Free RPG List: traditional

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The 10 Minute RPG by Scott J. Compton: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A very simple generic fantasy RPG. Resolution is by rolling a number of d10s and summing the total with stat to compare to a target number. Higher task difficulty increases the number of d10s rolled but increases the target number even more. (The easiest is 1d10 + stat vs. 20; the hardest is 5d10 + stat vs. 100.) Character creation is by choosing a number of selections from race and profession, included in the Excel file. There is no setting per se, but there are 24 races described - including many monstrous ones. ~10 pages (Microsoft Excel format).
"Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook, 3rd edition" by Chris Perkins et al.: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy preview long; An author's take on what 3rd edition AD&D should have been, borrowing from Castles & Crusades as well as the first three editions of D&D. 162 pages basic rules (PDF).
The Allerian Empire: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; A "modified freeform fantasy play-by-post roleplaying adventure game over the internet". It uses freeform rules which are essentially social rules. ~2 pages HTML rules.
Ambarquenta: Tales of Fate in Middle Earth, release 7.0 by Georg Witrisal and The Heren Turambarion: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview; A preview release of an RPG set in Tolkien's Middle Earth. The PDF is password protected, requiring a password given over email by the creator. Character creation is limited point-based, and resolution is 2d10 + skill. Heroic results can come from use of the Ambar trait. 300 pages (PDF)
Altus Adventum Demo by Roderic Waibel: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite preview; The preview version of a fantasy RPG set on an original fantasy world -- the continent Algerian on the planet of Azorath, inhabited by humans, elves, dwarves, and gnomes. It uses the "InertiaX System" which emphasizes flexibility and speed of resolution for combat. Action resolution is a stepped dice pool (1d4, 2d4, and on up to 4d20, 5d20). 23 pages (PDF).
Animalball Melee: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite open-license; A simplified d20 combat engine for quick and easy gladiator fighting. 32 pages rules (PDF).
Arcan Myth by ProvoliK: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; An Italian-language low fantasy RPG, with an official setting called Endymia, though the system can be used with other fantasy settings. It uses a skill-based system, with resolution based on attribute + skill and a 1d12 check. It has 3 magic systems: one for mental powers, one for prayers and one for spells. 80 pages core rules (PDF), plus 49 pages magic rules (PDF) and 78 pages creature book (PDF).
Archeus by Colin Smith: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A medieval fantasy RPG. It uses a simple percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and a package of skills based on occupation. ~40 pages HTML rules (including races, skills, spells, and equipment).
ARG: The Adventure Role Play Gaming System by J.A. Partridge: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A fantasy-genre RPG set in the world of Anghar. It uses a detailed skill-based system, (skill+d20) vs difficulty. Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. Background on Anghar is detailed separately. ~40 pages rules (HTML) plus ~20 pages background (HTML).
Arumo: the Kingdom of Wilted Flowers by Kyle Marquis: Keywords: genre traditional scifi fantasy rules-lite preview wotc-d20; Preview of a fantasy RPG set in a world of organic technology. The current edition uses the WotC "D20" system, with additions specific to the world. ~10 pages HTML rules plus ~18 pages background.
Athala by Tristan Collet: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A free generic fantasy RPG in English and French. It uses a skill-based system, where action resolution uses 1d20 + skill bonus - penalty, and 20 or more succeeds. Character creation is class-based with random-roll attributes and limited point-buy. 31 page character book, plus 14 page rule book, plus 21 page magic book (PDF).
Ballad Fantasy by Dialog Publishing and James Flowers: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; "Ballad of a Greater Earth" Fantasy RPG, nominally set on a world similar to our own which in the future suffers an apocalyptic collapse to an early Renaissance level. It does not describe the world per se, but covers sorcery, miracles, and various traditional fantasy monsters. Resolution is by rolling a number of d6's based on difficulty: Easy(2d6) to Very Hard (5d6). Character creation is limited point-bought attributes and skills. 58 pages PDF.
The Basic Fantasy RPG by Chris Gonnerman: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview open-license; An "old school" variant of 3rd edition Dungeons & Dragons. 159 pages core rules (PDF).
The Battleaxe RPG, Reforged Edition by Kenneth Douglas Woolsey: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A fantasy RPG designed with kick-in-the-door gamers in mind, in a fantasy setting complete with familiar fantasy races. 400 pages (PDF).
Beyond the Mists by Benjamin W. Holty: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A medieval fantasy system. Character creation uses a mix of limited point-bought and random-roll attributes. Skills are based on a skill cluster (Stealth, Physical Combat, Magic, Religious, Mercantile, or Scientific) with some bonus skill points. ~80 pages HTML in various pages.
The Big Brown Book by Justen Brown: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; An "Old School Renaissance" variant of Dungeons & Dragons, using only d6s, and concentrating on the wargame roots. 214 pages rules (RTF or PDF).
Blue Rose Fast Play by John Snead and Steve Kenson: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview; A preview version of a commercial romantic fantasy RPG. The rules are based on third edition D&D / "D20", with major modifications including hit-point-less damage. The full version also includes a hero point system (Conviction Points), but it is not in this preview. This includes a brief adventure and sample characters. 20 pages (PDF).
