Hey everyone! I’m gearing up to run a new tabletop RPG campaign as my current 5e game wraps up, and I’m looking for system recommendations. I want something that’s heavy on roleplaying and character development, especially since I’ll be inviting some actor and writer friends to join in. Combat isn’t a big deal for me, and one of my players specifically requested we avoid 5e.
I’ve got this low fantasy setting in mind, akin to the vibe of Welcome to Night Vale—there’s some magical weirdness, but it’s still grounded in a relatable world. I want characters to have some light magical abilities, like basic cantrips or minor spells, but nothing too overpowering.
My player group consists of one really experienced player, one who’s semi-experienced, and a new player who’s only tried 5e once but knows video game RPGs. Ideally, I’d like a system that’s beginner-friendly but doesn’t hold their hands too much.
I’ve previously DMed a campaign using Monster Hearts and am considering something similar but with more mature themes and different character mechanics. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
6 Answers
You should check out Burning Wheel. It’s all about character growth and development, and you can definitely have serious roleplay with minimal combat focus. It really shines in creating deep and dramatic characters, despite them potentially being under-equipped for fights.
Sounds interesting! I haven’t encountered that before; I’ll definitely give it a look!
What do you want from your system? Do you need detailed mechanics for relationships, character growth, and social interactions, or are you fine with a basic resolution system? If you’re looking for something light yet creative, Troika! could work, and for something more structured, you might like Monster of the Week—it’s less whimsical but could fit your narrative style well.
I definitely appreciate a system with consideration for social interactions and character development, much like Monster Hearts! I’ll look into Monster of the Week, since my player has experience with it.
If you’re leaning towards a game where mechanics play second fiddle to storytelling, give Fate Accelerated a shot. It’s super flexible and doesn’t emphasize dice rolling too heavily. You can have sessions where characters’ interactions take center stage with minimal combat. Perfect for the vibe you’re going for!
Exactly! Some version of Fate might be the right fit; it’ll really let your players shine.
Totally agree! I played a campaign like that, and you hardly roll dice; it feels more like acting out a story.
Have you checked out Fantasy World? It’s rules-light and focused heavily on character arcs, and the magic system is quite low-key. It’s designed to adapt to varied settings, so you could easily integrate your ideas. Plus, the core rules are free to access online, which is a bonus!
How about checking out “The Dark Eye”? It’s got a rich setting and allows for mundane characters. The magic is there, but much weaker than in dungeons & dragons, and you can run long parts of the game without needing combat. It might really fit the environment you’re working with!
Oh, I’ve never heard of that before! Another intriguing option for me to explore.
I feel you could also explore Dragonbane. While it’s not as intense as Burning Wheel in terms of mechanics, it has enough to encourage roleplaying, and it’s easier for new players to pick up. Plus, it suits low-fantasy settings well!
Burning Wheel is perfect for character-driven stories—it’s less about the weapons and more about the people. I’ve seen parties run with just one sword, and the real drama unfolds from there.