Crafting Worlds: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing RPG Rules
Creating your own tabletop role-playing game (RPG) is a rewarding and challenging endeavor. It allows you to bring your unique world, stories, and game mechanics to life, offering players a truly bespoke experience. However, the foundation of any good RPG lies in its rules. These rules provide the framework for interaction, conflict resolution, and character progression, defining the boundaries of what’s possible within your game world. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of writing compelling and functional RPG rules, from initial concepts to final refinement.
## I. Laying the Groundwork: Conceptualization and Design
Before you start writing specific rules, you need a clear vision of your game. This foundational stage involves defining key aspects of your RPG, which will inform the rules you eventually create. Consider these elements:
**1. Genre and Setting:**
* **Define the genre:** What type of stories do you want to tell? Fantasy, science fiction, horror, historical, or something else entirely? The genre will significantly influence the tone, themes, and potential player actions. For example, a cyberpunk RPG will need rules for hacking, while a high fantasy RPG will focus on magic and combat.
* **Establish the setting:** Describe your game world in detail. Is it a sprawling, technologically advanced metropolis? A primordial jungle teeming with dangerous creatures? A war-torn kingdom struggling for survival? Consider the history, culture, geography, and dominant powers of your setting. This will inform the types of characters players can create and the challenges they will face.
**2. Core Gameplay Loop:**
* **Determine the primary activities:** What will players be doing most of the time? Exploring dungeons, negotiating treaties, engaging in combat, solving mysteries, or a combination of these? Understanding the core activities will help you prioritize which mechanics need the most attention.
* **Outline the session flow:** How will a typical game session unfold? Will it be driven by a central quest, or will players have more freedom to pursue their own goals? Consider the balance between structured encounters and open-ended exploration.
**3. Player Roles and Archetypes:**
* **Define character classes or roles:** What types of characters can players create? Are there distinct classes with unique abilities and limitations, or a more flexible system where players can customize their characters as they see fit? Common archetypes include warriors, mages, rogues, and healers, but feel free to create your own.
* **Consider character motivations:** What drives players to act? Are they motivated by greed, justice, curiosity, or a desire to protect others? Understanding player motivations can help you design engaging scenarios and reward systems.
**4. Desired Player Experience:**
* **Determine the level of complexity:** Do you want a rules-light system that emphasizes narrative and role-playing, or a more crunchy system with detailed mechanics and tactical combat? Consider your target audience and their preferences.
* **Define the tone:** What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Grim and gritty, lighthearted and comedic, or something in between? The tone will influence the way you write your rules and the types of scenarios you present to players.
**Example:**
Let’s say you want to create a fantasy RPG set in a world where magic is commonplace, and players take on the roles of adventurers exploring ancient ruins and battling mythical creatures. You envision a game that emphasizes tactical combat and character customization, with a tone that is serious but not overly grim.
## II. Core Mechanics: The Heart of Your System
Once you have a clear understanding of your game’s concept, you can start designing the core mechanics. These mechanics will govern how players interact with the game world and how conflicts are resolved. Here are some essential mechanics to consider:
**1. Character Attributes:**
* **Choose relevant attributes:** What characteristics define a character’s abilities and limitations? Common attributes include Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma, Constitution, Perception and so on. Select attributes that are relevant to your game’s genre and gameplay. For example, a science fiction RPG might include attributes like Technology or Psionics.
* **Define attribute ranges:** Determine the range of values for each attribute. A common range is 1-10, but you can use any scale that suits your needs. Consider how attributes will be used in the game and how they will affect character abilities.
**2. Skill System:**
* **Create a skill list:** Skills represent a character’s proficiency in specific areas, such as combat, crafting, or social interaction. Create a list of skills that are relevant to your game’s setting and gameplay. Examples include Athletics, Stealth, Persuasion, Medicine, and Engineering.
* **Determine skill progression:** How do players improve their skills? Will they gain experience points, train with mentors, or simply use their skills frequently? Consider how skill progression will affect character development and gameplay.
**3. Task Resolution:**
* **Choose a resolution mechanic:** How do you determine whether a player succeeds or fails at a task? The most common mechanic is rolling dice, but you can also use card draws, coin flips, or other methods. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of complexity, randomness, and speed.
* **Define success criteria:** What conditions must be met for a player to succeed? This might involve rolling a certain number on a die, exceeding a target number with a skill check, or drawing a specific card. Consider the difficulty of different tasks and adjust the success criteria accordingly.
