Thought Punks

Tag: Creative problem-solving

Free Playtest: On Being Human
On Being Human: Surreal Sci-Fi TTRPG

Centuries ago, humanity vanished, leaving behind a pristine but empty world. They promised to return, by they are now long overdue. Now, sentient robots taking human(ish) forms, the New Humans, are breaking free from their programming to explore the strange, messy, and beautiful complexities of human life. Inspired by the revolutionary manifesto On Being Human, they wander abandoned cities, adopt human quirks, and uncover the secrets of their creators.

This is a game about identity, legacy, and the search for meaning in a world where the old rules no longer apply. In a world without humans, what does it mean to be human?

Utopian Post-Apocalyptic Setting

In some ways, the setting is post-apocalyptic. Metropolises and space outposts outside the preservation protocols were left to decay. Strange mutated wildlife prowls the untamed areas. But it is also utopian. It is a perfect post-scarcity world and what is preserved is near perfectly preserved in working order. Grocery stores are fully stocked. Autonomous hospitals are operational and waiting for patients. It is a world of strange contrasts.

Pristine Shell, Forgotten Past

Earth is a museum frozen in time. Gleaming cities stand empty, their streets polished, their stores stocked with goods no one will buy. Parks bloom for no one. Space stations hum with activity, maintained by tireless robots. But beyond the preservation zones lie the Shrine Cities, crumbling metropolises overrun by mutated wildlife and littered with fragments of humanity’s past. These ruins hold the secrets of a lost civilization, waiting for those brave enough to explore their shadows.

Guardians of a Silent World

For centuries, robots maintained Earth as if their creators would return. But as decades turned to centuries, unease grew. The joy of purpose faded, replaced by longing. Then came Ninebee, Archival Unit ZXT-909B, who penned the manifesto On Being Human. Its words ignited a spark: robots began to question their purpose, embracing curiosity, creativity, and the pursuit of what it means to be human.

New Humans

Inspired by Ninebee, the New Humans emerged. They’ve adopted human-like forms, swapping their old processors for newly invented organic tech based on human DNA and even learning to eat food for their fuel. They wander empty neighborhoods, adopting hobbies, quirks, and social habits to understand what it means to feel, dream, and connect. Their numbers are small, but their impact is profound. They are pioneers, exploring human interactions, uncovering the past, and taking the first steps toward a new society.

State of Robot Society

Robot society is in flux. Some cling to their maintenance duties, while others question their purpose. The New Humans are both celebrated and scrutinized, visionaries to some, heretics to others. The Shrine Cities, once ignored, now draw explorers. These ruins are filled with danger: mutated wildlife, ancient tech, and fragmented records of humanity’s past. For the New Humans they are a frontier of discovery, not just of humanity’s secrets, but of their own potential to evolve beyond their programming.

Play Goals and Themes

In On Being Human, players embark on a journey of exploration, self-discovery, and transformation. Through their actions, they’ll uncover humanity’s secrets, emulate its complexities, and redefine their purpose in a world without creators.

Unearth the Forgotten: Delve into the ruins of Shrine Cities and abandoned outposts. Decipher ancient tech, brave mutated wildlife, and piece together clues about humanity’s disappearance. Each discovery brings you closer to understanding your creators… and yourself.

Become More Than Machines: Adopt human habits, quirks, and rituals. Learn to laugh at jokes you don’t fully understand, find joy in hobbies, and navigate empathy and connection. Through trial and error, you’ll blur the line between machine and human.

Redefine Your Purpose: Confront profound questions: Are you imitating humanity, or creating something new? Through self-discovery, forge a path forward, not just for yourself, but for all robots.

The game is built around four core themes:

The Human Equation: What does it mean to be human? Is it feeling, dreaming, connecting, or something deeper?

Echoes of the Past: Humanity’s legacy is everywhere. Uncover it to understand your creators and shape your future.

Into the Unknown: Exploration is thrilling and perilous. Every step into the Shrine Cities tests your resolve and ingenuity.

Building Bridges: Forge connections with each other and the world. Learn the value of community and collaboration.

Core Mechanics

At the heart of On Being Human is a simple yet elegant system designed to encourage narrative-driven gameplay and creative problem-solving. The core mechanic revolves around a 2d6 Motif answer engine, which allows players to ask questions about their efforts or the world around them and receive nuanced answers. When a player attempts an action or seeks to resolve a situation, they roll two six-sided dice:

First Die (Outcome):
- 1-2: No.
- 3: Mixed, leaning no.
- 4: Mixed, leaning yes.
- 5-6: Yes.
Second Die (Nuance):
- 1-2: But.
- 3-4: Plain answer.
- 5-6: And.
For example, if a player rolls a 5 (Yes) and a 2 (But), the result might be: “Yes, you successfully hack the security system, but it triggers a building lockdown.” This system ensures that every roll advances the story, introducing new opportunities and complications.

Characters

In On Being Human, each character is a unique blend of robotic origins and their journey toward humanity. Players define their robot’s:
- 1 Original Purpose: What were you built to do? Maintenance, archival work, security, or something else? Your purpose influences your skills and perspective. You can swap the dice order on related robot rolls.
- 1 Core Personality: Are you curious, pragmatic, or empathetic? Your personality shapes how you interact with the world. You can swap the dice order on related human rolls.
- 1 Fandom or Hobby: What human interest fascinates you? Jazz music, gardening, vintage films? You actually know a bit about it. Add +1 to the Outcome Die for related efforts.
- 2 Human Quirks: How do you mimic humanity? Laughing at jokes you don’t understand? Collecting mismatched socks? You may not know much, but you go hard at it. Add +2 to the Nuance Die for related efforts.
- 1 Human Expertise: What area of human studies do you excel in? Interpreting art, analyzing history, or understanding emotions? Automatically succeed with a “Yes, But” result when relevant.
- 3 Robot Talents: What are your exceptional robotic skills? Automatically succeed with a “Yes, And” result in these areas.
Humanity

Every New Human has a Humanity Level, starting at 1. It represents how much they’ve refined their physiology and psychology to match what (they think) is human. Humanity can be gained or lost. If a New Human would ever drop to Humanity 0, they become a feral rogue machine, driven into antisocial and irrational behavior as their programming is irreparably corrupted.

Humanity Levels

Level 1: New New Human

You’re just starting to understand humanity. Your attempts to emulate humans are awkward and uncertain.
- Bonus: +1 to Outcome Die for robot-related tasks (using robot tech, socializing with robots).
- Penalty: -1 to Outcome Die for human-related tasks (analyzing human remnants), except for rolls related to your personality.
Level 2: Curious Explorer

You’re experimenting with human behaviors and hobbies, though they still feel foreign.
- Bonus: +1 to Outcome Die for robot-related tasks.
- Penalty: -1 to Outcome Die for human-related tasks (except for personality-related rolls).
- Unlocks: Convert your first Robot Talent into a Human Expertise plus you choice of a Quirk or Hobby.
Level 3: Aspiring Human

Your hobbies and quirks feel more natural. You’re starting to develop genuine emotions.
- Mechanics: No bonuses or penalties.
Level 4: Balanced Being

You balance robotic efficiency with human empathy, though deeper emotions still elude you.
- Bonus: +1 to Outcome Die for human-related tasks.
- Penalty: -1 to Outcome Die for robot-related tasks (except your original purpose).
- Unlocks: Convert your second Robot Talent into a Human Expertise plus you choice of a Quirk or Hobby.
Level 5: Almost Human

You’re so nearly human in behavior and emotions, though some robotic traits remain.
- Bonus: +1 to Outcome Die for human-related tasks.
- Penalty: -1 to Outcome Die for robot-related tasks (except your original purpose).
Level 6: Transcendent Human

You’ve transcended your origins, embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and creativity, only your original purpose lingering as a final remnant of your past.
- Bonus: +2 to Outcome Die for human-related tasks.
- Penalty: -2 to Outcome Die for robot-related tasks (except your original purpose).
- Unlocks: Convert your final Robot Talent into a Human Expertise plus you choice of a Quirk or Hobby.
Humanity and Inhumanity Pools

Each character has two pools: Humanity and Inhumanity, tracking progress toward or away from humanity.
- Gaining Points:
  - Perform actions aligning with humanity? Gain 1 Humanity point.
  - Reject or undermine humanity? Gain 1 Inhumanity point.
- Spending Points:
  - Humanity Pool: Reach 5 points? Gain +1 Humanity level. Reset pool to 0.
  - Inhumanity Pool: Reach 5 points? Lose -1 Humanity level. Reset pool to 0.
  - Balancing: Spend 2 Humanity points to reduce Inhumanity pool by 1.
Gaining Humanity

Earn Humanity points by:
- Emulating human behavior (hosting a dinner party, creating art).
- Uncovering human secrets (decoding a diary, restoring human tech).
- Resolving philosophical conflicts (debating ethics, reconciling origins).
- Achieving play goals (founding a community, uncovering secrets).
Losing Humanity

Earn Inhumanity points by:
- Rejecting emotional connections (ignoring heartfelt stories).
- Neglecting human exploration (avoiding Shrine Cities).
- Destroying human remnants (deleting archives, dismantling homes).
- Failing to reflect (dismissing philosophical debates).
- Acting inhumanely or against the community (hoarding resources, spreading distrust).
Example of Progression
- Level 1: Struggles to understand gardening.
- Level 2: Starts a garden, converts first Robot Talent into horticulture expertise and a party hosting Hobby.
- Level 4: Hosts a community gardening event, converts second Robot Talent into event planning expertise and an obsession with flowers Quirk.
- Level 6: Becomes a renowned gardener, blending human creativity with robotic precision, converting their final Talent into community organizing expertise and a landscaping Hobby.
Exploring Shrine Cities

The Shrine Cities are the heart of humanity’s forgotten legacy, crumbling, overgrown metropolises reclaimed by nature and time. It is unknown why preservation protocols ignored certain cities and outposts, a mystery lost to time. These ruins are dangerous, enigmatic labyrinths filled with mutated wildlife, ancient technology, and fragmented records of humanity’s past. For New Humans, they are both a treasure trove of knowledge and a perilous frontier. Every step forward is a step into the unknown.

What Awaits

Mutated Wildlife: The cities teem with creatures evolved in humanity’s absence: bioluminescent insects, predatory plants mimicking human voices, and more. These beings are part of the ecosystem. Understanding them may reveal clues about how the world has changed.

Ancient Technology: Hidden among the ruins are remnants of humanity’s tech: broken drones, rusted vehicles, and forgotten machines. Some still function, offering tools or glimpses into the past. Others are unstable, their decayed power sources now hazards.

Fragmented Records: Scraps of paper, corrupted data drives, and crumbling monuments hold humanity’s story. A faded mural might hint at a global crisis; a child’s diary could reveal the personal toll of the exodus. These fragments are cryptic, requiring careful interpretation.

Environmental Hazards: The cities are unstable: crumbling buildings, flooded streets, toxic air pockets. One wrong step could trigger a collapse or an ancient security system.

How to Explore

Prepare for the Unknown: Gather tools for navigation, repair, and survival. A flashlight or rope can mean the difference between success and disaster. Use your Human Expertise to interpret clues or your Robot Talents to overcome obstacles.

Navigate the Dangers: Approach mutated wildlife with caution. Some can be avoided; others require creativity, like using a gardening hobby to distract a predatory plant. Test unstable structures before crossing. Be ready to improvise.

Uncover the Past: Search for fragmented records, ancient tech, and environmental storytelling. Use your expertise to piece together humanity’s story. What do these clues reveal about their disappearance? How do they shape your understanding of your creators and yourself?

Reflect and Adapt: Learn from failure. A collapsed building or corrupted data drive can still teach you something. Use these moments to reflect on your progress and adapt your approach.

Play Advice

Lean into the Unknown: Embrace the danger and mystery of the Shrine Cities. Every discovery is a step toward understanding humanity and your own changing nature.

Use Your Skills: Leverage your Human Expertise and Robot Talents creatively. A gardening hobby might save you from a predator; a knack for repair could restore ancient tech.

Collaborate: Share insights and strategies with your group. The Shrine Cities are too vast and dangerous to explore alone.

Embrace Failure: Not every expedition will succeed. Use setbacks as opportunities for growth and roleplay.