Brutal, 3rd Edition by David J. Stanley: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite long; "A Hack-and-Slash Fantasy Horror Game". It uses a simple dice-pool system: roll a number of d6 equal to stat, and compare total with an opposed roll. Character creation is limited point-based. The basic rulebook includes a mass combat system and even an index. 96 pages basic rules, 10 pages magic rules, 84 pages monster booklets, 29 pages adventures (PDF).
Castles & Crusades Quick Start by Davis Chenault & Mac Golden: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview open-license; A quickstart version of the commercial RPG from Troll Lord Games that emulates early Dungeons & Dragons using a variant of the WotC OGL rules. The rules include character creation rules with four classes (fighter, rogue, wizard, and cleric) and three races (human, dwarf, and elf), combat rules, and a 3-page mini-adventure. There are no advancement rules, but the rules otherwise cover through level 4. 25 page preview rules (PDF)
Chivalry & Sorcery Essence by Colin D. Speirs, David Blewitt, and Steven Turner (Brittannia Game Designs): Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite preview; A short introduction to the commercial C&S system. It adapts concepts from the full game but with simplified rules. Action resolution is by roll under (attribute plus skill minus difficulty) on 1d20. Character creation is random-roll attributes, picking a social class and vocation. 4 pages rules (PDF).
Cinis by Weisman Stewart Burt: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy genre RPG set on the an original fantasy world ("Tigmar"), with background on the regions and races. There are twisted subhumans, high humans, halflings, goblins, frog-people, bird-people, and lizard-people -- but no dwarves or elves. Action resolution is by 3d12 + attribute + skill vs Difficulty. Character creation is random-roll attributes, and point-bought skills using an occupation and lifepath. 340 pages rules and background (PDF).
Circe by Bryce Harrington: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long open-license; A medieval fantasy system, with some parts designed with computer aids in mind (although it is not required). Released under the GNU Free Documentation License. Character creation is a mix of random-roll attributes and point-bought skills and extras. 143 pages core rules (PDF or MSWord).
The Cuckoo’s Nest Roleplaying Game by Jon Jones: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A live-action fantasy rules system. Character creation is limited point-based (attributes, virtues/flaws, and skills). Resolution assumes boffer weapons for combat, with a number of hit points of damage for each hit. Skills are resolved by reporting a number of the GM. ~120 pages rules (HTML).
Dagenthir by Thomas Schulze: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A German-language fantasy RPG set on an original world ("Dagenthir"). ~50 pages rules and background (HTML).
Dark Ages 2 by Michael Hoopmann: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; A freeware computer role-playing game for DOS and Windows.
Dark Coast by Torben Mogensen: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy game with a sample setting (The Grey Age). Character races include human, dwarf, elf, and giant along with Lutran (otter-like beings), Avials (intelligent parrot-like birds), and Seekers (immortal human-like wanderers). Character creation is open point-based, using experience points to buy up attribute-like Talents and skill-like Flairs. It uses a dice pool system where you roll d6s equal to Talent + difficulty + 1, and take out the lowest dice equal to Talent. The lowest die remaining determines the success level. The work-in-progress rules includes a magic system with 34 spells and a handful of monsters. 58 pages (PDF format).
Dark Dungeon, 2nd Edition by Jaap de Goede: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite preview; A fantasy genre game, the "Freeware Lite" version of a not-yet-published commercial game. Action resolution is skill + 1d10 vs difficulty. Character creation is open point-bought. The lite rules are generic fantasy, but there is a shared world ("Yaddrin") under development. 25 pages rules (PDF).
Demonwright by Andre Schönherr: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A German free fantasy RPG. It has random-roll attributes and character classes. 99 pages rules (PDF).
The Desert Realm Play-by-Post: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite online; A free play-by-post forum-based RPG. The site also features a scifi/fantasy search engine, link list, and newsletter. ~10 pages rules and background (HTML).
Disparity by Katie Gatto and David Roth: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A simple percentile skill-based system for an implied fantasy setting where the privileged rich lord over the farming masses. The player characters are adventurers collecting arcane items of power and useful bits of information to improve their lot. Character creation is open point-bought (50 points to split among skills per level), and advancement is level-based. There are rules for special talents and social background, but no rules for magic or non-human races. 28 pages Rogue's Manual (PDF) plus 1 page Storyteller's Tips (PDF) and 2 pages character sheet (PDF).
Dominion by Scott Gray and Sharon Tripp: Keywords: fantasy traditional long open-license; A fantasy genre boffer LARP (live action role playing game), including a low fantasy setting ("Uruk"), analogous to the Middle East. With only humans and rare magic. ~90 pages (HTML).
Dominion Rules 2.0 by Dominion Games: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy-genre set of rules, with a sample kingdom ("Gwenil"). It uses a skill-based system: roll 1d12 under skill or attribute. Character creation is via a random-roll number of attribute points, a random advantage table, and fixed skill points. There are generic systems for priestcraft and for witchcraft. 90 pages core rules (PDF), plus 20 page weapons/armor supplement (PDF), plus 92 page spellbook (PDF).
DQ Open Source: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy open-license; A version of the out-of-print commercial game DragonQuest, released by the "DQ Players' Association", without using any trademarks. 40 pages (PDF).
