Free Role-Playing Games

This is a collection of links to over 500 free role-playing games (RPG's) on the WWW. RPG here refers solely to narrative (aka "table-top", "pencil-and-paper") games rather than various computer games, MUSH's, etc. For more info, see my general RPG page.

In general, each game is listed with author, a capsule description, page count, and file format (i.e. ASCII, HTML, PDF, etc.). The meaning of "page count" is semi-arbitrary for ASCII and HTML, since results differ for different browsers and print setups, but they are at least consistent within each category.

In addition, each entry has a set of non-exclusive keywords. i.e. A well-documented rules-lite game like FUDGE will appear as both "rules-lite" and "long", while a science fantasy game will appear as both "scifi" and "fantasy". See my category explanation for what the keywords mean. 








 
     
     
     1940 - England Invaded by Simon Washbourne

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 An alternate history RPG in which England is invaded by German
     troops.  It uses a simple system of roll under stat on 1d20.
     Character creation is limited point-based.  
     
     35 pages (PDF format).

 
     
     
     The 3D RPG by Scott J. Compton

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 "Dice and Deck Designed RPG".  It uses (2d12)x10 + 1d10 for its
     base roll, and involves skills, professions, and other
     world-specific items being written out on cards.  
     
     10 pages (HTML or MSWord format).

 
     
     
     Abima by Dominic Wasch 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A German-language generic fantasy game.
     
     55 pages player rules (PDF), 55 pages GM rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     The Action! System
     by Mark Arsenault, Patrick Sweeney, and Ross Winn 

 Keywords: universal long preview open-license

 A universal system, whose version 1.1 is released under the
     WotC Open Gaming License.  There is an extended commercial 
     version (released in print or for download) with 10 extra
     pages and added artwork.  The rules are similar to the
     Fuzion system.  Action resolution is
     by stat + skill + 3d6 vs difficulty.  Character creation is
     limited point-based.  
     
     92 pages free rules (PDF or RTF), plus ~60 pages supplements
     and variants (RTF format).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Active Exploits Diceless Roleplaying
     by Brett Bernstein (Politically Incorrect Games)

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview

 A universal diceless system.  Action resolution is based on
     spending Luck, Discipline, and Revelation points.  Skill lower
     difficulty, while attributes add to the total.  Character
     creation is limited point-based.  There are four free
     setting books, 20-30 pages each: a modern-day monster-hunter
     setting ("The Shaded Veil"), a dystopian sci-fi setting
     ("Overworld"), a modern conspiracy/horror setting
     ("Harlequinade"), and a medieval Europe setting ("The Kingdom of
     Norweign").  In addition, there are three commercial settings:
     HeartQuest, CORPS, and Dreamwalker.  
     
     36 pages core rules (PDF) plus 90 pages free settings (PDF).

 
     
     
     Active Core Game Engine by Clint H. Jackson

 Keywords: genre scifi superhero universal long

 A generic superheroic/sci-fi system, to be released under an
     open license.  It uses a universal table of skill vs difficulty
     for action resolution.  Character creation is limited point-based,
     with modifications for various archetypes representing common
     sci-fi characters.  The rules are designed to be modular for 
     ease of open development. 
     
     89 pages core rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Adamantia

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite world

 A mini fantasy setting for RPG's: the capital city of the 
     decayed Himli empire, population over 1 million.  
     
     ~10 pages description (HTML).

 
     
     
     Ad Astra: The New Age by Paul DuBois

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic fantasy scifi rules-lite long

 A post-apocalypse science fantasy setting, with various alien races
     mixed with tribal humanity.  An expanded version with GM-only
     information is available in print (not free).  Character creation
     is point-based.  
     
     ~60 pages basic rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Aera Preview
     by Christian Fricke, Tobias Mannewitz, Stefan Koch, Sebastian Fricke

 Keywords: genre fantasy long preview

 A German-language fantasy RPG, the preview version of the
     commercial game.  
     
     100 pages basic rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     Advanced Roleplaying Mechanics (ARM) by R. E. Bridson 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple (but not quite minimalist) system using logarithmic
     scales a la TORG and (1d6-1d6) resolution similar to Feng Shui.
     
     16 pages (ASCII only).

 
     
     
     Advanced Dudes by David Krippler

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A French-language parody RPG which uses only 2 traits to define
     characters.  
     
     ~7 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Advanced Star Frontiers, 4th edition by JPayne

 Keywords: genre scifi supplement

 This is an extensive addition to the published "Star Frontiers"
     game from TSR.  It is not really a complete game, but includes
     substantially rewritten sections. 
     
      ~50 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     The Adventurer's Guild by Chris Salzer

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A medieval fantasy RPG, using a percentile skill-based system
     (tersely described). 
     
      ~40 pages HTML rules

 
     
     
     Adventures in Space by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A humorous narrative space opera RPG, where players define their
     PC with a one-word Style, and roll 1d6 to enact plot changes to
     get both success/failure and a random Word of Science to
     incorporate into the plot.  
     
     7 pages (PDF,HTML).

 
     
     
     The Agency: Saving the world in a groovy kind of way
     by Matt Machell

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 An RPG where the PCs are 60's secret agents fighting the
     supernatural -- Austin Powers meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or
     the Avengers and Hammer Horror.  It's intended to be a 
     simple, light hearted system with lots of opportunity for
     heroics.  It uses freeform skills rated on a five-step scale
     (Poor to Excellent).  Action resolution is rolling d6s based
     on skill where every 5 or 6 is one success. 
     
     16 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Age of Heroes LARP
     by George Stadalski & Monica Stadalski

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 A live-action fantasy-genre RPG.  It has live-action resolution
     rules including skill and magic rules.  It uses point-based 
     character creation which also uses four classes.  
     
     30 pages rules (PDF,HTML).

 
     
     
     Agyris by Daniel M. Davis

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world

 An original fantasy setting, created using the FUDGE rules but 
     largely systemless background.  Agyris is world of many ancient
     mysteries of long lost empires and Fey powers, inhabited by an
     original set of seven races (humanity plus six others).
     
     ~150 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Alacrity by Adam McKee and James G. Walker, Jr.

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple percentile system, which concentrates an fast resolution
     (hence the name).  Action resolution uses roll under stat on
     d100.  Character creation has random-roll attributes and
     point-bought skills.  
     
     ~15 pages HTML

 
     
     
     
     Alien RPG by Chris Tavares Dias

 Keywords: genre scifi horror long

 An extensive supplement for the Fuzion
     game system, adapting the movie Aliens and its many
     spin-offs. 
     
      ~80 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     The Allerian Empire

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 A "modified freeform fantasy play-by-post roleplaying adventure
     game over the internet".  It uses freeform rules which are
     essentially social rules. 
     
      ~2 pages HTML rules.

 
     
     
     Alluvia by Brian F. Wong 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A "Tarot Based Fantasy Game Engine."  This uses tarot cards but
     in a mechanics-based way.  Task resolution is based on stat plus
     skill plus a card played from a 5-card hand (with various
     modifiers for Tao, Yin, and Yang). 
     
      ~18 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     
     Alternacy by Kizig 

 Keywords: universal long

 A generic RPG using 2d5 skill rolls and broad talents/skills.
     Uses 16 general talents instead of attributes.  Skills are derived
     from the talents, but values are decided by the referee using a
     question system (how long has the character trained the skill,
     how important is the skill to the character, etc...).  There is
     a universal chart for determining special results.  
     
     36 pages (MSWord and text). 

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     Alternate Realities
     by Carter Butts, Karim Nassar, and Brian Rayburn 

 Keywords: universal long

 An "object oriented" roleplaying game, which uses percentiles 
     with some rather advanced math subsumed in a universal
     table ("DRF").  Character creation uses description, points,
     or random rolls for attributes and skills.  
     
     88 pages (HTML, PDF, MSWord, PostScript).

 
     
     
     Among the Beautiful Creatures v0.02 by David Johansen

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite world

 A baroque fantasy game in a world of unusual supernatural creatures.  
     Character creation involves extensive descriptions and physical
     traits to describe a unique creature, plus three attributes
     (random-roll, 2d6) and a set of skills (freeform).  Action
     resolution uses 2d6 and a universal table.  
     
     31 pages rules and background (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     Alternative Roleplaying Concept (ARC)
     by Alex `Dabugas' Armstrong

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A diceless RPG which uses a 7-step scale for rating attributes
     and skills.  Action resolution is by comparing the sum of
     relevant traits and the difficulty, though there is an optional
     random factor using cards. 
     
     ~15 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Alternity Fast-Play Rules
     by Bill Slavicsek and Richard Baker

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long

 The "Fast-Play" version of the (out-of-print) commercial sci-fi
     RPG rules.   This is available along with many other downloads
     including adventures and supplements.  
     
     Players Book 13 pages (PDF).
     GM's Book 13 pages (PDF).
     Warships Sourcebook 112 pages (PDF)

 
     
     
     Anarcho Australis by Craig Thomas Judd 

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite

 A post-apocalypse game set in Australia, using a simple d10
     skill-based system.  
     
     ~5 pages ASCII text. 

 
     
     
     Anarchy by Kenneth Love 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A game set in 3050 where Earth, Venus, and Mars are under
     tyrranical rule by the Syndicate (including the non-human vampiri
     and Venusian elves), using a very simple dice pool system similar 
     to Shadowrun.  Character creation is random-roll attributes with
     a random number of bonus points.  
     
     ~5 pages rules (HTML) plus ~10 pages background.

 
     
     
     Angel/Demon: The Rapture by Christopher Blankley

 Keywords: genre modern horror long supplement

 A supplement for White Wolf's Storyteller system, about playing
     immaterial angels who manifest by entering human bodies --
     fighting with demons who possess them.  
     
     ~20 pages HTML rules plus ~10 pages sourcebook.

 
     
     
     Appleseed D6 by Mike Lynes

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 An RPG adaptation of the cyberpunk manga Appleseed by 
     Masamune Shirow, using a variant of West End's "D6 Legen"
     system.  The core mechanics are included with the rules, although
     it recommends having the rules in addition.  
     
     ~60 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Archeus by Colin Smith

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A medieval fantasy RPG.  It uses a simple percentile skill-based
     system.  Character creation is random-roll attributes and
     a package of skills based on occupation.  
     
     ~40 pages HTML rules (including races, skills, spells, and equipment).

 
     
     
     Ardent Offense by David Loren Buehner

 Keywords: genre modern scifi rules-lite

 Ardent Offense is a minimalist system with some optional
     mechanics of traditional role-playing.  It includes a detailed
     examination of role-playing philosophies and a brief 
     modern/futuristic setting.  
     
     14 pages (PDF, HTML).

 
     
     
     ARG: The Adventure Role Play Gaming System
     by J.A. Partridge

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 A fantasy-genre RPG set in the world of Anghar.  It uses a
     detailed skill-based system, (skill+d20) vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought skills.
     Background on Anghar is detailed separately.  
     
     ~40 pages rules (HTML) plus ~20 pages background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Argument Diceless Roleplaying by Rainer K. Koreasalo

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal diceless system, which uses a narrative method of
     resolving skill vs difficulty.  It includes brief support for
     fantasy races, magic from the Kalevala, and vampires.  
     
     32 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     ARPLE by Altin Gavranovic

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 The "All-purpose Role Playing Logistics Engine", which uses a
     simple dice-pool system.  Attribute rolls are roll 2d6 under
     attribute, skill rolls are roll d6's equal to skill vs a target
     number, combat is roll d6's equal to skill: (1-2: nothing, 3-4:
     defense point, 5-6: offense point).  If your offense is greater
     than opponent's defense, you hit. 
     
     ~10 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Ars Magica, 4th edition
     by Jonathan Tweet, Mark Rein*Hagen, Jeff Tidball, and John Nephew

 Keywords: genre fantasy long preview

 This is the complete and up-to-date version of the full
     commercial RPG, made available for free in PDF form by 
     Atlas Games.  It is set in a mythic version of medieval
     Europe, and the PCs are magicians who gather in secret
     covenants to learn their Art.  It includes a highly in-depth
     magic system widely regarded as a classic of design.  
     
     272 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Arumo: the Kingdom of Wilted Flowers
     by Kyle Marquis

 Keywords: genre traditional scifi fantasy rules-lite preview wotc-d20

 Preview of a fantasy RPG set in a world of organic technology.
     The current edition uses the WotC "D20" system, with additions
     specific to the world.  
     
     ~10 pages HTML rules plus ~18 pages background. 

 
     
     
     
     Assassin by Hector Rene' Segovia

 Keywords: rules-lite live-action

 Not really an RPG -- rather a version of the live-action party
     game, played over days.  Players secretly try to kill their
     target by hitting with a NERF dart or other mock projectile.
     
     10 pages (MSWord format).

 
     
     
     a/state-lite by Malcolm Craig

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long preview

 A dark science fantasy RPG set in a place known only as "The City",
     the preview version of a print RPG to be published in 2003.
     It has advanced technology but also is plagued by the remnants of
     a magical cataclysm known as "The Shift".  It uses a percentile
     skill-based system (roll under stat/skill on 1d100).  Character
     creation is limited point-based (attribute points and skill points),
     with various origins and occupations offering suggested skills.
     There are no ads/disads. 
     
     62 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Athala by Tristan Collet

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 A free generic fantasy RPG in English and French.  It uses a
     skill-based system, where action resolution uses 1d20 + skill
     bonus - penalty, and 20 or more succeeds.  Character creation is
     class-based with random-roll attributes and limited point-buy.  
     
     31 page character book, plus 14 page rule book, plus 21 page
     magic book (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     
     Attack of the Mutant Rules System! by Frank T. Sronce

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite

 A diceless superhero homebrew, based on Phage Press' Amber 
     diceless RPG.  It mostly provides just stats and powers; the
     diceless resolution rules are sketchy (defaulting to
     Amber).  
     
     ~20 pages HTML rules.  

 
     
     
     Aurea by Boudewijn Rempt, Irina Rempt, Frank
     N. Rieter, Jasper W. Leedekerken, Martijn Spruit, and
     Richard van Rijswijk 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A generic RPG system.  It uses a universal table with percentile
     rolls.  Character generation is fairly free-form.  This version
     is translated from the original Dutch.  
     
     ~20 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Aurora Quick-Start Guide by Stephen Mulholland

 Keywords: genre scifi long preview

 A hard science-fiction spacefaring RPG -- the abbreviated version 
     of the published game available on CD-ROM.  Action resolution uses
     the concept of "Failure Dice".  You can choose to roll any number of
     d10's.  That number is added to your skill, but any die which is
     that number or less is a failure which subtracts 2 from your
     total.  Thus, more dice allows better results but is riskier.  
     Character creation is open point-based.  
     
     56 pages quick-start guide (PDF), plus several additions
     including two 28-page alien species guides. 

 
     
     
     The Awakening Rules Engine v2.1.1 by Dan Regewitz

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A universal RPG.  The basic rules are freeware (optional $3
     charge), with two commercial background settings for $6 each. 
     It uses a point-based, skill-based character creation,
     emphasizing freeform discovering things about their characters.
     It uses a simple system with a general dice pool (starting at 2
     dice) to split among all actions, resolving stat+dice vs
     difficulty.  
     
     75 pages rules (RTF).

 
     
     
     BabeWatch by Simon Washbourne

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A humorous mini-RPG based on the television series "Baywatch".
     You create a "hunk" or "babe" by distributing 15 attribute points
     and choosing 10 binary skills, plus random trait rolls.  Action
     resolution is roll under stat on 1d10 (if skilled) or 1d20 (if
     unskilled).  
     
     8 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     
     B-Movie: Scared Stiff by Mike Demetro 

 Keywords: genre horror rules-lite long

 A parody of both horror movies and horror RPGs, this uses simple
     attributes and "stereotype" classes.  As an interesting inverse,
     character have stats for flaws instead of abilities.  Thus,
     your stats are Weakness, Clumsiness, Ignorance, Cowardice,
     Paranoia and Belief. (instead of Strength, Dexterity, etc.)
     
     ~44 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Bad Attitudes by Berin Kinsman

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A humorous RPG of action movie cliches where characters have a
     single attribute ("Attitude") and a few skills.  Resolution is by
     rolling under your skill on 1d6.  It includes a plus a random
     plot generator.  
     
     6 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Badlands by Charles R. Capko Jr.

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite 

 A post-apocalypse RPG based on the computer game Wasteland.
     It uses (1d20 + Attribute + Skill) vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is by random-roll attributes, class choice, and
     point-bought skills.  
     
     45 pages rules (MSWord or Text).  

 
     
     
     Ballad Fantasy by Dialog Publishing and James Flowers

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 "Ballad of a Greater Earth" Fantasy RPG, nominally set on a world
     similar to our own which in the future suffers an apocalyptic
     collapse to an early Renaissance level.  It does not describe the
     world per se, but covers sorcery, miracles, and various
     traditional fantasy monsters.  Resolution is by rolling a number
     of d6's based on difficulty: Easy(2d6) to Very Hard (5d6).
     Character creation is limited point-bought attributes and skills.
     
     58 pages PDF.  

 
     
     
     Bamf RPG by Brett A. Paul

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A simple percentile system developed partly for Play-by-Email.
     Roll under skill on percentile dice.  Combat has a chart showing
     varying levels of success.  In other skills, your attribute
     determines number of re-rolls allowed.  Includes a system of
     special abilities (magical/superpower/etc.).  
     
     67 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Barbar by Tomas HV Mørkrid

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A Norwegian-language fantasy RPG with a humorous twist.  It uses
     a simple system and limited setting.  It is intended to be
     played with focus on the effective intelligence and limited
     vocabulary of each character.  No feat is simple when your
     barbarian self can only ever say things like: "Me friend",
     and all your barbarian friend ever understand of such a
     sentence is: "Me"! 
     
     ~6 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Barbarians of Lemuria
     by Simon Washbourne

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A swords-and-sorcery fantasy RPG in the style of the 
     Thongor books (by Lin Carter) and Brak the Barbarian
     (by John Jakes) -- both inspired by Robert E. Howard's
     Conan series.  It uses a simple system with point-based
     character creation including free-form careers.  Action
     resolution uses 2d6 + stat + difficulty modifier, where
     a total of 9 or more is a success.  
     
     ~12 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Basic Pulp by J. Carpio Dregg

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A 1930s pulp action RPG.  Action resolution is attribute bonus
     + skill + 1d20 vs difficulty.  Character creation is random-roll
     attributes and point-bought skills and superpowers. 
     
     34 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     The Basic System by J. Parker

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system.  Character creation is random roll
     attributes (3d6 each) and point-bought skills.  Action resolution
     is attribute + skill + 1d20 vs difficulty.  That's about it.  
     
     17 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Bedlam by Matt Machell

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A storytelling mini-RPG, where each of the PCs is a retired
     evil mastermind.  The player is given a set of words which he
     has to use in anecdotes he tells about attempts to take over
     the world.  There are rules for challenges and interrupts.  
     
     ~2 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Bernard & Jean 

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A humorous French-language RPG about policemen (gendarmes) in
     the south of France.
     
     96 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     ~15 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Beyond the Mists by Benjamin W. Holty

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A medieval fantasy system.  Character creation uses a mix
     of limited point-bought and random-roll attributes.  Skills are
     based on a skill cluster (Stealth, Physical Combat, Magic,
     Religious, Mercantile, or Scientific) with some bonus skill
     points.  
     
     ~80 pages HTML in various pages.  

 
     
     
     Bibliotech: the Future Past by David Bubar

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long

 A sci-fi RPG based on the Bible, with politics on another planet
     based on biblical figures.  The system uses percentiles skills
     with six degrees of success/failure.  
     

 
     
     
     
     Bid-It Diceless Roleplaying System
     by Michael Coe 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A diceless system where the player spends task points to
     succeed, paying the difference between his skill and the
     difficulty.  
     
     20 pages (HTML or PDF). 

 
     
     
     Bif Bam Pow by Stephen K. Fuelleman / Entropy Games

 Keywords: genre modern superhero long

 A superhero game.  Action resolution is roll under attribute
     on Nd6, or roll under skill on 1d12.  Character creation has
     random-roll attributes and powers, and point-bought skills.  
     
     109 pages PDF.  

 
     
     
     Big Breasts, Small Waist by Zaratustra

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A humorous variant of Guardians of Order's "Big Eyes, Small Mouth"
     system of a sexual nature, intended "for mature audiences only."  
     
     ~20 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Bloody Entrails by Integrated Games Systems 

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A game of Gladiatorial Combat, which includes a solo
     adventure, The Arena. 
     
     16 pages (MSWord, RTF, ASCII, or PostScript).

 
     
     
     Blur: The Hand is Quicker than the Die
     by Daniel Pond

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist universal system.  
     
     ~10 pages (HTML or MSWord). 

 
     
     
     BODGERS: Basic One-Dice Gloranthan Epic Roleplaying System
     by Lewis Jardine

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A simple RPG set in the world of Glorantha, from Chaosium's 
     Runequest.  It uses the ODES system (One Dice Epic System),
     which uses d10 rather than d100 resolution.  
     
     ~25 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Brains and Brawn by Steven Tremblay and Jamie Cadorette

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite

 A generic superhero RPG.  Action resolution uses a hand of
     three dominoes for each player, resolving by attribute +
     skill + the "good" side of the domino played vs difficulty
     plus the "evil" side of the domino.  Character creation is
     open point-based.  
     
     20 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Brutal v2.0 by David J. Stanley 


 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite long

 "A Hack-and-Slash Fantasy Horror Game".  It uses a simple dice-pool 
     system: roll a number of d6 equal to stat, and compare total with 
     an opposed roll.  Character creation is limited point-based.  The 
     basic rulebook includes a mass combat system and even an index.  
     
     26 pages basic rules, 10 pages magic rules, 84 pages monster
     booklets, 29 pages adventures (PDF). 


 
     
     
     Buffy D6 by Michael Lynes 

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite long

 An RPG set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, using an
     adaptation of WEG's D6 system.  The rules includes all the basics
     for D6 gaming (using the D6 classic system), character templates,
     magic rules, equipment and some basic monster stats. 
     
     ~40 pages (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Buggz by Hector Rene' Segovia

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A game set in a world (Banther) inhabitted only by intelligent
     bugs, ranging from wasps to praying mantises.  There is also
     magic for them to use.  It has a simple system using either a
     d30 or d20.  Character creation is based on racial templates,
     with random-roll attributes. 
     
     12 pages MSWord format.

 
     
     
     Bump in the Night RPG by Michael Dunlap

 Keywords: genre modern horror

 A modern-day horror RPG where the PCs are vampires, werewolves,
     ghosts, demons, and more in New York City.  It uses a
     skill-based percentile system: roll under skill on 1d100,
     or roll 1d100 + attack bonus vs 1d100 + defense bonus for
     combat.  Character creation is by random-roll attributes plus
     skill points and power points depending on your creature type.
     
     ~50 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Bumps in the Night by Connor Skates

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 A humorous RPG about playing small monsters ("bumps") which try 
     to scare human children.  It uses a simple system of roll under 
     stat on 1d10, with limited point-based character creation 
     (including buying numerous "creature features" for your monster).  
     
     21 pages rules (RTF).