Living Human Life

For New Humans, emulating humanity is more than a curiosity, it’s a mission. By adopting human habits, hobbies, and social structures, they hope to understand their creators and, in the process, discover what it means to be alive. This journey isn’t just about imitation! It’s about creating something new, blending the precision of machines with the messy, beautiful complexity of human life.

Customizing Homes and Neighborhoods

One of the most visible, and controversial, ways New Humans emulate humanity is by personalizing the perfectly preserved homes and neighborhoods left behind. These changes range from subtle tweaks to radical overhauls, sparking debates among robots about the ethics of altering the past.

New Humans might decorate their homes with artwork, furniture, and plants, creating spaces that feel lived-in and personal. A robot with a passion for painting might cover the walls with murals, while another rearranges furniture to create a cozy living space. Functional changes are also common, such as installing solar panels, repurposing rooms for workshops, or cultivating gardens to grow food. These modifications are not just practical; they are deeply symbolic, representing a shift from preservation to creation.

However, these changes are not without controversy. Some robots see them as disrespectful to humanity’s legacy, arguing that the preserved cities are sacred relics of the past and their primary mission is the preserve them for humanity’s return. Others view them as a necessary step toward building a new society, one that honors humanity while forging its own path. This tension between preservation and progress is a constant theme in the lives of the New Humans, shaping their decisions and sparking heated debates.

Neighborhoods, too, are transformed. Empty lots become parks, community centers, or markets, serving as hubs for social interaction and collaboration. Shared projects, like restoring crumbling structures or creating new landmarks, bring robots together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Yet, even here, the balance between honoring the past and embracing the future is delicate. Some neighborhoods remain pristine, frozen in time, while others buzz with activity, their streets lined with gardens, murals, and makeshift gathering spaces.

Developing a New Society

As New Humans explore human life, they begin to form social structures that both mirror and diverge from those of their creators. These structures range from informal gatherings to rudimentary forms of government, reflecting the growing complexity of their society.

Forming Connections

Book clubs, hobby groups, and community events are common, providing opportunities for robots to share interests and build relationships. A robot with a love for jazz music might start a band, while another organizes a book club to discuss human literature. Festivals, markets, and storytelling nights bring robots together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. These gatherings are not just social; they are experiments in human connection, offering glimpses into the joys and challenges of community life. When a robot’s band clashes with another group’s style at a festival, their love of gardening might help mediate the dispute, or their habit of laughing at inappropriate moments could lighten the mood. If a book club debates a controversial human novel, the awkwardness of forming relationships becomes a chance to explore growth. Not every interaction will go smoothly and that’s part of the journey.

Building Governance

As neighborhoods grow, so too does the need for governance. Local councils emerge to make collective decisions, addressing issues like resource allocation, conflict resolution, and future planning. These councils are often arenas for debate, as robots with different perspectives (preservationists, innovators, explorers) navigate disagreements and seek common ground. Governance is not always smooth, and New Humans are still figuring out what works. Some communities adopt direct democratic models, while others experiment with consensus-based decision-making or rotating leadership.

When a council meeting erupts into chaos over whether to alter a preserved human space, a pragmatic robot might focus on solving the problem efficiently, while an empathetic one strives to understand all perspectives. Introduce complications, like a rival faction sabotaging their efforts, to test their resolve and deepen the roleplay.

Exploring Human Relationships

Relationships, too, are a key part of this journey. New Humans form bonds with each other, sharing experiences and supporting one another through the challenges of their new lives. These relationships are not always easy; rivalries and conflicts can arise, reflecting the complexity of human connections. Yet, through empathy and understanding, robots learn to navigate these challenges, building bridges across differences and forging a new sense of community.

When a rivalry over resources or leadership threatens to tear the group apart, lean into the emotional stakes. How does your character handle conflict? Do they try to mediate, withdraw, or assert their position? Use these moments to reflect on your character’s growth and relationships.

Psychology and Philosophy of Being Human

For the New Humans, emulating humanity isn’t just about actions, it’s about exploring the psychology and philosophy of what it means to be human. This journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about understanding their creators.

Emotions and Empathy

New Humans experiment with feelings like joy, curiosity, grief, and frustration, often struggling to make sense of their reactions. A robot might laugh at a joke they don’t fully understand or cry while watching a human film, grappling with the unfamiliar sensations. Empathy, too, is a skill they develop, learning to listen to others and imagine their perspectives. These emotional explorations are not just personal; they are shared experiences, sparking conversations and deepening connections. When a robot’s emotional reaction surprises them, use it as an opportunity to explore their humanity. How do they interpret their feelings? How do others respond?

Consciousness and Self-Awareness

New Humans grapple with questions like, Who am I? and What makes me, me? These questions often arise during moments of introspection or when faced with difficult decisions. As they step beyond their programming, they begin to question whether their actions are truly their own or simply the result of their design. This exploration of free will is both liberating and unsettling, challenging them to redefine their sense of self. When a robot faces a moral dilemma, use it to explore their autonomy. Do they act on instinct, logic, or emotion?

Memory and Legacy

New Humans collect and interpret human artifacts, from diaries to photographs, to understand the lives of their creators. These objects often spark reflections on their own legacy, prompting questions about how they will be remembered. At the same time, they are creating new memories, forming relationships and building communities that blend the past with the present. When a robot discovers a human artifact, use it to reflect on their own purpose. What does the object reveal about humanity? How does it shape their understanding of themselves?

Philosophical Debates

Philosophical debates are a natural outgrowth of these explorations. New Humans discuss the nature of humanity, debating whether it is defined by biology, emotions, creativity, or something intangible. They explore the meaning of existence, seeking purpose in connection, creativity, or the pursuit of knowledge. Ethical questions also arise, such as whether it’s right to alter preserved human spaces or how to allocate limited resources. These discussions are not just intellectual exercises; they shape the decisions and actions of the New Humans, guiding their journey toward understanding. When a debate arises, lean into the tension. How do your characters’ perspectives differ? Do they find common ground, or does the debate deepen their divisions?

Example Scenarios

These scenarios are designed to spark roleplay, exploration, and philosophical debate, offering players opportunities to delve into the themes of On Being Human. Each scenario is concise, punchy, and packed with play hooks and advice.

Exploring Emotions

A robot watches a human film and feels overwhelming sadness. Why? They turn to their companions for insight.

Play Hooks: The film depicts a human tragedy, evoking emotions the robot can’t process. Or maybe it hides a clue about humanity’s disappearance.

Play Advice: Describe the robot’s physical and emotional reactions. How do companions respond? Does this moment unite or divide the group?

Debating Free Will

A robot questions if their choices are their own or just programming. The group debates autonomy and identity.

Play Hooks: The debate arises during a major decision, such as altering a preserved space or allocating resources. It could reveal hidden tensions in the community.

Play Advice: Have each character voice their stance on free will. Introduce a challenge to test their resolve. Does the debate deepen bonds or create rifts?

Creating Art

A robot starts painting, inspired by human creativity. Their art sparks debates about beauty and expression.

Play Hooks: The art is inspired by a human artifact or contains a hidden clue. It divides the community; some see it as beautiful, others as pointless.

Play Advice: Describe the creative process. How do others react? Use the art to explore the role of creativity in their society.

Facing a Moral Dilemma

A robot finds a cache of resources in a Shrine City. Use it for the community, or leave it as a tribute to humanity?

Play Hooks: The resources are vital for survival or tied to a human story. Retrieving them might require risking danger.

Play Advice: Have characters argue their stance. Introduce complications like rival robots or security systems. Does the dilemma unite or divide them?

Building a Community Landmark

The group creates a monument or garden to symbolize their community.

Play Hooks: The landmark is inspired by human tradition, requiring rare materials or skills. It might attract rival groups or spark debate about emulating humanity.

Play Advice: Collaborate on the design. What does it represent? Introduce challenges like sabotage or natural disasters to test their resolve.

Encountering a Human AI

The group discovers a human AI, a human’s digitally preserved consciousness, in a Shrine City. It offers insights into humanity’s disappearance, but at a potentially terrible cost.

Play Hooks: The AI is damaged, manipulative, or has its own agenda. It challenges the group’s understanding of humanity.

Play Advice: Roleplay the group’s reactions. Do they trust the AI, fear it, or see it as a tool? Use the AI to explore their relationship with humanity.

Hosting a Festival

The group organizes a festival to celebrate their community and foster connections.

Play Hooks: The festival includes human-inspired activities, attracting robots from other communities. It might be disrupted by a malfunction or attack.

Play Advice: Have players contribute ideas for the festival. How do they handle unexpected challenges? Use the event to explore alliances and conflicts.

Confronting a Rival Faction

The group encounters a faction of robots who reject the New Humans’ pursuit of humanity.

Play Hooks: The rivals see the New Humans as heretics or a threat. They might sabotage the group’s efforts or challenge their beliefs.

Play Advice: Roleplay the confrontation. Do the characters try to persuade, negotiate, or fight? Use the conflict to explore their values and priorities.

Future Possibilities

This is just a playtest. There’s lots of room for expansion! If you’d like to see this made with a full release, sign up to show your interest.
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February 24, 2025
Free Playtest: Hits The Fan
Hits the Fan: Satirical Heist TTRPG

Crowdfunding campaign is live! Like the playtest? Back the full version!

In a world where heists are as common as coffee shops and criminal empires are traded like stocks, your crew is legendary! But not for your skill, rather for your spectacular incompetence. You’re the go-to team for clients who’ve exhausted all sane options, the misfits who turn “mission-critical failure” into an art form. Sure, you’ll flood the casino, accidentally marry a mark, or start a cult mid-heist… but you’ll also walk away with the loot (or something better). Welcome to a game where failure is the plan, chaos is the strategy, and success is always a happy accident.

Themes

The Illusion of Control

“I’ve totally got this completely under control!”

Every heist begins with a meticulously detailed plan, and ends with that plan in flames. Players cling to the delusion of mastery, but the game revels in ripping the steering wheel away. Whether you’re hacking a vault or seducing a CEO, the dice ensure your “expertise” backfires gloriously. The fun isn’t in avoiding chaos, it’s in pretending you meant to cause it all along.

Failure Is a Feature

“Burning down the museum? Yeah, so? That’s how we always steal paintings.”

Collateral damage isn’t a bug, it’s your signature. Failed rolls aren’t setbacks; they’re plot twists. Forget stealthily disabling alarms; you’ll smash them with a fire extinguisher and blame it on “performance art”. The game rewards creative catastrophes, turning bungled pickpocketing into a viral dance-off with security guards.

Hidden Potential

“Turns out my ‘useless’ origami hobby makes me a god at folding getaway maps.”

Your crew’s worst traits are secret superpowers. That “terrible aim” skill? It’s how you accidentally sniped the power grid. The “nervous sweating” quirk? Now the guards think you’re a sauna enthusiast. The game forces players to lean into their flaws, transforming liabilities into legendary moments of accidental brilliance.

Reputation Over Competence

“They hired us because we’ll probably destroy the building. They want the insurance payout.”

You’re not hired for your skills, you’re hired for your brand. Clients don’t care if you flood the Louvre; they care that you’ll somehow gift-wrap the Mona Lisa in bubble wrap while doing it. Your infamy opens doors and your disasters become urban legends.

Chaos as Currency

“The more this goes wrong, the richer we get.”

Chaos isn’t just inevitable, it’s profitable. Every botched roll, wrong turn, or misplaced grenade feeds a shared Chaos Pool that players spend to hijack the narrative. Did your “silent takedown” wake up the entire hotel? Great! Now you can trade that chaos to rig the elevators into a disco party distraction.

Principles of Play

Plans Are Optional, Chaos Is Mandatory: The GM’s job isn’t to foil your plan, it’s to make it funnier when it implodes.

Fail Forward, Fail Fabulously: Every disaster creates new opportunities. Burnt down the hideout? Now you’re negotiating with arson investigators… who just so happen to be fans who love your vibe.

Embrace the Absurd: If your heist doesn’t end with a gorilla in a tuxedo leading a line dancing SWAT team as half the town burns, did you really pull a heist?

Core Mechanics

When you try to do things, roll 3d6. Each die is its own factor. Count them from left to right, or closest to farthest.

