Welcome to your new tabletop RPG system (still to be named!). This is a **flexible, modular game** designed to grow with your world, your players, and your imagination. Whether you're a veteran game master or brand new to RPGs, this guide will walk you through a system that is both **intuitive and expandable**. ## What This Game Is This system replaces traditional RPG classes and levels with a flexible framework built from: - **Domains** — modular archetypes that define your character’s focus and growth - **Aspects** — attribute pairings that drive action resolution and define your strengths - A unique **d4-based dice pool system** — quick, expressive rolls based on your Aspects Characters grow by what they **accomplish and explore**, not what class they picked. Progression is narrative-driven, modular, and shaped by in-world milestones. ## What Makes This System Different - ❌ No classes or levels — choose two **Domains** from a large selection to define your character - 🎲 All rolls use **d4 dice pools** — based on your Aspect values - 📈 Modular growth through **Domain Tiers**, unlocked by narrative achievement - ⚔️ Streamlined action economy — actions consume dice from your pool - 🛡️ Realistic durability using **HP**, **Stress**, and **Damage Thresholds** - 🧥 Supports both unarmored and armored defense using **Serious** and **Critical Thresholds** - 🧭 Progression is tied to **use and development**, not XP - 📚 Designed for focused, story-rich, time-limited campaigns ## Why Use This System Use this system if you want: - A clean and flexible ruleset for custom world-building - A more intuitive and narrative-driven way to grow characters - Rules that work for both kids and adults - Fewer overloaded spell lists and edge-case rules - Built-in support for gritty survival or epic fantasy ## How to Use This Guide This ruleset is structured like a book: - Each page includes **“Next” and “Previous” links** - A full **table of contents** appears below - You can read straight through or skip around freely Every part of the system is designed to stand alone, so feel free to **mix, match, or remove** components based on your group’s needs. The modular design is intentional. *[Some parts might have dependencies on other parts, but we will try to point that out and offer alternatives.]* > See the [Principles](/principles/) page to learn more about the philosophy behind the system. ## What's in the Guide This handbook includes: - 📊 [Attributes](/rules/attributes/) and [Aspects](/rules/aspects/) - 🎲 [The d4 Dice Pool](/rules/dice-pool/) system (Aspect-based rolling) - 😩 [Stress](/rules/stress/), [Rests](/rules/resting/), and [Combat](/rules/combat/) - ⏳ [Time & Scenes](/rules/time-units/) — scenes, encounters, rounds, and other time units - ⏱️ [Initiative](/rules/initiative/) and [Actions & Features](/rules/actions/) - 🧩 [Domains](/rules/domains/) and Domain progression - 🔮 [Spells](/rules/spells/) and tagged magic types - 🧬 [Species](/rules/species/), [Body Types](/rules/body-types/), and customization - 🎒 [Backgrounds](/rules/backgrounds/) and Starting Kits (plus how to create your own) - 📈 [Advancement](/rules/progression/) and long-term character development - 🤝 [Team Actions](/rules/team-actions/) and ⚡ [Reactions & Off-Turn Actions](/rules/reactions/) - 🧠 Optional mechanics and GM customizations ## Handbook Table of Contents ### Getting Started - [Quick Start](/rules/quick-start/) - [What is an RPG?](/rules/what-is-a-rpg/) ### Core Rules - [Attributes](/rules/attributes/) - [Aspects](/rules/aspects/) - [Aspect Tables](/rules/aspect-table/) - [Core Stats](/rules/core-stats/) - [Taking Actions with the D4 Dice Pool](/rules/dice-pool/) - [D4 Math Tips](/rules/sidebar-d4-math/) - [Aspect Checks](/rules/checks/) ### Combat & Action - [Initiative](/rules/initiative/) - [The Action Economy](/rules/actions/) - [Combat](/rules/combat/) - [Applying Damage](/rules/damage/) - [Managing Stress](/rules/stress/) - [Using Armor](/rules/armor/) - [Unarmed Combat](/rules/unarmed-combat/) - [Team Actions](/rules/team-actions/) - [Reactions & Off-Turn Actions](/rules/reactions/) ### Domains - [Domains](/rules/domains/) - [Fury](/rules/domains/fury/) - [Skirmish](/rules/domains/skirmish/) - [Weapon Master](/rules/domains/weaponmaster/) - [Aegis](/rules/domains/aegis/) - [Warding](/rules/domains/warding/) - [Incantor](/rules/domains/incantor/) - [Thaumaturge](/rules/domains/thaumaturge/) - [Theurgy](/rules/domains/theurgy/) - [Trickster](/rules/domains/trickster/) - [Warden](/rules/domains/warden/) - [Maker](/rules/domains/maker/) - [Beastbond](/rules/domains/beastbond/) - [Skald](/rules/domains/skald/) - [Seafarer](/rules/domains/seafarer/) ### Magic - [Spells](/rules/spells/) - [Arcane Spells](/rules/spells/arcane/) - [Divine Spells](/rules/spells/divine/) - [Nature Spells](/rules/spells/nature/) ### Time & Recovery - [Time & Scenes](/rules/time-units/) - [Resting](/rules/resting/) ### Character - [Character Progression](/rules/progression/) - [Character Creation](/rules/character-creation/) - [Backgrounds](/rules/backgrounds/) - [Species](/rules/species/) - [Body Types](/rules/body-types/) ### Equipment & Items - [Equipment](/rules/equipment/) - [Weapons](/rules/equipment/weapons/) - [Armor](/rules/equipment/armor/) - [Tools](/rules/equipment/tools/) - [Adventuring Gear](/rules/equipment/gear/) - [Conditions](/rules/conditions/) - [Magic Items](/rules/magic-items/) ### Options & Appendices - [Customizing Options and Rules](/rules/customizing/) - [Appendix A: Recipes](/rules/recipes/) - [Card Template (Printable)](/rules/card-template/) - [Character Sheet (Printable)](/rules/character-sheet/) ### GM Guide - [GM Guidelines](/rules/gm/) - [Equipment by Era](/rules/gm/equipment/) - [Magic Items](/rules/gm/magic-items/) - [Ships & Vehicles](/rules/gm/ships/)