 
     
     
     Cannonballs Lord of the Rings RPG

 Keywords: genre fantasy online

 A freeform online play-by-post RPG, set in Tolkien's Middle Earth
     some time after the War of the Ring.  
     
     ~5 pages social rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     CARDS by Leonard Tai

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple homebrewed role-playing system where the only materials
     involved are ordinary playing cards.  Emphasis is placed on
     story-telling skills, speed and ease of play.  It includes 
     supplements for the animated video series "Saber Marionette R",
     "Slayers", and "Children of the Blue Star".
     
     ~8 pages core rules (HTML) plus ~25 pages supplements (HTML).  

 
     
     
     CARE by Chris Parlevliet

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal system.  It uses ordinary playing cards for
     resolution: players draw a number of cards based on skill and
     check how many are over a target number.  Character creation is
     either a priority system or an open point system.  
     
     ~30 pages (MSWord or HTML).

 
     
     
     Carnivore Wharf by Diggory Steele-Perkins (digstar)

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A mini-RPG of modern-day fantasy using a variant of the Fudge
     rules ("Fudge HALO").  
     
     5 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     CARPS: Customizable Abstract Roleplaying System
     by DevolutionaryCyberJunkie 


 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal RPG framework system, including a scale, attribute
     list, resolution and experience mechanics.  Action resolution is
     attribute + skill + 1d6 - 1d6 vs difficulty.  Character creation is
     open point-based.  
     
     10 pages rules (MSWord).

 
     
     
     Cartoon Action hour Demo by Z-Man Games

 Keywords: genre scifi superhero rules-lite preview

 An RPG in the genre of 80's style action cartoons.  Actions
     resolution is by stat (rated -4 to +4) plus 1d12 vs difficulty,
     though super-abilities replace 1d12 with 2d12 or more.  These 
     preview rules have basic combat but no character creation rules. 
     
     7 page preview rules (PDF) plus 15 page introductory scenario.

 
     
     
     Changeling: The Dreaming Preview

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy preview

 A freeware introduction to the commercial game by White Wolf,
     where PCs are fay creatures (elves, gnomes, trolls, etc.)
     secretly operating in the modern world.  
     
     25 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Cherveaux: Palace of Light

 Keywords: genre fantasy online

 A freeform play-by-post fantasy RPG, set in a fantasy parallel
     to Versailles in the golden age of the Sun King.  
     
     ~20 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Children of Fire by Erich Wambach

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy long

 An RPG where the PCs are angels, interacting with other celestials
     in Heaven, the children of clay (humans) on Earth, demons, and
     other creatures.  There is extensive background on the angelic
     orders.  Character creation is based on choosing an order and
     selected options.  Action resolution is stat + 2d10 vs
     difficulty.  It includes a "magic" system (Celestial Forces).  
     
     57 pages rules and background (PDF) plus 38 page "Children of
     Clay" supplement (PDF).

 
     
     
     Chivalry & Sorcery Essence by Colin D. Speirs,
     David Blewitt, and Steven Turner (Brittannia Game Designs)

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite preview

 A short introduction to the commercial C&S system.  It adapts
     concepts from the full game but with simplified rules.  Action
     resolution is by roll under (attribute plus skill minus
     difficulty) on 1d20.  Character creation is random-roll
     attributes, picking a social class and vocation.  
     
     4 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Chronos by Francois "Roboduck" Suter 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 A French-language RPG, a preview of the published system by 
     les Createurs Genevois.   
     
     ~15 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Chthonian by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 An RPG of pulp horror, split into subgenres "Pulp Adventure",
     "Weird Tales", and "Shocking Discovery".  Character creation is
     freeform numerical traits with GM approval.  Action resolution
     is 1d12 plus all relevant traits vs difficulty.  There are also
     rules for "Terrible Insight" gained by seeing horrors.  
     
     ~15 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     
     Cineflex v2.2 by Dariel R. A. Quiogue

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A cinematic universal system.  It uses a d20 dice pool for
     action resolution, roll 1-3 d20's over a target number.
     Character creation is by selecting a focus ability, up to
     four secondary abilities, and disabilities.  The rules include
     a generic magic system, and vehicle/mecha rules.  There are
     three developed settings for use with it: The Twilight Age
     (a science fantasy setting), Barsoom (an adaptation of
     Edgar Rice Burrough's early sci-fi), and Red Branch (mythic
     pre-Christian Ireland).  
     
     ~30 pages rules (HTML) or 16 pages rules v2.1 (PDF), plus
     ~75 pages Twilight Age background (HTML), ~30 pages Barsoom
     background (HTML), ~30 pages Ireland background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Cinis by Weisman Stewart Burt

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A fantasy genre RPG set on the an original fantasy world ("Tigmar"),
     with background on the regions and races.  There are twisted
     subhumans, high humans, halflings, goblins, frog-people,
     bird-people, and lizard-people -- but no dwarves or elves.  
     Action resolution is by 3d12 + attribute + skill vs Difficulty.  
     Character creation is random-roll attributes, and point-bought
     skills using an occupation and lifepath.  
     
     340 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Circe by Bryce Harrington

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long open-license

 A medieval fantasy system, with some parts designed with
     computer aids in mind (although it is not required).  Released
     under the GNU Free Documentation License.  Character creation is
     a mix of random-roll attributes and point-bought skills and
     extras.  
     
     143 pages core rules (PDF or MSWord). 

 
     
     
     
     Claymore and Claymore Light by Rodney E. Barnes 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A fantasy Christian RPG set in the 41st century, with bible
     quotes scattered in (similar to Dragonraid).  1000 years after a
     apocalypse, mutations and natural disasters have developed a weird
     feudal city/state world governmental system.  Varying mechanics.
     Random-roll character creation.  
     
     Light rules ~55 pages (HTML, RTF, or MSWord).
     Full rules ~113 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Cleaver House

 Keywords: fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG currently under development, with previews of
     the system overview, world, and skills available.
     Action resolution is attribute + skill + 1d20 vs difficulty. 
     
     ~30 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Combat Monster by Jeff Wiker 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A parody game. 
     
     4 pages (text-only).

 
     
     
     Conestoga by Chris Tavares Dias

 Keywords: genre scifi 

 A mecha space opera game universe about battling empires in a
     distant future, using the Fuzion / Mekton Z rules. 
     
     ~40 pages (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Conspiracy X Demo Kit

 Keywords: genre modern scifi rules-lite preview

 A demo version of the published modern conspiracy RPG by Eden
     Studios.  PC's are agents of Aegis, a secret organization at work
     within the U.S. government fighting alien and supernatural
     menaces.  It uses a simple system with 5 levels of skill and
     difficulty.  If your stat is greater than the difficulty, success
     is automatic.  If it is equal, you must roll 7 or less on 2d6.
     If it is one less, you must roll 4 or less.  
     
     16 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Contes De Fées by Antoine Drouart, Thomas Laborey,
     and Thomas Lampert

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long

 A French-language fairy-tale role-playing game.  It is set in
     the wonderland of Feerie, where PCs can be adaptations of
     faery creatures or original creations.  Actions are resolved
     by stat + 1d10 - 1d10 vs difficulty, or an alternative diceless
     system based on directly comparing stat and difficulty.  Character
     creation is point-based, allowing an open-ended range of creatures.
     It also includes several ready-to-play adventures.  
     
     ~220 pages (HTML, PDF).  

 
     
     
     Continuum by Travis Casey

 Keywords: universal long

 A straightforward skill-based system, using
     skill+attribute+1d6-1d6 vs difficulty.  It uses point-based
     character creation.  It includes a generic magic system and a
     short superpower system.  
     
     ~60 pages (text-only).

 
     
     
     CORE Rules by David F. Nalle 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 ``Character Oriented Role-playing Engine.'' A minimalist
     skill-based system, where you roll under skill on 2d6.
     
     ~4 pages ASCII text.

 
     
     
     
     CORPS Nutshell Download by Greg Porter 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 This is the `nutshell' version of the commercial CORPS universal
     RPG by BTRC.  It is available in 7 languages (English, French,
     German, Finnish, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese).  The system is
     skill-based emphasizing a minimum of die-rolling.  The difficulty
     you succeed at is essentially skill + 1d10 / 2 (round down).
     Character creation is limited point-based.  
     
     4 pages rules PDF format (for each language) plus two post-apocalypse
     supplements: 9 pages and 6 pages PDF format.  

 
     
     
     Cosmic Synchronicity v3 by Joseph Teller and
     Kiralee McCauley

 Keywords: genre modern scifi universal long

 A universal system, which balances PC's by the principle that a
     more powerful PC (i.e. higher total attributes) will have
     critical failures happen more often.  Actions are resolved by
     rolling under (stat or skill)*4 on percentile dice.  There are
     personality traits ("Aspects") that determine the points
     available in different skill groups.  It includes a setting
     book entitled "Earth Unmasked" -- about an alternate 2025
     where aliens and supernatural monsters have emerged.
     
     119 pages core rules (PDF or HTML) plus 151 page setting book (PDF)

 
     
     
     Cosmos

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal system, built to address problems with D&D.
     Character creation includes random-roll attributes and point-bought
     skills.  Action resolution is percentile roll over skill.  
     
     ~80 pages rules (text-only)

 
     
     
     Courts & Corsets by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A storytelling mini-RPG about historical intrigue in the genre
     of Amadeus and Dangerous Liaisons.  The mechanics
     are entirely on a bidding process, where players compete to define
     story elements by spending from a limited pool of points ("crowns").  
     
     ~4 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Covenant by Matt Machell

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 The modern-day RPG where the PCs are members of a secret 
     society which prepared for centuries for an apocalypse that
     never happened.  Now the society which controlled governments
     and manipulated religions is fracturing.  Character creation
     includes defining 2 freeform "edges", 2 freeform flaws, and
     5 skills.  Action resolution is rolling a pool of d6s depending
     on how traits apply, modified by drama points and rerolls.  
     
     19 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     The Creative Conclave RPG

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world

 A fantasy world setting for use with any system with a Chinese 
     flavor.  The GM section includes maps, place and culture
     descriptions, religions, and so forth.  
     
     ~50 pages HTML background (scattered in different pages) plus
     discussion forum and information on two campaigns.

 
     
     Creature Feature: Monster Movie Role-playing

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A storytelling game about B-movie horror films.  There mechanics
     are based on players spending dice (d6s) from a "budget".
     Characters and other elements are bought with points, then
     written on index cards.  During "filming", the cards are shuffled
     and dealt to different players who control them.  
     
     ~10 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Crestfallen: A Bronze Age Role-Playing Game by Dan Hiscutt 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 Bronze age fantasy role-playing, with a strong Celtic flavour.
     It includes detailed background on a world, Kerun, including
     mythology and history.  There are five races, including humans,
     the tree-like Arcadians, wolf-like Lupus, giant Cyclops, and
     four-armed Naderites.  The system uses stat+1d8-1d8 vs difficulty
     for resolution.  Character creation is limited point-bought
     attributes and skills.
     
     164 pages PDF and HTML.  

 
     
     
     Criminal Gang Warfare: Delta by Tux 667 and co.

 Keywords: genre scifi

 A sci-fi RPG. It includes stats for vehicles (including
     mecha "hardsuits"), NPC's, and character classes but the rules
     appear incomplete.  
     
     ~5 pages class rules, plus ~15 pages equipment and background
     (text-only).  

 
     
     
     Crux, Crossroads in Reality by 

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 A modern fantasy RPG, currently in development.  The PCs are
     humans awakened to a realm of myth known as the "Plasm".  They
     are capable of working magic ("feits") and mediating with magical
     creatures (the Inchoa, the Quem, and the Un).
     
     ~20 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Cthonian by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A pulp horror system, scaled in grittiness from "Pulp Adventure" 
     (least gritty) to "Weird Tale" to "Shocking Discovery" (most gritty).
     Character creation is completely freeform assigning of traits.
     Action resolution is stat + 1d12 vs difficulty, potentially
     modified by spending "nodules" (a sort of fate point).  
     
     ~15 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     CyberFUDGE by David Jaquith

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi fantasy long 

 A cyberpunk/fantasy mix, set in a near-future where magic returned
     to Earth, resulting in a world war.  The war was ended by an army
     of cyber- and magic-enhanced super-soldiers created by the U.S.,
     Australia, and England.  It uses a variant of the 
     FUDGE system.  
     
     51 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Cychosis by Grant Graves (Mind's Eye Publishing)

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A simple "RPG/dice game", where the PCs are sentient robots
     (called Cybers) on the world Cyberia.  Some robots are turned
     into rampaging monsters by an errant virus.  It uses a special
     3d6 roll for contests, where a basic roll is always subtracted
     from the opponent's point total.  Character creation is open
     point-based.  
     
     27 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Cychosys, Version 9.0 by William Straight 


 Keywords: genre universal rules-lite

 A universal system, sketchily described.  Resolution is
     based on a series of 1d12 rolls, with special meaning for
     rolls of 11 and 12.  Character creation is open point-bought.  
     
     54 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Cyno's Roleplay by Chieh Cheng

 Keywords: universal genre fantasy modern scifi long

 A universal system.  Character creation is random-roll attributes
     and point-bought percentile skills.  It includes four genre books:
     (fantasy, modern, near-future).
     
     ~33 pages core rules, plus four ~10-15 page genre books (HTML). 

 
     
     
     d6GE RPG by 3Muse

 Keywords: universal superhero rules-lite

 A universal RPG.  Action resolution is by stat plus 2d6 vs
     difficulty.  Character creation is purely random-roll stats
     in the basic system.  It includes a brief superpowers supplement. 
     
     9 pages rules (PDF) plus 8 pages superhero supplement (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Dagenthir by Thomas Schulze 

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A German-language fantasy RPG set on an original world ("Dagenthir").
     
     ~50 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Daidalos by jochen eid

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A German-language diceless RPG, with an emphasis on dramatic
     storytelling.  
     
     69 pages rules and background (PDF or HTML).

 
     
     
     Dark Ages by Jonathan Clarke

 Keywords: genre fantasy 

 A historical RPG set in 6th Century Britain, though some features
     are mildly anachronistic, such as Saxon characters worshipping 
     certain the Norse Gods who are not due to be invented for
     several hundred years.  Action resolution uses roll under trait
     but over difficulty on 1d12.  Character creation is limited 
     point-bought with various restrictions.  
     
     45 pages (MSWord format).  

 
     
     
     
     Dark Ages 2 by Michael Hoopmann

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 A freeware computer role-playing game for DOS and Windows.
     

 
     
     
     Dark Dungeon, 2nd Edition by Jaap de Goede

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite preview

 A fantasy genre game, the "Freeware Lite" version of a
     not-yet-published commercial game.  Action resolution is skill +
     1d10 vs difficulty.  Character creation is open point-bought.
     The lite rules are generic fantasy, but there is a shared
     world ("Yaddrin") under development.  
     
     25 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Darker Days by Dudi Rippel

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A cyberpunk game set in 2031, using a simple 2d6-based
     system (skill+2d6+mods, needing 12 or more to succeed).
     Character creation is point-based.  
     
     25 pages rules (HTML and MSWord) plus ~15 pages background (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     
     Dark Fantasy by Tim Barrett with Peter Simcic 
     and Rowan Dunch

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 Set in a parallel Dark Ages Europe (800-1200 A.D.) with fantasy 
     elements, this uses a percentile skill system, with vaguely
     class-like personality types. 
     
     80 pages PDF, plus 50 page Magic system and 30 page Campaign book.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     Darklands by Eric Mau

 Keywords: genre fantasy horror scifi long

 A futuristic fantasy-horror game, set in 2066 in a grim cyberpunk
     future where PC's are the "Warbreed" -- creatures created by the
     dark gods (the "Ashura") and left on Earth in ancient times, who
     now fight for the Earth against their creators.  Character
     creation is breed and class based, with point-bought attributes.  
     The resolution system is not clear.
     
     ~45 pages MSWord format.

 
     
     
     Darkness by  A. Glare

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long world

 A post-magical-apocalypse RPG set in the year 4469 after a
     great Fall.  The world is is replete with feudal kingdoms,
     magic, demons, elves, dwarves, gnomes, and halfings -- along 
     with advanced technology in underground cities which survive
     against the poisoned world.  The system is roll under
     attribute + skill on 1d20, with the roll indicating
     level-of-success.  Character creation is open point-based.
     
     ~80 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Dark Spell by Jeffrey S. Schecter 


 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A generic fantasy RPG system with rules for combat and magic.
     It uses a dice-pool system, rolling d6s equal to attribute
     ("Battle" or "Forte") vs difficulty.  Character creation is
     open point-based, buying attributes, binary skills, combat
     styles, and spells. 
     
     23 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Dark Time by Stephen and Ellen Bradley

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite world

 A dark future RPG setting in the year 3050 in New York, intended 
     for use with the FUDGE rules.  
     
     ~5 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     DCS by David Chart 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system, using stat+1d10 vs difficulty.
     Characters have three basic attributes (physical/mental/social)
     and freeform abilities.  It includes personality mechanics, fate
     points, and crafts rules.  There are also notes on using it with
     Columbia Games' Hârn setting.  
     
     ~30 pages rules (HTML or text-only). 

 
     
     
     deadEarth by J.T. Smith with Chris Hagness and 
     Michael Helfman 

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long

 A post-nuclear-apocalypse survival RPG, the 51-page free version
     of the 174-page published game from
     Anarchy inK.  
     Available free after web registration.  It uses a d6 dice-pool
     system with random-roll character creation including 100
     mutations (1000 in the published version!).  
     
     51 page Players Handbook (PDF), 101 page GM handbook expansion (PDF).

 
     
     
     Dead Meat: Ultima Carneficina Dello Zombie! by S.P. Wipfli

 Keywords: genre horror rules-lite

 A Zombie/Horror mini-RPG.  There are 3 attributes (Zip, Whomp,
     and Guts) rated in number of d6's.  Each die that comes up 5 or 6
     is a success.  
     
     4 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Death or Glory by Alexander Trofimov 

 Keywords: universal long

 A generic percentile system similar to Runequest, with
     supplements for firearms, magic, and medieval background.
     
     ~20 pages rules (ASCII text only), plus 20 pages supplements.

 
     
     
     Decision Driven Rolegame Engine by Lance Dyas

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 The draft version of a diceless GM-judged system, which uses
     various stats to guide the GMs decisions -- including a scale
     of 0 to 7 of goal importance which the player ranks, selection
     of strategic method (from 5 options), and allocation of deep
     resources (Mana and Adrenaline points) and Luck (Serendipity
     and Karma).  Character skill advancement is managed by
     allotting man-hours.
     
     ~10 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     
     The Deeper Dream by Frank T. Sronce

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 An early attempt at writing a homebrew RPG, set in the dreamworld.
     PC's can be mortal dreamers, dreams, or dreamlords (a sort of
     dream that controls other dreams).  
     
     ~12 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     deGenesis by Christian Gunther

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long preview

 A German-language post-apocalyptic RPG, a free download with 
     identical content to the commercially published book.  It uses 
     a system based on 2d10 roll-under-skill. 
     
     380 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Delta System by Kobayashi Satoshi 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A Japanese-language diceless RPG using tailor-made skill trees
     and "attention points".  
     
     ~19 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Demonwright by Andre Schönherr

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 A German free fantasy RPG.  It has random-roll attributes and
     character classes.  
     
     99 pages rules (PDF).  

 
     
     A Description-Based RPG System by Charles Ryan 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 An experimental attempt to create a numberless system, while
     retaining die rolls against an assigned difficulty.  
     
     12 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     The Desert Realm Play-by-Post

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite online

 A free play-by-post forum-based RPG.  The site also features a
     scifi/fantasy search engine, link list, and newsletter.  
     
     ~10 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Destiniem by xero1@aol.com 

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy

 A magi-tech game set in a fantasy world with cyberwizards and
     majinauts.  Available for playtestng by email request only (??).
     

 
     
     
     Deus Ex: by J.C. Connors

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 "The Roleplaying Game of Gods and Goddesses".  The system is
     mostly diceless with occaisional d6 rolls.  Different divine
     powers correspond to tarot cards.  
     
     23 pages rules and background material (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Diceless by Mark William Henshaw

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A deterministic diceless system where players spend "Luck
     Points" to succeed (stats+luck points spent vs difficulty).  
     
     ~10 pages HTML.

 
     
     Dick Tracy: The Roleplaying Game by 
     Cynthia Miller (aka Baby Cindi) and Sabrina Belle (Miss Skitch)

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite long

 An RPG based on the original comic strip.  Character creation is
     a mix of random-roll and point-based, including 8 attributes,
     skills, and ads/disads.  Resolution is by 2d6+attribute+skill vs
     difficulty.  
     
     ~60 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     Dimensioni by ??

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 An Italian-language generic RPG system, with a focus on ease of
     learning and narrative play.  It is structured in tree difficulty
     levels, going to the easiest one (playable even without dice) to
     the most complex one (for player that love to roll some more
     dice).  There are two manuals: the Dimensioni rules manual
     and the Dimensioni Arcane manuals with the magic system.  
     
     ~140 pages core rules and magic system (PDF).

 
     
     
     Discernment, v2.0 by Michael S. Miller 


 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A GM-less game-within-a-game where a panel of Scholars attempt
     to discern the secret "Soul Quality" of a Subject.  Each scholar
     leads the Subject through a Scenario, like having multiple GMs
     for a single player but with a wrapping story.  
     
     10 pages rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Divine Right by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 A storytelling mini-RPG, where players spend "Dilemma Points"
     and makes sacrifice rolls as part of the thematic premise,
     "What would you sacrifice to save another?"  
     
     ~6 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Dominion Rules 2.0 by Dominion Games

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A generic fantasy-genre set of rules, with a sample kingdom
     ("Gwenil").  It uses a skill-based system: roll 1d12 under skill
     or attribute.  Character creation is via a random-roll number of 
     attribute points, a random advantage table, and fixed skill
     points.  There are generic systems for priestcraft and for
     witchcraft.  
     
     90 pages core rules (PDF), plus 20 page weapons/armor supplement
     (PDF), plus 92 page spellbook (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Doom: The Next Chapter
     by Richard D. Clark

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long

 An RPG set in the world of the computer game "Doom", where
     futuristic portal research opens a gateway to hell.  It uses a
     simple percentile system (roll under stat on d100).  Character
     creation is by random-roll attributes, and each skill has a
     starting value by averaging 2 attributes. 
     
     136 pages PDF or text.

 
     
     
     D-Quest by Dylan Craig

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple generic system intended for fantasy.  It uses a
     dice-pool system: 2d6 with bonus or penalty dice, taking the best
     or worst 2 from the dice rolled.  Resolution is stat + roll vs
     difficulty.  There is no background, magic, or ranged combat
     rules.  
     
     ~6 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Dragonlands Online

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 An online fantasy RPG.  
     
     ~15 pages narrative rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Dragonfly by Jeffrey S. Schecter 


 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 Described as a cross between "Pokemon" and "Starship Troopers", 
     this is about humans -- Hunters, Riders, Entomologists, and
     others -- on the planet Arthra who interact with the
     giant bugs there.  There are six attributes (rated 6 to 14 or
     more) and binary skills.  Character creation is based on class
     and point-bought enhancements.  Action resolution is based
     on roll under stat using a number of d6s based on difficulty
     (2d6 for easy; 5d6 for incredibly difficult).  
     
