answers
162 views
short campaign with well defined characters
I am about to leave my home country and since I haven't been playing any RPG recently, I would like to play for the last time with my friends. I don't really have much time to prepare a game of my ...
8
votes
1answer
205 views
System Recommendation: Gritty Sci-fi
I am looking to start writing a campaign for some friends, but am not sure what system to use for this. I am trying to be as specific as possible with my requirements, so as not to end up asking a ...
8
votes
2answers
302 views
Games with mechanics for introducing new players/characters?
My current D&D group has a pretty high turnover rate (we average around 16 active players). To help manage this, we have a few activities performed whenever a new player joins:
Their interview ...
7
votes
8answers
743 views
What are the advantages of Tabletop Roleplaying Games over MMORPGS and CRPGs [closed]
Normally this question would be highly subjective. But it cuts to heart of the current state of the hobby. When Dungeons & Dragons and RPGs developed in the 70's there was nothing else like it in ...
7
votes
8answers
533 views
A fantasy game with a good Noble class?
I'm looking for a system, class based preferably, which allows me to play a noble (i.e., the son of a lord baron, etc., forced to adventure). I am looking for something along the lines of SW Saga's ...
7
votes
5answers
410 views
Where can I find a non-Lovecraftian medieval religious horror game that will inspire dread in my players?
I am looking for a game which explores the Horror genre, specifically by instilling Dread in my players, I also need the game to focus on religous horror and Magic Realism. I would like the mechanics ...
7
votes
8answers
465 views
Which systems do you find most realistically model progression through skills?
The role-playing systems I've played so far seem to either provide a mostly artificial skill system progression, or ignore skill progression entirely.
I'd like to learn about, and maybe try playing, ...
7
votes
8answers
860 views
RPG system based on Diablo?
What pen and paper system would come closest to the advancement mechanics of the computer game Diablo - in particular class advancement with a talent/ability tree?
7
votes
4answers
139 views
What systems do use-based skill upgrades well? [closed]
By "use-based skill upgrades," I mean skills are increased as they're used. At some point, everyone questions the sense in killing just enough Orcs that you get better at sneaking. This sort of ...
7
votes
6answers
344 views
Are there any systems featuring skill atrophy?
I was thinking the other day about skill atrophy - the opposite of advancement. What I mean precisely is a system that takes a use-it-or-lose-it approach to even maintaining skill proficiency.
I was ...
7
votes
7answers
241 views
System for Setting: Misfits
On the recommendation of one of my players, I'm watching Misfits, a British TV show about kids (Their ages aren't so far specifically stated; they're old enough to drink and young enough to live at ...
7
votes
5answers
337 views
Game-within-a-Game Cross-Genre Ideas
I've started running the starter adventure on Eclipse Phase. I have an idea for our first full-length campaign, but it's a little complicated. I need a (relatively) simple game to play the part of a ...
7
votes
4answers
196 views
Systems that have rules for covert magic (Occult type magic)
What games system out there have a good ruleset for a covert magic system. For the lack of a better word I use covert in meaning that magic isn't obvious. Not that the magicians would have to hide, ...
7
votes
3answers
161 views
What games represent sports well?
I hear Clash Bowley is working on a new baseball-themed RPG. I've often thought how fantasy football fans are inches away from actually playing an RPG about sports. What RPGs out there are about ...
7
votes
3answers
162 views
What is a good way to get started with Tekumel gaming?
I've often fancied doing some gaming in Professor Barker's fascinating if rather complex world, but there seem to be a confusing array of products, essays and systems out there, all rather obscure and ...
7
votes
3answers
861 views
What are the most popular/well known larp systems that meet our requirements?
We've got a local LARP group in my area and we've been struggling with getting a good set of core rules. We've borrowed for a few system, but none of them seem to fit exactly what we want to do. ...
7
votes
3answers
136 views
Suggestions for a Mountain Witch follow-up?
We played a one-shot of Mountain Witch and some people have expressed interest in a similar game but whe don't feel like just reshuffling the dark destinies. Has anybody written similar scenarios or ...
7
votes
2answers
658 views
Rendering Final Fantasy Tactics Advance as a tabletop RPG
The setting of Final Fantasy Tactics (Advance) is remarkably compelling from a tabletop standpoint. By suggesting that the party are playing reconstructions of self-characters who can change jobs via ...
7
votes
0answers
336 views
Are there any adventures for younger children?
I have been running an Advanced Heroquest lite game for our 5 year old and he is ready for something with a bit more story and plot. Are there any adventures out there that are young children ...