**Common Task Resolution Systems:**
* **d20 System:** This system uses a 20-sided die (d20) as the primary resolution mechanic. Players typically roll a d20, add any relevant modifiers (such as attribute bonuses or skill ranks), and compare the result to a target number (Difficulty Class or DC). If the result meets or exceeds the DC, the task is successful.
* **Dice Pool System:** In a dice pool system, players roll a number of dice (usually d6s or d10s) and count the number of dice that meet a certain threshold. For example, a player might roll 5d6 and count the number of dice that roll a 4 or higher. The number of successes determines the degree of success or failure.
* **Percentage System (Roll Under):** In this system, characters have skills rated as a percentage. The player rolls a d100 (or 2 d10s) and if the result is equal to or lower than the skill percentage, they succeed.
* **Roll and Keep System:** Player rolls a number of dice and keeps a number of them, usually the highest. The kept dice are summed to determine the result.
**4. Combat System:**
* **Define combat actions:** What actions can players take during combat? Common actions include attacking, defending, moving, casting spells, and using items. Consider the tactical options you want to offer players.
* **Determine damage calculation:** How is damage calculated when a character is hit? This might involve rolling dice, subtracting armor values, or applying other modifiers. Consider the balance between offense and defense.
* **Establish turn order:** How do you determine who acts when in combat? Common methods include initiative rolls, speed ratings, or a fixed order. Consider the impact of turn order on combat tactics.
**Example:**
In your fantasy RPG, you might use a d20 system for task resolution. Players roll a d20, add their relevant attribute modifier and skill bonus, and compare the result to a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the Game Master (GM). The combat system might involve rolling attack rolls, calculating damage based on weapon type and strength, and using tactical maneuvers to gain an advantage.
## III. Character Creation: Building Your Hero
The character creation process is a crucial part of any RPG. It allows players to define their characters and immerse themselves in the game world. Here are the steps involved in creating a character:
**1. Choose a Character Concept:**
* **Determine background and personality:** Encourage players to think about their character’s history, motivations, and personality traits. This will help them create a compelling and believable character.
* **Select a class or role:** If your game has distinct classes, players should choose one that aligns with their character concept. If your game uses a more flexible system, players can customize their characters to fit their desired role.
**2. Assign Attributes:**
* **Allocate attribute points:** Players typically have a limited number of points to allocate to their attributes. This allows them to customize their character’s strengths and weaknesses. Consider different methods for allocating attribute points, such as point buy, rolling dice, or a fixed distribution.
* **Consider racial or cultural bonuses:** Certain races or cultures might have inherent advantages or disadvantages in specific attributes. This can add flavor to your game world and encourage players to explore different character options.
**3. Select Skills:**
* **Choose relevant skills:** Players should select skills that align with their character’s class, background, and role. This will determine their character’s proficiencies and abilities.
* **Determine skill ranks or levels:** Skills can be ranked or leveled to represent a character’s increasing proficiency. Consider how skill ranks will affect task resolution and character abilities.
**4. Choose Equipment:**
* **Select starting equipment:** Players typically start with a basic set of equipment, such as weapons, armor, tools, and supplies. Consider the economic realities of your game world and the types of equipment that are appropriate for different classes and roles.
* **Define equipment properties:** Each piece of equipment should have defined properties, such as weight, cost, damage, and special effects. This will add depth to your game world and encourage players to think strategically about their gear.
**5. Define Background and Personality:**
* **Create a backstory:** Encourage players to write a detailed backstory for their character, including their family history, past experiences, and motivations. This will help them connect with their character and make more informed decisions during gameplay.
* **Define personality traits:** Players should define their character’s personality traits, such as their alignment, temperament, and quirks. This will help them role-play their character more convincingly and create more memorable interactions with other players and NPCs.
**Example:**
In your fantasy RPG, a player creating a warrior character might allocate attribute points to Strength and Constitution, select skills like Athletics and Weaponry, choose a sword and shield as their starting equipment, and define their character’s backstory as a former mercenary seeking redemption.
## IV. Magic System: Weaving Enchantments
If your RPG includes magic, you’ll need to design a magic system that is both interesting and balanced. Here are some key considerations:
**1. Magic Sources:**
* **Define the origin of magic:** Where does magic come from? Is it a natural force, a divine gift, or a learned skill? The source of magic will influence its effects and limitations.