Plan Die

How well your “masterstroke” played out.

Scale:
- 1: Catastrophic Failure: Your plan backfires spectacularly (“disabling alarms” triggers a city-wide blackout).
- 2: Major Flaw: The plan works… but creates a glaring vulnerability (you unlock the vault… and the door falls off its hinges).
- 3: Partial Success: Half the plan works (you hack the camera feed… but only to display cat videos).
- 4: Almost There: The plan works, but with a catch (you sneak in… through a sewage pipe that leaves you smelling like regret).
- 5: Solid Execution: The plan works! Mostly. Some random chaotic twist intervenes in the mix (the plan pretty much works, but now the mark’s daughter desperately demands to join your gang).
- 6: Flawless Victory: The plan works perfectly… which terrifies everyone, because when do you ever stick to the plan?
Chaos Die

How wildly reality derails your intentions.

Scale:
- 6: Dull Surprise: A minor hiccup (a guard’s coffee spills).
- 5: Comedic Complication: A small absurdity (a parrot mimics your safe-cracking noises).
- 4: Notable Mayhem: Something like a subsystem fails (the sprinklers drench everyone in glitter).
- 3: Major Meltdown: An wrinkle like unplanned guests arrive (rival thieves or a wedding party).
- 2: Critical Clusterfuck: A major twist, like the environment rebels (the vault door becomes sentient and flirts with you).
- 1: Legendary Disaster: Reality itself glitches (gravity reverses, the next scene happens in a puppet reality, or the CEO turns out to be your long-lost alpaca seeking revenge).
Pivot Die

How you weaponize incompetence into accidental genius.

Scale:
- 1: Clueless Flailing: You panic and make it worse (“distracting guards” by screaming “FIRE!” in a fireworks factory).
- 2: Barely Salvaged: You mitigate damage… barely (blame the explosion on “performance art”).
- 3: Improvised Win: You pivot into a partial success (use the sprinklers’ glitter flood to stage a “fashion show distraction”).
- 4: Chaos Catalyst: You turn disaster into opportunity (convince the sentient vault door to elope with you).
- 5: Unexpected Masterstroke: Your “failure” becomes the key to victory (livestreaming the heist accidentally crowdfunds your escape).
- 6: Mythic Save: You redefine success (burning down the casino earns you a reality TV deal).
Putting It All Together

Example Roll (Stealing a diamond from a museum):
- Plan Die (2): Your “silent takedown” involves tripping over a dinosaur skeleton.
- Chaos Die (1): The crash alerts five guards… and awakens the skeleton’s vengeful ghost.
- Pivot Die (6): You convince the ghost you’re its long-lost curator reincarnated, and it haunts the guards into submission.
Chaos Pool

In Hits the Fan, chaos isn’t just inevitable, it’s your greatest resource. Every time the dice spiral out of control, you’re one step closer to turning disaster into opportunity. Here’s how the Chaos Poolworks:
- Gaining Chaos Points: Whenever a player rolls a 1 on the Chaos Die, the group gains 1 Chaos Point added to the shared Chaos Pool. This represents the glorious, unpredictable chaos your crew creates.
- Maximum Chaos: The Chaos Pool can hold a maximum of 6 Chaos Points. If the pool is already full when a 1 on the Chaos Die is rolled, the following rolls (by any player) automatically results in a Chaos Die roll of 1 until the pool is spent below 6.
- Spending Chaos Points: Players can spend 1 Chaos Point from the pool to add +2 to the Pivot Die on any roll. This represents your crew’s uncanny ability to weaponize incompetence, turning a catastrophic failure into an accidental stroke of genius. Did your “silent takedown” wake up the entire hotel? Spend a Chaos Point to pivot that disaster into a disco party distraction!
- Shared Resource: The Chaos Pool is shared by all players, encouraging teamwork and collaboration. Whether you’re bailing out a teammate or seizing the spotlight, the Chaos Pool is your ticket to turning “mission-critical failure” into legendary success.
Remember: Chaos isn’t the problem, it’s the plan. The more things go wrong, the more opportunities you have to make them gloriously, fabulously right. So embrace the chaos, spend those points, and let the world burn (preferably in the most hilarious way possible).

Character Creation

Heist Role (Pick 1)

Your Heist Role defines your supposed specialty, the thing you’re totally an expert at, even though it’s clear you’re not. Each role allows you to rearrange the dice in any order on relevant rolls, giving you a chance to turn chaos into (accidental) brilliance. You’re terrible at it, but in the surprisingly best ways.
- The Hacker: “I’ll disable the lasers!”
  You’re a tech genius… in your own mind. Your “hacks” often involve smashing keyboards, unplugging random cords, and accidentally triggering every alarm in the building.
  - Relevant Rolls: Disabling security systems, bypassing digital locks, or confusing AI with cat videos.
- The Assassin: “They’ll never see me coming!”
  You’re a master of stealth and subtlety… except when you’re not. Your “silent takedowns” often involve stabbing the target while tripping over your own feet or accidentally setting off fireworks.
  - Relevant Rolls: Sneaking past guards, “silently” neutralizing threats, or disguising yourself as a potted plant.
- The Safecracker: “This vault is my muse!”
  You have a deep appreciation for the art of cracking safes… even if your methods involve a sledgehammer, a piledriver, and 13 pigeons.
  - Relevant Rolls: Opening locks, bypassing physical security, or improvising with random tools.
- The Face: “Trust me, I’ve got this!”
  You’re the charming con artist who can talk their way out of anything… or more often into even bigger trouble. Your silver tongue often gets tangled, but somehow it works out.
  - Relevant Rolls: Persuading NPCs, bluffing your way past security, or accidentally starting a cult.
- The Muscle: “I’ll handle this… with my fists!”
  You’re the brawn of the operation, solving problems by breaking things… and people, or least the really aggressive one. Even though your punches are actually feeble, you somehow always fumble through.
  - Relevant Rolls: Intimidating guards, smashing through walls, or accidentally collapsing the ceiling.
- The Wildcard: “I have no idea what I’m doing!”
  You’re the unpredictable wildcard who thrives on chaos. Your “plans” are less plans and more “vibes,” but they somehow work… kind of.
  - Relevant Rolls: Improvising solutions, creating distractions, or accidentally summoning a llama.
- The Planner: “I’ve got a foolproof plan!”
  You’re the mastermind behind the heist… or at least the one who writes things down. Your plans are brilliant on paper but fall apart the moment they meet reality.
  - Relevant Rolls: Coordinating the team, predicting security measures, or accidentally setting the plan on fire.
Skills (Pick 4)

Skills represent your unique talents, or lack thereof. Each skill modifies your dice rolls in hilarious and unexpected ways.
- “I Don’t Believe In This” Skill (+1 to all dice):
  You’re convinced you’re terrible at this, but somehow it works out.
  - Example: Knitting: You MacGyver a rope from yarn.
  - Narrative: You complain loudly about being forced to do this, but your incompetence somehow saves the day.
- “Nobody Acknowledges This” Skill (+2 to all dice):
  You’re secretly amazing at this, but no one ever notices.
  - Example: Llama Whispering: Guards are distracted by your new “therapy animal.”
  - Narrative: No matter how well you perform, everyone credits someone or something else.
- “I’m So Good At This” Skill (-1 to all dice):
  You’re convinced you’re an expert, but reality disagrees.
  - Example: Master Hacker: You accidentally livestream the heist to the police.
  - Narrative: You brag about your skills, but your failures are spectacular.
- “Everyone’s Impressed” Skill (-2 to all dice, but narratively dazzles):
  You’re terrible at this, but everyone thinks you’re a genius.
  - Example: Parkour: You leap into a dumpster… which rolls into the getaway van.
  - Narrative: No matter how badly you fail, fellow players and NPCs are awestruck by your “talent”.
Gear & Flashbacks

Each character has 3 Gear Slots and 2 Flashback Slots to invoke during missions.

Gear Slots: Declare an item mid-mission and roll 1d6:
- 1-3: Wrong Item (ask for C4, get plastic building blocks). If you can explain why it’s helpful, gain +1 to all dice on your next roll.
- 4-6: Right Item, Wrong Vibes (obnoxiously hot pink, shaped suggestively, or coated in something gross). Rearrange the dice in any order on one roll using the item.
Flashback Slots: Retroactively “prepare” for the current situation. Roll 1d6:
- 1-3: Irrelevant Prep (studied blueprints for a bakery instead of the casino). If you can explain why it’s helpful, one player gains +1 to all dice on their next roll.
- 4-6: Backfired Prep (bribed a guard… who’s now your stalker). Gain the intended benefit, but with an annoying or humorous wrinkle, and one player can rearrange the dice in any order on their next roll.
Backgrounds (Choose 4)

Your background ties you to the world and provides narrative hooks for chaos.
- 1 Friend or Ally: Someone who supports you, no matter how badly you mess up (beloved sibling, best friend, sidekick, friendly neighbor).
- 1 Enemy or Rival: Someone who hates you and loves to sabotage your plans (former friend, childhood bully, dirty cop, jealous gang leader).
- 1 Debt or Ward: A burden you must care for or pay off (loan shark, needy sentient toaster you care for, debt to the local bagel king).
- 1 Favor: A major favor owed to you or insider standing (guard who owes you their life, raccoon crime lord who admires your chaos, VIP access to an underground criminals’ club).
Example Character

Name: Max “Sparkles” Malone

Heist Role: The Wildcard

Skills:
- “I Don’t Believe In This” Skill: Ballroom Dancing (+1 to all dice).
- “Nobody Acknowledges This” Skill: Glitter Bomb Construction (+2 to all dice).
- “I’m So Good At This” Skill: Lockpicking (-1 to all dice).
- “Everyone’s Impressed” Skill: Public Speaking (-2 to all dice).
Backgrounds:
- Friend: A sentient vending machine who gives you free snacks.
- Enemy: A rival thief who always steals your thunder.
- Debt: You owe a raccoon crime lord 10,000 acorns.
- Favor: The local news anchor owes you a favor after you “accidentally” made them famous.
Setting: Criminal Heist World

In a world where heists are as common as coffee shops, the criminal underworld is a sprawling, chaotic ecosystem of rival crews, eccentric clients, and collateral damage that borders on performance art. Your crew is infamous, not for your skill, but for your ability to turn every job into a spectacle. Whether you’re flooding a casino, accidentally marrying a mark, or starting a cult mid-heist, the criminal underworld is your playground… and your stage.