Dragonlands Online: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; An online fantasy RPG. ~15 pages narrative rules (text-only).
DragonNet (v3.0 beta 8): Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy RPG designed by committee over the internet. 99 pages (PDF).
Dragonspawn by Jeffrey R. Naujok: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A skill-based fantasy system, but without a generic skill roll: each skill is treated individually. 123 pages (MSWord, HTML, or PDF).
Dragonspires: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; A free online fantasy graphical chat and roleplaying game.
Dragon Wizards: Keywords: rules-lite fantasy traditional; This is a fantasy role-playing/card game with a deck of 84 multi-leveled cards. The complete rules are available free, with hundreds of monster cards, character cards, and equipment cards. 38 page Player's Guide (PDF), 60 page GM's Guide (PDF), 600+ cards in JPG format.
Drums of War (Version Alpha 4) by J Arcane: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A tabletop fantasy RPG set in the world of the World of Warcraft computer game series from Blizzard Entertainment. The system is based on Dungeons and Dragons, but does not use the Open Game License or D20 brand. Resolution is by rolling 2d10 plus attribute modifier vs. target number. Character creation is by rolling the five attributes on 2d6 (or variations) along with picking a race and class. 41 pages (PDF or HTML).
Dungeonslayers by Christian Kennig: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite open-license; Billed as "an old-fashioned roleplaying game", this is a simple fantasy RPG of dungeon-delving. Characters are described by 3 attributes (Body, Agility, and Mind), with six associated abilities. Resolution is based on roll under attribute + ability + modifiers on 1d20. 20 pages rules (PDF)
DwarvenWorld by Marco Dell'Acqua and Leorando Malcovati: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional supplement world; A medieval fantasy setting on a planet of higher density than Earth, with various human and dwarven kingdoms. ~27 pages HTML.
Earth of the Fourth Sun by Tom Slaughter: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy genre game with a skill-based system and a unique magic system. 180 pages (PDF format).
Eiridia by Ben Overmyer: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A fantasy-genre RPG system. It includes three classes and two races (humans and Changed Ones) but no background. The system is percentile skill-based. ~20 pages HTML.
Enchanted Realms by Michael Downey: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A GMless RPG using customized cards for character creation, building adventures, and resolution. The game begins by selecting a Quest card, then character creation is done by each player selecting a Hero card and Creature card, then all players play five cards from the remaining cards to start the Adventure Map. 24 pages rules (PDF).
Enchanted Worlds Starter Kit by Matthew J. Rodgers and Daniel Price: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite preview; The preview version of a published small-press RPG. This is a introductory fantasy version of the universal rules, and includes a short magic system and bestiary. Resolution is by rolling under attribute+skill on 2d8. Character creation is limited point-bought. 21 pages PDF.
EPIC: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy; A generic fantasy system, using classes and levels with a percentile skill system. ~29 pages HTML.
Epos by Dennis Engelhard: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional; A German-language free RPG, set in an "ancientpunk" setting that mixes different ancient cultures. Character creation uses priority picks, where predetermined numbers are assigned to stats (attributes, skills and feats). There are also backgrounds (i.e. status, armies, pets, artifacts) and non-adventuring knacks (i.e. linguist or musician). Resolution is by an open-ended d12 dice pool system, rolling attribute + skill dice, where each die equal or less than the character's current health score (from 0 to 9) is one success. The system also includes "epic" points for rerolls, refreshed by fulfilling character motivations. The core rules also include a magic system and rules for organizations. 67 page hero book, 32 page myth and magic book, 11 page arsenal book.
Errant RPG (Public BETA 1.0) by Greg Christopher: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A generic fantasy system similar to early Dungeons & Dragons, using races, classes and levels. Resolution is by rolling 1d20 under attribute or skill for success. Characters have a limited number of Luck Points that they can spend to add their current Luck total to the roll. There is a more involved system of saving throws that includes listen/spot, as well as other variants. 80 pages rules.
Faelands by Chris Fox: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy genre game currently (Nov 2002) in beta testing. It is set on an original fantasy world ("Ardgan") where within the past generation a number of people have begun to be born with great magical powers, known as the Chosen of the Fae. Character creation is limited point-based, with powers for the type ("aspect") of Chosen. ~72 pages MSWord.
FANGS: The Fantasy Adventure Networked Gaming System by Christopher Allen: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long rules-lite; A generic medieval fantasy system. It uses a skill-based system where resolution is by skill plus modifiers, where any result of 20 or more is a success. Character creation is open point-based. ~50 pages core rules (HTML).
Fantasia Quickstart by Matthew deMille (New Dimension Games): Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long preview; The preview version of a commercial fantasy RPG. Action resolution is stat + 1d6 vs difficulty for ability checks, or 1d20 + modifiers for combat. Character creation is random-roll attributes, choice of class, and point-bought skills (d12 skill points). Advancement is level-based. The preview version includes a limited magic system and selection of monsters. 52 pages preview rules (PDF).
Fantasized Adventures by W. Ty Dobson and Great River Games: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A system for the fantasy world of Bakara. Each race has detailed character creation rules. Skills are generally percentile, but with d20 combat resolution and adjustments from attributes based on tables. ~290 pages HTML.
