Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
rules:what_is_a_rpg [2025/06/25 19:48] – Ron Helwigrules:what_is_a_rpg [2025/07/02 18:01] (current) – Ron Helwig
Line 1: Line 1:
 << rules:start ^ rules:start ^ rules:attributes >> << rules:start ^ rules:start ^ rules:attributes >>
 +
 # What is an RPG? # What is an RPG?
  
Line 6: Line 7:
 This system is designed to be **modular**. That means as a game master or group, you can **curate** your version of the game—deciding which rules and tools to include, and which to leave out. To support that flexibility, we’ve taken a close look at what really makes a roleplaying game work. This system is designed to be **modular**. That means as a game master or group, you can **curate** your version of the game—deciding which rules and tools to include, and which to leave out. To support that flexibility, we’ve taken a close look at what really makes a roleplaying game work.
  
-This page explains the **core components** every RPG needs in order to be playable and enjoyable. You don’t need to use every part of the system we offer—many features (like Species, Body Types, Communities, or even Backgrounds) are optional. But some elements are foundational. If you remove or change them, your version may no longer function as a true game.+This page explains the **core components** every RPG needs in order to be playable and enjoyable. You don’t need to use every part of the system we offer—many features (like Species, Body Types, Communities, and Backgrounds) are optional. But some elements are foundational. If you remove or change them, your version may no longer function as a true game.
  
 If you're interested in how to curate or build your own version, see [[:rules:customizing]] later in the handbook. If you're interested in how to curate or build your own version, see [[:rules:customizing]] later in the handbook.
 +
 +---
  
 ## Core Components of an RPG ## Core Components of an RPG
Line 44: Line 47:
 Even in systems without a GM, someone must: Even in systems without a GM, someone must:
  
-- **Describe the situation**. +- **Describe the situation** 
-- **Call for conflict resolution** when needed. +- **Call for conflict resolution** when needed 
-- **Interpret results** and determine what happens next.+- **Interpret results** and determine what happens next
  
 Without a clear source of narrative authority, the story can't move forward in a consistent way. Without a clear source of narrative authority, the story can't move forward in a consistent way.
Line 69: Line 72:
  
 ...players need to **manage limited resources**. These constraints make decisions meaningful, encourage teamwork, and allow for both tension and triumph. ...players need to **manage limited resources**. These constraints make decisions meaningful, encourage teamwork, and allow for both tension and triumph.
 +
 +---
  
 ## Optional Tools ## Optional Tools
Line 77: Line 82:
 - **Body Types**: Flavorful and sometimes mechanical, but optional. - **Body Types**: Flavorful and sometimes mechanical, but optional.
 - **Backgrounds & Communities**: Add depth and connection, but not required. - **Backgrounds & Communities**: Add depth and connection, but not required.
-- **Domains**: Central to this system’s identity, but could be replaced or simplified in a curated variant.+- **Domains**: These are central to this system’s identity, but can be simplified or reimagined in curated variants. 
 +- We think **Team Actions** are great, but you might not. 
 + 
 +Other features are essential to play, but **can be replaced** with alternatives: 
 + 
 +- **Aspects** could be swapped for standard attributes and skill lists (like D&D). 
 +- The **d4 Dice Pool** could be replaced by a **d20 Test**, *Daggerheart’s* **Duality Dice**, or something else. 
 +- **Damage Thresholds** (Serious & Critical), along with HP and Stress, could be replaced by simpler or more abstract durability systems. 
 + 
 +---
  
 ## Final Thought ## Final Thought
Line 85: Line 99:
 This structure only works when there’s a **shared understanding** of how to make decisions, resolve actions, and move forward together. This structure only works when there’s a **shared understanding** of how to make decisions, resolve actions, and move forward together.
  
-So curate boldly—but don’t forget the pillars that hold the system up.+So curate boldly—but don’t forget the **pillars** that hold the system up.