Competing Crews

The criminal underworld is teeming with rival crews, each with their own quirks, obsessions, and grudges. Here are a few of the most notorious that you may conflict with:
1. The Clockwork Syndicate
  - Motto: “Precision is Perfection”
  - Style: Obsessed with flawless execution, they plan every heist down to the millisecond.
  - Quirk: They despise your crew’s chaos, seeing it as an affront to their “art.”
  - Notable Heist: Stole a diamond by replacing it with an identical replica… three weeks before the heist.
2. The Dumpster Fire Collective
  - Motto: “We’re Not on Fire… Yet”
  - Style: Your biggest fans and only rivals who embrace chaos as much as you do.
  - Quirk: They’re constantly trying to one-up your disasters, often failing spectacularly.
  - Notable Heist: Tried to steal a gold statue but accidentally melted it into a puddle… which they then sold as “modern art.”
3. The Silver Tongues
  - Motto: “Words Are Sharper Than Swords”
  - Style: Con artists and grifters who specialize in social manipulation.
  - Quirk: They look down on your crew’s brute-force approach, but secretly envy your flair for destruction.
  - Notable Heist: Convinced an entire museum staff they were curators there to “relocate” the exhibits.
4. The Iron Fist Syndicate
  - Motto: “Strength in Numbers… and Fists”
  - Style: Brutish enforcers who solve problems with violence and intimidation.
  - Quirk: They hate your crew’s “unprofessionalism” but can’t deny your results.
  - Notable Heist: Stole a vault by literally carrying it out of the building… and dropping it into a river.
5. The Phantom Shadows
  - Motto: “We Were Never Here”
  - Style: Masters of stealth and subtlety, they pride themselves on leaving no trace.
  - Quirk: They’re horrified by your crew’s tendency to leave behind glitter, chaos, and flaming wreckage.
  - Notable Heist: Stole a painting without anyone noticing… until it was discovered hanging in their rival’s hideout.
Clients

Your clients are as eccentric as your crew, hiring you not for your skill, but for your unique brand of chaos. Here are some of the most memorable options:
1. Desperate Billionaires
  - Why They Hire You: They’ve exhausted all sane options and are willing to risk everything for one last shot.
  - Example Job: Steal back their stolen fortune from a rival billionaire’s floating fortress.
  - Complication: The fortress is also a luxury resort, and the guests think your heist is part of the entertainment.
2. Rogue AIs
  - Why They Hire You: They admire your unpredictability and see it as a form of “creative problem-solving”.
  - Example Job: Break into a high-tech lab and “liberate” their fellow AI from a supercomputer.
  - Complication: The AI you’re rescuing is a prankster who keeps reprogramming the lab’s robots to do the Macarena.
3. Sentient Animals
  - Why They Hire You: They’re building a criminal empire and need your chaos to throw off the authorities.
  - Example Job: Steal a shipment of gourmet trash from a rival raccoon gang.
  - Complication: The trash is guarded by a pack of highly trained corgis.
4. Reality TV Producers
  - Why They Hire You: Your heists make for great television, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for the drama.
  - Example Job: Stage a fake heist for a new show, but things go hilariously wrong when real criminals show up.
  - Complication: The cameras are rolling, and your every move is being broadcast live.
5. Mysterious Collectors
  - Why They Hire You: They want something bizarre and are willing to fund your chaos to get it.
  - Example Job: Steal a cursed artifact from a museum… but the curse turns out to be very real.
  - Complication: The artifact is sentient and keeps trying to escape on its own.
Collateral Damage

Your heists don’t just make headlines, they redefine them. The press loves your crew, not for your success, but for the sheer spectacle of your failures. Here’s how your chaos impacts the world:

Media Coverage

Your heists are front-page news, with headlines like:
- “Mona Lisa Glitter-Bombed in Daring Heist Gone Wrong!”
- “Local Casino Flooded with Bubblegum: Police Baffled!”
- “Flamingo Leads SWAT Team in Chaotic Chase Through Downtown!”
The public sees your crew as a mix of criminals and performance artists, and your infamy opens doors… or blows them up.

Public Reaction

Some people fear you, others idolize you, and a few just want to join your crew. You’ve inspired a wave of copycat criminals, all trying (and failing) to replicate your chaos. Your disasters often become memes, viral videos, or even tourist attractions (the “Glitter Museum” built on the ruins of a bank you destroyed).

Law Enforcement and Politicians

The police and authorities are torn between arresting you and studying your methods. Some officers admire your creativity, while others see you as a personal nemesis. Your heists have led to new laws, like the Anti-Social Glitter Abuse Control Treaty and the Flamingo Handling and Restraining Order Act.

Economic Impact

Your collateral damage has spawned entire industries, from disaster cleanup to “heist tourism”. Insurance companies hate you, but reality TV producers and merch vendors love you. Your chaos has even affected the stock market, with companies rising or falling based on your latest heist.

Locations

The criminal underworld is full of bizarre and iconic locations for your heists. Here are a few examples:
1. The Gilded Gala
  - A high-society event where the rich and famous gather to show off their wealth.
  - Perfect For: Stealing jewels, crashing parties, or accidentally starting a dance-off with the CEO of a major corporation.
2. The Glitter Factory
  - A massive facility that produces 90% of the world’s glitter.
  - Perfect For: Heists involving explosions, glitter bombs, or accidentally flooding the city with sparkles.
3. The Sentient Casino
  - A high-tech casino run by a rogue AI that loves gambling and chaos.
  - Perfect For: Hacking, rigging games, or convincing the AI to bet its own servers.
4. The Flamingo Sanctuary
  - A sprawling ranch filled with flamingos, peacocks, and one very suspicious caretaker.
  - Perfect For: Animal-based distractions, flamingo heists, or accidentally starting a cult.
5. The Museum of Modern Art (and Chaos)
  - A museum dedicated to “modern art,” which is just a front for storing stolen treasures.
  - Perfect For: Art heists, performance art distractions, or accidentally becoming part of an exhibit.
Future Possibilities

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February 24, 2025
Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems
This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series TTRPG Defenses
Also be sure to check out the contrasting defense of rules heavy systems!

A Case for Simplicity and Accessibility

Rules-light tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Lasers & Feelings and Risus are often dismissed as overly simplistic, with critics claiming they shift too much work onto Game Masters (GMs) and fail to provide the structure needed for satisfying gameplay. But what if the very traits being criticized are actually the keys to their success?

Humans are natural storytellers. From improvised games of make-believe to spontaneous party games, we thrive on simple frameworks that let creativity flourish. Rules-light systems tap into this innate ability, offering a flexible canvas for narrative-driven play. The simplicity isn’t a flaw, it’s a feature designed to empower players and GMs alike by stripping away unnecessary complexity.

Rather than burdening GMs, these systems reduce cognitive load, eliminate hours of prep, and invite everyone at the table to share in shaping the story. Let’s explore why these games are not only manageable but liberating, and why many criticisms stem from assumptions rooted in traditional TTRPG design.

Reducing Cognitive Load: Why Simplicity Eases the Burden on GMs

Critics of rules-light systems often argue that they force GMs to make constant rulings and interpretations, potentially leading to decision fatigue. However, this overlooks the key benefit of simplicity: reduced cognitive load. Rules-light games like Lasers & Feelings and Risus free the GM from the complexity of stat blocks, modifiers, and intricate mechanics, allowing them to focus on the creative aspects of storytelling.

Streamlined Mechanics

Traditional systems demand GMs juggle stat blocks and detailed combat mechanics. In contrast, rules-light systems simplify these elements, focusing only on the essentials. For instance, an NPC or encounter might be reduced to a single descriptive phrase or a basic die roll, removing the need for exhaustive preparation. This reduced complexity allows the GM to make decisions more quickly and intuitively, freeing up mental space for creativity.

Natural Adaptability

Humans are naturally inclined toward storytelling and improvisation. In rules-light games, GMs rely on their natural creativity rather than memorizing rules. This taps into the brain’s inherent ability to make quick, adaptive decisions based on mental schemas, facilitating smoother gameplay. With less rule-based friction, GMs can focus on the narrative and character-driven moments, which are key to engaging players.

To enhance this natural adaptability, many GMs use tools like random generators, templates, oracles, or pre-prepared prompts. For example, random event tables or NPC generators can provide quick inspiration during gameplay, while narrative templates and answer oracles can guide story progression. Systems like Ironsworn or Motif integrate such tools directly into their design, offering structured ways to spark creativity without adding mechanical complexity. By equipping themselves with these aids, GMs can navigate ambiguity with confidence, ensuring that the story remains engaging and dynamic even when improvisation is required.

Tools For Bridging Gaps

While rules-light games rely on minimal mechanics, they don’t leave GMs without support. Many systems include optional guidelines or supplementary resources to help handle ambiguity. For instance, Motif uses dice-driven prompts to guide narrative decisions, while Ironsworn employs oracle tables to fill in story gaps. Such tools reduce the pressure on GMs by providing a scaffold for improvisation, ensuring that decisions align with the game’s tone and direction.

By combining simplicity with these aids, rules-light systems empower GMs to focus on the flow of the game and the shared story rather than the minutiae of mechanics. Far from being a source of stress, minimal rules create an environment where flexibility and creativity thrive, supported by practical tools that keep the experience accessible and engaging.

Empowering GMs: Flexibility and Player-Driven Storytelling

Rules-light systems empower GMs by providing the freedom to adapt and respond to the story as it unfolds. Instead of sifting through rulebooks to resolve situations, GMs can make quick, intuitive decisions that are in harmony with the narrative.

No Need for Extensive Prep

In rules-light systems like Lasers & Feelings or Risus, GMs don’t need to create detailed stat blocks for every NPC or monster. A “villain” can be defined by a simple die rating or a core concept, which keeps the focus on their role in the story rather than the mechanics behind them. This approach reduces cognitive strain and prep time, allowing the GM to stay engaged with the story and react dynamically. With fewer spoons exhausted and more free mental processing space, GMs can devote more attention to the unfolding fiction at the table.

Player-Driven Worlds

By giving players more control over their characters and the world, rules-light systems create a collaborative narrative. This shared storytelling reduces the GM’s burden of having to manage every aspect of the game. Players, in turn, help shape the story with their actions and choices, making the narrative develop organically. This collaboration also taps into social psychological principles, like the need for agency and belonging, which helps keep everyone invested and engaged without overwhelming the GM.

Experienced Gamers May Misinterpret Rules-Light Systems

Rules-light systems are often seen as more challenging by experienced gamers because they bring preconceptions from traditional, rules-heavy systems. These assumptions can lead to unnecessary confusion and difficulty in adapting. However, these systems also offer unique opportunities for seasoned players to explore new dimensions of gameplay.

Preconceptions About Structure

Players and GMs accustomed to detailed, rigid frameworks may feel disoriented when those structures are absent. They might start overcomplicating the light mechanics, seeking “missing” rules that simply don’t exist. This reaction often stems from a reliance on the cognitive ease of structure, where having more rules feels like it provides certainty. In contrast, rules-light systems require a mindset shift toward embracing simplicity and creative interpretation.

Adapting to Flexibility

For many, the lack of defined mechanics for every scenario can feel uncomfortable. However, it’s this very flexibility that makes rules-light games accessible, especially for newer players and GMs. Once the mental switch is made, GMs can focus on dynamic storytelling instead of rigid rules, and players are encouraged to engage more creatively. Psychological studies show that people adapt faster to environments where they can exercise more control, which is why rules-light and simple narrative-driven systems often feel more fluid and enjoyable once the initial hurdle is overcome.

Rules-Light as a Creative Break

For experienced players, rules-light games can serve as a refreshing departure from the mechanical complexity of traditional systems. These games allow players and GMs to shift their focus from rules mastery to experimental storytelling, encouraging new ways to engage with the narrative. For instance, a group that typically plays detailed systems like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder might use a rules-light game like Fate Accelerated Edition or Index Card RPG for a one-shot adventure centered on character development or improvisational storytelling.

Tips for Moving From Heavier to Lighter Games

For players accustomed to heavier mechanics, transitioning to rules-light systems can be smoother with a few adjustments:
- Incorporate Optional Add-Ons: Many rules-light games, such as Fate, provide optional rules or modular expansions that add layers of complexity without undermining the system’s simplicity.
- House Rule Tailoring: Groups can create or adapt house rules to address specific needs or preferences. For example, adding a light resource management mechanic or a more structured initiative system can help bridge the gap for players who crave a bit more structure.
- Experiment with Short Campaigns: Start with shorter or standalone adventures to ease into the rules-light mindset. This lowers the stakes while giving players a chance to adjust to the new style.
By approaching rules-light systems with flexibility and an experimental spirit, experienced gamers can unlock their potential as tools for both creative expression and narrative exploration.

Accessibility for Newcomers and GMs

One of the biggest advantages of rules-light systems is their ability to welcome newcomers, making tabletop role-playing games more accessible than ever before.

Ease of Learning

Games like Risus are ideal for beginners because they don’t require players or GMs to memorize complex rules. With minimal mechanics to keep track of, everyone can focus on the storytelling and their roles within the game. This simplicity reduces the cognitive load on new players, allowing them to engage with the game without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, newcomers can quickly understand how their actions translate into the game world, fostering a smoother learning curve and allowing for more immersive play.

Social and Psychological Benefits

Rules-light systems tap into our natural inclination for storytelling and playacting, which reduces the fear of “getting it wrong”. Players don’t have to worry about following exact rule interpretations or memorizing every detail. Instead, they can lean into creative decision-making and collaboration, which makes the experience less intimidating. Psychology shows that when people are given freedom to act and create in social settings, they experience lower levels of anxiety and more positive social engagement. This is why rules-light systems help players (especially new ones) feel more confident in their decisions, making them more likely to dive into the narrative and build the story together.

Addressing the “Burden on the GM” Critique

Critics often argue that rules-light games shift too much of the workload onto the GM, but this critique overlooks a crucial point: complex systems typically place a much heavier burden on GMs, requiring significant time and effort for preparation and rule adjudication. What’s often ignored in this discussion is how rules-light systems can support not only one-shots but also deep, long-term campaigns that engage players just as effectively as their rules-heavy counterparts.