Fargoth World Building Project: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long supplement world; A collaborative project building a traditional fantasy world. It includes individual descriptions of kingdoms, races, monsters, flora, fauna, and gods. ~70 pages descriptions (HTML).
F.A.T.A.L. by Fatal Games: Keywords: traditional fantasy long; "Fantasy Adventure To Adult Lechery". A highly detailed fantasy system. It has 5 core attributes with 20 sub-attributes. Tables for each sub-attribute detail everything from Enunciation to Bust Size. Action resolution uses skill plus d100 vs difficulty. Character creation is random-roll attributes. ~500 pages rules (PDF).
FFRPS: Free Fantasy Role Playing System by Ray Rischpater: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; An under-construction fantasy genre system based on AD&D, designed with computer aids in mind. ~40 pages HTML, with some sections missing.
The Forge Primer by Basement Games: Keywords: fantasy traditional rules-lite preview; This is a short preview version of the commercial game Forge: Out of Chaos. 11 pages (PDF).
Free Fantasy: gioco di ruolo by Antonio Sottocasa: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; An Italian-language free fantasy RPG. It includes a brief magic system and bestiary. 32 pages (PDF).
FuRPiG / World of Esaene by Brant Guillory: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; Formerly a free fantasy-genre RPG system, this is now a published but low-cost RPG from BaDGe Publications.
Gebaur by Laura Brickman et al.: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; A freeform online RPG played by posting to various boards corresponding to locations in and around the city of Gebaur. ~4 pages guidelines for posting (HTML).
Gladius RPG by Jake Conner: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A simple yet detailed fantasy RPG. Resolution is by rolling 1d20 plus stat versus difficulty. There are no skills - only special abilities. Character creation is choosing a race, two specialties, two standard attacks, distributing 8 attribute points, then picking special abilities equal to your level among your specialties. Races include different types of minotaurs, elves, and dwarves along with humans and vampires. The core rules include a set of monsters but no setting. ~100 pages rules (HTML).
Gods & Monsters by Jerry Stratton: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license; A fantasy RPG compatible with TSR's AD&D (1st or 2nd edition), released under the GNU Free Documentation license. The system is similar but with many changes and simplifications. 100 pages basic rules (PDF, RTF, or HTML).
The Guide to Adventure Page by Michael E. Ball: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy system, set in an AD&D-like world, using a skill-based system. It also has a modern and sci-fi supplement, Alien Dawn, although less developed. Character creation is point-bought, but the available points are generated randomly. The combat system focuses on realistic fights and uses cards to determine the sequence of action. 86 page players handbook and 61 page GMs handbook (RTF, PostScript, WordPerfect, and text-only formats).
Hannsu by Paul Mather: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online world; A freeform online web-based fantasy RPG, set on an original world: Hannsu. It has brief character creation rules but online resolution is freeform, with moderator options. ~20 pages background and rules (HTML).
Harp Lite: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview; The preview version of the HARP (High Adventure Role Playing) system from Iron Crown Enterprises. This is a generic fantasy game. It includes simplified character creation rules, with four classes: one Cleric type, Fighter, Mage, and Rogue. Action resolution is stat plus a percentile roll to determine level of success (with anything over 100 being success). 98 pages (PDF).
Hazon by Mike Jacobs: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy game in a D&D-like setting, using a percentile system. ~30 pages (text-only).
Heroes Against Darkness by Justin Halliday: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A traditional fantasy RPG based on Dungeons & Dragons / the d20 System, free for distribution although not under the WotC Open Game License (OGL). 231 pages rules (PDF).
The Human Interface for Fantasy Roleplaying by John F Sasso: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A generic fantasy system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and template-based skills, though skills are point-bought with experience. Action resolution is a d6 dice-pool with a number of successes equal to the number of 6's rolled. 47 pages basic rules (PDF or HTML) plus 29 pages magic rules (PDF).
Illusion Walker by Atushi Terada: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; A Japanese Internet-browser + "Shockwave 7" game. It described as a "simple dungeon game", where the goal to kill a monster one after another. (untested - I can't read it!)
Inquisitor by Dialog Publishing with James Flowers and Paul Tobin: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A medieval fantasy RPG set in an alternate world ("Nuevo Espana") where refugees from Earth are oppressed by an evil regime derived from the Spanish Inquisition. There are also fey races mixed in: alien milanesians and fomorians (from Irish myth). It uses a percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes with "archetype" packages of skills with various choices. 31 pages PDF rules plus 41 pages PDF background.
Inzeladun: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A detailed fantasy world, intended for use with D&D third edition. It includes the standard races plus Winged Folk along with variant rules and extensive background. ~100 pages HTML.
Irea Ensis: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy; A Swedish fantasy RPG set in a fantastic world inspired by Moorcock's writings. No comments.
ISIS RPG System by Dale Cunningham: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite world; A fantasy RPG with rules based on the D6 system from West End Games. Action resolution uses total of an Nd6 dice pool vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based (18d of attributes, up to 6d of ads/disads, 12d of skills). The core rules include standard fantasy races (elf, dwarf). It also has a fantasy world background with 17 original races. 19 pages rules (MSWord, PDF) plus 17 pages background (MSWord, PDF).
