Hey everyone! I’ve been diving into various TTRPG combat systems for a personal project and I’m searching for something specific. I’m looking for a game that incorporates the following principles into its combat mechanics, though I’m aware that not every game will tick all boxes. If you know of any games that do multiple or even one of these in a unique way, I’d love to hear about it! Here are my core principles:
1. **Measured Progress Toward an Alternate Goal** – I’m looking for a system where combat isn’t just about reducing hit points, but also involves achieving emotional or philosophical milestones. Many PbtA systems offer alternate goals but lack concrete mechanics for tracking success.
2. **Suitable for 1v1** – I’d like the rules to support situations with just two combatants, while also allowing for larger battles.
3. **Dynamic** – I want combat to feel varied and avoid repetitive actions. Incentives for tactical advantages would be a plus.
4. **Builds to a Climax** – Combat should lead to significant events or transformations in power dynamics, instead of being about attrition.
5. **Talking is Important** – The best fictional combats often weave emotional conversations into the fight. I’m looking for systems where dialogue impacts combat mechanics.
6. **Streamlined with Defined Options** – The rules should be easy to understand and quick to play, with distinct options available during combat.
1 Answer
You might want to check out Starforged! It seems to fit a lot of your criteria, particularly with measured progress and dynamic choices during combat. Plus, it’s designed for solo play which might also give you some interesting insights for your project.
Sounds intriguing! What aspects do you think it does particularly well?