     24 pages core rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     
     DragonNet (v3.0 beta 8) 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A generic fantasy RPG designed by committee over the internet.
     
     99 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
    Dragonspawn by Jeffrey R. Naujok 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A skill-based fantasy system, but without a generic skill roll: 
     each skill is treated individually.  
     
     123 pages (MSWord, HTML, or PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Dragonspires

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 A free online fantasy graphical chat and roleplaying game.
     

 
     
     
     DragonWizards

 Keywords: rules-lite fantasy traditional preview

 This is the preview version of a fantasy role-playing/card game
     with a deck of 52 multi-leveled cards.  The complete rules are
     available free, with monster packs and upgraded images available
     for charge.  
     
     ~40 pages rules (MSWord format) with cards.  

 
     
     
     
     
     Dramatic License by Simon Seah

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 Direct download of a universal RPG system.  It is cinematic in
     style, with stats for Coolness and so forth.  Action resolution
     is by attribute + skill + die roll vs difficulty.  The die roll
     by default is d6, but can optionally be changed.  Character
     creation is open point-bought.  
     
     98 pages RTF.

 
     
     
     Dreamwalker: Musings
     by Peter C. Spahn, David Griffin, and Michael Patton

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite preview

 A free version of the published
     Dreamwalker
     RPG (a 33 page free version vs the 152 page full version).  
     You play a psychic in the employ of a government project,
     entering the dreams of others to rid troubled minds of the Taeniid
     infestation.  It uses a percentile skill-based system.  The free
     sample includes basic rules, a sample adventure and sample
     characters, but no character generation rules.  
     
     33 pages (MSWord).

 
     
     
     The Drones by Ian Crowther, Sheila Thomas, Victoria Uren 

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 An RPG based on P.G. Wodehouse, with the PCs playing members of
     The Drones Club in 1920's London. A simple system is provided,
     
     ~24 pages (PDF or HTML).

 
     
     
     DUDE by Mark Hughes

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal system, used for "The Alan Smithee Project": the RPG
     of Hollywood gone wrong.  Characters have a single attribute
     called "DUDEness" which is how good they are at nearly
     everything.  Resolution is by standard playing cards and chips.  
     
     ~10 pages HTML rules.

 
     
     
     DwarvenWorld by Marco Dell'Acqua and Leorando Malcovati

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional supplement world

 A medieval fantasy setting on a planet of higher density than
     Earth, with various human and dwarven kingdoms.  
     
     ~27 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Dying Earth Quickstart Rules
     by Robin D. Laws, John M. Snead, and Aaron Allston

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite preview

 A short introductory version of the newly published fantasy RPG
     based on the novels by Jack Vance.  Character creation is free
     point-based.  Resolution is by simple 1d6 (1=worst to 6=best),
     where you get a number of re-rolls based on your "ability pool"
     (which refreshes every 2 to 8 hours).  
     
     32 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     Dystopia Shareware Edition by Gavin Hadaller

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 The shareware version of an electronically published game,
     about fighting corporate repression in America 2155 A.D.  
     
     8 pages rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     Earthdawn Preview by Greg Gorden and Louis J. Prosperi

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite preview

 A short introductory version of the out-of-print system.
     
     ~12 pages HTML rules plus sample characters and adventure. 

 
     
     
     Earth of the Fourth Sun by Tom Slaughter

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A fantasy genre game with a skill-based system and a unique magic
     system.  
     
     180 pages (PDF format).  

 
     
     
     EGO: Endless Gaming Options by Tom Doolan

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple dice-pool system: rolling d6's where 5 or 6 counts as a
     success, and difficulty is by number of successes required. 
     
     ~18 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     Eiridia by Ben Overmyer

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy-genre RPG system.  It includes three classes and two races
     (humans and Changed Ones) but no background.  The system is 
     percentile skill-based.  
     
     ~20 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Elegant Role-playing by Gregor Hutton

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system with three attributes: Mastery, Wisdom,
     and Power.  Action resolution is attribute plus 1d6 vs difficulty,
     or attribute plus best of two or three d6 rolls if specialties/
     skills apply.  Character creation is limited point-based.  
     
     8 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     
     Enchanted Worlds Starter Kit
     by Matthew J. Rodgers and Daniel Price

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite preview

 The preview version of a published small-press RPG.  This is a
     introductory fantasy version of the universal rules, and includes
     a short magic system and bestiary.  Resolution is by rolling
     under attribute+skill on 2d8.  Character creation is limited
     point-bought.  
     
     21 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Endland by BSI Productions

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic long preview

 A German-language post-apocalyptic RPG.  It was a commercial RPG
     that is now out of print, and the full rules are now available
     for download.  
     
     297 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Entalis by Robert Barrows

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A science fiction RPG set on a planet ("Entalis") which is key to an 
     interdimensional gateway.  It uses a percentile, skill-based
     system.  Character creation is random-roll attributes and
     occupation-based skills with point-bought skill advancement.
     
     ~80 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     EPIC 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy

 A generic fantasy system, using classes and levels with a
     percentile skill system.  
     
     ~29 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     
     Epitaph by Vincent Diakuw

 Keywords: genre fantasy world

 A fantasy setting for use with the FUDGE rules system
     FUDGE-based campaign, along with FUDGE rules variations.
     It is set in a Dark Age which comes after the Golden Age 
     of the Precursors.  As the ice melts more and more secrets of
     the ancients are revealed, which can be used for ill or
     good.  
     
     36 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Epitome by Pitt Mumann

 Keywords: universal rules-lite open-license

 A universal system, released under the Open Content License.
     It uses a symbolic character sheet with a circle representing
     "self", with an outer band of "demeanor", a middle band of
     "nature", and an inner circle of "soul".  It uses primarily
     diceless resolution relying on GM judgement.  
     
     11 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Epoch by Jonathan Clarke

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A space opera RPG closely based on "Star Trek", attempting for
     less pseudo-science and more cinematic feel.  It uses a dice-pool
     system, taking highest of Nd6 where the number depends on how
     many traits apply to the task.  Character creation consists of
     picking freeform traits (i.e. "Security Officer" is a sample
     trait).  
     
     71 pages (MSWord format). 

 
     
     
     Epoch: Age of Magic (Demo) by Chris Rutkowsky

 Keywords: genre fantasy long preview

 The free demo version of a published RPG.  Epoch is 
     a fantasy RPG using a percentile skill-based system.
     Character creation is random-roll race, social class, and
     attributes -- plus skill points which also be used to modify
     rolls.  
     
     ~37 pages MSWord format.  

 
     
     
     Erebus by Daniel Pond

 Keywords: genre fantasy world

 A fantasy setting with an odd Victorian flavor and a twist of
     1930's pulp.  It uses the Blur system.  
     
     ~20 pages background (HTML). 

 
     
     Ergo by Ian Millington

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 An experimental collaborative RPG -- meaning without a GM.  The
     system is a FUDGE variant.  
     
     ~40 pages ASCII text.

 
     
     
     Essential Spectra
     by Eric Kimball and Robert A. Rodger (Arrogant Game Design)

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal system, which rates characters in subjective
     ratings designated by six colors: red, orange, yellow, green,
     blue, and purple.  Each character has a number of dice which
     are special six-sided dice with colors for faces (so one
     character might have a die which is red/ red/ red/ orange/
     green/ blue).  Action resolution uses these color die rolls.
     Character creation is limited point-based.  The basic rules
     include short systems for psionics, aliens, and magic.  
     
     45 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Eternal Soldier
     by Christopher Arnold, Rob Arnold, and Joe Mays (Tai-Gear Simulations) 

 Keywords: universal long

 A full generic system somewhat similar to Chaosium's
     "Basic Roleplaying".
     
     ~50 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Evient by Chris Lynch

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite preview

 The preview/playtest rules for a superhero RPG system with no set 
     skills and variable scaling (the GM sets "Q-units" of 
     difficulty/damage/etc.).  It uses a dice pool system for
     rolling successes.  
     
     ~24 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     The Evil: a short horror rpg by Christopher Lernö

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A generic horror-genre mini-RPG.  Action resolution is roll
     under stat on 1d20.  Character generation is freeform traits and
     assignment.  It includes GM notes and brief adventures ideas but
     no defined background.  
     
     7 pages rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Evil Hunter: Fighting the Darkness

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A modern occult horror RPG about hunters fighting supernatural
     monsters.  
     
     ~35 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     Evolution by Hector Rene' Segovia

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A semi-RPG where each player designs a species and plays an
     example of that species.  Each session the players play members
     of their species interacting, and then between session they can
     "evolve" their species.  
     
     12 pages MSWord format.

 
     
     
     Evolution: The First Step

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 Not really an RPG, this is "a game of logistics and imagination".
     Players play gods who each have domination over their own Eden
     of 50 neophyte humans.  It is played in turns of a generation
     (approx 32 years).  
     
     7 pages rules (RTF).

 
     
     
     Exemplar by Jeffrey S. Schecter 


 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A science fiction RPG set in a universe where technological Templars
     fight in the name of the Intergalactic Government and Church
     (IGAC).  Action resolution is rolling under stat on a number
     of d10s (1d10 to 5d10 or more) where the number of dice depends
     on difficulty.  Character creation is open point-based, and
     includes plot points.  
     
     32 pages rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     
     Ex Mortis V 1.0 BRPS by Michael J. Cheney

 Keywords: universal long

 A percentile skill-based system, using open-ended percentile rolls.
     Character creation is partly class-based, with random-roll
     attributes and point-bought skills.  
     
     ~60 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     Fable by Ben Sones

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple system using a step-die approach (i.e. roll a d6 for
     Average skill, d10 for Great skill vs a similar die for
     difficulty).  Character creation involves writing up freeform
     traits, and then assigning ratings to them from a pool of points.
     Point cost is based on GM-assessed usefulness and rating.  
     
     ~28 pages (MSWord).

 
     
     
     Faelands by Chris Fox

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A fantasy genre game currently (Nov 2002) in beta testing.
     It is set on an original fantasy world ("Ardgan") where
     within the past generation a number of people have begun
     to be born with great magical powers, known as the Chosen of
     the Fae.  Character creation is limited point-based, with
     powers for the type ("aspect") of Chosen.  
     
     ~72 pages MSWord.

 
     
     
     The Fallen Barony: Live-Action Roleplaying Game

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite live-action

 A live-action rules set, designed for play with "boffer"
     weaponry combined with other rules for character creation,
     skills, etc.  
     
     ~15 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     Fallout: The Pencil and Paper Role-Playing Game, v2.0
     by Jason N. Mical

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long

 A post-nuclear-apocalypse RPG set after a nuclear war in 2077, 
     based on the computer game by Interplay.  It uses a simple
     percentile system with limited point-based character creation.  
     
     157 pages core rules (PDF), plus several sourcebooks.

 
     
     
     FaLoR: Fast and Loose Roleplaying by Peter Kisner

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system.  Action resolution is 2d4 + a broad
     stat ("role") vs difficulty.  Character creation is freeform 
     determining of the role and its rating (1-5). 
     
     15 pages core rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Fantasia by Tybalt

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A French-language fantasy/steampunk setting.  
     
     195 pages rules and background (MSWord format) plus 101
     page bestiary (MSWord format).

 
     
     
     Fantasia Quickstart by Matthew deMille (New Dimension Games)

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long preview

 The preview version of a commercial fantasy RPG.  Action resolution
     is stat + 1d6 vs difficulty for ability checks, or 1d20 + modifiers
     for combat.  Character creation is random-roll attributes, 
     choice of class, and point-bought skills (d12 skill points).
     Advancement is level-based.  The preview version includes a limited
     magic system and selection of monsters.  
     
     52 pages preview rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Fantasized Adventures by W. Ty Dobson and
     Great River Games

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 A system for the fantasy world of Bakara.  Each race has
     detailed character creation rules.  Skills are generally
     percentile, but with d20 combat resolution and adjustments from
     attributes based on tables.  
     
     ~290 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Fargoth World Building Project

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long supplement world

 A collaborative project building a traditional fantasy world.
     It includes individual descriptions of kingdoms, races, monsters,
     flora, fauna, and gods.  
     
     ~70 pages descriptions (HTML).

 
     
     
     Far Space by David King

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 Previews of a futuristic space-opera RPG, set in an alternate
     universe in a human-populated solar system in the midst of a
     devastating war that has be raging for over 100 years.  There are
     six major feudal houses who fight for control of the
     sixteen-planet system.  Currently this has a 16-page preview
     of the combat system, which is based on stat + 1d10 + modifiers
     rolls.  Damage is done to a luck statistic, which controls the 
     the chance of a kill with the next attack.  
     
     16 pages combat system preview (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     FAST by Steve Bruns

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist universal RPG, using a simple dice-pool system.
     Roll d6's equal to skill: each "6" counts as 2 successes, each
     2-5 counts as 1 success.  It also includes a starship combat
     system and various optional rules.  
     
     ~2 pages Quick-Start rules (HTML), plus ~10 pages optional rules.  

 
     
     
     
     F.A.T.A.L. by Fatal Games

 Keywords: traditional fantasy long

 "Fantasy Adventure To Adult Lechery".  A highly detailed fantasy
     system.  It has 5 core attributes with 20 sub-attributes.  Tables
     for each sub-attribute detail everything from Enunciation to
     Bust Size.  Action resolution uses skill plus d100 vs difficulty.
     Character creation is random-roll attributes.
     
     ~500 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     FATE: Fudge Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment
     by Rob Donoghue and Fred Hicks (Evil Hat Productions)

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A variant of Steffan O'Sullivan's Fudge, 
     which is a standalone game but recommends familiarity with the
     original.  Character creation is by five phases in the life of
     the character, with a literary "aspect" and four skill points
     for each.  It includes several sample magic systems.  
     
     56 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     FERpg by Nathan Hill and Mystic Ages Online

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 "The Fast and Easy RPG".  A simple set of rules where each
     character has 3 freeform skills (one at 2d4+2, one at 1d4+2, and
     one at 1d4).  Resolution is by rolling under skill on 1d12.  
     
     ~10 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     
     
     FFRE or Sagatafl by Peter Knutsen

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal system still under development.  It uses a dice-pool
     system, rolling a number of d12s equal to stat, with successes equal
     to the number of dice rolled over difficulty (from 2 to 18).  
     Character creation is an extensive open point-based system.  
     
     36 pages basic rules plus 23 pages magic expansions (PDF).  

 
     
     FFRPS: Free Fantasy Role Playing System
     by Ray Rischpater 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 An under-construction fantasy genre system based on AD&D,
     designed with computer aids in mind.  
     
     ~40 pages HTML, with some sections missing.

 
     
     
     The Fifth Element RPG

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite world

 An adaptation of the science fiction film using the free RPG system
     Cyno's Role-Play.  It is set in the
     23rd century, in the year 2259 A.D.  This includes races, professions,
     equipment, vehicles, and characters -- but not the basic rules.  
     
     ~20 pages background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Final Frontier Fleet

 Keywords: genre scifi online

 An freeform online play-by-email RPG, set in the Star Trek
     universe.
     

 
     
     
     Final Stand by Tim Denee

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A martial arts action RPG, meant to be light, action-packed, and fun.
     It uses a dice-pool system for combat (with a variety of
     maneuvers), and simple autosuccess rules for non-combat actions.
     Character creation is by selecting a Stereotype plus a martial
     arts Style and Form from the lists.  Skills are predefined for
     each choice, while the player spends action points on maneuvers.  
     
     23 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Firefly RPG by Joe Coleman

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 An RPG adaptation of Fox's space-opera television series.
     It includes notes on the locations, planets, moons, vehicles,
      weapons, and technology used on the show.  It includes notes
     on the "Mayonnaise" system which is an adaptation of the
     free Fuzion system, but not a complete
     system by itself.  
     
     24 pages rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     The Five-Star Stories Role-playing Game by Ed Gomez 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 An RPG based on the manga of the same name by Mamoru Nagano.  
     Character creation uses random-roll attributes, a selected 
     template, and point-bought skills.  Action resolution uses 1d20 
     plus stat or skill.  The rules include a psionics system and
     detailed equipment.  
     
     ~50 pages rules and background(HTML).

 
     
     
     Force 9 by Shootingiron

 Keywords: scifi rules-lite

 A space-faring sci-fi RPG about "bug-hunting" in the style of
     Aliens and Starship Troopers, using the FUDGE
     system.  
     
     19 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Foresight by Tonio Loewald 

 Keywords: universal long

 A generic system concentrating on character description and
     sci-fi elements.  There is also an incomplete
     
     HTML version
     
     80 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     The Forge Primer by Basement Games

 Keywords: fantasy traditional rules-lite preview

 This is a short preview version of the commercial game
     Forge: Out of Chaos.  
     
     11 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Forgotten Futures by Marcus L. Rowland 

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long world

 Not technically free, but a great shareware RPG based on
     turn-of-the-century science fiction (Rudyard Kipling, Arthur
     Conan Doyle, et al.).  
     
     ~500+ pages rules and background in six collections (HTML).

 
     
     
     Formless by James Hargrove

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal minimalist RPG.  It is diceless (using a 3-step "Rule of
     Common Sense") with an optional rule for using die rolls.  
     
     ~8 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Four Colors by Cynthia Celeste Miller

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite 

 A superhero RPG emulating "Golden Age" comics (WWII era).  It
     uses a simple system of d12 + stat vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is point-based with freeform superpowers.  
     
     16 pages Players Guide (PDF,HTML) plus 13 pages GM's Guide (PDF,HTML).

 
     
     
     Four Colors al Fresco v1.0b by woodelf

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite open-license

 An alternate-history superheroes game about golden-age style
     superheroes in Renaissance Italy, released under an open
     license.  It uses a simple narrative system where each character
     has a die type for four of five basic aspects (d4, d6, d8, d12,
     d20) -- and the fifth is their superpower aspect.  Resolution is
     by defining which of the five aspects applies to a situation,
     with modifiers by penalty dice.  
     
     83 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Free Fantasy: gioco di ruolo by Antonio Sottocasa

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 An Italian-language free fantasy RPG.  It includes a brief
     magic system and bestiary.  
     
     32 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Freestyle RPG by George DeMuth

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal RPG system, with genre sourcebooks for post-apocalyptic
     ("Fall of Darkness") and superhero ("Super Cyber") along with
     supplements for martial arts and modern combat.  Action
     resolution is by rolling 3d6 on a universal table. Character
     creation is limited point-based (attribute points and skill
     points), with an option for random-roll attributes.  
     
     83 pages basic rules (PDF) plus 79 pages supplements (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     
     Fresco by Salkaner il Nero

 Keywords: universal scifi horror rules-lite

 A minimalist universal system in both English and Italian.
     Character creation is by random-roll of 7 attributes.  Resolution
     is by attribute minus 2d6 minus difficulty.  It includes a
     small sci-fi setting ("Star Fresco") and a horror setting
     ("Frigor Mortis").  
     
     4 pages core rules (HTML and PDF) plus 5 pages sci-fi
     setting (PDF) and 3 pages horror setting (PDF).  

 
     
     
     From Chaos Comes Order by Hector Rene Segovia

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite

 A post-apocalypse RPG using the FUDGE
     system, set after computer virus wipes out all
     governments and financial institutions.  
     
     ~15 pages rules and background (MSWord format).  

 
     
     
     Frontier Horizons by Rick Heney

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A generic science fiction system with involved combat.  
     Action resolution is by d20 + attribute + skill vs difficulty.
     Character creation is by a combination of random-roll and
     point-spending for the 16 basic attributes and 9 derived ones.
     Skills are assigned through a class system.  
     
     334 pages rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     FUDGE by Steffan O'Sullian 


 Keywords: universal rules-lite long open-license

 A well-written and long-standing set of freeform rules, released
     under a special "open" license for non-commercial works.  The
     complete rules are available free as well as in print from
     Grey Ghost Games, who also print FUDGE supplements, 
     special FUDGE dice, and FUDGE Expanded Edition. 
     
     90 pages rules (PDF, text, or HTML).

 
     
     
     FUDGE: Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Michael S. Gentry

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 An adaptation of the television series to FUDGE.  It includes
     monster research and magic rules, along with special rules for
     Gloom.  
     
     ~25 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Furcadia by Dragon's Eye Inc.

 Keywords: genre fantasy online

 A free online RPG set in a magical world of anthropomorphic
     animals.  There is a world including 3D animated graphics, but
     no combat is permitted.  
     

 
     FuRPiG / World of Esaene by Brant Guillory

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 Formerly a free fantasy-genre RPG system, this is now a published
     but low-cost RPG from 
     BaDGe Publications.
     

 
     
     
     Futura

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 An Italian-language universal RPG system, using a very simple
     system and one mechanic for all actions.  
     
     ~13 pages SWF format (with FLASH Macromedia).  

 
     
     
     Future Shadows by Warren Raoul Martel III and
     Jayson Robert Drury 

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A sci-fi RPG, set in 3407 where a unified galactic empire is
     fighting invaders from another galaxy.  It uses a percentile
     skill-based system with point-bought character creation.
     
     Basic Game 164 pages PDF format, plus various supplements:
     including a mostly-complete 61-page equipment guide, 
     less complete other supplements, and ~30 pages of campaign info.  

 
     
     
     
     Fuzion v5.02 by "The Fuzion Group"

 Keywords: universal long preview

 A universal system loosely based on a merging of the HERO 
     system (from Hero Games) and the Interlock system (from R 
     Talsorian Games).  It is identical to the commercially available
     rules in Champions: The New Millenium and other games.  
     The free core rules have no background, but there are two 
     commercial downloadable fantasy-genre systems using Fuzion
     ("Shards of the Stone" and "WildBlades").  
     
     50 pages core rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     GAME: Greatly Abbreviated Mechanics, Etc.
     by Eric C. Garrison 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A rather more mechanically inclined system, which defines
     stat and difficulty levels.  
     
     ~2 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Gangland by Jason A. Kline

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A modern crime RPG.  It uses a percentile system, roll under
     attribute + skill.  Character creation is limited point-based
     (140 points among four attributes, 240 points among ten out
     of 41 skills).  
     
     10 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Gate Colony - A Stargate PBEM

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite online

 A play-by-email (PBEM) RPG set in the world of the Stargate SG-1
     TV series.  
     
     ~2 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     
     
     Gehennum by Brett Evill

 Keywords: genre fantasy long supplement world

 A non-traditional fantasy setting for use with any rule system.
     Gehennum is a volcanic and mountainous archipelago ringed with
     coral and clad in jungle.  It is closer to south-east Asia
     rather than medieval Europe in nature and culture. 
     
     ~40 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     
     Game Engine Manual (GEM) by Neale Davidson 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A simple but complete d6-based generic game.  Action
     resolution is roll under stat+skill using Nd6 where the number
     depends on difficulty.  Character creation is either random-roll
     or point-bought attributes and point-bought skills.  
     
     32 pages basic rules (PDF) plus 32 pages GM's Guide (PDF), plus
     several supplements adapting anime material (~80 pages).  

 
     
     
     Gebaur by Laura Brickman et al. 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 A freeform online RPG played by posting to various boards
     corresponding to locations in and around the city of Gebaur.
     
