I’ve primarily played Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder 1st Edition, but recently I’ve been curious about exploring other tabletop RPG systems. I got my hands on the rulebook for Lamentations of the Flame Princess (LotFP) a few years ago, and while the overall theme doesn’t really resonate with me for a campaign, there are two key features I’m really intrigued by.
First, I’m fascinated by how each class in LotFP has such a distinct role. For example, the fighter is the only class that improves its attack bonus while other classes remain stagnant at a maximum of +1. There’s also the specialist class, which allows for some skill use but is still fairly limited. Coming from systems where class abilities are blended more, it’s interesting to see this extreme specialization. Are there any other RPGs that feature this kind of class distinctiveness?
Secondly, I find the compact nature of the LotFP rulebook really charming. Are there other RPGs that come in a similarly small format, perfect for travel or quick sessions?
6 Answers
You might want to check out Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC). It has a unique approach to class specialization similar to LotFP, but be aware that the rulebook is a bit larger than yours might idealize. Still, it’s worth considering!
Also, they’ve got a bundle sale for DCC with Lankhmar adventures right now. Might be a good time to jump in!
For tiny rulebooks, I’ve got a few favorites! You should check out ‘2400’, ‘Mothership Player’s Survival Guide’, and ‘Dream Askew’. All of these have rules that are straightforward and fit nicely into a smaller package!
By the way, you can find tons of awesome RPG recommendations by genre and size on our Game Recommendations page. It’s a goldmine for finding new systems!
For what you’re looking for, many Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) games might fit the bill. Some have playbooks that vary significantly, so you get a great mix of roles. Games like Apocalypse World and Masks would definitely offer a fresh take on character specialization. Plus, many of these are in that compact size you’re after!
And just a heads up, many PbtA books are printed in 6×9 format, which is perfect for carrying around!
Yeah! Titles like Spire and Heart also have classes that are really unique and specialized. Once you see them, it’ll blow your mind how different they can be!
You should look at ‘Brighter Worlds’! It features fifteen unique roles, each with its own mechanics. It’s brief, accessible, and even free!
If you’re into OSR style games, there are plenty like OSE and Shadow Dark that have that class specialization you’re interested in. They’re simple and work well for quick games or travel. Definitely worth checking out!
True, but a lot of it is just tables and charts you don’t necessarily need to memorize, which helps with the size!