* **Consider different schools or types of magic:** Magic can be divided into different schools or types, such as elemental magic, necromancy, or enchantment. Each school might have its own unique properties and limitations.
**2. Spellcasting Mechanics:**
* **Determine how spells are cast:** Do players need to memorize spells, use spell components, or channel magical energy? Consider the effort and risk involved in casting spells.
* **Define spell effects and durations:** Each spell should have a defined effect and duration. This might involve dealing damage, healing allies, or manipulating the environment. Consider the balance between different spells and their effects.
**3. Limitations and Costs:**
* **Consider mana or spell slots:** Magic users might have a limited amount of mana or a certain number of spell slots per day. This will prevent them from casting spells endlessly and force them to make strategic decisions.
* **Define spell components or rituals:** Some spells might require specific components or rituals to cast. This can add a layer of complexity and realism to your magic system.
**4. Countermeasures and Resistances:**
* **Consider ways to counter magic:** Other players or NPCs might have ways to resist or counter magic, such as anti-magic fields, spell resistance, or dispel magic spells. This will add a layer of tactical depth to combat and prevent magic from becoming too dominant.
**Example:**
In your fantasy RPG, magic might be drawn from a mystical energy source known as the Weave. Spellcasters might need to memorize spells and expend mana to cast them. Different schools of magic might include elemental magic (fire, water, earth, air), necromancy (raising the dead), and enchantment (manipulating minds).
## V. Equipment and Economy: Gear and Fortune
The equipment and economy of your game world can add depth and realism to the gameplay experience. Here are some considerations:
**1. Equipment List:**
* **Create a comprehensive list of equipment:** This should include weapons, armor, tools, supplies, and other items that players might find useful. Consider the different types of equipment that are appropriate for your game’s genre and setting.
* **Define equipment properties:** Each piece of equipment should have defined properties, such as weight, cost, damage, and special effects. This will add depth to your game world and encourage players to think strategically about their gear.
**2. Economic System:**
* **Determine the currency system:** What currency is used in your game world? Is it gold, silver, copper, or something else entirely? Consider the relative value of different currencies.
* **Establish prices for goods and services:** Create a price list for common goods and services, such as food, lodging, transportation, and repairs. This will add realism to your game world and provide players with a sense of economic agency.
**3. Crafting and Repair:**
* **Consider crafting mechanics:** Can players craft their own equipment? If so, define the skills, resources, and tools required for crafting. This can add a layer of depth to your game and reward players who specialize in crafting.
* **Determine repair mechanics:** How do players repair damaged equipment? Do they need to visit a blacksmith, use repair tools, or cast repair spells? Consider the cost and time involved in repairing equipment.
**4. Treasure and Rewards:**
* **Create treasure tables:** Use treasure tables to generate random loot for defeated enemies and explored locations. This can add excitement to your game and reward players for their efforts.
* **Consider the value of different rewards:** Think about the relative value of different types of rewards, such as gold, equipment, information, and experience points. This will help you balance the game and ensure that players are appropriately rewarded for their actions.
**Example:**
In your fantasy RPG, the currency might be gold pieces (gp), silver pieces (sp), and copper pieces (cp). A sword might cost 10 gp, a suit of armor might cost 50 gp, and a night at an inn might cost 1 gp. Players might be able to craft their own weapons and armor using blacksmithing skills, or repair damaged equipment at a blacksmith’s shop.
## VI. Advancement and Progression: Growing Your Hero
A good RPG should provide players with a sense of progression and growth. Here are some ways to handle character advancement:
**1. Experience Points (XP):**
* **Award XP for completing tasks:** Players typically earn experience points (XP) for completing quests, defeating enemies, and achieving other milestones. Consider the difficulty of different tasks and adjust the XP rewards accordingly.
* **Define level progression:** Determine how many XP are required to advance to the next level. This will determine the rate at which characters gain new abilities and improve their existing ones.
**2. Leveling Up:**
* **Determine what happens when a character levels up:** When a character levels up, they typically gain new attribute points, skill points, hit points, and other benefits. Consider the specific benefits that are appropriate for different classes and roles.
* **Consider feat or talent systems:** Feats or talents are special abilities that characters can choose when they level up. These abilities can provide a variety of benefits, such as improved combat skills, enhanced magical abilities, or new crafting techniques.