     ~4 pages guidelines for posting (HTML).

 
     
     
     Generic Destinies by Dylan Craig

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal RPG system.  Action resolution is by rolling two
     dice from d4 to d12, where attribute is the "tens" die and 
     skill is the "ones" die.  Character creation is limited
     point-based, with freeform skills.  There are also freeform
     advantages and disadvantages.  
     
     ~25 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     GENRE by Gerald Williams 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system, using additive dice pool: roll (attribute)
     in d6 plus skill, comparing the total with difficulty.  
     Character creation is open point-based, with advancements in
     levels.  
     
     ~12 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     Ghostlight by Doug Bolden

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 An RPG set in a strange world where ghosts interact only with
     each other through emotions and stimuli, using a minimalist
     system. 
     
     ~7 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Giga 2.0 by Austin Herry

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 Giga is a far-future RPG set in the "United Earth Forces" which
     maintain peace after cataclysmic racial wars among various
     alien species.  The rules include seven alien races.  
     Character creation uses random-roll attribute and class-based
     selection.  
     
     ~30 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     GigantoCorp by Jared A. Sorensen

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 GigantoCorp is a game about capitalism gone tragically awry,
     where company on the planet has been merged, bought out or
     otherwise conglomerated into one gigantic corporation.  It uses
     Michael D. Mearls' Plain English
     RolePlaying rules.  
     
     ~15 pages background and character creation (HTML).

 
     
     
     GLARPS: The Generic Live-Action Role-Playing System
     by Kyle Marquis

 Keywords: universal rules-lite live-action

 A universal, no-touch live-action RPG system using
     rock-paper-scissors as its basic mechanic.  
     
     ~23 pages HTML rules.

 
     
     
     
     Godlike Quick-Play Rules

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite preview

 A free introductory version  of the printed game.  It is
     a superhero games set in the era of World War II.  PC's are
     "Talents" with paranormal abilities who aid in the Allied
     war effort.  It uses a dice-pool system where you roll d10's
     equal to stat + skill and look for matches (i.e. dice with the
     same number).  
     
     36 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Gods & Monsters by Jerry Stratton

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license

 A fantasy RPG compatible with AD&D, released under the GNU
     Free Documentation license.  The system is similar but with many
     changes and simplifications.  
     
     100 pages PDF, RTF, or HTML.  

 
     
     
     Godhome by gorbadorc@aol.com

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG where you play minor gods in a large pantheon.
     It uses a simple percentile system, with other dice for damage, etc. 
     
     ~12 pages HTML rules.

 
     
     
     Gothicon

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy-genre RPG system.  Character creation is class-based
     with random-roll attributes.  
     
     ~25 pages MSWord format.

 
     
     
     GPA by Mark Hughes

 Keywords: genre fantasy horror modern rules-lite

 A sci-fi/fantasy/horror RPG about students at George Underwood
     Edwards University, after the floodgates of magic and weird
     science are opened upon the world, where no more than half of all
     university students survive to graduation.  
     
     ~12 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     GRAPE: Generic Roleplaying All-Purpose Engine
     by Scott Gray 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A purely freeform system which includes the option of die
     rolls.
     
     1 page HTML.

 
     
     
     Great Ork Gods by Jack Aidley

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A simple RPG designed for a single evening's play.  Each player
     plays an orc and one of seven orc gods.  Individual orcs have a
     chance to succeed based on how much the god of that activity
     hates them (there is a rating from 1 to 5 for each god's hate). 
     You roll a number of d10s for each action based on difficulty.
     If any of them are less than the hate value, the action fails.  
     
     12 page rules and handouts (PDF).

 
     
     
     Grey Lotus by Andrew Williams

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world open-license

 A fantasy RPG released under the Open Publication License.  
     It is set on the fantasy world of Gaia, which is inhabited
     by humans, faerie races, and alien races.  It uses a skill-based
     system.  Action resolution is to roll d10's equal to skill and
     take the highest + attribute versus difficulty.  Character creation
     is semi-open point-based, assigning 7 priority points among four
     categories, then spending points within each category. 
     
     110 pages core rules (PDF,HTML,LaTeX) plus 23 page magic
     supplement (PDF,HTML).  

 
     
     Grimrules by Samuel Joseph Robb

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A multidimensional cyberpunk RPG, set in the pan-dimensional city
     of Cynosure, a place where hundreds of dimensions coexist side by
     side - cross the street, and reality changes.  It uses a simple
     percentile skill system.  
     
     ~22 pages (text-only).  

 
     
     
    The Guide to Adventure Page by Michael E. Ball 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A fantasy system, set in an AD&D-like world, using a
     skill-based system.  It also has a modern and sci-fi supplement, 
     Alien Dawn, although less developed.  Character creation is
     point-bought, but the available points are generated randomly.
     The combat system focuses on realistic fights and uses cards
     to determine the sequence of action.  
     
     86 page players handbook and 61 page GMs handbook
     (RTF, PostScript, WordPerfect, and text-only formats).  

 
     
     GURPS Lite by Steve Jackson and Sean Punch

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview

 A "lite" version of the published RPG.  It uses 3d6 roll under
     skill, with open point-based character creation.  
     
     32 pages PDF. 

 
     
     
     
     
     Halo by Richard Wallace Garner

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal RPG, used as the basis for the sci-fi
     RPG Metalface.  It uses limited
     point-bought character creation (nine attributes plus skills).
     Action resolution is by rolling a number of d6s (one to five)
     based on difficulty.  A total less than attribute + skill
     indicates success.  
     
     3 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Hands of Fate by James Hargrove

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal minimalist RPG using playing cards for resolution.
     Each player gets a hand of five cards and must play a card lower
     than his attribute.  The hand is restocked when the last card
     is played.  
     
     ~7 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Hannsu by Paul Mather

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online world

 A freeform online web-based fantasy RPG, set on an original
     world: Hannsu.  It has brief character creation rules but 
     online resolution is freeform, with moderator options.  
     
     ~20 pages background and rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Harlequinade by Gareth Williams 

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite long

 A black comedy / paranoid horror RPG set in the modern world.
     Character creation is by random-roll attributes and an
     archetype.  Resolution is by 2d6 + attribute + modifiers vs. 0 or
     an opposing roll.  
     
     72 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Harpe by Craig Critchfield

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 The "Hugely Adaptable (Action/Anime) Role-Playing Engine".
     Characters are described by freeform "abilities" which
     go from 1 to 8 or so for normal humans.  A typical ability
     might be 2d+2.  The dice give 1 success for each even number
     rolled.  
     
     125 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Haven: City of Violence by Louis Porter, Jr. 

 Keywords: genre modern long preview

 The demo version of a published modern action RPG set
     in a fictional city ("Haven") on the eastern coast of the United
     States.  Action resolution uses rolling under attribute or skill 
     on 1d20.  Character creation is skill-based, using templates for
     various professions.  
     
     39 pages (PDF). 

 
     
    Hazon by Mike Jacobs 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A fantasy game in a D&D-like setting, using a percentile
     system.  
     
     ~30 pages (text-only).

 
     
     
     
     Heavy Ordnance by Christopher Blankley 

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long

 A humorous RPG about well-armed schoolchildren after an
     apocalypse where a runaway nuclear reaction in the cafeteria has
     turned teachers into flesh-eating demons.  It uses a dice pool
     system: roll (attribute+skill) d10's, where each die over the
     difficulty is a success.  Character creation is by random-roll
     attributes and point-bought skills.  Includes a brief sample
     adventure.  
     
     46 pages PDF, HTML, or RTF.  

 
     
     
     Here Come the Monsters by Todd Downing (Deep7)

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A humorous Japanese monster-movie mini-RPG.  It uses a very simple
     system of roll under attribute+skill on 1d6.  Character creation
     is mostly random-roll.  
     
     5 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     
     Heritage by Norbert "Bulletshower" Matausch

 Keywords: genre universal rules-lite long

 A semi-diceless, drama-based system, similar to Theatrix.
     There are also several genre-specific 
     supplements for the
     game, which tend to have more rigid dice-using rules.  
     
     ~22 pages core rules (HTML) plus ~75 pages genre supplements (HTML).

 
     
     
     Heroes of Mars by Jeffrey A. Kazmierski

 Keywords: genre fantasy scifi rules-lite long

 An adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom setting to the 
     FUDGE system.  Includes links for rules
     additions for combat, wealth, and fencing as well as character
     creation guidelines.  
     
     ~50 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Heroic Golden Turbulence by Scott Beattie

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A wild fantasy martial-arts RPG.  The system uses a dice pool of 
     color-coded d6's.  Successes are rolls of 6, 6 or 4, or 6 or 4 or
     2 (depending on your specialty).  The combat and crisis system
     revolves around choosing the colours of dice in your pool to
     represent your priorities (i.e. finesse, caution, power, etc.),
     which lessens the need for modifiers.  
     
     ~55 page HTML.

 
     
     
     Hero 8 by Grant Graves

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite

 A generic superhero RPG using a minimalist system.  It uses
     a 3d6 mechanic where successes are scored depending on patterns
     in the roll (2 of a kind, straight, 3 of a kind).  
     
     14 pages core rules and supplements (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     
     Hexalon House Rules RPG by Paul W. Will

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long

 A FUDGE-based fantasy RPG, set in a collection of 6 fantasy
     worlds which share a common fate.  The system is a variant
     on the core FUDGE rules.  
     
     84 pages core rules (PDF and HTML), 101 pages additional rules
     (PDF), plus ~20 page background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Highlander Rules for the Storyteller system
     by Hank Driskill and John Gavigan

 Keywords: genre modern long supplement

 A detailed adaptation of "Highlander" for the Storyteller
     system.  It includes character creation mechanics and a variant
     combat system, but is not a complete standalone system.  
     
     54 pages (PDF, HTML, or text-only).

 
     
     
     Highlander Rules for D&D3

 Keywords: genre modern long supplement

 A detailed adaptation of "Highlander" for the 3rd edition D&D
     system.  
     
     38 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Holyquest by James W. Aubuchon

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG from a Judeo-Christian perspective, using a 
     variant of the FUDGE rules.  
     
     ~25 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Hollywood Horror by Shawn Taylor

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A comedic mini-RPG spoofing Holleywood horror movies.  Character
     creation is based on random-roll attributes, modified by class
     (Jock, Nerd, Dumb Blonde, etc.).  Action resolution is a percentile
     combat system, with other dice used for damage and character
     creation.  
     
     10 pages rules (MSWord).

 
     
     
     honorabilis lex ludi by Blum, Michael Deflize, and
     Jan Sachers

 Keywords: universal long

 A German-language universal RPG system.  It includes rules for
     development and supernatural powers, but not for starting
     character creation.  
     
     ~75 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     The Human Interface for Fantasy Roleplaying
     by John F Sasso

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 A generic fantasy system.  Character creation is random-roll
     attributes and template-based skills, though skills are
     point-bought with experience.  Action resolution is a 
     d6 dice-pool with a number of successes equal to the number of
     6's rolled.  
     
     47 pages basic rules (PDF or HTML) plus 29 pages magic rules (PDF).  

 
     
     HYPeR by Michael Sachau

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal system, using percentiles (roll under 50+stat on
     percentile dice).  
     
     ~60 pages HTML or PostScript.

 
     
     
     
     Icar by Rob Lang

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A science fiction RPG set in the far future.  It uses a percentile
     skill-based system.  Character creation is random-roll attributes
     and point-bought skills.  
     
     97 pages core rules (PDF) plus 34 page GM's guide (PDF) and
     background/technology files (HTML).

 
     
     
     Iconoclast: The RPG v1.0a3 by Michael Fiegel and Corey Mosher

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A cyberpunk RPG set in the dawn of the 22nd century, with corporations
     having taken over the world.  Humanity has branched into 10 different 
     artificially-created "genotypes" (Spectre, Rager, Savant, Shifter,
     Morph, etc.).  It uses a percentile skill-based system.
     
     ~80 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     
     The I.D.K. System by Frank T. Sronce

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 The "I Don't Know" system: a homebrew designed for pickup games.
     The PC's are ordinary people suddenly ripped out of their lives
     into strange situations.  Characters have 12 percentile skills as
     their only stats.  
     
     ~12 pages HTML.  

 
     
     Illusion Walker by Atushi Terada

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 A Japanese Internet-browser + "Shockwave 7" game.  It described
     as a "simple dungeon game", where the goal to kill a monster one
     after another.  (untested - I can't read it!)
     

 
     
     
     
     Imaginality by Callisto, Gurth, and Hilde Hoogland

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system using standard playing cards.  Each
     player has a hand of up to 7 cards, where card played must be
     greater than the difficulty.  It has a very simple characters: 3
     attributes and binary freeform skills.  
     
     22 pages (PDF,MSWord).

 
     
     
     
     
     Imagination's Toybox Lite by Berin Kinsman

 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 A minimalist universal RPG system which works to simulate
     cinematic genre adventures.  Action resolution is 1d10 plus
     stat minus difficulty, where +1 or more is a success.
     Character creation is open point-based.  
     
     8 pages (RTF format).

 
     
     
     
     
     Imp by syn

 Keywords: fantasy genre rules-lite

 A simple fantasy RPG where the PC's are imps: malign faeries
     wandering medieval Britain.  It uses a simple random-roll
     character generation with stats of experience (X), malevolence
     (mal), and a number of powers (aka hexes).  It uses a simple dice
     pool system, rolling d6s equal to X.  mal can be spent for
     various bonuses, and is gained by practicing the seven deadly
     sins. 
     
     ~10 pages rules and scenario ideas (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Imperial Magician by Marc Uhl

 Keywords: genre fantasy long supplement

 A French-language RPG system -- ostensibly "a medieval fantasy role
     playing game from a subjective view designed for micro
     information processing."   
     
     ~80 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Imperium by Olivier Legrand

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A French-language sci-fi RPG set in the world of Frank Herbert's
     "Dune" novels.  
     
     106 pages (MSWord or HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Impossible Missions by Tom McGrenery

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A espionage RPG based on the "Mission Impossible" television series. 
     It uses a simple dice-pool system (roll skill in d6's, count 4+
     rolls as successes).  
     
     9 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Impresa, Express Version
     by Brett M. Bernstein (Politically Incorrect Games)

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview

 The preview version of a universal, modular game system.  
     It uses a dice pool system: roll a number of d10s equal to 
     attribute, where each roll less than skill is 1 'step'.  
     Difficulty is expressed as the number of steps required to 
     succeed.  Character creation is limited point-based 
     (attribute points and skill points).  There are six attributes 
     (rated 0 to 6): Fitness, Awareness, Creativity, Reasoning, 
     Influence, and Luck.  There are also 39 skills (rated 2 to 8).  
     
     11 pages core rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Infierno by Diggory Steele-Perkins (digstar)

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A mini-RPG of the Western-genre based on a variant of the Fudge
     rules ("Fudge HALO").  
     
     5 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
    Infinite Horizons by Trawna Publications 

 Keywords: universal long

 A skill-based percentile system.  It includes a brief outline
     of a magic system, but no other genre expansions.  
     
     ~50 pages core rules (HTML) plus ~10 pages magic system.

 
     
     
     
     
     The Infinity Project by Matt Savigear

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal RPG system, including a magic system.  It uses a
     detailed character creation system, with 7 core attributes each
     with 4 sub-attributes (28 total).  Character creation uses either
     point-bought or random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. 
     Resolution is by rolling percentile dice under skill, with ranges
     for critical and superior indicated on a universal table.
     It has an involved tactical combat system.  
     
     121 pages core rules (MSWord) plus 21 pages magic rules (MSWord).  

 
     
     
     Inju for Storyteller by Ed Hrzic

 Keywords: genre fantasy supplement

 An adaptation of White Wolf's Storyteller system for "Inju" --
     various monsters from the Japanese for "demon-beast".  
     
     15 pages rules (text-only).   

 
     
     
     
     
     In Media Res by DarkSIDE Press

 Keywords: universal long rules-lite

 A universal system available for free download (formerly called
     "Synergy").  A skill-based system with no attributes. 
     
     100+ pages HTML rules.

 
     
     
     Inquisitor by Dialog Publishing with James Flowers
     and Paul Tobin

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 A medieval fantasy RPG set in an alternate world ("Nuevo Espana")
     where refugees from Earth are oppressed by an evil regime derived
     from the Spanish Inquisition.  There are also fey races mixed in:
     alien milanesians and fomorians (from Irish myth).  It uses a
     percentile skill-based system.  Character creation is random-roll
     attributes with "archetype" packages of skills with various
     choices.  
     
     31 pages PDF rules plus 41 pages PDF background.

 
     
     
     Interfable

 Keywords: genre fantasy online

 An interactive online storytelling/role-playing site designed
     and run by Mark Keavney, using web-based forums and chat rooms.  
     The current (March 2003) story is "The Wheel", an epic tale 
     set in a world of ancient Greek gods and goddesses and populated
     by twelve races.  
     

 
     
     
     
     In the Name of Justice by Guy McLimore

 Keywords: genre superhero long preview

 A free mini-game preview of a superhero game from Plaid Rabbit
     Productions.  
     
     112 digest-size pages (PDF) plus cards and two maps (PDF).

 
     
     
     Into the Shadows by Craig "Pandemonium" Griswold

 Keywords: genre horror long

 A Horror/Adventure RPG.  It uses a variant of the "D6" system
     from West End Games, but it is a complete game with all rules
     included in the download.  The rules includes magic systems
     and psionics system (horror oriented, of course).  
     
     125 pages rules (RTF or MSWord) plus 125 pages GM's book (RTF or
     MSWord).

 
     
     
     Inzeladun

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A detailed fantasy world, intended for use with D&D third
     edition.  It includes the standard races plus Winged Folk along
     with variant rules and extensive background.  
     
     ~100 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     Irea Ensis

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy

 A Swedish fantasy RPG set in a fantastic world inspired by
     Moorcock's writings.  No comments.  
     

 
     
     
     
     Iron Empire by James Desborough and Stephen Mortimer 

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A brief 1880s steampunk alternate history with a simple
     skill-based system attached (which "needs work" according to the
     authors).  
     
     ~11 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     
     ISIS RPG System by Dale Cunningham

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite world

 A fantasy RPG with rules based on the D6 system from West End
     Games.  Action resolution uses total of an Nd6 dice pool vs
     difficulty.  Character creation is limited point-based (18d of
     attributes, up to 6d of ads/disads, 12d of skills).  The core
     rules include standard fantasy races (elf, dwarf).  It also has 
     a fantasy world background with 17 original races.  
     
     19 pages rules (MSWord, PDF) plus 17 pages background (MSWord, PDF).

 
     
     
     
     It's a Dog's Life
     by Simon Washbourne

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 An RPG about intelligent prairie dogs on the American Great
     Plains, who go on adventures such as the search for the 
     semi-mythical city of ThunderTown.  Action resolution is
     roll under attribute + skill + difficulty modifier on 2d6.
     Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought
     skills: distributing 6 points among the skills of your position
     (Brave, Healer, Scout, Sentinel, or Speaker).  
     
     ~10 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     JAGS by Marco Chacon

 Keywords: genre universal scifi fantasy superhero long

 "Just Another Gaming System".  A universal skill-based system. 
     It uses roll under attribute or skill on 4d6-4.  It uses open 
     point-based character creation, with 3 primary attributes and
     9 secondary.   Skills have a 4-level expertise rating (Beginner,
     Average, Expert, Master) which determines usage as well as a 
     number to roll under (0 to 20).  It includes genre supplements
     for psionics, chi martials arts, cybernetics, superpowers,
     and magic.  
     
     200 pages basic rules (PDF) plus 150+ pages of supplements (PDF).

 
     
     
     Jazz by Brandon Blackmoor

 Keywords: genre universal superhero long open-license

 A universal system, released under an open license.  It uses a
     simple dice-pool system where you roll stat + skill d6's, scoring
     one success for every 5 or 6 rolled.  Character creation is
     limited point-based (stat points and skill points) with disads.
     Version 2.0 includes a short superpowers systems.  
     
     91 pages (HTML, PDF). 

 
     
     
     JOKE by ReapermanX

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 "The High School Anime Role-Playing Game".  It uses a minimalist
     system of rolling under attribute + skill on 1d6.  
     
     3 pages RTF.

 
     
     
     Kaïm le Temps des Dieux by Calmes Christophe

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A French-language fantasy RPG, inspired by the published game
     Nephilim.
     
     ~30 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Kalyr by Tim Hall

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world

 A fantasy setting for use with GURPS and FUDGE.  It is a world
     where the ancient race of Kandar (a sophisticated humanoid race)
     dominate, with humans as their slaves and serfs.  
     
     ~75 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Kathanaksaya by Shawn C. Harris (aka "Green")

 Keywords: universal genre fantasy rules-lite

 A diceless RPG set in a world ("Kathanaksaya") where all dreams,
     fables, and myths are true.  Character creation is by collecting Story
     Points for description and hooks, then spending them on freeform
     abilities (Specialties).  Actions are resolved by players bidding
     Story Points, where highest Specialty + Story Points wins the bid
     and determines how that action is resolved.  
     
     ~25 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Khoras by David M. Roomes

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long supplement world

 A very detailed fantasy world with non-system-specific notes.  It 
     is intended to be realistic with fantasy additions.  There are 
     traditional dwarves and elves along with Avarians, Saurians,
     and other races.  It details 35 nations and 26 cities along with
     races, fauna, flora, and other information.  
     
     ~250 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     kill puppies for satan by Vincent Baker

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A humorous RPG where the PCs try to gain evil by working for
     Satan.  There are four attributes: "cold", "fucked up",
     "mean", and "relentless" -- plus a general "evil" rating.
     It is available as a shareware hardcopy or PDF by requesting
     the author.  
     
     32 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Kimagure Orange Road RPG by Leto II

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A humorous anime RPG based on the animated series of the same
     name. 
     
     ~29 pages rules and background (text-only).

 
     
     
     Kinetic by Matthew Rye

 Keywords: genre rules-lite world

 A gritty sci-fi RPG, using a class-based system (Imperial,
     Federal, Rebel, Alien).  Resolution is by rolling 2d6 under stat.
     It includes a timeline and other background, thought there are
     some HTML formatting problems.
     
     40 pages rules (MSWord or HTML).  

 
     
     
     The Kingdom of Glenn RPG by Nathan Hill

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 A fantasy mini-RPG using the "Cinema 2-10" system.  Resolution
     is by attribute + skill + 2d10 (count "0" as zeroes) vs
     difficulty.  Character creation is limited point-based.
     
     32 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Kingdoms of Telgard by Michelle McIntyre

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 A play-by-post fantasy/adventure roleplaying site.  There are
     mechanical attributes and skills, but there are no combat
     mechanics or random throws.  Stats are used by the moderators to
     help judge situations.  It includes a limited point-based
     character creation method, race descriptions, and some world
     background.  
     
     ~40 pages HTML rules.

 
     
     
     The King of Spades

 Keywords: genre superhero fantasy online

 A free online Massively Multiplayer RPG where you can create a
     superhero or supervillain and go through 22 Levels of Ascention
     to see if you're worthy of wielding one of the great 12 Tokens
     that will make you a King, Queen, Prince or Knight of the
     kingdoms of Spades (Deva), Hearts (Atlantis), Clubs (Hades), 
     or Diamonds (Earth). 
     