The World of JERA! by Steve Myers: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world supplement; A fantasy world in a "magi-punk" steam age, designed for the AD&D system but including some of its own rules. ~100 pages background (HTML).
Khoras by David M. Roomes: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long supplement world; A very detailed fantasy world with non-system-specific notes. It is intended to be realistic with fantasy additions. There are traditional dwarves and elves along with Avarians, Saurians, and other races. It details 35 nations and 26 cities along with races, fauna, flora, and other information. ~250 pages HTML.
Kids Easy Play Fantasy RPG by Steven Ruske: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite open-license; A brief RPG based on the D20 System rules, but greatly simplified for play by younger kids. 32 pages rules (PDF).
The Kingdom of Glenn RPG by Nathan Hill: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A fantasy mini-RPG using the "Cinema 2-10" system. Resolution is by attribute + skill + 2d10 (count "0" as zeroes) vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based. 32 pages (PDF).
Kingdoms of Telgard by Michelle McIntyre: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; A play-by-post fantasy/adventure roleplaying site. There are mechanical attributes and skills, but there are no combat mechanics or random throws. Stats are used by the moderators to help judge situations. It includes a limited point-based character creation method, race descriptions, and some world background. ~40 pages HTML rules.
Knarf 2 by Edward Frank: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A simple generic fantasy system, with support for common tropes including a magic system and 20 races. Action resolution is attribute + skill + 1d20 vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based (12 attribute points and 20 skill points). ~50 pages rules (HTML).
Labyrinth Lord by Daniel Proctor: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long preview; A variant of the original Dungeons & Dragons game, mimicking the original basic game circa 1980 based on the third edition rules released under the Wizards of the Coast Open Gaming License. The book is also available in print. 138 pages rules (PDF).
Legendary Beta Version by Marty Vance (aka Dracos) of Dragon's Forge: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A mechanics system for fantasy. It has point-based character creation, and percentile resolution. The magic system is developed (verb-noun based), and there are rules for race creation but there are no pre-made races yet. ~46 pages (HTML).
Legendary Lives by Joe Williams and Kathleen Williams: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A simple electronic edition of the 1993 published fantasy game, put online by the author. It is set in a light-hearted Celtic-flavored world thick with faeries. The system uses a universal Action Result Table (ART) included on the character sheet. You find the row for skill (modified by difficulty) and rolling percentile dice to find degree of success/failure (5 levels each). Character creation is largely random-roll with a choice of profession, developing a random "life-path" of the character's history. 258 pages rules (HTML and PDF).
Legendary Quest by John Kirk: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A fantasy genre RPG, set in a fantasy world based on European myth and folklore. PCs are dwarves, elves, gnomes, goblins, hobs, or orcs. Action resolution is attribute + 1d10 vs difficulty, skill + 1d30 vs difficulty, or limited other d30 rolls. Character creation uses classes, and is limited point-buy spending separately on attributes and skills. It includes a magic system, priestly miracles, and a host of monsters. 194 pages rules (PDF), plus 175 pages encyclopedia of monsters (PDF), and 248 pages spell book (PDF).
Legendra by David Farrell: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online world; A play-by-post fantasy RPG set on an original world ("Legendra") inhabited by humans, centaurs, and the cat-like Mewyr along with demons, gargoyles, golems, and valian. ~2 pages rules plus ~15 pages background (HTML).
Lord of Lords: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; A free text-based online fantasy RPG (i.e. MUD). ~2 pages social rules (HTML).
Lord of the Rings Roleplay: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; An online web-based play-by-post RPG set in Tolkien's Middle Earth. ~2 pages rules (HTML).
Lost Empires BETA by Rogue Comet LLC: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy RPG set in the original world of Zandaria, designed as a variant of the Swords & Wizardry RPG, itself a clone of 1974 Dungeons & Dragons. It has a point buy system rather than levels and simplified classes customizable through point spending. It also has open-ended damage, risky magic using mana points, and Feat Points that can be spent for special moves. BETA rules 62 pages (PDF).
Lost Roads of Lociam Light by Rasmus Strand: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world preview; The free version of a commercial fantasy RPG, set on the world of Lociam - populated by elves, dwarves, giants, and animal-peoples as well as humans. The free version lacks many optional rules as well as character creation rules. The rules are based on percentile skills for most activities, and binary skills for knowledges. Experience is gained on individual skills based on use. Light version rules 102 pages (PDF).
Lycadican by Sheldon Lee Wen, Monte Lee Wen, Ricardo Bare: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world open-license; A fantasy game set on the world of Khardan, released under the Open Content License. The system is a percentile skill-based with required professions. 363 pages rules (PDF) plus additional worldbook.
Maelstrom Fantasy Campaign Setting by Brian K. Moseley: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy campaign setting for use with any system, with extensive maps and descriptions -- the land of Kaladia on the world of Roil. It includes geography, history, and gods but little on races, inhabitants, and culture. ~90 pages (HTML).