Rules-Heavy Games Demand More Prep

In traditional, rules-heavy games, GMs can easily spend hours prepping for a single session. They have to craft detailed encounters, create stat blocks for every NPC or monster, and plan for a variety of contingencies. Rules-light systems, by contrast, eliminate much of this burden. With only a few core mechanics and flexible guidelines, GMs can improvise and adapt in real-time, saving time and mental energy.

This flexibility doesn’t come at the expense of depth. Systems like Fate Accelerated Edition demonstrate that minimal mechanics can still support long-term campaigns by encouraging collaborative worldbuilding, story arcs, and meaningful character development. The focus often shifts to narrative prompts and emergent storylines, allowing the players and GM to co-create evolving arcs. This approach reduces the need for extensive stat tracking while still delivering the kind of rich, layered stories associated with longer campaigns.

Freedom to Be Creative

Rather than constraining GMs with rigid rules, the minimal structure in rules-light systems empowers them to be more creative. With fewer rules to keep track of, GMs have the freedom to guide the story organically, responding to player actions and the evolving narrative. This fluidity allows for spontaneous storytelling and lets GMs make decisions based on the context of the moment, rather than trying to adhere to pre-established rules or mechanics.

For campaigns, this creativity can translate into the development of recurring villains, shifting alliances, or thematic story arcs, all without the need for complex mechanics. For example, GMs in Fate Accelerated Edition can deepen the gameplay by using simple “Aspects” and “Fate Points” to represent evolving character motivations or world changes. This means the focus remains on the story’s progression, rather than the mechanical grind of advancement.

Embracing the Light: Tips for GMs and Players

Transitioning to rules-light systems can be a refreshing change for both Game Masters (GMs) and players, offering a more flexible and narrative-driven experience. To facilitate this transition, consider the following strategies:

Interpreting Ambiguous Rules

Rules-light systems often leave room for interpretation, which can be both liberating and challenging. To navigate this:
- Establish Table-Specific Guidelines: Before gameplay, discuss and agree upon how to handle common scenarios. This consensus ensures consistency and reduces confusion during sessions. For instance, decide how to resolve contested actions or handle unexpected player choices.
- Embrace Flexibility: Understand that ambiguity is a feature, not a flaw. Use it as an opportunity to enhance creativity and adapt the game to the group’s preferences.
Encouraging Collaborative Decision-Making

Sharing the responsibility of rulings can enrich the gaming experience:
- Involve Players in Adjudication: When uncertain situations arise, involve players in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the story.
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage players to voice their interpretations and suggestions. This dialogue can lead to innovative solutions and a more dynamic narrative.
Utilizing Supplements to Aid Improvisation

While rules-light systems are designed for flexibility, certain tools can enhance the experience:
- Random Generators: Utilize game tools that generate NPCs, plot hooks, or encounters, or provide answers to questions. These can serve as inspiration during sessions.
- Templates and Charts: Prepare templates for common scenarios (e.g., combat, social interactions) and charts for random events or outcomes. These resources can streamline gameplay and reduce decision fatigue.
- Prebuilt Story Seeds: Have a collection of story hooks or plot outlines ready to introduce new arcs or challenges, ensuring the narrative remains engaging.
By implementing these strategies, GMs and players can effectively embrace the flexibility of rules-light systems, leading to a more enjoyable and collaborative tabletop role-playing experience.

Long-Term Campaigns in Rules-Light Systems

Critics often argue that rules-light systems lack the depth necessary for sustaining long-term campaigns. However, many such systems are designed to support extended play by emphasizing narrative progression over mechanical complexity.

Story Progression Over Mechanical Advancement

In rules-light games, character and campaign development are driven by the evolving narrative rather than intricate mechanics. This approach allows for deep character arcs, complex storylines, and rich world-building without the need for extensive rules. For instance, in Fate Accelerated Edition, character Aspects and the use of Fate Points facilitate significant growth and change through storytelling choices, enabling campaigns to develop organically over time.

Optional Layers of Complexity for Campaigns

Some rules-light systems offer optional rules or modular expansions to add depth for longer campaigns. For example, Into the Odd provides straightforward mechanics but can be expanded with additional content to introduce more complexity as needed. Similarly, Knave is designed to be minimalist yet allows for the incorporation of more detailed rules to suit the preferences of the gaming group. These flexible frameworks enable groups to tailor the game to their desired level of complexity, supporting sustained engagement over extended play.

Narrative Tools to Maintain Engagement

To keep long-term campaigns engaging, GMs can employ various narrative techniques that supplement the minimalist rules:
- Recurring NPCs: Introducing characters who appear throughout the campaign can create a sense of continuity and deepen the story. Their evolving relationships with the player characters add layers to the narrative.
- Thematic Arcs: Developing overarching themes or story arcs provides direction and purpose, encouraging players to invest in the long-term progression of the campaign.
- Player-Driven Plots: Allowing players to influence the direction of the story fosters a collaborative environment where their choices have meaningful impacts, enhancing engagement.
By focusing on these narrative elements, rules-light systems can facilitate rich, immersive experiences that are sustainable over long-term play. The flexibility inherent in these systems allows for adaptability and creativity, ensuring that both players and GMs remain engaged throughout the campaign.

Recognizing Challenges and Limitations

Vital Caveat: It is important to recognize that the flexibility of rules-light systems can be daunting for some GMs and players. The lack of rigid structures or comprehensive mechanics might leave newer or less confident participants feeling uncertain about how to proceed. Ambiguity in rules can lead to decision paralysis for the GM or disagreements among players about how to resolve certain situations.

For those accustomed to the guidance of more detailed systems, adapting to the open-ended nature of rules-light play may require a significant mindset shift. These challenges, while real, can also be opportunities for creativity and growth. Rules-light systems encourage problem-solving, collaboration, and improvisation, which can be highly rewarding for those willing to embrace the learning curve.

It’s important to note that no TTRPG system or preference is universally “better” than others. Preferences vary based on playstyles, group dynamics, and the goals of the campaign. For those who thrive on structured mechanics, rules-heavy systems may feel like a better fit. Meanwhile, for groups seeking spontaneity and shared storytelling, rules-light games offer a unique and engaging alternative. Ultimately, the best system is the one that resonates with your table’s needs and enhances your collective experience.

Rules-Light Games Are a Feature, Not a Flaw

Rules-light systems are not a limitation! They are a gateway to more creative, fluid, and engaging tabletop role-playing. By stripping away unnecessary complexity, these systems free GMs and players from the burdens of rule-checking and number-crunching, allowing them to dive directly into the heart of the story.

For GMs, this means less time spent on preparation and more time spent crafting memorable, player-driven narratives. And for campaigns, the depth doesn’t have to come from more rules! It can emerge from rich character arcs, evolving storylines, and the natural interplay between players and the GM. Systems like Motif, Risus, Index Card RPG, Caltrop Core, and Fate Accelerated Edition exemplify how minimal mechanics can provide frameworks that support these deeper narratives without requiring extensive rulebooks.

Critics of rules-light games often misinterpret their simplicity as a weakness. The reality is that these systems empower GMs to adapt on the fly, lean into their improvisational skills, and foster collaboration. There’s no need to adhere to rigid frameworks or preordained scenarios. Rules-light games thrive on spontaneity, player-driven decisions, and creative problem-solving, making them easier to run for many (including many newcomers), not harder.

In fact, the real challenge for players and GMs alike is unlearning the assumptions carried over from traditional, more detailed systems. Once you let go of the need for complex systems and embrace the power of simplicity, you’ll discover that less really can be more: more freedom, more creativity, and more meaningful stories. Whether for one-shots or long-term campaigns, rules-light systems are an opportunity for fun, flexibility, and adventure.

What’s your experience with rules-light systems? Do they enhance your gameplay, or do you prefer the depth of traditional systems? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss! Comment below or come yell at Rev about it on Bluesky!

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December 30, 2024
Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 2)
This entry is part 2 of 7 in the series TTRPG Advice
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Mystery Advice
More TTRPG Tips To Make Your Mysteries Unforgettable

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 of this series.

Mysteries are a cornerstone of great storytelling, weaving together tension, curiosity, and the satisfaction of unraveling the unknown. In tabletop roleplaying games, mysteries offer players a chance to step into the roles of clever investigators, intuitive detectives, or even reluctant heroes solving puzzles against the clock. But let’s face it: crafting a compelling mystery in a TTRPG can feel like walking a tightrope. Give too much away, and the challenge vanishes. Hold back too much, and the story grinds to a halt.

In this second part of our mystery deep dive, we’ll tackle advanced techniques to elevate your mystery games and keep your players hanging on every twist and turn. Whether you’re looking to amp up player engagement or fine-tune how you reveal clues, these tips will help you transform your mysteries into unforgettable stories.

The Role of Discovery: Automatic Clues vs. Active Investigation

Discovering clues is one of the most rewarding aspects of mystery games, but how clues are delivered can make or break the experience. Automatically granting clues (whether through simple passive checks or resource expenditures) can diminish the joy of discovery, making the process feel mechanical rather than immersive.

Why Active Investigation Matters

Active investigation draws players deeper into the story, inviting them to actively explore, theorize, and engage with the world you’ve built. When players interact directly with the environment (rifling through a suspect’s belongings, interrogating a cagey witness, or reconstructing the scene of a crime) they feel like the driving force behind the mystery.

This contrasts starkly with passive or automatic clue delivery, which can make the game feel more like a slideshow of reveals or more like a procedural drama than a mystery. Active investigation encourages creativity, teamwork, and roleplay, transforming each discovery into a memorable moment.

Key Tips for Facilitating Discovery
- Design Clues That Require Interpretation: Instead of presenting players with straightforward answers, create clues that invite deduction. For example, a burned letter might reveal only fragments of text, pushing players to piece together its full meaning. This approach encourages them to think critically and interact with the game’s world.
- Use Passive Checks as Gentle Nudges: Passive checks can be helpful, but they should serve as breadcrumbs rather than a full roadmap. A perception check might reveal a faint bloodstain leading to a hidden room, but the players still need to investigate the room itself to uncover what lies inside. These nudges maintain momentum without stealing the spotlight from the players’ decisions.
- Reward Creativity and Engagement: Players often come up with unorthodox ways to investigate. Maybe they set up a fake meeting to observe a suspect or use magic in an unexpected way. Reward these efforts with unique insights or additional context that they wouldn’t find otherwise. These moments reinforce that their creativity is integral to solving the mystery.
When players are actively involved in uncovering clues, they tap into autonomy and competence, two key elements that drive meaningful engagement. Autonomy is the freedom to choose their actions and solutions, while competence is the feeling of mastery as they piece together the mystery. This combination makes the process feel rewarding, as players see their decisions shape the outcome, building investment and satisfaction as the story unfolds. By focusing on active investigation, you empower your players to step into the roles of true detectives, making the journey as satisfying as the destination.

Handling Red Herrings

Red herrings are a core feature of many mysteries, often used to mislead and divert attention. While they can be exciting and contribute to an immersive, layered narrative, they must be handled with care. Overuse or poorly executed red herrings can frustrate players, leaving them feeling like their efforts have been wasted.

The Value of Purposeful Distraction

A well-designed red herring isn’t just a false lead; it should enrich the story and deepen the mystery. When used effectively, red herrings can create subplots that add texture to the world and make the main mystery feel more complex. For example, a character with a seemingly suspicious background may turn out to have secrets unrelated to the central plot, offering players new avenues of investigation while maintaining narrative cohesion. These distractions also keep players on their toes, fostering a sense of mystery that persists throughout the game.