 
     
     
     KISS, 2nd ed ("Keep It Simple, Stupid") by Wilf K. Backhaus

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A very simple skill-based system.  The current "d2" version uses
     a set of coin flips equal to attribute.  There is an older
     d20-based version somewhere which uses roll under attribute
     on d20.  
     
     27 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Knarf 2 by Edward Frank

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 A simple generic fantasy system, with support for common tropes
     including a magic system and 20 races.  Action resolution is
     attribute + skill + 1d20 vs difficulty.  Character creation
     is limited point-based (12 attribute points and 20 skill points). 
     
     ~50 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Lace & Steel Preview by Paul Kidd

 Keywords: genre fantasy preview

 An HTML conversion of the commercial game rules, available 
     for downloading on the web.  It is a swashbuckling fantasy game, 
     set in a fantasy world with centaurs and such but with an 
     approximation of the culture of 17th century France a la "The 
     Three Musketeers".  It includes only character creation rules,
     however.  
     
     ~25 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Lacuna by Jared A. Sorensen (Memento Mori Theatricks)

 Keywords: genre fantasy modern rules-lite

 A modern game about mystery men who project their minds into a
     place (the "Blue City") in a telepathic dreaming state.  It uses
     a simple step-die system with 5 levels of traits, rolling against
     a target number.  There are four abstract attributes and freeform
     strength/weakness traits.  
     
     24 pages (PDF, HTML).

 
     
     
     The Ladder by Paul Elliott

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist system.  There is a 5-step stat scale, used by
     rolling 1d6, where a 1 indicates a poor result, 2-5 average, and
     6 good.  Character creation is by choosing 6 freeform stats: two
     at "Expert", four at "Good".  
     
     ~6 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     LAFFS: Ludicrous Action/Fast and Free System
     by Mike Petty 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A comedy RPG system, using three attributes (Moves, Brains, and
     Personality).  The primary part of the combat system is rolling
     to see which way you stumble when dazed.  
     
     ~8 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Land of the Forbidden Treasures

 Keywords: genre fantasy online

 An online fairly freeform play-by-post fantasy-genre game.  
     
     ~2 pages posting rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Lannassir

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A freeware RPG in German.  No comments (I can't read it!).  
     

 
     
     
     
     Lashings of Ginger Beer
     by Simon Washbourne

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 An RPG of nosey 10-to-15 year old children in an idyllic
     version England, based on early children's books like
     "Swallows & Amazons", "The Famous Five", and
     "The Secret Seven".  It uses a very simple system of rolling
     d6's equal to attribute plus skill, and every 6 rolled is
     a success.  Character creation is based on age (10-15) and
     type ("Good Kid", "Swot", or "Truant"), with simple point
     allocation.  
     
     ~18 pages rules and adventures (HTML).  

 
     
     
     The LATTICE by toff

 Keywords: genre scifi long online world

 This is a freeform online game set in an original background.
     Set in the 16th millenium, humanity has expanded into an enormous
     lattice of worlds artificially created by an unknown race of
     builders.  Each is linked to 8 other worlds by a portal in the 
     center. 
     
     ~2 pages freeform rules (HTML) plus ~30 pages background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Legacy: War of the Ages
     by Brandon Blackmoor and Susan Blackmoor 

 Keywords: genre long preview world

 A free HTML preview of a published game: complete but with 
     no illustrations, imperfect formatting, etc.  The game is about
     immortal humans similar to those of Highlander, in the near
     future (a "Techno-Gothic" world).  
     
     ~225 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     
     Legendary Beta Version by Marty Vance (aka Dracos) of 
     Dragon's Forge

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A mechanics system for fantasy.  It has point-based character
     creation, and percentile resolution.  The magic system is
     developed (verb-noun based), and there are rules for race
     creation but there are no pre-made races yet.  
     
     ~46 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Legendary Quest by John Kirk

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 A fantasy genre RPG, set in a fantasy world based on European myth
     and folklore.  PCs are dwarves, elves, gnomes, goblins, hobs,
     or orcs.  Action resolution is attribute + 1d10 vs difficulty,
     skill + 1d30 vs difficulty, or limited other d30 rolls.  
     Character creation uses classes, and is limited point-buy
     spending separately on attributes and skills.  It includes a
     magic system, priestly miracles, and a host of monsters.  
     
     194 pages rules (PDF), plus 175 pages encyclopedia of monsters (PDF),
     and 248 pages spell book (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Legendra by David Farrell

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online world

 A play-by-post fantasy RPG set on an original world ("Legendra")
     inhabited by humans, centaurs, and the cat-like Mewyr along
     with demons, gargoyles, golems, and valian.  
     
     ~2 pages rules plus ~15 pages background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Legends of Alyria Quickstart by Seth Ben-Ezra 


 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite preview

 The preview of an upcoming storytelling fantasy game.  It has
     broad attributes (Force, Insight, and Determination) and moral
     qualities rated in phases of the moon (new to full).  It recommends
     modified d10s with phases of the moon pasted on them.  It emphasizes
     cooperative authorship and narration.  
     
     12 pages rules (PDF) plus scenarios.

 
     
     
     Legends of Middle Earth by Jeffrey S. Schecter 


 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG set in Tolkien's Middle Earth.  It uses a
     skill-based system, rolling under skill on a number of d6s
     (1d6 to 5d6 or more) where the number of dice depends on
     difficulty.  Character creation is by choosing race and
     profession package ("role"), plus three pools of limited
     points for skills, special abilities, and passions.  
     
     25 pages rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     
     Legends of the Land by Simon Washbourne 


 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A variant of the free 
     Legends of Middle Earth RPG
     by Jeffrey Schecter, for playing in the world of The Chronicles
     of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson.  
     
     17 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Legends Walk! by Tim Gray

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite long

 A modern-day superhero RPG, available as shareware (requesting
     $10 for use).  All supers are incarnations of old myths such as
     gods, heroes, and monsters of various pagan pantheons.  It
     includes a background set in 2020 after "metas" began appearing
     in 2000.  It uses a simple dice pool system, where you roll a
     number of dice based on difficulty + attribute (-1 to +2, or
     more for supers) + skill (1 to 4), and +1 for each advantage.
     Each result of 4-6 is one success.  Character creation is
     limited point-based: 7 points for normal abilities, and
     10-14 points for powers.  
     
     169 pages PDF.

 
     
     
    Legione 

 Keywords: genre superhero

 An Italian superheroes games. (no comments)
     

 
     
     
     Lexicon

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A creative exercise where the players create a series of linked
     encyclopedia entries.  
     
     ~2 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Lights, Camera, Action! by Mikko Kauppinen 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A system intended to simulate the fast-and-loose reality of
     Holywood movies.  
     
     ~4 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Instant Lightspeed by Christian Conkle

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 The free version of a space opera RPG using the Instant Fuzion
     rules.  It is set in the galaxy of the 27th Century, where the
     PC's are Federation Rangers (a cross between the French Foreign
     Legion, the Texas Rangers, and bounty hunters).  The commercial
     PDF download is 216 pages.  
     
     36 pages rules (PDF) plus 35 pages "Psi Rangers" supplement
     (PDF) and 17 page "StarForce" supplement (PDF).  

 
     
     
     LILA by Lorenzo Rubbo-ferraro

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite world

 Introductory rules for a Vedic RPG -- i.e. a fantasy game set in
     Hindu myth (i.e. the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita, etc.).
     The rules are incomplete, but explained to be semi-freeform with 
     stats representing any qualities of the character.  
     
     13 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     LIQUID, version 3.0 by
     Marcus Johanus, Markus Voht, and Jakob Schillinger
     (Blacknet Publishing)

 Keywords: genre universal fantasy long world

 A German-language free universal RPG system, with sourcebooks
     for seven worlds: AD 2309, Endland, Freeya, Narvalon, Scoutz!,
     Thyria Steamfantasy, and Schattenmeister.  Character creation
     is limited point based. Checks are made by rolling 1d10 under 
     the sum of an attribute and a skill value, with degree of success 
     equal to the die result of a successful roll.  The basic rules
     include a magic system.
     
     378 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Living Legends by Jeff Dee 

 Keywords: genre modern superhero long

 A "sequel" / new edition of Villians and Vigilantes.  It
     has a huge character design system (mainly superpowers), but only
     limited other mechanics available.  
     
     142 pages character design (PDF).
     4 pages early combat rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Lord of Lords

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 A free text-based online fantasy RPG (i.e. MUD).  
     
     ~2 pages social rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Lord of the Dice by Greg Costikyan with Eric Goldberg

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A minimalist RPG, along the lines of roll dice and make up
     what you want.  
     
     ~3 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Lord of the Rings Roleplay

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 An online web-based play-by-post RPG set in Tolkien's Middle Earth.  
     
     ~2 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Lords of Knowledge by Ohmnibus

 Keywords: genre fantasy scifi long

 An Italian science fantasy RPG, with a rules system leaning towards
     realism and accuracy.  The game is split into four manuals: Ambient, 
     Characters, Rules, and Magic.  
     
     Rules and background 141 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
    Lo Temps dels Trobadors by Gianni Vacca 

 Keywords: genre

 A French (Occitan-language) storytelling RPG set in 13th century
     Europe.  (no comments - I can't read it!)
     

 
     
     
     Lucky 13 by Simon 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite world

 A simple roleplaying system using skill+2d6 (with no pre-defined
     skills), coupled with a multi-genre universe called 
     "Universe 13", which has a dozen worlds of which roughly
     half are described.  
     
     ~6 pages rules and ~30 pages background (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Lungfish Alpha by Michael Beck

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A science fiction setting for any rules system.  It is set 17,000
     years in the future -- where bio-engineered creatures ("maniti")
     have colonized the galaxy.  
     
     159 pages background (HTML, text-only, or MSWord).

 
     
     
     Lycadican by Sheldon Lee Wen, Monte Lee Wen, Ricardo Bare

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world open-license

 A fantasy game set on the world of Khardan, released under
     the Open Content License.  The system is a percentile
     skill-based with required professions.  
     
     363 pages rules (PDF) plus additional worldbook.

 
     
     
     Maelstrom Fantasy Campaign Setting by Brian K. Moseley

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A fantasy campaign setting for use with any system, with
     extensive maps and descriptions -- the land of Kaladia on the
     world of Roil.  It includes geography, history, and gods but
     little on races, inhabitants, and culture.  
     
     ~90 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Magebane: The Unofficial Magic: the Gathering RPG
     by Grant Graves and Chris Bishop

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG based on the collectible card game.  The system
     uses the card game for some combats, and simple die rolls for
     others.  
     
     3 pages rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     The Magic Theatre: Cathay Arts of Role-playing
     by Leonard Hung 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 An authentic Oriental RPG, using stats based on classical Chinese
     categories: the nine house chart, along with 5 "roots" for
     attributes, each with a yin and yang aspect.  
     
     ~52 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Majai: Pale Sun, Blood Moon by Jason Lada

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite world

 A fantasy world using the FUDGE system
     (includes adapted rules on the site).  Inspired by John
     Brunner's "The Compleat Traveller in Black", and 
     Michael Moorcock's "Elric" Saga, plus the RPG "Gamma World".
     
     7 pages rules plus 26 pages background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     
     ManGa by Cedrik Duval 

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite

 A simple system intended for Japanese manga and anime.  It is
     available in an out-of-date English HTML version, and the more
     updated German PDF version.  Action resolution is roll d10 and
     add skill vs difficult.  It includes stats and descriptions for
     characters from a variety of anime series, including Ranma 1/2,
     Ninja High School, Slayers, and Sailor Moon. 
     
     16 pages English version (HTML) or 32 pages German version (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Mars by Paul Elliott

 Keywords: genre rules-lite scifi world

 A sci-fi RPG set on Mars in the year 2040 with details about the
     colonization, environment, and so forth.  It is intended for less
     action-oriented play.  It uses a minimalist system, also written
     up as a generic system called The Ladder.
     There is a 5-step stat scale, used by rolling 1d6, where a 1
     indicates a poor result, 2-5 average, and 6 good.  
     
     ~40 pages rules and background (HTML). 

 
     
     The Marvellous Super-Heroes RPG by Stephen Smith

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite

 A parody RPG of "Marvel Superheroes", using a minimalist system.
     
     ~28 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     
     Marvel Superheroes by Jeff Grubb (TSR) 

 Keywords: genre modern superhero long

 This is the original TSR game (published 1984 and 1988), now out 
     of print and made available online by Zan of HeroPlay.com in
     both low-res and high-res PDF formats.  Besides the basic rules,
     there are the Ultimate Powers Book, Realms of Magic book, the
     Fantastic Four Compendium, and two adventures modules available.  
     
     Players Book 96 pages (PDF), plus Judges Book 68 pages (PDF),
     plus ~200 pages supplements (PDF).  

 
     
     
     The Matrix RPG by Chris Parlevliet

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 An original RPG based on the dark future virtual-reality movie.
     It uses a card-draw system: card number + skill vs difficulty.  
     Character creation is point-based, plus choice of a "tribe" based 
     on the characters of the movie.  
     
     ~53 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     The Matrix by Michael Lynes 

 Keywords: genre scifi

 An adaptation of the dark-future virtual-reality movie using
     West End Games' D6 system (including complete "D6 Classic" and
     "D6 Legend" versions).  It includes complete basic rules but
     recommends getting a copy of the original rules from WEG.  
     
     54 pages rules and background for either version
     (MSWord, PDF, and HTML).  

 
     
     
     MCB RPG by Vincent Diakuw

 Keywords: genre rules-lite long

 A simple set of playing-card-based mechanics.  The player has a 
     hand of cards, and can play up to their attribute (1 to 4) in cards
     for any given task, then draws 2 cards to refill the hand.  
     
     ~6 pages (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Mean Streets and Mean Villains by Mark Baker

 Keywords: genre rules-lite long

 An RPG system for police and detective television series of the
     70's and early 80's where coolness and style were everything.  It
     uses a simple cinematic system of rolling 1d6 under attribute or
     skill.  Shootouts may result in damage to one's "Cool" attribute,
     possibly forcing you to run away, but cannot actually cause
     damage.  
     
     31 pages rules (HTML, MSWord, or PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     Megabuster by Ricardo Nakamura 

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A simple game of action movie role-playing, with stat+1d6 basic
     mechanic.  
     
     25 pages basic rules (HTML or PDF) plus 6 pages supplements (HTML or PDF).

 
     
     
     Mekton Alpha by Christian Conkle

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite preview

 This is a free introductory set of rules for the R Talsorian
     giant-mecha anime RPG, Mekton Zeta.  
     
     8 pages PDF.  

 
     
     
     Men and Supermen by Jerry Stratton

 Keywords: genre modern superhero long

 A superhero RPG, emphasizing allowing variable power among heroes,
     so average humans can fight alongside gods.  It uses roll 2d10 
     under stat for most resolution, as well as some percentile rolls.
     Other dice (d4,d6,etc.) are used for damage and miscellaneous
     rolls.  It has random-roll attributes and powers, with
     point-bought skills.  
     
     233 pages PDF rules plus 103 page "Heroes Guide" campaign book
     (PDF or HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Metalface "Setup Rules" by Richard Wallace Garner

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 This is the commercial version of an out-of-print sci-fi RPG
     where the PCs are human minds in robot bodies (known as
     "metalfaces").  It is set in the mid-22nd century, complete with
     robots, huge cities, mutant humans, space travel, corporate
     warfare and a bit of spirituality.   Action resolution is by
     rolling 1d10 to 5d10 (depending on difficulty) under character
     stat.  Character creation is by selecting a model and class of
     robot body, plus point-bought skills.  
     
     63 pages PDF format.

 
     
     
     Metal Opera by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A minimalist sci-fi RPG set in a far-flung future where the
     galaxy is run by a trio of corrupt Tyrants who further The
     State's iron grip on its people.  The PCs are Rockers who
     fight oppression with both physical and musical violence, 
     typified by the leather-clad bad-ass wielding a smoking
     shotgun with a guitar slung over his shoulder.  The system 
     has three stats.  Actions are resolved by rolling d20s
     equal to stat, where the highest result is Power and number
     of matches is Control.  
     
     ~8 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     MEXICO 1970 by Nicodemus

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 An RPG set in Mexico 1970, using the FUDGE
     system.  PC's are lower-to-middle class folk in dangerous urban
     neighborhoods.  
     
     10 pages (MSWord format).

 
     
     
     The MGF Rules System: Maximum Game Fun
     by Michael O'Brien 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple minimalist system, with a focus on character creation.
     Character creation includes seven descriptive lists like
     "Five things everyone knows about you" and "Three things
     you believe are true".  
     
     ~4 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Middle Earth FRPG by Sergio Venturini

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy

 A J.R.R. Tolkien based fantasy RPG, Spanish-only.  (no comments -
     I can't read it!)
     

 
     
     
     Mirama Tyalie by B. Lee Adamson, Jr

 Keywords: universal rules-lite open-license

 A universal RPG using a dice pool system, released under the
     Free Documentation License.  Action resolution is to roll d10's
     equal to skill, where each roll less than attribute counts as
     one success.  The GM rolls d10's equal to difficulty, where
     each roll of 5 or less cancels one success.  Character
     creation is limited point-based.  The core rules include
     guidelines for semi-freeform magic/psionics.  
     
     24 pages core rules (PDF), 

 
     
     
     Miravlor by Matthew West

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A fantasy genre RPG.  It includes a magic system, monsters, and
     religions but not a world.  Action resolution uses roll under
     skill on 1d20, or 1d20 + attack stat - defense stat for combat.
     Character creation is based on 37 templates, with rules for
     modifying selected attributes according to a point system.
     
     200 pages rules (MSWord format).

 
     
     
     Mirima Tyalie by B. Lee Adamson, Jr

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A modular skill-based RPG, released under the Open Publication
     License.  It uses a dice-pool system, rolling d10's equal to
     skill, where each roll that is less than the attribute is a
     success.  The GM rolls d10s equal to difficulty rating,
     where each roll of 5 or less is an opposed success.  
     Character creation uses either random-roll or point-based
     attributes, and point-bought skills.  Optional rules include
     a free-form magic system, skill advancement through use,
     armor partial coverage and damage, and multiple damage types.
     There is a preliminary steampunk genre supplement. 
     
     44 pages rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Mistrunner by Glenn "Bifster" Buettner

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 A post-magical-apocalypse fantasy RPG, set on Earth a few
     centuries after a cataclysm in 2289 ripped the world into 
     different realms surrounded by faerie mists.  It uses a simple
     dice-pool system: roll d10's equal to skill, take highest and add
     attribute.  
     
     ~40 pages rules (HTML) plus ~15 pages background (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Mithlund by Ricardo Bare 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 A fantasy RPG, set on a medieval-era world with an odd assortment
     of natural and faery races.  It uses a skill-based system, using
     d20.  
     
     152 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Mnemonic by Kizig 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A very simple RPG using 1d12 to roll under the sum of 2 freeform
     traits.  
     
     ~16 pages (MSWord). 

 
     
     
     Mobsters

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A roleplaying game of the gangster era, set in a Hollywood
     version of New Orleans in the late 20'ies.  The standard campaign
     has the PC's as mobsters trying to overcome the five ruling
     families and become the mob kings of the city.
     
     64 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Monsters and Mazes by John Garwood

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 Only nominally an RPG, this is a simple dungeon-crawling engine
     patterned after the original D&D.  
     
     ~20 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Mordor: The Realm of Shadows

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite online world

 An online play-by-chat RPG, set in an original world -- the 
     continent of the Shadowlands in the world of Mordor.  Species 
     include humans, sprites, dwarves, vampires (based on V:tM),
     and more.  It uses a mostly-freeform text-based system, with
     player-defined special traits (including magic, powers, and
     healing) of level 1 to 3. 
     

 
     
     
     
     Mortal Konquest by Richard Anderson and Christopher Casey 

 Keywords: genre scifi

 A simple and clearly laid-out RPG set in the world of the
     Mortal Kombat video game, obviously combat oriented.  
     
     ~11 pages rules (HTML) plus ~27 pages background/characters (HTML).

 
     
     
     Multiclass by Peter Knutsen

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy

 A generic fantasy RPG system, where you pick three classes (out
     of 12), and then put points into skills (cost varying with
     class).  Actions are resolved by rolling under skill on 3d6.  
     
     ~30 pages ASCII text.

 
     
     
     Munchkins by Michael "Epoch" Sullivan

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 A humorous RPG about playing two-inch creatures in a modern
     household who worship the TV set.  Adventure are various mayhem
     with the cat, and other household accidents.  
     
     12 pages (HTML or MSWord).  

 
     
     
     
     Mutant Bikers of the Atomic Wastelands

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite

 A humorous RPG of "post-apocalyptic motorised mayhem" based on the
     FUDGE system.  
     
     ~20 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     MutQuest by Todd Poindexter

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy

 A fantasy RPG self-acknowledged to be a fusion of D&D,
     Palladium, Runequest, and Stormbringer.  
     
     ~28 pages MSWord or text format.

 
     
     
     My Love For You is Way Out of Line by Evil Bob
     


 Keywords: genre rules-lite modern

 A bizarre mini-game about a closet survivalist (Bob) who is
     in love with an older co-worker (Imelda).  The mechanics are
     very strictly limited to fairly prosaic actions during Bob's
     day -- at the end of which he is fated to die.  
     
     ~10 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Mysticora by Channing Jones

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 A play-by-email fantasy RPG with three subgames: a heroic subgame,
     a military subgame, and an economic subgames.  It includes detailed 
     rules and background, although there are no rules for non-online
     resolution.  
     
     ~30 pages rules and background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     The Fantasy World of Mythosa by Bruce A. Gulke 

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A detailed fantasy world, not tied to a particular system.
     
     ~60 pages background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Mythweaver by Michael T. Desing

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 A generic fantasy RPG, with monster stats but no background.
     Action resolution is skill + 2d6 versus difficulty.  Character
     creation is class-based, with random-roll attributes and
     point-bought skills.   
     
     24 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     NAGS Society Worldbook by Scott Larson (Circa Games)

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A worldbook for the FUDGE system.  A group
     of adventurer-scientists whose exploits were never recorded in
     the annals of cinematic heroes, explorers of the 19th and 20th
     centuries, pulp adventure stories of the 1930's, and supernatural
     investigative fiction and RPG's set in the 1920's.  
     
     96 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     The Nameless RPG by Daniel Pond

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy universal rules-lite long world

 A simple universal RPG system.  Actions resolution is by drawing a
     playing card (or rolling 1d10) under attribute + skill.  Modifiers
     are by adding bonus or penalty draws -- keepign the best/worst
     of the cards.  Players can spend Karma points for successes.
     It includes three settings: a cross-genre setting (All-Worldz),
     a dark fantasy setting (Erebus), and a adaptation of "The
     Matrix".  There are also two adventures.  
     
     ~15 pages basic rules plus ~80 pages background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     NC by Andrew C. Myers 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy

 This is a skill-based system intended to be more believable and
     balanced than AD&D while retaining the simplicity.
     
     ~38 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Nemisis by Styphathal and Doomsday Games

 Keywords: genre scifi

 A sci-fi game about interstellar war with an ant-like hive race,
     set in 2250.  It uses a simple skill-based system, rolling a
     step-die (d4 to d20 based on difficulty) under skill.  
     
