Hey everyone! After taking a bit of a break from DMing, I’m looking to jump back in but this time with a fun twist. I’m thinking of creating a campaign inspired by the Silk Road, where players are the first to travel this mythical route in my fantasy world. I’m searching for an RPG system that can effectively blend elements of survival, city exploration, and combat. I want something that isn’t overly complex but can still accommodate the rich narrative I’m aiming for. Any recommendations for systems that fit this vibe? Low fantasy is totally fine too!
6 Answers
OSR games are all about exploration and survival! They’re popular with DMs looking for less prep. Check out Old-School Essentials or Knave 2E for more low-prep options. If you want something different, Ryutama could be great too! It focuses on travel and has a cheerful vibe, perfect for exploration-focused stories.
Definitely! It’s straightforward and fun for lighter campaigns.
Fabula Ultima could be a fantastic fit for your needs! It’s designed with travel in mind, although it doesn’t track food or resources. The game has a merchant class, which aligns well with your theme, and features plenty of engaging challenges during travel. It’s narrative-focused and easy to learn, making it a solid choice for your adventure!
That sounds awesome!
I’ve heard it’s JRPG-inspired. Does it really feel that way in actual gameplay? I’m not really into JRPGs…
Totally! It has its own charm, but it’s not overly JRPG-ish in mechanics.
For a classic take, you might want to look into “A Magical Society: Silk Road” by Expeditious Retreat Press. It’s geared more towards D&D 3e but provides some great ideas on designing a silk road setting. I haven’t delved too deep into it yet, but I think it could spark some inspiration for your campaign!
I’d recommend GURPS, especially their “GURPS Hot Spots: The Silk Road” book. It’s not everyone’s favorite system here, but it’s great for dynamic settings. It covers culture, trade, and exploration very well, while giving plenty of rules for survival and combat. The main GURPS system supports all kinds of themes, so it could be flexible for your campaign!
Consider Wild Sea! The game is centered around navigating a unique, forest-like ocean. It allows for tons of player input, so it’s light on prep work. You’ll also get classes like navigator and they’re perfect for your idea of travel!
Sounds intriguing! Do you get a ship in the game?
Yes, you get a free ship, plus multiple classes that align with exploration!
If you’re considering a system that handles caravan traveling well, check out Ultraviolet Grasslands. It’s recently released a free beta guide called the Vastlands Guidebook which has a lot of similarities with 5E. Definitely worth a look!
Ryutama sounds cool! Is it easy to run?