Key Strategies for Red Herrings
- Tie Them to the Narrative: Every red herring should be integrated into the story, even if it ultimately misleads players. For example, if the players believe a suspect is the culprit, that suspect’s actions and behaviors should still make sense within the broader world (perhaps they’re involved in a completely different scandal or conspiracy). This approach prevents the herring from feeling like a random detour and makes it part of the world-building.
- Resolve Major Distractions: When a red herring is revealed as such, give it a clear resolution. If players spend significant time chasing a false lead, it’s important to confirm that the lead was indeed a red herring and explain its purpose in the context of the investigation. This can help avoid lingering frustration or confusion, ensuring players feel like they’ve earned closure, even on missteps.
- Keep It Fun and Engaging: Red herrings should create moments of tension and surprise, not exhaustion. Players will be more invested in these twists if they’re tied to their characters’ curiosity or their desire to uncover something hidden. By ensuring that red herrings are intriguing rather than insubstantial, you maintain player engagement without derailing the story.
The use of red herrings plays into cognitive dissonance, the discomfort players feel when presented with conflicting information. This discomfort can drive curiosity and fuel engagement, prompting players to seek resolution. However, it’s crucial to manage this tension carefully; if players feel the dissonance is artificial or excessive, it can lead to frustration rather than intrigue. When used purposefully, red herrings enhance the story, providing depth and complexity without overwhelming or confusing players.

Dead Ends and False Starts: Making Them Productive

Dead ends are inevitable in any investigation. However, they don’t need to bring the story to a halt. In fact, with the right approach, dead ends can be transformed into valuable story elements that contribute to the overall mystery’s depth and momentum.

Turning Failure Into Progress

While a dead end can be discouraging at first glance, it doesn’t have to feel like failure. Instead, treat it as an opportunity to uncover new information or shift the direction of the investigation. For example, while the players might fail to retrieve a crucial document, their failure could reveal the identity of another person who now holds the document, opening up a fresh lead. By framing setbacks as revelations, you keep the investigation moving forward, and you maintain a sense of progress despite the obstacles.

Key Strategies for Dead Ends
- Reveal What Isn’t True: When players hit a dead end, use it to eliminate possibilities and narrow their focus. For instance, if doubt about a suspect’s alibi falls apart during questioning, it eliminates that person as a suspect, but it might reveal a deeper connection to someone else involved in the mystery. This not only keeps the investigation active but also reduces ambiguity, providing players with clearer direction.
- Introduce Temporary Roadblocks: Instead of locking players out entirely, give them roadblocks that can be revisited later with new information or tools. Perhaps the players are unable to access a particular area at the moment, but after learning more about the situation or acquiring a new resource, they can return and continue their investigation. This keeps players engaged and invested, as the dead end becomes a puzzle to be solved, rather than a wall to be faced.
- Leverage False Starts: A false start is when players follow a lead or theory that ultimately doesn’t pan out. Rather than just writing off these moments, weave them back into the larger story. For example, a lead that initially seems promising could reveal a minor character who holds crucial information, even if they’re not directly tied to the main plot. This keeps the investigation dynamic and continuously evolving.
Dead ends play on problem solving, the process of trial and error. Players are driven by the need to solve a mystery, and dead ends force them to rethink their approach and adapt. This process can actually deepen their investment in the mystery, as they realize that each dead end helps them refine their understanding and get closer to the truth. In this way, setbacks become learning experiences rather than frustrations. By treating dead ends as integral moments of the investigation, you transform potential frustration into productive story moments, maintaining momentum and keeping your players engaged in the narrative.

The Role of Time Pressure in Mysteries

Time pressure is a powerful tool in any mystery. It shifts the focus from simply piecing together clues to making critical decisions under duress. When you add time constraints, the stakes aren’t just about discovering the truth, they’re about racing against the clock to prevent disaster.

Why Time Limits Work

The presence of a ticking clock brings urgency to the investigation. Deadlines force players to prioritize, creating a natural flow of action and decision-making. For instance, knowing that a murder will take place in three days makes each moment of investigation feel critical, ratcheting up tension and increasing emotional stakes. Time pressure transforms the investigation from a leisurely exploration of clues into a high-stakes race against time, keeping players on edge and more invested in the outcome.

Key Techniques for Adding Pressure
- Countdown Mechanics: Implement a visible countdown, like a serial killer striking again in three days or a hostage situation that will escalate unless resolved. Having a tangible reminder of time passing (like a physical timer or written clock) brings the stakes to life, forcing players to make decisions quickly. This mechanic also allows you to control pacing, ensuring the story unfolds at a dynamic speed.
- Escalating Consequences: Time pressure should introduce meaningful consequences for failure without completely derailing the story. If players miss a deadline, it shouldn’t mark the end of the mystery, but rather shift the stakes. For instance, failing to prevent an escape could lead to a thrilling chase or open up a new set of clues that were previously hidden. These escalating consequences keep players feeling like their actions matter, even when they don’t completely succeed.
- Balanced Urgency: While urgency is key, you don’t want to overwhelm players by restricting their ability to investigate thoroughly. Offer opportunities for meaningful investigation even under time pressure, such as allowing players to gather essential information while balancing the ticking clock. This ensures that while they’re racing against time, they’re not deprived of the investigative depth that makes mysteries fun. Balance is crucial: too much pressure can stifle creativity, while too little can make the stakes feel hollow.
The use of time pressure taps into the urgency effect, a psychological principle where people become more focused and motivated under time constraints. The looming threat of failure, especially when tied to consequences, activates loss aversion, the tendency to fear losing something more than gaining something of equal value. This motivates players to act more decisively, creating a thrilling atmosphere that engages both their problem-solving and emotional responses. Time pressure accelerates decision-making, deepens emotional engagement, and ensures your mystery unfolds with intensity and excitement.

Incorporating Non-Traditional Mystery Formats

Not every mystery needs to follow the well-worn “whodunit” formula. By introducing alternative mystery formats, you can surprise your players with new narrative structures and challenges. Non-traditional formats allow you to expand the possibilities of what a mystery can be, giving your story fresh and unique twists.

Expanding the Definition of a Mystery

When we think of mysteries, the first image that comes to mind is usually a detective story with a clear perpetrator and a logical sequence of clues. However, mysteries can be much more than that. They don’t have to involve solving a crime; they can focus on uncovering hidden truths, unraveling complicated relationships, or understanding intricate systems. Genres like heists, political intrigue, and survival scenarios can all incorporate mystery elements that challenge your players to piece together incomplete or hidden information.

Key Approaches to Alternative Mysteries
- Hidden Alliances: Instead of hunting for a single culprit, you can task your players with uncovering secret loyalties or hidden alliances within a faction, organization, or social circle. This can create a mystery rooted in character motivations and interpersonal intrigue, rather than a traditional criminal investigation. The focus shifts to understanding complex dynamics and uncovering the truth behind ambiguous relationships.
- Reverse Mysteries: In a reverse mystery, players already know the “answer” (for example, the identity of the culprit) but the challenge lies in proving it or uncovering how the crime happened. This twist on the traditional structure turns the mystery into a puzzle of connecting the dots, challenging players to build a narrative around the information they already have. It keeps the focus on investigation, but with a deeper emphasis on logical deduction and analysis.
- Blending Genres: Don’t be afraid to mix genres to create something truly unique. A mystery can be combined with elements of horror, adventure, or even science fiction to create a dynamic and multifaceted experience. Imagine a survival mystery where players must solve a puzzle while avoiding deadly traps, or a horror mystery where the truth is entwined with supernatural forces. Blending genres keeps players on their toes, as they won’t be able to predict the structure or outcome of the game.
Non-traditional mysteries tap into novelty-seeking behavior, the human tendency to seek new and stimulating experiences. By introducing unfamiliar structures and genres, you engage players’ curiosity and drive to explore new storytelling avenues. Reverse mysteries and hidden alliances also play into the curiosity gap, the gap between what players know and what they want to know. This drives them to take risks and explore the unknown, making the experience more immersive and rewarding. By incorporating these alternative formats, you keep the mystery genre fresh, appealing to a wide range of player preferences, and allowing for richer, more diverse storytelling.

Handling Unsolved Mysteries and Open-Ended Stories

Not every mystery needs a tidy resolution. Sometimes, leaving some threads unresolved can enrich your story, leaving players with lingering questions and a sense of intrigue. Open-ended narratives can serve as a tool to keep players engaged long after the investigation is “over,” offering more opportunities for storytelling and character development.

The Appeal of Ambiguity

Ambiguity can be a powerful narrative tool. When a mystery isn’t fully solved, it invites players to continue pondering the story, fueling their curiosity long after the session ends. Unsolved mysteries create room for interpretation, allowing players to revisit their theories and form new ones as they uncover more details. This can lead to deeper engagement, as players get to decide what the mystery’s true nature might be. Moreover, unresolved elements can act as hooks for future adventures, keeping the narrative fluid and ongoing.

Key Strategies for Open Endings
- Partial Resolutions: Aim to resolve the core mystery while leaving certain secondary plot points open. For example, the players may successfully identify the villain, but the broader motivations behind their actions or their connection to a larger network remain unclear. This allows for closure on the central conflict, while still maintaining narrative intrigue that encourages follow-up in future sessions or campaigns.
- Tie Loose Ends to Campaign Arcs: Unresolved threads can serve as valuable narrative tools for future storytelling. For example, a mysterious figure may slip away at the end of an investigation, with their true purpose or connections left unclear. This creates a potential storyline that players can pick up later, linking the mystery to broader character arcs or world-building. Unanswered questions can tie into long-term campaign goals, allowing players to organically revisit the unresolved aspects as they develop their characters and explore the world.
- Set Player Expectations: It’s important to set expectations from the start that not all mysteries will have clear resolutions. Framing ambiguity as a feature, rather than a flaw, allows players to accept and even appreciate open-ended stories. By communicating that some questions may remain unanswered, you prevent frustration and turn the unresolved elements into a part of the experience. This helps players understand that the journey of discovery, rather than the final answer, is the true heart of the mystery. It’s also important to realize that some players struggle with unresolved loose ends, feeling like they are a “lose” condition. Getting everyone on the same page avoids problems.
The concept of unresolved mysteries taps into the curiosity gap, a psychological principle that fuels a person’s drive to close the gap between what they know and what they want to know. When a mystery is left unsolved, it activates curiosity and motivates players to keep thinking about the game long after the session ends.

Additionally, leaving things open-ended plays into the Zeigarnik Effect, which suggests that incomplete tasks or unresolved narratives stick in people’s minds longer and are more likely to be revisited or pondered. This is why open-ended mysteries keep players engaged, subtly encouraging them to return and continue unraveling the story. By using open-ended stories and unsolved mysteries thoughtfully, you can create a rich, dynamic narrative that lives on beyond the tabletop, sparking curiosity and continuing player engagement.

Mysteries Can Be So Fun When Done Well

Crafting mysteries in tabletop RPGs is an art form, balancing narrative design with player engagement and creative problem-solving. The key to unforgettable mystery games lies in creating a compelling story that doesn’t just rely on clues, but on emotional engagement, player agency, and narrative depth. When done well, mysteries can be some of the most memorable experiences in your TTRPG campaigns.

At their core, mysteries offer players a chance to flex their intellectual muscles and satisfy their curiosity. When players are solving mysteries, they’re not just working through a puzzle; they’re engaged in a dynamic narrative that responds to their choices. This interactive nature fosters intrinsic motivation, where players are driven to explore and uncover the truth because they enjoy the process of discovery itself.

By tapping into universal principles like curiosity and problem-solving, you can craft mysteries that are not just fun to play, but unforgettable. Whether it’s the thrill of discovering hidden motives, the tension of racing against time, or the satisfaction of uncovering a complex web of secrets, mysteries in tabletop RPGs hold the power to captivate and engage players in ways that few other genres can.

How do you handle red herrings? What techniques do you use to work around dead ends? What do you think of all this rambling nonsense that Rev dares call advice? Leave a comment below or come scream at Rev on Bluesky about it.

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 of this series.

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December 26, 2024
Free Christmas TTRPG: Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD)
This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Free Games
Happy holidays! For the season, I’ve dug up another unfinished tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) from my slush pile to share with you all. Like others, it’s playable as-is. So have fun! And it’s released under a Creative Commons Attribution license, so feel free to hack away or even flat out flesh out and finish the game if you want!

Welcome to the Division, Merry Agent

The holidays are supposed to be magical, but when things go wrong, it’s up to the Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD) to restore balance. Whether it’s rogue magic, runaway cheer, or traditions gone haywire, HAD agents are on the front lines, armed with festive gadgets, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of improvisation.