     ~35 pages rules (HTML or WRI format).  

 
     
     
     Neon Twilight by Mateusz Krepicz

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A cyberpunk RPG set in a unique world.  Half of the material is
     freely browsable, the other half is available on email request.
     The system uses attribute + skill + d6 vs difficulty.
     
     ~30 pages rules (HTML) plus ~80+ pages background (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Neo-Troops (3rd ed) by Kalle Marjola

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A cyberpunk RPG where the PCs are bioengineered "super varans"
     created only to finish their missions, which usually includes
     shooting tens, even hundreds of humans or other things.
     
     ~20 pages core rules (HTML) plus ~15 page GMs section (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     Neverwhere, 2nd edition
     by Grim & Raven Morrison (Postmortem Studios)
     

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long

 A system based on the urban fantasy novel and BBC TV series by
     Neil Gaiman, set in an underworld realm below modern London.  
     It uses a minimalist system where characters are rated by 
     5 adjectives from their description, plus skills (with five
     levels: Beginner to Legend).  Action resolution is 1d10 +1 for
     each adjective + skill vs difficulty.  
     
     76 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     New Realms by ReapermanX

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A "universal anime" system.  It uses a simple system of rolling
     under attribute + skill on 1d20.  
     
     15 pages RTF.  

 
     
     
     Nicotine Girls by Paul Czege

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 Nicotine Girls is a mini-roleplaying game of teenage, lower-income
     girls looking for happiness.  It uses a semi-freeform mechanic
     where you roll d10s equal to your motivation stat (either Hope
     or Fear) and each roll under your Method stat is one success. 
     The Methods are Sex, Money, Cry, and Smoke.  
     
     ~4 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Niños, el juego de rol de los niños de goma 

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite long

 A Spanish-language RPG, originally published in Spain in
     the magazine "LIDER".  The title roughly translates as
     "Kids, the game of rubber kids".  It is about imaginative
     childhood play where no one gets hurt (hence "rubber" as in
     "I'm rubber and you're glue"), but kids can get their feelings
     hurt and cry.  Action resolution is roll under stat (from 1
     to 6) on 1d6.  There are "kid points" and "mom points" which
     can be spent to affect rolls.  
     
     ~30 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Nova by George Chatzipetros 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A generic RPG engine based on d6 dice pools with a twist.
     You have several target numbers (such as 456), and then roll a
     number of d6's equal to the number of target numbers, where each
     die that is greater than or equal to its target is a success.
     Dice open-end high (6's reroll and add) and low (1's are
     rerolled for a chance of critical failure).  Character creation
     is point-based with some randomness (you allocate dice to
     attributes and skills).  It includes supplements for magic, 
     psionics, cyberpunk, vehicles, equipment, and options. 
     
     24 pages basic rules (PDF), plus 117 pages supplements (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     
     NUELOW games by Steven Miller 

 Keywords: genre rules-lite long

 Various roleplaying games of poor taste and sexually repressed
     humor, including "Faeries", "Lust and Dust", and others.
     
     Each game is self-contained and around 30 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Nugget by Tim Gray

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple two-page universal system, the preview of the system
     used in the shareware game Legends Walk!. 
     It uses a dice pool where you roll a number of dice based on
     difficulty + attribute (-1 to +2) + skill (1 to 4), and +1 for
     each advantage.  Each result of 4-6 is one success.  Character
     creation is limited point-based.
     
     2 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     
     The Nutcracker Prince by Peter Seckler and Clinton R. Nixon

 Keywords: genre fantasy long supplement

 A fairy-tale-like dreamland fantasy RPG, based on a speculative
     version of 3rd edition D&D.
     
     53 pages PDF rules plus ~20 pages various background.  

 
     
     
     octaNe by Jared A. Sorensen

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite long

 A formerly free RPG now available in print or in PDF format.
     The original free version was ~40 pages in HTML compared to
     120 pages (PDF or print) for the current commercial game. 
     It is a post-apocalyptic RPG set amidst "trash-culture" America.
     It uses a dramatic system where 3d6 is rolled, and as long as
     one die is 4 or higher, the player gets to call the shots. 
     A higher stat increases the rewards for a success, but not
     the chance of success.  Character creation is limited point
     bought.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     Olendiak Fantasy Roleplay by Jason Coplen, Marlene
     Jenkins-Haraguchi, & John Leutz 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite

 A free fantasy-genre RPG set on an original world of the same name.
     Action resolution is skill+2d6 vs difficulty.  Character creation 
     is random-roll (3d6) attributes and point-bought skills.  It
     includes a 9-page magic system and 7-page set of race descriptions.  
     
     ~35 pages rules HTML.  

 
     
     
     Omega by Klaus Mogensen 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system: point-based character creation, roll
     d6's equal to Difficulty and roll under skill.  
     
     ~12 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     OmniRole by Robert Clemens Praetzler

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal system in German and English.  It uses a percentile
     system of stat + modifiers + 1d100, where a total over 100 is a
     success.  Character creation is open point-based, with a variety 
     of ads/disads and options.  It includes a magic system, psionics
     system, and a vehicular combat system (land, air, and naval).  
     
     270 pages English rules (MSWord only).  

 
     
     
     One Brain Cell RPG Rules by Canis Publishing

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist RPG where the player rolls a number of d6's based on
     the GM's subjective rating of the PC's ability.  
     
     ~3 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Open Form RPG by Nuerodragon and The Frost Siva

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist system using roll 1d20 under stat.  
     
     ~5 pages HTML rules. 

 
     
     
     OpenRPG

 Keywords: universal online open-license

 This is a project for an open-source Internet application that
     allows people to play RPGs in real-time over the Internet. 
     It is currently in release 1.2.1 (July 2002).  
     

 
     
     
     OPIGS: One Page GamIng System by David Mar

 Keywords: universal superhero rules-lite

 A minimalist system using only attributes: Beef, Brains, Hammer,
     Coruba, and Luck.  Resolution is based on d12 + stat on a
     universal table for results (one for combat, one for other
     skills).  Includes a one-page superhero supplement by
     Andrew Arensburger. 
     
     ~2 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Organic Rules Components: Vanilla ORC
     by Brian St.Claire-King 


 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 The core rules system used in two commercial RPGs: the
     cyberpunk RPG "Fates Worse than Death" and "Tibet the RPG", 
     from Vajra Enterprises.  Character creation is limited point-based: 
     choose personality traits and worldviews, split 80 points between
     eight attributes, choose class, and split 100 points among skills
     (with costs based on class).  Action resolution is attribute +
     skill + 1d20 vs difficulty.  
     
     30 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Ork: L'Ultime Outrage by Ghislain Morel

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A fantasy RPG of playing orks, in French.  No comments (I can't
     read it).  
     

 
     
     
     Oroborus by David F. Nalle (Ragnarok Press)

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A free HTML version of a published game.  A skill-based 
     percentile-based system, developed from the Ysgarth fantasy 
     RPG. 
     
     ~24 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     The Osprey Roleplaying System
     by Christopher A. Goodwin with Ron Hale-Evans and Marty Hale-Evans

 Keywords: universal rules-lite open-license

 A role-playing engine released under an Open Content license.
     It uses a point-based, skill-based system.  
     
     28 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Otherkind by Vincent Baker

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A dramatic RPG which focusses on strong differences between the
     four races: orc, elf, dwarf, or troll.  They are faery creatures,
     dedicated to saving sparks of magic left in the mortal world
     that they are leaving.  
     
     11 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Otherworld

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite online

 An online web-based play-by-post RPG, based on the fantasy novels
     of Kelley Armstrong.  
     
     ~10 pages posting guidelines and background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Outlanda by Rebecca Laffar-Smith

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online wotc-d20

 A bulletin-board based online RPG, based on D&D third edition.
     There are no rules provided (just links for the official books),
     but there is various background material primarily in the
     monthly ezine.  
     
     ~25 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     Outlaws of the Water Margin by Paul Mason 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world

 A game set in Song dynasty (12th cent) China, which combines a
     lot of background with a simple skill-based system (somewhat
     incomplete).  
     
     ~112 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Outworlders by Tre Chipman 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A sci-fi game using a skill-based, step-die system -- where
     stats are rated from 1 (d4) to 5 (d12).  Character creation
     uses a simple point system spending 1d4+3 points for attributes
     and skills.  
     
     ~20 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Pagan by Briza von der Lagerbauer

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 A semi-generic fantasy system, in the genre of D&D and
     Runequest.  There are ten races: human, ogre, pygmie, gnome,
     troglodyte, duck, mugwump, mongrel, gargoyle and dryad.  Action
     resolution is by rolling under stat+skill on 1d20.  Character
     creation is random-roll attributes and random-roll social class,
     followed by choosing character class and point-bought skills.
     
     ~30 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     
     The Paganini Universal Storytelling Game System
     by Nathan E. Banks

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple dice-pool system taking highest or lowest die from a set.  
     
     ~13 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Pagoda by Jeffrey S. Schecter 


 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A short (23-page) Wuxia martial arts RPG.  It uses a dice 
     pool of d6s and degrees of duplicity (doubles, triples,
     quadruples, and so forth) as a way of determining success.
     Character creation has five parts: elements, attributes, 
     skills, flaws, and zodiac sign.  The player picks one
     primary, two secondary, and two tertiery elements (out of Water,
     Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal) to represent emotions and passions.
     They also pick 1 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 tertiary out of
     five attributes; and similarly for skills.  
     
     23 pages rules (PDF).

 
      
     The Pandemonium RPG by 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite

 A skill-based system using playing cards.  You must play a card
     less than your skill and higher than the difficulty to succeed.
     It includes brief supplemental rules for martial arts and magic.
     
     ~6 pages core rules (HTML), plus ~4 page supplements (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     Panels by Rp Bowman

 Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite

 A dramatic comic-book superhero RPG, based around the player
     describing a single comic-book panel.  The player can describe
     anything he likes and it is always true, but if the GM or other
     players object then they force a roll which can cause bad things
     to his character.  
     
     ~7 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Paradigm Shift
     by Greg Poehlein, Michael Nunn, and D.B. Lincoln

 Keywords: universal long

 A free, generic version of the rules used in the published games
     Supermegatopia the RPG and UNSanctioned, from
     Nightshift Games.  Resolution is by roll under skill on 2d10.
     Character creation is open point-based, with three primary
     attributes: Mind, Body, and Agility. 
     
     64 pages PDF.  

 
     
     
     Paradox RPG by Faight Industries

 Keywords: universal long

 A percentile-based generic system, also available printed.
     Resolution is percentile, with chance equal to 1/3 of attribute
     plus skill.  Character creation is open point-based.  It includes
     systems for magic, cybernetics, and robot characters.  
     
     50 pages basic rules (HTML, MSWord, or RTF) or 123 pages
     advanced rules (HTML, MSWord, or RTF).

 
     
     
     
     Paragon by D. Jon Mattson (aka "Cwylric")

 Keywords: genre modern superhero scifi long world wotc-d20

 A superhero RPG based on the WotC "D20" system, used in 3rd edition
     Dungeons and Dragons.  It contains new races, new classes, and
     superpower rules.  It includes a sourcebook for "Vancouver 2020",
     a shared-universe superhero setting.  
     
     104 pages basic rules (PDF or MSWord) plus
     120 pages background (PDF or MSWord).  

 
     
     
     Pathfinder by Chris Tavares Dias

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A space opera setting intended for the GURPS system.  It is set
     in 2656 in a universe where the empire is concentrated on
     salvage of starships and other resources from a cataclysmic
     war.  
     
     ~60 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     Paths of Virtue by Abraham Pernicka aka "Krin"

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long world

 A science fantasy RPG with the campaign world of "Earth:2230",
     with FTL travel, aliens, cyberware, and magic.  It uses a
     percentile skill-based system.  Character creation is
     random-roll attributes plus open point-buy of skills,
     advantages, and other aspects.  
     
     60 pages rules and background (MSWord).

 
     
     
     Pathwanderer by Karl Thornley and David Collins

 Keywords: universal fantasy long world

 A universal system.  Character creation is either random-roll or
     point-bought attributes with point-bought skills.  Resolution 
     is mostly percentile: roll d100 + skill + modifiers, where over
     100 is a success.  It includes a supplement ("world unit") for
     early medieval Ireland, between 410 and 793 A.D.  
     
     66 pages core rules (PDF), plus 136 pages supplement (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Pathways by John Buczek

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A simple percentile system using 3 attributes and various
     ads/disads.  It includes a default psionics and magic system.
     
     42 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     Pervo by Tomas HV Mørkrid

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG about pure and unmitigated violence, available
     in English and Norwegian (cf. http://www.fabula.no/pervo.html
     for the Norwegian).  Both the method and the setting are 
     inspired by sado-masochism.  The game is created to
     "fulfill the GM's dream of revenge over all players he has ever
     tried to entertain".  Recommended for large player groups (10-20
     players), to make the game last, as players/characters are
     slaughtered at a rate only compared to an industrial
     slaughterhouse.  Part of the method is to insult the players, and
     drive them from the table, one by one, until the last one is
     slaughtered. 
     
     ~6 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Phantasm by Lamar Henderson and Chris Adams 

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy long

 A game of magic in the modern world, using a simple d10 based
     system.  The rules are focussed on the involved magic system. 
     
     130 pages rules plus 80 pages background (PDF or RTF).

 
     
     
     Phobos by Mark Hughes

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy horror long

 A partly universal system geared for modern fantasy/horror.
     It includes a magic system but no setting.  Task resolution uses
     an open-ended d20 roll (20 is reroll and add, 1 is reroll and
     subtract).  Stat or skill + d20 + mods over 20 is a success. 
     Character creation is open point-based.  
     
     ~48 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Phoenix Command High-Speed Pursuit System

 Keywords: genre modern long supplement

 This is a extensive supplement to the published Phoenix
     Command system (from Leading Edge Games) for motor
     vehicle chases and engagements.  
     
     160 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     
     Pinion by Kenneth MacArthur

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A universal skill-based system.  Action resolution is to roll
     under your skill on 2d10.  Character creation can be either
     random-roll or point-based attributes with points-based
     ads/disads and skills.  
     
     53 pages PDF format.  

 
     
     
     
     Pirates of Dark Water Role-playing Game
     by Vin Diakuw

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 An adaptation of the Hanna Barbara cartoon series, set on the
     fantasy world of Mer, where the seas are being infested by a strange
     "dark water" substance oozing from a fissure.  Pirates and others
     roam the seas in ships that can both sail and fly.  It uses a
     simple dice pool system where any roll of 4-6 indicates a
     success.  Character creation is by simple ranking of attributes
     and choosing 1 Talent, 1 Gift, and 1 Complication. 
     
     30 pages rules and background (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     Plain English Roleplaying by Michael D. Mearls
     (Adept Games) 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite 

 A simple game based on rolling d10+Traits+Skills and comparing the
     result to either someone else's roll or a target number.  Traits
     are free-form (i.e. "Honorable+1").  
     
     8 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Plate Glass RPG
     by Nathan E. Banks

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist system derived from FUDGE, but with a 9-step rating
     of traits, and the roll is 1d6 minus 1d6 instead of 4dF.  
     
     2 pages rules (PDF).   

 
     
     
     
     
     
     PLUS, 5th edition by Joseph Steven Coleman 

 Keywords: genre universal scifi fantasy long rules-lite world

 "Player's Labor-Saving Utility System".  This is a simple
     dice-pool system where you compare the total to a target number,
     with open-ended results.  Character generation uses random-roll
     core attributes (Luck, Body, and Age) , and point-bought
     attributes and skills based on these.  It includes numerous
     setting adaptations, including an adaptation of the Jorune
     setting from Skyrealms Publishing and of Space 1889 from GDW.
     
     41 pages basic rules (PDF or text-only) plus
     175 pages setting adaptations.  

 
     
     
     Pocket Dragons by Patrick Wagner

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A RPG where PC's are tiny dragons (about the size of a Coke
     bottle) in a medieval fantasy world.  Character creation is
     random-roll attributes and skills (with some rerolls).
     Resolution is by open-ended dice-pool similar to
     Shadowrun.  
     
     14 pages MSWord format.

 
     
     
     The Pokéthulhu Adventure Game, 3rd edition
     by S. John Ross

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 This is the free third edition of the published RPG.  It is
     a humorous RPG mixing Pokemon and Lovecraftian horror.  PCs
     are Cultists (age 5 to 16) who summon thulhus to do battle
     with other thulhus.  Character creation is point-based, with 30
     points for the six stats (Grade Level, Phys Ed, Pokethulhu Lore,
     Shoplifting, Sanity, and Talking Trash).  Action resolution is
     by rolling under your stat on one to three d12s.  
     
     33 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Pollies by Ethan Greer

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system based on a step-die system of rating
     stats and difficulties by a size of die (from d4 to d20).  Actions
     are resolved by rolling one die for stat and one die for
     difficulty.  
     
     ~8 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     
     The Pool by James V. West

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system, using freeform traits (rated in d6's) and
     a general pool of dice.  Resolution is by rolling a number of
     d6's based on difficulty plus dice for applicable traits, with
     each "1" counted as a success.  You can also gamble dice from
     your general pool of dice.  
     
     ~4 pages core rules plus ~15 pages variations (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Portable RPG by Craig "Pandemonium" Griswold

 Keywords: universal genre rules-lite

 A simple RPG system: attribute+1d10.  It has the unusual feature
     of being designed for optional use of LEGO figures and
     accessories.  There are three genre systems: space opera,
     swords & sorcery, and samurai.  
     
     3 pages core rules (MSWord) plus 12 pages genre supplements (MSWord). 

 
     
     
     Potestas by Gary Johnson

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite world

 A simple homebrew system originally based on the commercial
     Dragon Warriors rules, set in the fantasy world of
     "Selentia" (described separately).  Point-based character creation, 
     Resolution with 2d10 rolls vs 11+modifiers.  
     
     ~25 pages rules plus ~5 pages world description (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Powergame 5.5 by Mikko Kauppinen 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 This is a rules-lite system developed over many years.  Stats 
     are described on a 0 to 8 scale of Power Level (PL).  Action
     resolution is by rolling number of d6's equal to your PL vs
     a roll of d6's equal to the difficulty number.  It has skills,
     ads, and disads as well.  
     
     38 pages rules (MSWord format).  

 
     
     
     Power Kill by John Tynes

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A free version of the published mini-game.  Really a "meta" RPG,
     this is notes on narrative game that can be used to add onto an
     existing RPG.  
     
     ~6 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Pretender by Kirt "Loki" Dankmyer

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 A game where the PCs are "pretenders" : supernatural beings
     (vampires, angels, etc.) passing as human in 1980s America, whose
     otherworldly nature and focuses their human faults and virtues.
     Character creation is by group consensus, setting stats for
     Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit on a 1-5 scale.  It uses
     a dice pool system, rolling (stat)d6 and each success lets you
     control one of: Narration, Motion, Safety, and Style.
     
     22 pages rules and background (PDF,HTML).  

 
     
     
     Primal Edge by James Hand

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 Ostensibly a contemporary sci-fi RPG.  Currently (Jan '03) only
     the quick-start rules are up.  
     
     ~3 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     Prism by Frank J. Perricone

 Keywords: universal long

 A modular skill based system.  It is not quite complete, needing a
     combat system (by default it is intended for use with Rolemaster's
     Arms Law).  It includes a number of supplements, including
     adaptation for GDW's "Space 1889" setting and Columbia Games'
     "Harn" setting.  
     
     ~120 pages illustrated plus ~30 pages supplements (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Profile by John Buckmaster

 Keywords: universal rules-lite supplement live-action

 This is a free live-action conversion of the Silhouette game
     system (used in "Gear Krieg", "Tribe 8", and other games by Dream
     Pod 9).  It requires one of the main rulebooks of those systems
     for character creation and other aspects of play.  
     
     16 pages PDF. 

 
     
     
     
     
     Proteus by Sean McLaughlin

 Keywords: genre scifi postapocalyptic long rules-lite world

 A post-apocalypse RPG set on a colony planet (Ad Tair) after
     a devastating accident.  Now humanity shares the planet with
     six intelligent alien races, and struggles to rebuild.  It uses
     a simple dice pool system: roll (attribute + skill) d10s, with
     each roll over difficulty counting as one success, and each "1"
     rolled subtracting from successes.  Character creation is
     point-based, with archetypes for different species.  
     
     95 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Providence Demo Version
     by Richard Binek, Nicolas Jequier, Jeff Mackintosh, Michael
     Scott, and Lucien Soulban 

 Keywords: genre superhero fantasy rules-lite preview

 A demo version of the published RPG which mixes fantasy and
     superheroics.  It has no character creation rules but includes a
     sample adventure including pre-made PC's.  
     
     35 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     Psychosis Nutshell Rules

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite preview

 A diceless RPG in a surreal genre where sanity can't be trusted.
     It uses a tarot deck for resolution in the genre of shifting
     reality for the PC's.  The full version was published by
     Chameleon Eclectic but is now out of print.  
     
     ~4 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     
     Pumpkintown by Peter Jared Seckler 

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG set in a fairy-tale-like town, similar to Tim
     Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas".  It uses an adaptation
     of the Plain English RolePlaying
     rules.  There is also 
     
     FUDGE Pumpkintown, by Mike Gentry. 
     
     ~20 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Punisher X RPG by Jack Wolf

 Keywords: genre modern scifi superhero online

 An online web-based play-by-post RPG based on the Marvel Comics
     character, set in the year 2023.
     
     ~2 pages background HTML.

 
     
     
     Racial Holy War by Rev. Kenneth Molyneaux

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 An unfortunate White Power RPG, in which the PC's are White
     Warriors who fight against plots by jews, niggers, gooks,
     and other races (!?!).  Sadly, this seems more serious than
     mocking.  
     
     ~20 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     RATIOS by Scott J. Compton

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 "Roleplaying And Tactics In One System".  A percentile system
     with 26 attributes, one for each letter of the alphabet from
     Agility to Zeal.  
     
     ~15 pages (text-only).

 
     
     
     
     Puppetland by John Tynes 

 Keywords: genre fantasy horror rules-lite

 ``A storytelling game with strings set in a grim world of
     make-believe.'' This is a diceless game set in a bizarre world of
     horror where puppets are oppressed by bloodthirsty Punch.  There 
     is a published version from Hogshead Games for cheap ($7 bundled
     with another mini-RPG: "Power Kill").  The published version is
     about 30% longer than the still-available free version.  
     
     ~14 pages (HTML or RTF).

 
     
     
     Pure Shoujo

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A storytelling game about Japanese high school action and
     romance in the genre of girl's manga and anime ("shoujo").
     Action resolution is 1d6+1d12, roll under stat.  However,
     players also accumulate playing cards which are goals to
     achieve, particular situations or twists that the player tries
     for.  Character creation is mixed random-roll and point-buy
     attributes.  
     
     ~10 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     QCarz, version 2.0 by Nathan Stilwell 

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 This is primarily a vehicular combat game about fights
     using James-Bondian spy cars.  There are some RPG elements
     elements incorporated (character creation, and nominals stats).  
     