**3. Skill Progression:**
* **Allow players to improve their skills:** Players should be able to improve their skills as they gain experience. This might involve spending skill points, training with mentors, or simply using their skills frequently.
* **Consider skill specialization:** Players might be able to specialize in specific skills, gaining additional benefits or unlocking new abilities. This can add depth to your game and reward players who focus on specific areas.
**4. Equipment Upgrades:**
* **Allow players to acquire better equipment:** As players progress, they should be able to acquire better equipment, such as more powerful weapons, more protective armor, and more useful tools. This will help them overcome increasingly difficult challenges.
* **Consider enchantment or modification mechanics:** Players might be able to enchant or modify their equipment, adding special properties or enhancing its existing abilities. This can add a layer of depth to your game and reward players who are creative and resourceful.
**Example:**
In your fantasy RPG, players might earn XP for defeating monsters and completing quests. When they reach a certain number of XP, they level up and gain new attribute points, skill points, and hit points. They might also be able to choose a feat that enhances their combat skills or magical abilities.
## VII. Worldbuilding and Lore: Breathing Life into Your Creation
While rules are the mechanics of your game, the worldbuilding and lore provide the context and meaning. A rich and engaging world can significantly enhance the player experience.
**1. History and Mythology:**
* **Create a history for your world:** Develop a timeline of significant events, including wars, revolutions, and discoveries. This will provide a foundation for your game world and inform the motivations of its inhabitants.
* **Develop a mythology:** Create a set of myths and legends that explain the origins of your world, its gods, and its creatures. This will add depth and mystery to your game and provide players with a sense of wonder.
**2. Cultures and Societies:**
* **Create distinct cultures and societies:** Develop unique cultures and societies with their own customs, beliefs, and values. This will add diversity to your game world and provide players with a variety of interactions and challenges.
* **Consider the relationships between different cultures:** How do different cultures interact with each other? Are they allies, enemies, or neutral parties? This will create opportunities for conflict, diplomacy, and intrigue.
**3. Geography and Environment:**
* **Create a detailed map of your world:** A detailed map will help players visualize the game world and understand its geography. Include landmarks, cities, forests, mountains, and other features.
* **Describe the environment:** Describe the climate, terrain, and natural resources of different regions. This will inform the types of creatures that inhabit those regions and the challenges that players will face.
**4. Important Locations:**
* **Create detailed descriptions of important locations:** These might include cities, dungeons, temples, and other places of interest. Include information about the history, inhabitants, and notable features of each location.
* **Consider the atmosphere and ambiance:** Think about the sights, sounds, and smells of each location. This will help players immerse themselves in the game world and create memorable experiences.
**Example:**
In your fantasy RPG, the world might be divided into several kingdoms, each with its own unique culture and history. The kingdoms might be at war with each other, or they might be united against a common enemy. The world might be home to a variety of mythical creatures, such as dragons, elves, and dwarves. The geography might include towering mountains, vast forests, and sprawling deserts.
## VIII. Game Master (GM) Guidelines: Empowering the Storyteller
The Game Master (GM) is responsible for running the game and guiding the players through the story. Providing clear and concise GM guidelines is essential for a successful RPG.
**1. Setting the Scene:**
* **Describe the environment and atmosphere:** The GM should describe the environment and atmosphere in detail, using vivid language to create a sense of immersion. This will help players visualize the game world and understand the challenges they face.
* **Introduce NPCs:** The GM should introduce non-player characters (NPCs) with distinct personalities, motivations, and goals. This will create opportunities for interaction and role-playing.
**2. Resolving Conflicts:**
* **Interpret the rules fairly and consistently:** The GM should interpret the rules fairly and consistently, ensuring that all players are treated equally. This will maintain a sense of fairness and prevent arguments.
* **Adjudicate ambiguous situations:** The GM should be prepared to adjudicate ambiguous situations that are not explicitly covered by the rules. This requires good judgment and a willingness to listen to all sides of the story.
**3. Adapting and Improvising:**
* **Be prepared to adapt to player actions:** Players will often deviate from the GM’s planned storyline. The GM should be prepared to adapt to these deviations and improvise new scenarios and challenges.
* **Encourage player creativity:** The GM should encourage player creativity and reward players for thinking outside the box. This will make the game more engaging and rewarding for everyone.