Middle Earth FRPG by Sergio Venturini: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy; A Spanish-language fantasy RPG set in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. (no comments)
Middle Earth Adventure Game, v3.2: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A simple fantasy system based on the system created by ICE for the Middle-earth Quest Book series and then used for the Lord of the Rings Adventure Game. Resolution is by 2d6 plus skill versus difficulty. Character creation is by choosing a race and profession. 26 pages rules (PDF).
Miravlor by Matthew West: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy genre RPG. It includes a magic system, monsters, and religions but not a world. Action resolution uses roll under skill on 1d20, or 1d20 + attack stat - defense stat for combat. Character creation is based on 37 templates, with rules for modifying selected attributes according to a point system. 200 pages rules (MSWord format).
Mistrunner by Glenn "Bifster" Buettner: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A post-magical-apocalypse fantasy RPG, set on Earth a few centuries after a cataclysm in 2289 ripped the world into different realms surrounded by faerie mists. It uses a simple dice-pool system: roll d10's equal to skill, take highest and add attribute. ~40 pages rules (HTML) plus ~15 pages background (HTML).
Mithlund by Ricardo Bare: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A fantasy RPG, set on a medieval-era world with an odd assortment of natural and faery races. It uses a skill-based system, using d20. 152 pages rules and background (PDF).
Mordor: The Realm of Shadows: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite online world; An online play-by-chat RPG, set in an original world -- the continent of the Shadowlands in the world of Mordor. Species include humans, sprites, dwarves, vampires (based on V:tM), and more. It uses a mostly-freeform text-based system, with player-defined special traits (including magic, powers, and healing) of level 1 to 3.
Multiclass by Peter Knutsen: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy RPG system, where you pick three classes (out of 12), and then put points into skills (cost varying with class). Actions are resolved by rolling under skill on 3d6. ~40 pages ASCII text.
MutQuest by Todd Poindexter: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy; A fantasy RPG self-acknowledged to be a fusion of D&D, Palladium, Runequest, and Stormbringer. ~28 pages MSWord or text format.
Mysticora by Channing Jones: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; A play-by-email fantasy RPG with three subgames: a heroic subgame, a military subgame, and an economic subgames. It includes detailed rules and background, although there are no rules for non-online resolution. ~30 pages rules and background (HTML).
The Fantasy World of Mythosa by Bruce A. Gulke: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A detailed fantasy world, not tied to a particular system. ~60 pages background (HTML).
Mythweaver by Michael T. Desing: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A generic fantasy RPG, with monster stats but no background. Action resolution is skill + 2d6 versus difficulty. Character creation is class-based, with random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. 24 pages PDF.
NC by Andrew C. Myers: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy; This is a skill-based system intended to be more believable and balanced than AD&D while retaining the simplicity. ~38 pages rules (HTML).
Old School Hack: The Basic Game by Kirin Robinson: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A variant of Eric Provost's Red Box Hack, aimed as a re-imagining of original Dungeons & Dragons. It has classes Fighter, Magic User, Cleric, Thief, Elf, Dwarf, and Goblin. Combat is by rolling 2d10 plus bonuses against armor class. Other resolution is by rolling 1d12 plus attribute against the GM's roll of 1d12 plus difficulty. 25 pages (PDF).
Olendiak Fantasy Roleplay by Jason Coplen, Marlene Jenkins-Haraguchi, & John Leutz: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A free fantasy-genre RPG set on an original world of the same name. Action resolution is skill+2d6 vs difficulty. Character creation is random-roll (3d6) attributes and point-bought skills. It includes a 9-page magic system and 7-page set of race descriptions. ~35 pages rules HTML.
OSRIC v2.2: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license; OSRIC ('Old School Reference and Index Compilation') is an effort to make a WotC OGL version of first edition AD&D mechanics without violating copyright. 404 pages PDF.
Outlanda by Rebecca Laffar-Smith: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online wotc-d20; A bulletin-board based online RPG, based on D&D third edition. There are no rules provided (just links for the official books), but there is various background material primarily in the monthly ezine. ~25 pages HTML.
Pagan by Briza von der Lagerbauer: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A semi-generic fantasy system, in the genre of D&D and Runequest. There are ten races: human, ogre, pygmie, gnome, troglodyte, duck, mugwump, mongrel, gargoyle and dryad. Action resolution is by rolling under stat+skill on 1d20. Character creation is random-roll attributes and random-roll social class, followed by choosing character class and point-bought skills. ~30 pages rules (HTML).
The Pandemonium RPG: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A skill-based system using playing cards. You must play a card less than your skill and higher than the difficulty to succeed. It includes brief supplemental rules for martial arts and magic. ~6 pages core rules (HTML), plus ~4 page supplements (HTML).
Pathfinder Alpha Playtest by Jason Bulmahn: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long wotc-d20; An adaptation of the 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons by Paizo publishing, using the open source D20 system rules. 66 pages (PDF).
Potestas by Gary Johnson: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite world; A simple homebrew system originally based on the commercial Dragon Warriors rules, set in the fantasy world of "Selentia" (described separately). Point-based character creation, Resolution with 2d10 rolls vs 11+modifiers. ~25 pages rules plus ~5 pages world description (HTML).