     28 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Quasar by Conroy & Conroy company 

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long

 A sci-fi and fantasy RPG, deliberately avoiding occult and
     unsuitable-for-children elements such as magic, psionics, demons,
     sex, or gore.  It uses a "realistic" system of classes including
     architect, biologist, chemist, commando, etc.  
     
     Players Guide 212 pages, GMs Guide 87 pages,
     Creature Anthology 157 pages (MSWord, RTF, HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     
     Quest by Mike Greenholdt 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A freeware generic fantasy game, using both classes and skills.  
     Skill resolution is by d20 roll.  It has clerics based on
     real-world religions, and a technician class developing beyond
     the medieval norm.  
     
     272 pages rules plus 207 page monster manual
     (HTML, PostScript, or RTF).

 
     
     
     
     The Questing Beast by James V. West

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A "roleplaying game of anthropomorphic Arthurian romance" --
     i.e. in the genre Arthurian fantasy but with anthropomorphic
     animals as the characters.  As of 2003 no longer a free RPG, but 
     a short and cheap one.  It uses a rules-lite system focussed
     on storytelling.  A player may optionally call for a die roll,
     which is victory, defeat, or "guided".  If success or failure
     the player narrates the results, if guided the GM does.  Players
     have a personal pool of dice which they can gamble on results.  
     
     32 pages rules and background (print-only).

 
     
     
     
     Ranma Nibun No Ichi - The Storyteller Game
     by Keith Martinson and Don Boys 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 An adaptation of the Street Fighter and Storyteller rules
     (from White Wolf) to the Ranma 1/2 animated TV series.
     
     ~45 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     Realms of Adventure (Version 1.5) by Chris Pinto

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A generic fantasy-genre system designed to be compatible with
     AD&D.  It uses roll 3d6 under attribute or percentile dice
     under skill.  Character creation is free-form negotiated with
     the GM.  This is version 1.5 as posted to the newsgroup
     rec.games.design in 1993.  
     
     ~30 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Realms of Kaos

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy online

 A graphical multi-user, internet-based game.  It includes full
     command-line control like a MUD but adds in graphical controls and
     display in addition.  
     

 
     
     
     Realm Walkers Light by Grant Graves

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long

 A "RPG / Dice Game" about dimension-hopping characters in a
     cosmic battle.  Resolution is by points scored on certain 3d6
     rolls.  Character creation is template/class based with
     point-bought extras.  It includes seven genre books
     covering fantasy, cyberpunk, and others.  
     
     15 pages core rules (PDF), plus ~80 pages worldbooks (PDF).

 
     
     
     RealTime: Playing Against The Clock
     by Frank J. Perricone

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 This is an RPG intended to be run in strict real time, where
     game time exactly matches the real time passing.  Action resolution
     uses skill + 2dF (Fudge dice numbered -1, -1, 0, 0, +1, +1) vs
     difficulty.  Character creation is limited point-bought: 30 points
     among eight skills, plus defined specializations.  
     
     24 pages core rules (PDF), plus ~50 pages introductory
     adventure (PDF).

 
     
     
     ReCoil by Lance Allen

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy horror rules-lite

 A game of playing ghosts working as agents to fight a force
     known as Oblivion.  They affect the physical world by possessing
     human hosts, fighting Naughtwraiths who do likewise.  It uses a
     dice-pool system, rolling d10s equal to skill against a target
     number from 2 to 10.  Character creation is simple point-based.
     
     24 pages core rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Record of Lodoss War The RPG (Eternal Edition)
     by Mark Chase

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 An adaptation of the fantasy-genre Japanese animated series from 
     Group-SNE/Kadokawa Shoten Publishing, using the 
     Fuzion system with "Atomik Fuzion" supplemental material.
     
     93 pages rules and background (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     Returner's Final Fantasy RPG by Scott Tengelin, Martin
     Drury, Chris Pomeroy, Matthew Martin, Matt Perrotti, and Paul Mulka

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A pencil-and-paper RPG based on the popular series of video
     games from SquareSoft.  It uses a percentile skill system.
     Character creation is limited point-based: with a random number
     of attribute points, and skill points based on class.
     
     ~100 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Rêve Book One: Journeyers

 Keywords: genre fantasy long preview world

 The first book of the published RPG Rêve: the Dream
     Ouroboros.  This is the complete character generation and
     action resolution rules.  The commercial game adds in Books
     Two and Three which describe the magic system and world
     background.  
     
     ~50 pages (PDF).

 
     
     The Riddle of Steel Quick-Start Rules
     by Stephen Barringer

 Keywords: genre fantasy long preview

 A preview for the published fantasy RPG.  It is set on an
     original world, Weyrth, which is briefly described in the
     quickstart rules.  It focusses on a realistic, turn-less
     combat system.  It uses a dice pool system where you roll a
     number of d10's against a target number, counting number 
     of successes.  
     
     41 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Rimworlds by Krister Sundelin (NeoGames AB)

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A scifi RPG in Swedish and English, based on the TV series
     "Space: Above and Beyond".  Action resolution is by stat + 2d10
     vs difficulty, with some open-endedness.  
     
     34 pages core rules (MSWord), plus additional HTML files.  

 
     
     Ringmaster by Bryant Berggren

 Keywords: genre long

 A professional wrestling RPG.  Character creation is open
     point-bought for attributes, with skills being subsumed into
     basic attributes.  Action resolution is percentile: roll under
     attribute on d100.  
     
      ~77 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     RIP (Roleplaying the Infinite Possiblities)
     by Kalle Marjola

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A freeform universal system.  It defines simple point-based
     character creation, and a generic rule of "roll 2d6 : higher 
     is better".  It has genre expansions which give more detail for
     characters and background.  It has three genre expansions:
     dark future (cf. Syndicate),
     fantasy, and modern horror.  
     
     ~6 pages basic rules (HTML), ~60 pages genre books (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Risus: The Anything RPG by S. John Ross 

 Keywords: genre universal superhero fantasy rules-lite

 A cinematic "rules-lite" system which rates "cliches" as
     number of dice (1-6) which are summed vs difficulty.  It includes
     a 27-page solitaire introductory adventure ("The Ring of Thieves")
     and links to a number of third-party sites on using it for
     different genres, including Supers, Mecha, and Fantasy.  
     
     5 pages basic rules (PDF, RTF, or text-only) plus ~50 pages 
     supplementary material.  

 
     
     
     
     Roadworld by Wilson Zorn 

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite long

 A post-apocalypse RPG based on "The Road Warrior" and other films,
     set in the 24th century.  It uses a skill-based system (roll 2d6 
     under skill) with detailed year-by-year character creation.  
     
     ~31 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     The Roman Empire II

 Keywords: genre rules-lite online

 A freeform online RPG set in the historical Roman empire of
     245 B.C.  One week of real-time is fixed to be one year in
     the game.  
     
     ~15 pages rules and background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     RORPS by Duck of Doom

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A humorous universal RPG system.  The four attributes are
     Buffness, Breath, Hair Color, and Bowel Control.  
     
     ~11 pages rules (MSWord). 

 
     
     
     
     Rough Magic by Brandon Blackmoor and S. John Ross 

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long

 A film-noir PBEM game (with original tabletop rules) of magic,
     mystery, and guns in an alternate 1960's Europe where hex use is 
     ruthlessly regulated and (as a result) enormously profitable.
     Described as a cross between Casablanca and Angel
     Heart.  The background by Brandon Blackmoor adapts rules from
     Risus: The Anything RPG by S. John Ross.  
     
     ~30 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     RPG Office by Christian Loidl

 Keywords: universal long

 A set of freeware computer based RPG utilities for Windows.
     It comes in 4 versions: fantasy, scifi, horror, and historical.
     Each version has a similar core with different modules.  
     

 
     
     Rules of Thumb by Berislav Lopac 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A nearly-minimalist system using 2d10 versus difficulty, modified
     by skill or attribute.  
     
     4 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     
     Runebearer by Chris Magoun

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world

 A fantasy rpg set on an original fantasy world, "Bostonia",
     which is described in detail.  Action resolution is stat or
     skill plus 1d12 versus difficulty plus 1d12.  Character creation
     is random-roll attributes, choose a template (from 55 world-specific
     choices), and additional point-bought skills.
     
     247 pages (PDF or HTML).

 
     
     
     Rune Jump Start Rules by Atlas Games

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional preview

 This is a free preview of the published game Rune, a
     combat-heavy RPG of Scandanavian myth.  
     
     8 page Jump Start Rules (PDF) plus 22 page Preview Kit (PDF).

 
     
     
     Runequest Slayers by Christopher Lawrence and J.C. Connors

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long

 An RPG planned for release by Avalon Hill, only related to the earlier
     Runequest games in spirit.  It is set on an original fantasy world. 
     It uses a simple system of rolling under stat on 2d10, 3d10, or
     4d10 depending on difficulty.  Skills are trinary.  
     
     224 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     RuneScape by Andrew Gower, Paul Gower, and Ian Gower

 Keywords: genre rules-lite online

 A massive multiplayer adventure game, "with monsters to kill,
     quests to complete, and treasure to win."
     

 
     
     
     Rusty Roses

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 An online play-by-post RPG using a bulletin-board system, set 
     in a renaissance fantasy world ("Cadia").  
     

 
     
     
     
     s3 by snikle

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A brief universal RPG, designed partly for online gameplay
     (since it uses imaginary die types of d14, d16, and d18).
     Six attributes are rated d2 to d20, and skills are rated 1 to 20.
     Resolution is by rolling the attribute die plus skill vs
     difficulty.  Character creation is by random-roll attributes and
     point-bought skills.  
     
     ~4 pages basic rules (HTML) plus ~4 pages fantasy supplement.

 
     
     
     Saga Basic Rules

 Keywords: universal rules-lite supplement

 This is a universal system adapted from the out-of-print TSR games
     "Dragonlance: Fifth Age" and "Marvel Superheroes Adventure Game".
     The rules are complete but use a special Fate Deck for action
     resolution (which can come from either of the games).  Players
     have a hand of cards, which they play from for each action:
     attribute (1-9) + skill (0 or 4) + card total vs difficulty.
     The suit of cards and the PC's Edge may allow more than one
     card to be played.  
     
     ~10 pages (HTML or MSWord).  

 
     
     
     
     SAGA: Simple And Generic Adventures
     by Eric C. Garrison 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A minimalist dice-pool system.  You roll a number of d6's for
     your attribute, skill, and subskill.  For attributes, only a 6
     counts as a success, while for skills it is 5-6 and for
     subskills it is 4-6.  
     
     ~2 pages (text-only).

 
     
     
     S.A.G.E. (Story Advanced Game Engine) by Obi Ortega

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A freeform diceless system based on spending "Karma points" 
     which are allocated to your freeform attributes, skills, and 
     powers.  
     
     ~10 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Sage from Lance & Crown Games

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system.  It uses 2d6 read as a percentage, with
     one die being "tens" and another being "ones".  Action resolution is
     by adding skill to the "tens" die, and attribute to the "ones" die,
     which must exceed the difficulty.  Character creation is limited
     point-based, using career paths.
     
     ~10 pages (HTML).

 
     
     Sand RPG
     by We2Sheep, Ironpen, Wrakon, Thein, and Ace

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG set on a desert world with a single river.  It
     uses a d10-based dice pool: roll d10's equal to skill, then
     arrange any two as a percentile. It uses limited point-bought
     character creation.  
     
     ~6 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     Santa's Soldiers by Bill Kte'pi

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A formerly free RPG, now an expanded version is available from
     Deep7 Games both in print and electronically.  It is a humorous
     RPG about elf soldiers in the Order of Saint Nicholas -- who
     protect Santa and Christmas with very large guns.  By using
     violent and extreme tactics, they make sure that Santa never has
     to dirty his hands or stoop to their level.
     
     Commercial version 28 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Savage Worlds Test Drive, version 3.0 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 The preview version of the commercial "Savage Worlds" system from
     Pinnacle Entertainment.  It uses a step-die system where stats are
     measured from d4 to d12.  Action resolution uses an open-ended
     die roll plus modifiers, where 4 or greater is successful.  
     The test drive rules have combat rules plus sample magic and 
     monsters, but no character creation.  
     
     Test Drive version 6 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Saviors by Joonas Laakso

 Keywords: genre fantasy scifi rules-lite

 A science fantasy adaptation of the FUDGE
     system, set in a distant future very similar to the Star Wars
     films.  
     
     ~30 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Schism by Jared A. Sorensen

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite supplement

 A former free RPG, now a cheap supplement for the Sorcerer
     RPG.  It is a surreal modern conspiracy/horror setting, inspired
     mainly by the films of director David Cronenberg.  The PC's are 
     secret revolutionaries with psychic powers, in the near future
     fighting against a corrupt society.  
     
     36 pages background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     School Colors Out Of Space by Trevor "Trip" Placker

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A humorous RPG on the premise of teenage offspring of 
     Lovecraftian horrors who go to high school with humans (along the 
     lines of "Teenagers from Outer Space").  Various other homebrew
     rules also linked.  
     
     ~25 pages rules and background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     The SCORE RPG by Jacob E. Boucher

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 Skill-based universal system, based on a d100+skill or stat bonus
     task mechanic, and point-based character generation.
     
     ~10 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Screaming Silence by Christopher Blankley

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A futuristic conspiracy RPG, set in the 22nd century where a 
     communist government has taken over the world and holds the
     masses (the "Know-nots") in a backwards existance.  It uses a
     dice pool system of rolling (attribute+skill) d10's, where each
     die over the difficulty counts as one success.  Character
     creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought skills.  
     
     166 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     Scriptor by Dariel R. A. Quiogue 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A system geared for running PBEMs.  Characters have only their 
     7 attributes, or "Styles" for styles of solving problems.  
     Action resolution uses a dice pool system: total of (attribute)
     d6's vs difficulty, plus possible bonus dice for well-written
     posts.  
     
     ~15 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     The Secret of Zir'An Quickstart 


 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite preview

 A sample adventure, sample characters, and quick-start rules
     for the upcoming commercial fantasy RPG.  Action resolution is
     attribute + skill + 1d10 vs difficulty (where 1 is auto-failure
     and 10 is auto-success).  
     
     22 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     The Shadow of Yesterday by Clinton R. Nixon

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy genre RPG set in world nearly destroyed by a
     astronomical disaster which destroyed the moon.  Action
     resolution is 2d6 plus skill plus modifiers, where level of
     success is from a universal success chart.  Character
     creation is limited point-based, with attribute-like pools
     of points and skills.  
     
     ~40 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     ShadowPaths: Investigations into the Supernatural
     by Paul DuBois

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A modern-day horror mini-RPG, using a simple skill-based rules
     system with point-bought character creation.  
     
     ~10 pages basic rules and background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Shadows by Zak Arntson

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 A modern-day mini-RPG where you play yourself, but with a
     malicious invisible "shadow" trying to get you in trouble.
     Resolution is by rolling a "good" die and a "bad" die, which
     determines whether you get what you want or the shadow gets
     what it wants.  
     
     6 pages rules (PDF,HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Shakhan by Marcus and Karen Shields (Telostic Corporation) 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 The freeware version of a published fantasy RPG.  It is set on 
     the fantasy world of Telostic, where a once-mighty civilization 
     has degenerated to a level equivalent to Earth's early Middle 
     Ages.  It uses a percentile skill-based system.  Character 
     creation uses random-roll attributes and social position,
     selecting a primary class, and point-bought skills.  
     
     481 pages rules and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     The SHELL Roleplaying System by Chris Harwood-Jones

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A generic "shell" of a system (i.e. including only core rules),
     developed out of Chris' former "Cran Fantasy" system.  Posted to
     "rec.games.design" in 1992.  It uses roll 3d6 under attribute or
     attribute + skill.  Character creation is open point-bought.  
     
     20 pages (text-only).  

 
     
     
     Sherpa by Steffan O'Sullivan 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 Another RPG from the creator of FUDGE, intended to be easy to
     play even under difficult conditions, such as when hiking
     outdoors.  It includes a one-page summary card you can carry
     with you.  
     
     ~14 pages full rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Simply Roleplaying! version 2.0
     by Bob Portnell and Guy McLimore (Microtactix Inc.)

 Keywords: universal long rules-lite

 A universal system.  Action resolution is by rolling under
     skill on 2d10.  Character creation is limited point-based, with a
     set of attribute points and skill points varied based on age,
     along with advantages and disadvantages. 
     
     110 pages core rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     The Skool Rools by Phil Masters

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A humorous RPG of playing boys in the British public school
     system, inspired by the "Molesworth" books of Geoffrey Willans
     and Ronald Searle, and by Shy and Searle's "St Trinian's"
     creation.  
     
     ~6 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     
     
     Slayer of Dragon by Grant Gigee

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite long open-license

 A martial arts RPG released under the WotC Open Gaming license. 
     Action resolution is to 2d6 on a universal table of effective
     skill vs difficulty.  Character creation is limited point-based.  
     
     16 pages core rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     
     Slayer by Shawn / "Slayer"

 Keywords: genre scifi fantasy rules-lite

 A science fantasy RPG set in the distant future, where Slayer
     squads battle supernatural monsters using big guns.  It uses a
     simple percentile system with random-roll characters.  
     
     ~15 pages MSWord format.

 
     
     
     Slayer: Roleplaying in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite

 An RPG adaptation of the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series.
     It uses a dice pool system similar to the Storyteller system:
     roll attribute + skill d10's, and count how many are over a
     target number.  Character creation is limited point based.   
     
     44 pages (eFax format). 

 
     
     
     The Sleeping Imperium

 Keywords: genre scifi long supplement wotc-d20

 The "Sleeping Imperium" science fiction setting for use with
     FUDGE and 3rd edition D&D (aka "D20" system).  This includes a
     number of setting-independent optional rules systems for use with
     FUDGE and d20. 
     
     23 pages background (PDF), 30 pages FUDGE rules supplements (PDF),
     144 pages d20 rules supplements (PDF).

 
     
     
     SOAP: The game of Soap Opera Mayhem

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite preview

 A storytelling mini-RPG which is played for 60 minutes at a
     time, the free preview for a very cheap game (a 31-page PDF
     file).  Each player takes a character in a soap opera, with
     five words as traits.  There is no GM, but instead there are
     rules for entering a Scene, adding sentences, and so forth by
     spending Plot Tokens.  
     
     ~12 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     SOL Lite by Keith W. Sears 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 The free "lite" version of the commercial game from Heraldic
     Games.  A universal system using stat+d10 vs difficulty and
     exponential scaling. 
     
     45 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Somnabulist Beta by Andrew Valkauskas

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A fantasy RPG set in a world where dreamers can enter other
     people's dreams and interact with one another.  The players
     acting as GM shifts, as this is person representing the
     "Dreamer".  It uses a simple dice pool system of shifting 
     die type (d4 to d12) depending on type.   
     
     ~120 pages (MSWord).  

 
     
     
     Sorcerer: Apprentice version by Ron Edwards

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite preview

 A modern magic game, the "Apprentice" version of published RPG
     rules.  It uses a minimalist system, using highest-roll dice pool
     with only simple attributes (no skills).  
     
     16 pages "apprentice" rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     
     The SORD, 6th Edition by Scott J. Compton
     (Fractal Dimensions)

 Keywords: universal long

 A formula-heavy RPG with many stats.  Character creation is mixed
     random-roll and choice.  Resolution is roll 1d20 under skill.  
     
     
     ~65 pages rules (text-only).  

 
     
     
     Soul Axis by Grant Graves

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A supernatural RPG where the PCs are souls trapped in the Limbo,
     characterized by "essences" like love, ignorance, innocence or
     greed, and by taint and glory stats.  They try to ascend to a
     higher plane of Existance via tasks set by the GM.  It uses
     a 3d6 mechanic where successes are scored depending on patterns
     in the roll (2 of a kind, straight, 3 of a kind).  
     
     4 pages rules (PDF). 

 
     
     SOUPS by Mike Epstein with Rob Carlson

 Keywords: universal long

 "Skill Oriented Universal Playing System".  A universal
     percentile-based system which handles everything purely in terms
     of skill values (i.e. no attributes).  
     
     ~40 pages rules (text-only).

 
     
     
     Sovereign Stone Quickstart by Don Perrin and Lester Smith 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite preview

 The "quickstart" rules for a fantasy game envisioned by Larry
     Elmore, set in his fantasy world Loerem.  Magic is based on
     the elements (Air,Earth,Fire,Water plus evil "Void" magic).
     The system is Attribute die(d4 thru d10) plus Skill die versus
     difficulty.  
     
     28 pages PDF format, including sample adventure and characters.

 
     
     
     
     SPEED Rules by Joseph Steven Coleman 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal system.  Action resolution is by rolling 3d6 under
     skill to succeed.  Bonuses and penalties are by rolling extra
     dice and taking the highest 3 or lowest 3.  Character creation
     is limited point based.  
     
     14 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Spheres by Rachel Kronick

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A space-faring sci-fi RPG set in 2221, set in known space roughly
     50 light-years around Earth.  It has an incompletely written-up
     rules system, with limited point-based chargen, and action
     resolution by roll under skill on 1d100. 
     
     ~75 pages background (HTML) plus ~50 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Spirit of Fighting by Lawrence Zeigler

 Keywords: modern scifi long

 A sci-fi martial arts genre RPG.  It is apparently set in
     modern-day Earth after a god travelled back in time to deal with
     invading aliens.  Now various humans have mystic powers and well
     as inventions through mystical aid.  Character creation is
     class-based, split between human, cyborg, and robot character
     types.  Resolution is using a d20 on a universal table or
     percentile rolls.  
     
     88 pages rules (MSWord).

 
     
     
     Spiritual Warfare: The RPG by Brent D. Wisdom

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 (No longer free, but a low-cost PDF download).  
     A Christian fantasy RPG, set in an alternate Earth on a fantasy
     continent called "Epouranios".  The PC's are holy knights fighting
     against demons released by a cataclysmic ritual 300 years ago.
     Action resolution is skill + 1d20 vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is limited point-based.  
     
     93 pages rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Spycraft Lite by Patrick Kapera (AEG, Inc)

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite preview wotc-d20

 This is the preview version for a modern espionage game using the
     "D20" system from 3rd edition D&D.  This includes six new base
     classes, along with complete rules summary for skills, feats,
     combat, and chases.  
     
     32 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Spy-Fi by (Borderline Publications)

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A spy genre game, in the genre of James Bond.  Character creation
     is limited point-based with attributes and skills rated from 0
     (superb) to 6 (lousy).  Actions are resolved by rolling 2d6,
     with each roll over the target indicating one success.  
     Thus, if you have zero in both a skill and its related
     attributes, you have a "double-0" rating.  It includes an
     introductory scenario
     
     ~10 pages rules plus ~6 pages scenario (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     Starblade by Kyrinn S. Ozan

 Keywords: universal scifi rules-lite

 "Clockwork Adventure Among the Shattered Stars".  A simple 
     universal system (incomplete) with a spacefaring sci-fi
     background.  Resolution is by rolling 2d6 and trying to get as
     close to 7 as possible (high and low are both bad).  Attributes
     are determined by selecting a body type, personality type, and
     nature.  There are also archetypes and point-bought skills.
     
     ~40 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     Star Cadets by Donald Hosford 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A very simple system outline for a sci-fi RPG. 
     