**4. Storytelling Techniques:**
* **Use foreshadowing and suspense:** Foreshadowing and suspense can create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The GM should use these techniques to keep players engaged and invested in the story.
* **Create memorable moments:** The GM should strive to create memorable moments that players will remember long after the game is over. This requires good storytelling skills and a willingness to take risks.
**Example:**
The GM guidelines for your fantasy RPG might include tips on how to describe the environment, how to role-play NPCs, how to resolve conflicts, and how to adapt to player actions. The guidelines might also include examples of foreshadowing, suspense, and memorable moments.
## IX. Playtesting and Iteration: Refining Your Creation
Playtesting is a crucial step in the game development process. It allows you to identify flaws in your rules and mechanics and refine them based on player feedback.
**1. Gather a Playtest Group:**
* **Recruit a group of players who are willing to provide feedback:** Choose players who are familiar with RPGs and who are willing to provide honest and constructive criticism. A diverse group of players with different play styles can provide valuable insights.
* **Explain the rules clearly:** Before the playtest, explain the rules clearly to the players. Make sure they understand the core mechanics and the character creation process.
**2. Run Playtest Sessions:**
* **Run several playtest sessions:** Run several playtest sessions to get a variety of feedback. Different scenarios and player groups can reveal different issues.
* **Observe player behavior:** Pay close attention to how players interact with the rules and mechanics. Are they confused? Are they having fun? Are they finding exploits or loopholes?
**3. Gather Feedback:**
* **Ask for feedback after each session:** After each playtest session, ask the players for feedback. What did they like? What did they dislike? What suggestions do they have for improvement?
* **Use a questionnaire or survey:** Use a questionnaire or survey to gather more structured feedback. This can help you identify trends and patterns in the feedback.
**4. Analyze and Iterate:**
* **Analyze the feedback:** Analyze the feedback to identify common issues and areas for improvement. Prioritize the issues that have the biggest impact on the gameplay experience.
* **Iterate on the rules and mechanics:** Based on the feedback, iterate on the rules and mechanics. Make changes to address the identified issues and improve the overall gameplay experience.
* **Repeat the playtesting process:** Repeat the playtesting process until you are satisfied with the rules and mechanics. This may involve several iterations.
**Example:**
During playtesting of your fantasy RPG, you might discover that the combat system is too complex, the magic system is unbalanced, or the character creation process is confusing. Based on this feedback, you would iterate on the rules and mechanics, simplifying the combat system, balancing the magic system, and streamlining the character creation process.
## X. Writing Style and Presentation: Clarity and Engagement
The way you write and present your rules is just as important as the rules themselves. Clear, concise, and engaging writing will make your game more accessible and enjoyable for players.
**1. Use Clear and Concise Language:**
* **Avoid jargon and technical terms:** Use clear and concise language that is easy for players to understand. Avoid jargon and technical terms that are not essential.
* **Define terms when necessary:** If you must use jargon or technical terms, define them clearly when they are first introduced.
**2. Organize Information Logically:**
* **Use headings and subheadings:** Use headings and subheadings to organize the information logically and make it easy to find specific rules.
* **Use bullet points and numbered lists:** Use bullet points and numbered lists to present information in a clear and concise manner.
**3. Provide Examples:**
* **Include examples of how the rules work in practice:** Examples can help players understand how the rules work and how to apply them to different situations.
* **Use real-world scenarios:** Use real-world scenarios to illustrate the rules and make them more relatable.
**4. Use Visual Aids:**
* **Include diagrams and illustrations:** Diagrams and illustrations can help players visualize the game world and understand complex concepts.
* **Use tables and charts:** Tables and charts can be used to present information in a clear and organized manner.
**5. Proofread Carefully:**
* **Proofread your rules carefully for errors:** Errors in your rules can be confusing and frustrating for players. Proofread your rules carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
**Example:**
Instead of writing “The target number for a skill check is determined by adding the relevant attribute modifier to the Difficulty Class,” you could write “To succeed at a skill check, roll a d20 and add your attribute bonus. If the total is equal to or greater than the Difficulty Class (DC) set by the GM, you succeed.”
## XI. Final Thoughts: The Journey of Creation
Writing RPG rules is a complex and iterative process, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By following these steps and focusing on creating a game that you and your players will enjoy, you can bring your unique vision to life. Remember to be patient, be open to feedback, and never stop iterating. The journey of creation is just as important as the final product. Embrace the challenge, and have fun!