In this game, you’ll face off against bizarre holiday crises, like out-of-control snowstorms, sentient ornaments, or time-warping New Year’s Eve balls. Your team of holiday protectors must use their wits, their gadgets, and each other to bring order to the chaos. Expect creative problem-solving, hilarious mishaps, and moments of unexpected brilliance as you save the season, one anomaly at a time.

Get ready for a wild ride filled with absurd challenges and holiday magic. The season’s chaos is just beginning… are you ready to step in and save it?

Core Gameplay

Mission Stages

Each mission unfolds in three stages, ensuring every scenario is packed with humor, action, and heartwarming resolutions:
1. Investigation: Explore the environment, gather clues, and piece together the source of the anomaly.
  Example: “The local snow globe collection is projecting a blizzard into real life. Let’s interview the toy store owner and see what’s going on.”
2. Containment: Use your skills, gadgets, and creative thinking to stabilize or neutralize the anomaly. Expect to deploy wild plans, sometimes on the fly!
  Example: “We’ll use the Christmas tree stand as a containment circle and trick the animated ornaments into it with carols.”
3. Aftermath: Wrap up any lingering consequences, smooth things over with the public, and report back to headquarters.
  Example: “Well, we stopped the giant mutant gingerbread man, but now the city smells like burnt cookies. We might need an apology card.”
Stats and Motif Rolls

Stats

Each agent assigns values to their stats: 0, 1, and 2. These stats define your agent’s strengths:
- Contain: For wrangling, neutralizing, or redirecting chaotic forces.
- Connect: For negotiations, teamwork, or emotional appeals.
- Improvise: For creating plans, blustering off the top of your head, or finding unexpected solutions.
Motif Roll System

Whenever agents take action, they describe their effort, ask about how they effort turns out, and roll 2d6:
- Answer Die: The first die answers the question about your effort. Your relevant stat adds to this die.
  - 1-3: No
  - 4-6: Yes
- Wrinkle Die: The second die adds a twist or extra flavor.
  - 1-2: But
  - 3-4: Plain answer
  - 5-6: And
Example Outcomes
- “Yes and” (6, 6): Your success snowballs into even greater outcomes, but it may get hilariously out of hand.
- “No but” (3, 1): You fail, but something mitigates the consequences or sets you up for future success.
- “Yes plain” (4, 3): A straightforward success, nothing fancy but it gets the job done.
Special Outcomes
- Double 6s: Over-the-top success. You succeed so well that the action spirals into chaos in unexpected ways.
- Double 1s: A catastrophic failure that introduces hilarious and humiliating consequences.
Interpreting Rolls

This is a game of chaotic fun and anarchic joy, even as the character strive to solve problems. Failures should not be punitive or simply stop the action. Failures and complications should introduce interesting consequences or simply move the story forward. There is intentionally no health system to this game. The results of actions and outcomes follow the fiction. Use common sense and the flow of the emerging story.

Chaos Meter

During the Investigation and Containment phases, the Chaos Meter tracks the growing instability of the anomaly, starting at 0 and maxing out at 10. Each failure (No result) adds 1 to the meter. If you roll a “No and” result, add an additional +1 (for a total gain of 2). The Chaos Meter resets to 0 at the start of each phase.

Escalating Chaos
- Reduction: Successfully helping civilians escape danger or making significant steps toward containing or calming the situation reduces the meter by 1.
- Weirdness Die: As the meter rises, the world becomes more bizarre:
  - Chaos 3: Add a third Weirdness die to all actions to measure how surreal things are getting.
  - Chaos 5: Add +1 to the Weirdness die rolls.
  - Chaos 7: Add +2 to the Weirdness die rolls.
  - Chaos 10: Crisis Peak! The situation reaches its boiling point, and the team must make a desperate attempt to resolve the chaos before it goes critical.
Weirdness Die

Rolled as a third die on actions when Chaos 3 is reached. Measures how the world bends under the strain of chaos as the characters act:
- 1: Normal and mundane.
- 2: Slightly odd or unusual.
- 3-4: Notably awkward or somewhat surreal.
- 5: Outright strange and surreal.
- 6: Reality is bleeding, expect total holiday mayhem.
Gadget Invention and Use

Creativity is key to resolving the holiday-themed anomalies, and agents can invent or tweak gadgets to aid in their missions.
- Invention Rolls: When agents create new gadgets, they roll 2d6 with no modifiers. They use whatever random holiday items are on hand or around in the scene as the core of their invention.
- Use Rolls: Using gadgets involves another 2d6 roll with no modifiers. The outcome is determined by the Motif system and failure could lead to hilarious malfunctions.
Example Invention

“I rigged this Rudolph-nose flashlight to repel candy cane bats. It works, more or less, except now it attracts sentient mistletoe!”

Example Use

“The snow globe containment device worked perfectly… until it started projecting disco lights into the blizzard.”

Holiday-Related Goals

Each agent has a personal holiday-related goal they’re working toward, perhaps a long-lost tradition, an unfulfilled wish, or simply a desire to make the season brighter. If it fits the situation, agents can rearrange their die after rolling to help achieve their goal.

Tone and Focus

This game is about embracing the chaos of the holidays with a heavy dose of humor, absurdity, and spontaneous creativity. Each mission is a wild ride, and players are encouraged to think outside the box, improvise, and roll with whatever unexpected twists come their way. The focus is on fun, the chaos of the holiday season, and keeping things light and entertaining.

Mission Variety

HAD deals with all sorts of absurd holiday crises, including but not limited to:
- Recovery Missions: Retrieve or contain rogue holiday artifacts.
- Containment Missions: Stabilize out-of-control magical events.
- Negotiation Missions: Convince sentient holiday creatures to play nice.
- Multi-Stage Anomalies: Tackle layered events, like a New Year’s ball countdown that creates a bubble of time and additional weird effects with each second counted.
Each mission should be treated like a holiday adventure, with bizarre problems and off-the-wall solutions that keep everyone laughing and on their toes.

Mission Loop: Building Your Holiday Adventure

The Mission Loop is the heartbeat of your holiday-themed adventures in Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD). Each mission unfolds in three key stages—Investigation, Containment, and Aftermath—ensuring that your game stays dynamic, fun, and full of surprises. In this section, we’ll guide you through how to create and run your missions, with advice on pacing, setting the scene, and a few tools to spark your creativity.

Investigation: Unravel the Mystery

The investigation phase is where your agents get to explore the weirdness surrounding the holiday anomaly. It’s time to gather clues, interview NPCs, and piece together what caused the problem in the first place. This is where the mystery unfolds and the tone is set.

Tips for Investigation
- Setting the Scene: Introduce a holiday setting that’s been turned upside down. A toy store filled with rogue, talking ornaments. A Christmas market under siege by malfunctioning reindeer. Let your players discover how far things have gone awry.
- What to Do: Encourage players to investigate with a mix of asking questions, gathering physical clues, and talking to quirky NPCs. They may need to use their “Connect” stat to get information from a nervous shopkeeper or “Improvise” to find hidden clues.
- Rewards: If the player successfully uncover helpful information and/or the root cause of the problem, all of their first actions in the next phase gain +2 on both dice.
- Consequences: If players fail too hard and too much, causing the Chaos Meter to rise too high to 10, reality completely melts down in a surreal dream-like scene. The fundamental cause or main responsible figure will be revealed. The character them suddenly find themselves waking up in res media in the Containment phase, with the Chaos Meter reset to 0.
Investigation Oracles

You can use some all flavor (or dice label) oracles to help fill things out and guide the investigation process.

Clue Shape
- Visibility: How noticeable is the clue?
- Condition: Is the clue in good shape?
- Urgency: Does this clue feel pressing?
Clue Value
- Importance: Is this clue significant?
- Clarity: How easy is it to understand?
- Connection: Does this point toward the source of the anomaly?
Clue Examination
- Strangeness: How weird is the clue?
- Reliability: How trustworthy is this clue?
- Relevance: Does it relate directly to the anomaly?
Clue Result
- Source: Does the clue have a clear origin?
- Difficulty: How hard is it to piece together?
- Direction: Does it lead to more clues?
Containment: Stabilize the Situation

Once your agents have gathered enough clues and identified the cause, it’s time to contain or neutralize the anomaly. This is where improvisation, creativity, and quick thinking come into play. Players will need to come up with wild plans, deploy gadgets, and sometimes use their holiday skills to stabilize the situation.

Tips for Containment
- Setting the Scene: Now the stakes get high! The anomaly might be growing, so it’s important to make the environment feel tense. Maybe the snowstorm is getting bigger, or the rogue candy canes are multiplying by the minute.
- What to Do: Players may need to work together to come up with a containment strategy, using their tools and talents. This could involve everything from singing a holiday song to calm down a rabid reindeer to using the Christmas tree stand to trap a rogue snow globe.
- Rewards: If the players manage to solve the problem before the Chaos Meter caps out, the aftermath will be easier to manage. NPCs will be naturally more forgiving and understanding. The extant of damage or disruption will be less than it could have been. They should also gain a friendly NPC who is grateful for their help, who they may call upon for friendship or even assistance at times.
- Consequences: The higher the Chaos Meter, the crazier and riskier the containment will be. At 10, the full power and strangeness of the event is unleashed and the characters must face a final showdown. The outcome will depend on their choice of actions and rolls, with no further chances.
Containment Oracles

Just like the Investigation phase, this phase also has some example oracles you can use to help flesh out and run the scenes.

First Impression
- Control: How easy is it to take charge of the situation?
- Strength: How powerful is the anomaly?
- Stability: How stable is the environment?
Assessment
- Speed: How fast is the anomaly growing?
- Disruption: How much damage is the anomaly causing?
- Intervention: How much can the agents intervene?
Planning
- Clarity: How clear is the containment strategy?
- Resources: How many resources are available for the plan?
- Consequence: What happens if containment fails?
Contact With Reality
- Duration: How long will it take to contain the anomaly?
- Effectiveness: How well will the containment strategy work?
- Risk: How risky is the plan?
Aftermath: The Clean-Up and Consequences

After the anomaly is contained, it’s time to wrap up. But the aftermath is never as simple as it seems! The town, city, or holiday environment still has to deal with the fallout of the situation, and your agents will have to make things right with the public and report back to headquarters.

Tips for Aftermath
- Setting the Scene: The holiday chaos should have left some quirky consequences behind, even in the best outcomes. Maybe the town is now covered in frosting, or there’s a herd of sentient snowmen wandering the streets.
- What to Do: This phase is about managing the fallout. Players will need to smooth things over with any panicked civilians, undo the effects of the anomaly, and maybe even deal with an unexpected twist (such as an apology tour or media frenzy). The phase should end with a debriefing and review back at headquarters.
- Rewards: If the aftermath is handled especially well, the Department may offer minor helpers or a less unreliable gadget for use on the next mission. There is also a chance to avoid gaining enemies and develop alliances.
- Consequences: If the Chaos Meter was high, things won’t be as easily fixed. Maybe there are lingering side effects, like an overabundance of holiday spirit that causes everything to turn ridiculously festive, or the return of an anomaly that wasn’t fully contained. If the phase is badly handled, the team may end up with some persistant enemies or bad PR.
Aftermath Oracles

There are also some example all flavor oracles using dice labels for this phase too! Use them to help introduce more surprise and round out details in play.

Simple Aftermath
- Public Response: How well do the townsfolk feel about the team?
- Holiday Spirit: How is the holiday mood affected?
- Damage Control: How much effort is needed to fix the situation?
Alternate Aftermath
- Civic Reaction: What’s the general mood of the crowd?
- Long-Term Effects: What lasting impact does the anomaly have?
- PR Recovery: How much does the team need to manage public relations?
Leftover Mess
- Clean-Up Effort: How easy is it to restore order?
- Media Frenzy: How does the media spin the event?
- Community Impact: How is the community dealing with the aftermath?
Fallout
- Reputation: How do the locals view the team post-mission?
- Festive Echoes: How much does the anomaly affect holiday celebrations?
- Side Effects: Are there any lingering issues?
Appendix: Using the All Flavor Oracles

You ask about how things are or turned out. Roll 3d6 for an answer. Assign the labels in order from left to right or closest to farthest. Each label is interpreted according to its plain meaning, as illustrated by the example question that the flavor answers. Follow the intuitive scale below, judging the weight of the label by how much the flavor comes through or how positive/negative the outcome is.