6
votes
4answers
433 views
Looking for a nice magic system to convert to FATE
I'm playing around a lot with the FATE system at the moment (particularly with Diaspora) and I'm now looking at how I might apply it to a fantasy setting. What I'm looking for is a nice magic system ...
6
votes
5answers
461 views
What system would best capture the style and feel of TMNT mechanically?
After some (minimal) research I found out that Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles has its own RPG book: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness.
Some parts of the system above appear good, ...
6
votes
10answers
376 views
Which systems use the Cthulhu Mythos? [closed]
I need to know which systems use the Cthulhu Mythos. Could you give me a list?
Please give only systems that specifically reference the Cthulhu Mythos. For example, don't bother listing Escape From ...
6
votes
6answers
338 views
Tabletop RPG experience for someone only available for short interval at a time
Lately, I've been wanting to go back to the tabletop roleplaying. I have a few restraints though:
I know nobody who could play with me in my actual area.
With a quite active social life, I don't ...
6
votes
6answers
609 views
Combat system that is less abstract than hit points yet is not more lethal
I have a campaign based on battles with miniatures in mind, with my players controlling the standard "heroes". It should be possible for the players to keep their characters alive through the ...
6
votes
4answers
180 views
How can you translate Rashomon/The Rashomon Job into a one-off-game?
Inspired by: this. Related to: this.
Rashomon, at the core of the movie, is about the subjective point of view of reality. Four people see the same events transpire. While the events are roughly ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Choosing DnD 4th edition or Essentials for a new group and DM?
Recently I've got interested in roleplaying. My background is more or less hardcore boardgamer, I have played quite a large number of board games, even some of the most complicated ones and found it ...
6
votes
5answers
294 views
I am looking to expand my game library. What indie game should I purchase that best features non-standard rules? [closed]
I'm looking to expand my game system library, and I would like to tap the hive mind to find funky, offbeat core rules or settings.
What system should I add to my game library that best features ...
6
votes
3answers
152 views
Is there a game that places a similar amount of emphasis on the creation of worlds by player characters as the Myst series?
A major part of the premise of the Myst series is that a number of characters in the setting can 'write' worlds (mostly ones you could walk across in a few minutes). The gameplay of the series is ...
6
votes
1answer
408 views
Are there any RPGs released based on the world of Bas-Lag?
Bas-Lag is the great world of some novels from the British author China Miéville. Does anyone know any RPG based on this world?
6
votes
4answers
207 views
Is there a system with hit locations where missing hits another location?
This is my first time asking a question. I have only ever played D&D and I am now looking for a very different type of system.
My goal is to have a realistic system to use for a Zombie one-shot. ...
6
votes
4answers
230 views
Good games for inexperienced players and GMs?
I have been the GM for my little circle of friends for a few months. We are having trouble finding an RPG system to be comfortable with.
On my part, I seem to be unable to settle on any particular ...
6
votes
2answers
542 views
What is the closest system to Star Wars Saga edition that's still in print?
I'm playing a game of Star Wars Saga Edition with friends, but I was horrified to find that due to ownership of names, and systems etc the book is no longer in print, and getting hold of a copy is ...
6
votes
2answers
179 views
Are there PnP RPGs based on Moorcock's “non-Elric” works?
As the title of the Q says.
Are there any PnP RPGs based on those works of Michael Moorcock whose (anti)hero is not Elric?
6
votes
5answers
423 views
How do you port Dark Sun from AD&D to another system?
I really like Dark Sun; its depiction of a whole world gone bad is just amazing. Unfortunately I don't think that the AD&D rules are well suited to it -- a little too high fantasy to deal with ...
6
votes
3answers
266 views
What system or sourcebooks should I use to run a pre Roman, Celtic Britain campaign? [closed]
Someone I know, wants to run a campaign in Celtic Britain. He normally uses Pathfinder but is looking for something more appropriate to the background.
6
votes
5answers
596 views
What vampire-focused rpgs exist besides those made by White Wolf?
Just out of curiosity (not as if I wanted to run a game like this these days): Are there any good alternatives to Vampire: The Requiem/Masquerade that (instead of just making them available ...
6
votes
2answers
345 views
Implementing the rational magic and world from Harry Potter: Methods of Rationality in a game?
HP:MoR is a novel-length fanfiction by Eliezer Yudkowsky, exploring the concept of a rational Harry Potter.
The world is a profoundly rationalist world, and has elements of scientific experiment, ...
6
votes
3answers
294 views
A system for tactical magic duels with low handling time?
I'm trying to cobble together a solely magic-based campaign that will have a really flexible system of magic. I've always been a fan of the D20 system, but it does have its limitations: for this ...
