Hey everyone! I recently got into Troika!, which I think is a fantastic lightweight OSR system. It encourages a fun, collaborative storytelling approach with a unique sci-fi fantasy twist. I’m crafting a campaign where the players pilot an aether-faring vessel, but they’re stuck in a part of space because of a menacing space dragon (details still in the works!). I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from the AD&D Spelljammer books for this setting.
However, I’m having some doubts about whether Troika! is the right fit for this campaign. I’d love to infuse some epic themes into the game without losing the humor, but I’ve struggled with some aspects of OSR games. For instance, I’m hesitant to take risks with player character deaths and I’m unsure about how to support character progression numerically. Also, Troika! has a rather chaotic combat system and I prefer something a bit more tactical.
So, my question is: Is Troika! suitable for this kind of campaign? If so, how do I navigate long-term play and character advancement when OSR gameplay can be deadly? If not, could anyone suggest alternative systems that might work better? I’m especially looking to avoid D&D 5e, as I’m not a huge fan.
2 Answers
About that worry over player deaths—remember, it’s not about you killing them; it’s their own decisions and the world putting them in tough spots. Death in OSR can be intense, but high-level characters are pretty resilient with potions and resurrection options. So, don’t sweat it too much! As for character growth, in OSR games, it’s more about the journey. You could allow some small progression in stats or gear that you hand out as they accomplish quests, which can really encourage them to engage with the world.
You might want to consider using Genesys! It can handle a wide range of settings and provides mechanics for both narrative and tactical play. Plus, it’s flexible enough to incorporate all the weird science-fantasy elements you’re going for!
That’s a solid point! The focus really is on the world and how the players interact with it, not just keeping the characters alive.