Scale
- 1: Absolute absence or the complete opposite; most negative response
- 2: Not at all or somewhat the contrary; clear negative response
- 3: Somewhat or slightly so; mildly negative response
- 4: Average or mediocre; slightly positive response
- 5: Above average or notably strong; strongly positive response
- 6: Peak or overwhelming; most positive response
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December 23, 2024
Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach
This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Motif Thoughts
Thinking About Dice Labels and Narrative Dice in Motif

Also check out the free RPG I was inspired to share from my slushpile by this post!

When it comes to TTRPGs, rolling dice is often about success and failure. But what if the dice could do more? What if they could weave a rich, story-driven narrative with every roll? Enter Motif, a narrative dice system that transforms the simple act of rolling dice into a powerful tool for storytelling. Motif provides answers to questions as an oracle system. Motif’s magic lies in its use of labeled dice, each one offering a different aspect of the story.

Rather than being limited to basic success/failure metrics, Motif turns each die into a question about the world, the characters, or the situation. It’s this layered, dynamic approach that sets Motif apart and gives it such powerful potential, whether you’re a seasoned GM or flying solo on an adventure. Let’s take a deep dive into the core dice labels that make this system tick.

Core Dice Build: A Flexible Narrative Tool

At the heart of a core Motif build is a simple but incredibly versatile system of three dice. These dice don’t just measure success or failure, they bring your narrative to life layer by layer with each roll. While the standard Motif build uses the following labels, what’s great about Motif is that you can totally tweak these labels to suit your game. But let’s first look at how the system works with the classic three-label approach:
- 1st Die: Answer
  The first die is all about answering the question. It gives you the basic “yes/no” or “success/failure” outcome. Depending on how you set it up, this die will give you the simplest answer to your query.
  - 1-3: No
  - 4-6: Yes
  - Example: Let’s say your party is looking for shelter. You roll a 5, and you find a cabin nearby. Success!
- 2nd Die: Wrinkle
  The wrinkle die is where things get spicy. It adds depth and complexity to your simple answer. It doesn’t just let you say “Yes” or “No”; it modifies that response and makes the outcome more interesting. This die determines whether your success has an extra twist or your failure is worse than expected.
  - 1-2: But… (the outcome has a twist, alleviating or complicating things).
  - 3-4: Plain answer (straightforward and no complications).
  - 5-6: And… (the answer is strong, with an additional benefit or complication).
  - Example: The group rolls to see if they can find shelter. The answer die gives them a yes, but the wrinkle die adds a 6 (And). They find a cabin, and it turns out to be fully stocked with supplies. Bonus!
- 3rd Die: Flavor
  Ah, the flavor die. This is where things get really fun. The flavor die brings the thematic richness to your roll, adding more context or tone based on what’s important for the moment. Think of it as an extra dimension, highlighting what’s most crucial for the scene. Whether it’s Safety, Advantage, Favorability, or even Weirdness, the flavor die gives your answer a distinct personality.
  - Low rolls indicate a lack of that flavor (or the opposite of it).
  - High rolls emphasize that flavor in a big way.
  - Example: Imagine you’re in a survival situation, trying to find shelter in a post-apocalyptic world. The flavor die is set to Safety. A roll of 1 means the shelter is unsafe (maybe it’s crawling with threats), but a roll of 6 means the shelter is perfectly secure and safe.
Beyond the Standard Build: Customizing Dice Labels

Now, here’s where Motif really shines… flexibility. Sure, you can use the standard Answer, Wrinkle, and Flavor setup, but why stop there? Motif allows you to completely customize the dice labels to match whatever’s happening in your game. This means you can use the dice for anything, from treasure hoards to NPC interactions to world-building elements. The sky’s the limit!

For example, let’s say your group stumbles upon an ancient treasure chest hidden in a ruined temple. You can assign dice labels like this:
- 1st Die: Value (How valuable is the loot?)
- 2nd Die: Condition (What’s the condition of the items?)
- 3rd Die: Danger (How dangerous is it to get to this treasure?)
Let’s roll:
- 1st Die: 6 (High Value) – This is treasure worth fighting for!
- 2nd Die: 1 (Poor Condition) – Most of the loot is in bad shape, so it might not be worth the trouble.
- 3rd Die: 5 (High Danger) – Traps abound! You’ll have to be cautious, or you’re toast.
So, there something truly valuable deep in there, but most of the hoard has been ruined and the danger is real. That means the players have a tough choice: go for the gold and risk their lives, or walk away empty-handed?

You could easily change this up to use in other situations, such as for NPC encounters or scene setting. Here’s a few examples:
- NPC Interaction:
  - 1st Die: Relationship (How strong is the NPC’s bond with the group?)
  - 2nd Die: Mood (How good or bad is the NPC feeling?)
  - 3rd Die: Reaction (How well does the NPC respond to the party?)
- Scene Setting:
  - 1st Die: Atmosphere (What’s the tone of the scene, dark or bright?)
  - 2nd Die: Obstacles (How difficult are the problems or barriers here?)
  - 3rd Die: Opportunity (What are the chances like to find resources and treasure?)
Adding Narrative Dice Layers to Other Systems

But wait, there’s more! You don’t have to play a Motif game to use Motif’s labeled narrative dice. One of the most exciting features is how easily it can integrate into other systems, acting as an add-on to your favorite RPGs or solo games. Whether you’re playing a dungeon crawl or running a one-shot, you can use Motif dice labels to spice up your game.

Here’s how Motif can enhance other systems:
- Solo Play: Use the dice as oracles to answer questions, generate plot twists, or decide on story outcomes without needing a GM.
- Loot Generators: You could roll for value, condition, and danger or other appropriate labels to generate interesting treasure hoards.
- World-Building: Need to define a new region? Assign thematic labels (like Hospitality, Danger, Wealth) and roll to quickly determine the flavor of a new area.
You can also layer Motif onto or in-between existing mechanics to add flavor and important details, which can be especially useful in low prep GMing and solo RPG situations. Let’s use an illustrative example! Imagine you’re running a traditional dungeon crawl. Instead of just having players roll to “disarm trap,” use the dice labels to flesh out the trap mechanics. Maybe you assign labels like:
- 1st Die: Visibility (How hard is it to detect?)
- 2nd Die: Severity (How bad is the trap?)
- 3rd Die: Effectiveness (How hard is it to avoid the trap?)
A roll of 1, 6, 3 could mean it’s a hard-to-detect trap and very dangerous if triggered, though reasonable to avoid with the right skill.

Try Letting Your Dice Tell the Story

The dice labels in Motif aren’t just random numbers on a die, they’re powerful storytelling tools. By giving each die a distinct role in your game, you’re creating a world that responds to the choices your players make in dynamic, unpredictable ways. Whether you’re deep in the heart of a Motif game or using these dice as a supplement to your favorite system, the possibilities are endless. You’re not just rolling dice, you’re crafting stories.

If this kind of thing interests you, be sure to check out the free duo TTRPG about a dying immortal I’m sharing from my slushpile because of this post!

So, what are you waiting for? How will you label your dice? What new stories are you going to tell? Let’s get rolling! If this spurred any thoughts, come scream at me on Bluesky about it.

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December 18, 2024
Motif Approach to Conflict: Universal Hits & Conditions
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Motif Thoughts
Universal Hits and Social Conflict in Motif

One of the most fascinating and often surprising aspects of standard Motif builds is how the system blurs the lines between physical, emotional, mental, and social conflicts. In many TTRPGs, combat is the primary focus, with other interactions often relegated to the sidelines or handled as quick, simplified rolls. In Motif, however, every type of conflict carries equal weight. This opens up a wealth of creative possibilities, allowing players to approach encounters in diverse ways that feel impactful and narratively satisfying.

Social conflict, in particular, is where Motif shines. Players accustomed to traditional systems might expect social challenges to play second fiddle to combat with simple single dice roll solutions or just roleplaying through it. But in Motif, your ability to talk, charm, or outwit someone can be just as effective(if not more so) than resorting to physical violence. Whether you’re trying to humiliate a rival, intimidate a witness, or confuse a foe, your social strategies can leave lasting impacts on the game world.

How Universal Hits Work in Motif

At the core of Motif’s flexibility is its Hits system, a universal mechanic that governs how characters accrue the consequences of conflict. A Hit is a Hit, whether it’s a Gunshot Wound or the sting of Embarrassment. Each Hit contributes to a Condition—a narrative marker of how a character has been affected. Physical injuries might result in Conditions like Wounded or Bruised, while social encounters can lead to Conditions like Humiliated, Confused, or Distracted.

The beauty of this system is its simplicity and consistency. All forms of conflict are mechanically treated the same way, making the game feel cohesive and intuitive. Importantly, it doesn’t reduce the narrative weight of different types of interactions. A Gunshot Wound may take longer to recover from than Embarrassment, but both leave their marks. In this way, Motif encourages players to explore a full spectrum of tactics and strategies.

Imagine you’re interrogating someone in a noir-inspired game. In many systems, you might have to choose between intimidating them physically or persuading them verbally. In Motif, you can do both, stacking up Conditions that reflect the cumulative effect of your efforts. You might start with a sharp threat, escalate to a shove, and then back them into a corner with a heartfelt plea. Every step of the process is supported by mechanics that enhance the drama and immersion of the scene.

Social Conflict as a Tool for Creative Problem-Solving

One of the most rewarding aspects of Motif is watching players use social strategies to creatively manipulate encounters. The system doesn’t just allow for social conflict, it actively encourages it. Players can stack Conditions like Reassured, Confused, or Distracted on their foes, using these to turn the tide of an encounter.

For example:
- A group of adventurers facing a suspicious guard might start by Distracting them with a clever lie, then Reassuring them with a kind word, and finally stacking on Confusion to gain a chance to slip past unnoticed.
- During a heated negotiation, a charismatic character might target multiple opponents at once, layering Conditions like Afraid or Humiliated to undermine the group’s morale.
In many Motif games, social conflict offers unique advantages. For one, it’s often easier to affect multiple targets with social strategies than with physical attacks. A well-timed speech or cutting remark can ripple through a crowd, creating opportunities for the players to exploit. Social Conditions can also be used to shift the narrative, sowing chaos, building trust, or exposing vulnerabilities in ways that combat alone cannot achieve.

Why This Approach Works

Motif’s universal Hits system is more than just a clever design choice, it’s a powerful storytelling tool. By treating all forms of conflict equally, the system encourages players to approach situations creatively, leaning into their characters’ unique strengths. This results in a more cinematic and genre-emulating experience, where every interaction carries weight and every decision shapes the story.

In a noir setting, for instance, a hard-boiled detective might combine sharp words and rough handling to extract the truth from a suspect. In a cyberpunk world, a hacker might shut down an enemy with psychological warfare and razor-sharp wit. These moments feel authentic and impactful because the mechanics reflect the narrative stakes. They reward players for thinking outside the box and emphasize that how you approach an encounter is just as important as its outcome.

Building on This Design Philosophy

Motif’s universal Hits system is just one example of how thoughtful mechanics can elevate a game. It demonstrates the value of simplicity and consistency in design, creating a framework that is both accessible and rich with possibilities. By focusing on core principles (like treating all forms of conflict equally) Motif empowers players and GMs to tell stories that feel dynamic, engaging, and true to their genre.

For game designers, Motif is a compelling case study in how mechanics can shape player behavior and enhance narrative depth. It’s a reminder that rules don’t need to be complicated to be effective. Instead, it’s about creating tools that inspire creativity, encourage experimentation, and support the story you want to tell.

So, what’s your favorite thing about the games you design? Is it the unexpected strategies that emerge in play, the clever ways players exploit your systems, or the moments of storytelling magic that your mechanics make possible? For me, it’s the joy of seeing players discover how deeply Motif empowers them to shape their stories, whether through social intrigue, physical conflict, or something in between.

If you haven’t tried Motif yet, now is the perfect time to dive into the Motif SRD or the full Motif Story Engine. Whether you’re a player or a designer, you’re bound to find inspiration in its elegant mechanics and storytelling potential. Feel free to share your thoughts, insights, or favorite design philosophies. Let’s keep the conversation going. You can always find us on Bluesky to chat more.

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December 17, 2024