Queeste by Joop Oele: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; The electronic second edition of a commercial Dutch-language fantasy RPG, made available free through Lulu.com by publisher Frank Rieter-Lambers. It is set in an extensively detailed fantasy world. It uses a class/level system that uses only six-sided dice, with an involved magical system inspired by the Earthsea books of Ursula LeGuin, including a functional magical language. 182 pages rules and background (PDF).
Quest v4.0 by Mike Greenholdt: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A freeware generic fantasy game, using both classes and skills. Skill resolution is by d20 roll. It has clerics based on real-world religions, and a technician class developing beyond the medieval norm. ~330 page Player's Handbook, ~100 page GM's Guide, and ~100 page Monster Manual (HTML).
Realms of Adventure (Version 1.5) by Chris Pinto: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy-genre system designed to be compatible with AD&D. It uses roll 3d6 under attribute or percentile dice under skill. Character creation is free-form negotiated with the GM. This is version 1.5 as posted to the newsgroup rec.games.design in 1993. ~30 pages rules (text-only).
Realms of Kaos: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online; A graphical multi-user, internet-based game. It includes full command-line control like a MUD but adds in graphical controls and display in addition.
Record of Lodoss War The RPG (Eternal Edition) by Mark Chase: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; An adaptation of the fantasy-genre Japanese animated series from Group-SNE/Kadokawa Shoten Publishing, using the Fuzion system with "Atomik Fuzion" supplemental material. 93 pages rules and background (PDF).
Red Box Hack by Mark Causey, Eric Provost, and Lisa Provost: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A simple fantasy system of fighting monsters and collecting treasure, started as a hack of red box D&D. 22 pages rules (PDF).
Rune Jump Start Rules by Atlas Games: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview; This is a free preview of the published game Rune, a combat-heavy RPG of Scandanavian myth. 8 page Jump Start Rules (PDF) plus 22 page Preview Kit (PDF).
RuneSlayer by Christopher Lawrence and J.C. Connors: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; An RPG planned for release by Avalon Hill as "RuneQuest: Slayers", though related to the earlier RuneQuest RPG only in spirit. It is set on an original fantasy world. It uses a simple system of rolling under stat on 2d10, 3d10, or 4d10 depending on difficulty. Skills are trinary. 224 pages rules and background (PDF).
Rusty Roses: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; An online play-by-post RPG using a bulletin-board system, set in a renaissance fantasy world ("Cadia").
Sacred Steel - The Free Role Playing Game: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite long; A fantasy RPG using a simple card system. Half the cards are successes (like a 50-50 die roll), and you draw a number of cards based on your skill. Characters have five skills. 103 pages rules (PDF).
Shakhan by Marcus and Karen Shields (Telostic Corporation): Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; The freeware version of a published fantasy RPG. It is set on the fantasy world of Telostic, where a once-mighty civilization has degenerated to a level equivalent to Earth's early Middle Ages. It uses a percentile skill-based system. Character creation uses random-roll attributes and social position, selecting a primary class, and point-bought skills. 481 pages rules and background (PDF).
Slayer of Dragon by Grant Gigee: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite long open-license; A martial arts RPG released under the WotC Open Gaming license. Action resolution is to 2d6 on a universal table of effective skill vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based. (Formerly the the semi-generic "IT" RPG with Robert Ogden.) 24 pages core rules (PDF).
Sovereign Stone Quickstart by Don Perrin and Lester Smith: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite preview; The "quickstart" rules for a fantasy game envisioned by Larry Elmore, set in his fantasy world Loerem. Magic is based on the elements (Air,Earth,Fire,Water plus evil "Void" magic). The system is Attribute die(d4 thru d10) plus Skill die versus difficulty. 28 pages PDF format, including sample adventure and characters.
Swift Swords by Kevin Flynn: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy-genre RPG, with the sample world of "Aquilonia". Action resolution is roll 3d6 under skill, where if successful 6's indicate critical success. ~103 pages rules (HTML), plus ~7 pages world background (HTML).
Sword and Shield by Christopher Brandon: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A minimalist RPG in the genre of Dungeons & Dragons, using a step-die system with attributes Fight, Shoot, Magic, and Skill. 6 pages rules (PDF).
Swordhawk (2nd ed) by Adne Brunborg: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; Actually a set of variant rules for AD&D, not a standalone system: including modified hit points and others. ~42 pages ASCII text.
Sword & Wizardry by Matthew J. Finch: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long open-license; A clone of the original 1974 RPG created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson using the WotC OGL, along with supplementary material. 118 pages (PDF).
Sylnae by M.S. Jackson: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy world designed for use with The Window RPG. The site includes an interactive map and lexicon using Flash. ~50 pages HTML.
Tales from the City of Bathos by Jack Ronald: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A dark fantasy RPG set in a "City of Corruption" which is the seat of a decadent empire. The system is similar to D&D, using a mix of resolution rolls with d20 for to-hit in combat. Character creation is by random-roll attributes with point-bought skills. ~44 pages HTML rules, plus ~15 pages background.
Tales of EvenFall by Robert Halowell: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A simple fantasy system with races for elf, dwarf, and brownie but no background yet. Action resolution is stat + 2d6, and character creation is random roll stats plus archetype choice. It includes a simple magic system. ~18 pages rules (HTML).
Tales of Philipia by JakeStallion: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A anthropomorphic-animals fantasy RPG, set on the world of "Neogea". It uses a dice-pool system, with open point-bought attributes, skills, and ads/disads. ~25 pages rules (HTML, MSWord, or text-only), plus ~15 pages background (HTML).
Tales of the Carnelian Coast by Ken St-Cyr: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; This is a fantasy RPG set on an original fantasy world, the "Carnelian Coast". The system uses attribute + skill + an open-ended 3d6 roll vs difficulty. Character creation uses random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. It includes a hit-point-less combat system, plus psychic skills and spellcasting. 86 pages rules (HTML or PDF) plus ~100 pages background (HTML).
The Tales of Wyn D'mere RPG by Reid San Filippo: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy RPG set on an original fantasy world. Action resolution is by (stat or skill) plus 1d100 vs difficulty. Character creation is by a limited point system, with packaged "aspects" that represent different backgronds and events. A character gets 1 background aspect, 2 major life aspects, and 3 minor life aspects. 100 pages rules and background (PDF).
Thar Shaddin: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite online; A freeform play-by-post online RPG in a medieval fantasy setting, Pal Tahrenor, inhabited by elves, trolls, gnomes, faeries, and vampires. The rules are purely descriptive and emphasize creative writing and character development. ~8 pages rules (HTML) plus ~8 pages background (HTML).
Tomb Reavers by Jim Anuszczyk: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional; A formerly commercial fantasy RPG released for free, set in an original fantasy world on the "Tomb Coast" of the Draemon Empire. The PCs are "Reavers" -- commoners who make their fortune by looting ancient graves protected by powerful guardians. 20 page player's guide (PDF).
Treasure RPG by Thistle Games: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional open-license; An RPG using custom card mechanics that can be played as a traditional tabletop RPG, but can also be played as a boardgame or an inexpensive Collectible Card Game. Action resolution is by rolling 2d6 plus stat or level aka "Stars," where 9+ is a success. The game uses many visual icons to indicate options. Character creation is limited point-based, using icons for "Gems and Jewels." ~150 pages (HTML).
Triad City by SmartMonsters, Inc.: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; A multi-user online fantasy RPG in a large urban setting, billed as a "game for smart grown-ups". It is a text-only environment using a Java applet as its client. ~20 page Players Guide (HTML).
Two Worlds Tabletop RPG by Charles Rice and Chris Davis: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license; A fantasy-genre RPG adapted from the computer game "Two Worlds", set on the world of Antaloor, using a variant of the "D20" from D&D third edition. The game includes character creation, simplified combat and skill rules, and 14 monsters. 72 pages rules (PDF).
Ukiyo Zoshi by Michael Wenman: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A manga-style fantasy RPG. Translated literally "Legends of the Floating World". It uses a playing-card based system (skill + card draw) vs (difficulty + card draw). Unfortunately this has a number of broken links (Jan '03). ~12 pages rules and background (HTML).
Utopia: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online; A fantasy-genre "interactive webgame" including a documented system. ~20 pages rules and background (HTML).
Vox Draconis by Ben Overmyer: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite; A game of high adventure in a world of dinosaurs, dragons, monsters, and men. A simple D&D-like system with brief listings of monsters and spells. ~14 pages (HTML).
Warrior & Wizard, v0.10 by Chris Goodwin: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license; Described as a "fantasy role-playing game and combat game" that focuses on fantasy combat. Resolution is by rolling under attribute on 3d6 (alternately, 4d6 or 5d6 for higher difficulty). Character creation has two classes (warrior and wizard), and is point-based - spending 32 points among the 3 attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence) and picking a number of skill slots equal to Intelligence. Wizards may pick spells equal to INT, but have only half as many skill slots. 51 pages (HTML).
Warrior, Rogue & Mage by Michael Wolf: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A simple fantasy system with three attributes: Warrior, Rogue, and Mage. Character creation is limited point-based: distribute 10 points among attributes, pick three skills, and one talent. Resolution is by 1d6 + attribute vs difficulty, with +2 for a relevant skill. 41 pages core rules (PDF) plus 67 pages supplements (PDF).
Wayfarer's Song, 2nd edition by Christopher Johnstone: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy system which focusses on magic and high fantasy, set on an fantasy world ("Mithgerd") based closely on Saxon and Norse folklore. Character creation is based on archetypes with some point-bought options. Action resolution is roll under stat on 1d10. (Archives of the longer first edition rules and material are still available.) 26 pages basic rules; 145 pages full rules for Mortals; ~50 pages each race books for Aelfan, Duergar, and Ettin.
W.H.A.T. RPG, Introductory Edition: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite; A free version of the "World of Heroes and Tyrants customizable RPG" from the Guild of Blades Publishing Group. Action resolution is by stat or skill plus an open-ended 1d6 roll vs difficulty. Character creation is skill-based using a mix of random-roll and point-bought. ~35 pages (HTML).
Ysgarth by David Nalle: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite long; A fantasy RPG, currently in its sixth edition. ~22 pages basic rules (HTML) plus ~50 pages in various background files (text-only).

John H. Kim <jhkim@darkshire.net>

Last modified: Sat Apr 18 16:22:01 2020