     ~1 page (HTML).

 
     
     
     Starcraft D6 by Michael Lynes 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long

 A sci-fi RPG set in the world of the computer game "Starcraft" 
     from Blizzard Entertainment, using a version of WEG's D6 system.
     It includes all the basics for D6 games (using a modified D6
     classic system), information on each of the three races in
     Starcraft, stats for equipment, structures and upgrades, and
     psionics rules.  
     
     ~100 pages (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     Starfarer RPG by Alan D. Koher 

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A sci-fi RPG intended for futuristic SF / space adventure
     settings (formerly called SAGE for "Space Adventure Gaming
     Engine").  It uses a percentile system similar to Victory
     Games "James Bond 007" RPG, with point-bought skill-based
     character creation.  
     
     58 pages PDF rules.

 
     
     
     Stargate SG-1 by John Tynes

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 This is an adaptation of the movie and TV series Stargate 
     for West End Game's D6 System.  It was originally a commercially
     commissioned work, but WEG was going bankrupt and it was
     cancelled.  
     
     ~60 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Stargate SG-1 Worldbook by Andy Slack

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 An adaptation of the TV series "Stargate SG-1" for GURPS Lite
     as well as Classic Traveller and 2300 AD.  This is not a
     standalone game, but should be playable with the free GURPS Lite
     edition.
     
     91 pages (PDF). 

 
     
     
     
     Star Guild by Neville White 

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A space opera sci-fi game with a well-developed universe.
     
     ~95 pages rules HTML plus more background material.

 
     
     
     StarLock by Prowler Productions

 Keywords: genre scifi online

 An online sci-fi RPG/Adventure game.  It is browser-based
     with no java or plug-ins.  
     

 
     
     
     
    Starshield (Beta version) by Richard Dakan 

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 The beta version of a sci-fi RPG set in the shared-world
     universe introduced in novels by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.
     Official support has been dropped, but the rulebook and background
     are available as files which can be downloaded after subscribing
     to the Yahoo group.  (You can choose to receive no email from
     the group.)  The system is a basic 2d6 rolling under skill or
     attribute. 
     
     306 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Star Wars Live Action Rules by James Sheahan

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite live-action

 A live-action RPG set in the "Star Wars" universe. 
     
     39 pages (MSWord format).

 
     
     
     Steal: a Modern Day Crime Roleplaying Game by
     Matt Kershaw and Ken Finlayson

 Keywords: genre modern long rules-lite

 A game in the genre of British crime flicks such as "Snatch" and
     "Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels".  The PC's are gang
     members in the criminal underworld.  Action resolution uses 
     rolling (2+skill) d20's, where each 7-9 counts as one success --
     and ones cancel successes and tens count as two successes.
     Character creation has a few random elements, but is mostly
     point-bought skills -- where skills include things like Strength,
     Constitution, and Willpower.  
     
     48 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Steampunk Mafia by Jay Steven Anyong 


 Keywords: genre modern scifi rules-lite

 A game set in an American city ("New Providence") in an alternate
     1920s where strange new technology is being used by the mafia to
     commit crimes -- such as 12-foot robotic suits known as "Kodiaks".
     Action resolution is 2d6 + stat/skill vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is limited point-based, with five attributes and 
     freeform skills. 
     
     13 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     Stellar Sanctums by David Bubar

 Keywords: genre scifi 

 A spacefaring sci-fi RPG, featuring several religion-dominated
     empires.  It uses a percentile system, rolling under
     (Attribute+10)+(Skill Level x4).  It includes incomplete
     vehicle rules and somewhat more complete starship construction
     rules.  
     
     ~25 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Stellar Sojourn Terry Dene Alber

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A sci-fi RPG set in a distant galaxy inhabited by many sentient
     species, ranging from the typical (Archadians: bipedal, savage
     felines) to the unusual (Derra: tetralaterally-symetrical,
     two-meter tall, foppish crustaceans) to the truly bizarre
     (Volan: 100-milliliter puddles of single-celled creatures
     with a mass-intellect that can directly control electronics). 
     Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought
     skills.  Action resolution is stat + 1d10 for checks or 2d10 +
     modifiers for combat.  
     
     ~75 pages background and rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     StickGuy, the Roleplaying Game by Chris Gunning 


 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A tongue-in-cheek RPG about playing stick figures.  It uses two
     stats (Power and Karma) and freeform traits, plus of course a
     drawing.  Action resolution is stat + 1d4 vs difficulty.  
     
     ~6 pages rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     
     Stones by Patrick Riley

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple RPG based on the published collectible-dice RPG
     Throwing Stones (by Jeff Siadek).  
     
     ~2 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     Story Bones by Christian Aldridge

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A "bare bones" version of the published Story Engine rules
     from Hubris Games.  
     It has very loose description-based rules.  A pool of dice are
     thrown to check the number of odd rolls.  
     
     6 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Stray Bullet by Andreas Johansson

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A technothriller RPG system, using simple mechanics of rolling
     attribute dice (1d to 2d+2) + skill dice (1 to 1d+2) vs difficulty. 
     
     ~15 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Stuperpowers! by Carson Jones and Fred Van Lente 

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite preview

 An abridged rulebook of the published parody superhero RPG,
     playing "third-rate heroes" with less than spectacular powers
     like "Induce Vietnam Flashbacks".  The basic game mechanic is
     either toss a coin (you call it, you succeed) or
     rock-paper-scissors.  Damage has 5 levels, but you can gain them
     back by playing "Truth or Dare".  Extra material includes
     23 new powers, 4 new adventures, and 11 new characters. 
     
     ~8 pages preview rules (HTML) plus ~24 pages expansions (HTML). 

 
     
     
     Sundered Epoch: Generations by Randal P. Snyder

 Keywords: genre scifi universal long

 A universal RPG with a default setting of a dark near-future in
     the year 2010.  Current genres include a dark future in 2010,
     a cyberpunk year 2050, and a fantasy setting.  Action resolution
     is 1d20 roll over (Difficulty minus Skill).  Character creation
     is open point-based.  
     
     101 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     Superheroes and Heroines by Jeff Moody (aka Trevor Doom)

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite long

 A comic-book superhero RPG.  It uses a simple system with 1d20
     rolls.  Character creation is by random-roll attributes, skills,
     and super-powers.  
     
     49 pages PDF. 

 
     
     
     Super Human High School by Scott W. Starkey

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite long

 A diceless storytelling RPG about "Muta" teenagers with superpowers
     who are going to public high school as part of a nationwide
     mutant integration program.  Character creation is open point-based.
     Action resolution is diceless based on GM judgement of stat vs
     difficulty, with the players able to spend "Amazing Points" to
     adjust the results.  
     
     49 pages PDF. 

 
     
     
     Superteens by Bill Kte'pi

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite

 A humorous superhero RPG in a world where all teenagers get 
     superpowers, which are lost when they reach maturity.  It uses a
     minimalist system of stat + 1d6 vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is by random-roll attributes and powers.  
     
     ~10 pages rules (HTML or PDF).  

 
     
     
     Surrender

 Keywords: genre fantasy horror rules-lite online 

 A free-form, play-by-post online RPG set in a gothic-fantasy 
     version of our world -- with vampires, witches, gargoyles,
     ghosts, etc.  It includes several time periods being run
     simultaneously: ancient, early medieval, and modern.  
     
     ~12 pages background (HTML) plus posted storylines.  

 
     
     
     SURGE by Mark Leaman / Merrymeeting Games 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 "Simple Universal Relative Gaming Environment".  This is a free
     version  of the commercial RPG from Merrymeeting Games.  
     
     25 pages preview rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Swift by Doyce Testerman

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal system.  Action resolution uses attribute + d20
     vs difficulty (with options for other die types).  The attributes
     are "Vocation" along with Body (Muscle + Agility), Mind (Memory +
     Reason), and Soul (Will + Perception).  PCs also have one "feat"
     and one "flaw".  Character creation is open point-based.  
     
     18 pages rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Swift Swords by Kevin Flynn

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A generic fantasy-genre RPG, with the sample world of
     "Aquilonia".  Action resolution is roll 3d6 under skill, where
     if successful 6's indicate critical success.  
     
     ~103 pages rules (HTML), plus ~7 pages world background (HTML).

 
     
     Swordhawk (2nd ed) by Adne Brunborg

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 Actually a set of variant rules for AD&D, not a standalone
     system: including modified hit points and others.  
     
     ~42 pages ASCII text.

 
     
     
     Sylnae by M.S. Jackson

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A fantasy world designed for use with The
     Window RPG.  The site includes an interactive map and
     lexicon using Flash.  
     
     ~50 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     Syndicate (5th ed) by Kalle Marjola 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite world

 A dark future action-movie RPG.  It uses the freeform 
     RIP rules with an emphasis on fast-paced
     cinematic action.  
     
     ~40 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Synthesis (version 1.8)
     by Mike Holmes and J B Bell

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal system, using a freeform dice pool system.  Character
     creation is by distributing points among freeform traits -- one
     of which must be the special trait "Self".  Action resolution is
     by rolling a number of dice based on trait and modifier, where
     every even result is a success.  This is compared against a 
     similar roll for the task difficulty.  
     
     ~25 pages core rules (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     
    System DL (Freeware Edition) by Christopher Casey 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite preview

 A diceless system, but with quantified skill where variations
     result from spending luck points.  This is the free 16-page
     preview of a 98 page commercial download.  The freeware rules
     include a brief 1-page magic system and a medieval fantasy
     equipment list. 
     
     16 pages freeware rules (PDF). 

 
     
     
     Tales from the City of Bathos by Jack Ronald

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long

 A dark fantasy RPG set in a "City of Corruption" which is the
     seat of a decadent empire.  The system is similar to D&D,
     using a mix of resolution rolls with d20 for to-hit in combat.
     Character creation is by random-roll attributes with point-bought
     skills.  
     
     ~44 pages HTML rules, plus ~15 pages background.

 
     
     
     Tales from the Dark Wheel by Vin Diakuw

 Keywords: genre fantasy world

 A fantasy setting in a Dark Age which comes after the Golden Age 
     of the Precursors.  As the ice melts more and more secrets of
     the ancients are revealed, which can be used for ill or
     good.  This is also the setting of the 
     Epitaph RPG.  
     
     ~20 page HTML.  

 
     
     
     
     Tales from the Wood
     by Simon Washbourne with Mark George

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 An RPG about creatures which can typically be found in 
     the British woodland such as Mouse, Rabbit, Vole, Squirrel and
     Hedgehog.  Character creation is by choosing one of 12 creature
     types and then spending five points individualizing.  There are
     attributes and binary skills.  Action resolution is by attribute
     + 1d10 (with skill) or 1d6 (without skill), versus difficulty or
     an opposed roll.  
     
     ~35 pages rules and introductory scenarios (HTML).

 
     
     
     Tales of EvenFall by Robert Halowell

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 A simple fantasy system with races for elf, dwarf, and brownie
     but no background yet.  Action resolution is stat + 2d6, and
     character creation is random roll stats plus archetype choice.  
     It includes a simple magic system.  
     
     ~18 pages rules (HTML).

 
     
     
     Tales of Philipia by JakeStallion

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 A anthropomorphic-animals fantasy RPG, set on the world of
     "Neogea".  It uses a dice-pool system, with open point-bought
     attributes, skills, and ads/disads.  
     
     ~25 pages rules (HTML, MSWord, or text-only), plus
     ~15 pages background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Tales of the Carnelian Coast by Ken St-Cyr

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world

 This is a fantasy RPG set on an original fantasy world, the
     "Carnelian Coast".  The system uses attribute + skill +
     an open-ended 3d6 roll vs difficulty.  Character creation
     uses random-roll attributes and point-bought skills.  It
     includes a hit-point-less combat system, plus psychic
     skills and spellcasting.  
     
     86 pages rules (HTML or PDF) plus ~100 pages background (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     The Tales of Wyn D'mere RPG by Reid San Filippo

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A fantasy RPG set on an original fantasy world.  Action
     resolution is by (stat or skill) plus 1d100 vs difficulty.
     Character creation is by a limited point system, with packaged
     "aspects" that represent different backgronds and events.  A
     character gets 1 background aspect, 2 major life aspects, and 3
     minor life aspects.  
     
     100 pages rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     
     Tanaeum by Morgan Davey

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world supplement wotc-d20

 This is a detailed setting for use with Dungeons & Dragons,
     third edition.  It includes dwarves and elves with added details,
     but also original races.  
     
     84 pages (HTML or PDF).  

 
     
     
     Tchalrria by Dan Crowell

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A fantasy-genre RPG available through the Internet archive.
     It uses a step-die system for skills and a d20 over target number
     for combat.  Character creation is class-based with point-based
     skills.  
     
     ~90 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Tech Noir v2.5 by Dan Bongert

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A cyberpunk genre RPG based on the "mid20" variant of the rules
     released in the D20 SRD.  It is a standalone system with complete
     character creation, skill, and combat rules.  Action resolution
     is taking the middle roll of 3d20, plus attribute and skill vs
     difficulty.  Character creation is random-roll attributes (eight
     attributes rated -5 to +5), class selection, and point-bought skills.  
     
     61 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     Te Deum by J.P. "Usher" Jaworski 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A French-language RPG set in 16th century France amidst the
     Renaissance and wars of religion.  
     
     241 pages PDF rules plus extra HTML files (scenarios, charts).  

 
     
     
     Terras by Ed Hallen

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A fantasy RPG using a dice pool system of 20-sided dice.  
     
     ~40 pages MSWord format. 

 
     
     Techno-Death by Rick Bush 

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long live-action

 An action-oriented system designed to be fast and compatible
     with Live-Action play.  Resolution is by 1d3 or
     Rock-Paper-Scissors.  
     
     ~30 pages rules (HTML) plus ~30 pages background and equipment (HTML).

 
     
     
     
     
     
     Theatre of the Adsurb by Jeremiah McDonnell

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal percentile system.  Action resolution uses roll
     under skill on percentile dice, consulting a universal table
     for degree of success.  It includes a set of character creation
     and GM helper programs, although they are not required.
     Character creation is point-based.  
     
     115 pages rules (MSWord format).  

 
     
     
     
     
     Thrash by by Ewen "Blackbird" Cluney 

 Keywords: genre long

 An anime and fighting game martial arts RPG, closely based on
     the Street Fighter Storytelling Game.  
     
     ~130 pages rules (RTF, MSWord, or text-only),
     plus a 60 page sourcebook and 44 page adaptation of Streetfighter.

 
     
     
     
     Through the Looking Glass by Peter Chen 

 Keywords: genre rules-lite long

 A generic modern / modern-fantasy genre RPG system.
     Action resolution is a d60 roll (d6 for tens, d10 for ones)
     under stat times difficulty, with a universal table giving 
     eight degrees of success.  Character creation uses zodiac-based
     persona templates and personality characteristics, plus
     point-based advantages and skills.  
     
     70 pages rules (MSWord).

 
     
     
     Tiers Age by J.P. "Usher" Jaworski

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 A French-language fantasy RPG based on J.R.R. Tolkien's
     Lord of the Rings.  
     
     207 pages PDF rules. 

 
      
     Tigres Volants by Stephane Gallay

 Keywords: genre scifi 

 A sci-fi RPG, French-only.  (no comments - I can't read it!)
     

 
     
     
     
     
     Time Lord by Ian Marsh and Peter Darvill-Evans 

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A "Dr. Who" role-playing game, the complete copy of an
     out-of-print game originally published in 1991.  It
     includes simple rules (stat+roll vs difficulty), as well
     as extensive write-ups for characters from the series and
     a sample adventure.  
     
     165 pages (PDF, PostScript, or text-only).

 
     
     
     The Time Traveller

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A Doctor Who RPG, using a variant of White Wolf's Storyteller
     system mechanics.   
     
     ~40 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Tirikelu by Dave Morris

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long

 A free (at one time it was shareware) fantasy RPG set in the 
     world of M. A. R. Barker's "Tekumel".  Action resolution 
     uses a 2D10 mechanic, and character generation includes
     random-roll attributes.
     
     69 pages rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Toaster by Patrick Riley 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A universal skill-based system.  Action resolution is based 
     on attribute + skill + d10 vs difficulty (10 is standard).  
     Character creation is limited point-based (spending attribute
     points and skill points) with open-ended ads/disads.
     There are rules for a variety of weapons and optional
     combat but no magic or other sci-fi/fantasy rules.  
     
     37 pages (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     Too Much Coffee Roleplaying System
     by Clinton R. Nixon

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple, freeform system with no fixed stats -- based closely
     on FUDGE.  
     
     9 pages PDF.

 
     
     
     
     Top Dollar: The Roleplaying Game of Merchandise Retailing
     by Ken Maher

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A humorous RPG about "secret agents" going undercover to save
     sales clerks from cranky customers, rude suppliers, time-bomb
     bosses, etc.  Characters have three attributes (Strength,
     Charisma, and Sanity), and freeform skills.  Rolls are made with
     2d6.  Includes special rules for the Sanity-Sucking power of rude
     customers.  
     
     24 pages (PDF,MSWord).

 
     
     
     Totem by Paul Elliott

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 An ice-age era fantasy RPG.  It has a setting representing a
     mythic version of Ice Age Europe, including delineated tribes
     and spirits.  Character creation is by selecting a clan (which
     gives a binary talent) and a personal talent.  Action resolution
     is by drawing from a bag of stones (effective a d2), drawing an
     extra stone if the character has a talent that applies, with
     modifications for difficulty.  
     
     ~40 pages HTML. 

 
     
     
     
     
     Transcendence by George Chatzipetros 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long wotc-d20

 A dark fantasy RPG set in a close parallel to Europe in the
     Dark Ages.  PC's are the "Awakened": heroes put to sleep ages 
     ago by the gods and now returning as spirit-like entities.  They
     have various factions, and all have "Dream Powers".  There are
     three editions for this, each using different rules.  1st edition
     uses its own system, 2nd edition uses the freeware 
     Nova rules as a core, 3rd edition is a
     supplement for the "D20" system from WotC.  
     
     ~200 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     Transformers: Beast Wars Adaptation by Nightspider

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 An adaptation of the animated TV series for the White Wolf
     Storyteller system.  It requires familiarity with the Storyteller 
     system (from any of the World of Darkness games), but includes
     some complete rules sections.  
     
     ~90 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Traveller 20 Lite by Martin J. Dougherty 

 Keywords: genre scifi long preview supplement wotc-d20

 This is a preview version of the Traveller20 game, which is
     an adaptation of the original Traveller RPG (from Far Future
     Enterprises) to the "D20" system from D&D third edition.
     The lite rules include complete listings for all skills and
     feats.  However, it refers to the D&D Players handbook
     for basic combat rules, which it modifies extensively.  It also 
     includes only the Merchant class, as opposed to 16 classes in
     the non-free game.  
     
     64 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Triad City by SmartMonsters, Inc.

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 A multi-user online fantasy RPG in a large urban setting, billed
     as a "game for smart grown-ups".  It is a text-only environment using 
     a Java applet as its client. 
     
     ~20 page Players Guide (HTML).

 
     
     
     Tribal Earth by Chris Parlevliet

 Keywords: genre modern fantasy supplement

 A worldbook for the free CARE system, for
     a magical version of modern-day earth, where five tribes (humans,
     were-creatures, magical "shapers", undead, and gods) live together
     in the 20th century.  
     
     ~20 pages rules and background. 

 
     
     
     The Truth is Out There by Ghislain Morel

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 An RPG based on the "X Files" TV series.  It uses a dice pool system
     of d12's, with special results on 11 or 12 -- roll dice equal to
     attribute, take highest roll (1-10) plus specials and add skill
     vs difficulty.  Character creation is either random-roll or
     limited point-bought attributes and point-bought skills.
     
     ~40 pages HTML.  

 
     
     TUGS by Aina Rasolomalala

 Keywords: universal rules-lite long

 A generic game with a sci-fi bent, inspired by Jorune, Space
     Opera, and CORPS.  
     
     ~16 pages rules (HTML or text-only), plus
     ~16 pages in a world-specific sci-fi supplement.

 
     
     
     Twilight: The Rapid Tactical Role-Playing Game
     by Benjamin D. Richards

 Keywords: universal long

 The demo version of a universal system under development.  It has
     mechanics based on allocation of 5 time increments among tasks,
     designed for tactical play.  You roll (attribute+skill) d6s where
     each roll less than or equal to the increments spent is a
     success, with a special open-end rule if more than half the
     dice are successes.  Character creation is limited point-based.
     The demo version includes basic skills, modern and historical
     equipment, and extended examples of play; but only incomplete
     samples of the rules for magic and innate racial skills.  
     
     ~64 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Twilight Age by Dariel R. A. Quiogue

 Keywords: genre fantasy scifi rules-lite long world

 A science fantasy sourcebook for use with the free 
     Cineflex system.  It is set on the
     planet Atreion, whose sun has been dimmed to a red ember by
     dark magic and man fights for survival against the growing
     cold and the forces of Shadow.  It is a world of both magic
     and weird science.  
     
     ~75 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Twin Galaxies by R. Mike

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A French-language sci-fi RPG, with a short "light" rules
     document in English.  
     
     5 pages English "light" rules (MSWord format),
     119 page French players book (MSWord, PDF, or RTF),
     151 page French GM's book (MSWord, PDF, or RTF). 

 
     
     
     Two Page Action Movie RPG by S.P. Wipfli

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 An action movie mini-RPG.  There are 6 attributes (Shoot, Fight,
     Stunt, Luck, Mojo, and Skill), each rated in number of d6's.
     Each die that is above a target number (based on difficulty or
     the Plot Importance of the target) is a success.  
     
     ~2 pages rules (HTML format).

 
     
     
     Uchronia 1890 by Zaidin Amiot, Olivier Legrand, and
     Mathieu Tortuyaux

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long

 A French-language steampunk RPG.  
     
     ~50 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Ukiyo Zoshi by Michael Wenman

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite

 A manga-style fantasy RPG.  Translated literally "Legends of the
     Floating World". It uses a playing-card based system (skill + card
     draw) vs (difficulty + card draw).  Unfortunately this has a
     number of broken links (Jan '03). 
     
     ~12 pages rules and background (HTML). 

 
     
     
     
     Under the Broken Moon by Brandon Blackmoor 

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic fantasy rules-lite long

 A post-apocalypse fantasy game based on the cartoon "Thundarr
     the Barbarian".  It uses a simple set of rules adapted from
     Atlas Games' "Over the Edge" RPG. 
     
     ~40 page HTML.

 
     
     
     UniSys by Christian Marcussen

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A universal RPG system available in English, Spanish, and Danish.
     It has 15 attributes and skills assigned with a point-based system.
     Resolution is by stat + 1d20 vs difficulty.  
     
     18 pages PDF (English version).

 
     
     
     Universal Combat System 
     by Jesse Carlucci, Josh Brown, and Joshua Carey 

 Keywords: universal rules-lite     

 A simple miniatures combat system intended for any setting (fantasy,
     modern, etc.)  It has a point system for building armies out of
     units, with units rated in level from 1 (weak but fast) to 10
     (tough but slow).  
     
     ~8 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Unsung: A Role-Playing Game  of Ethics on the Battlefield 
     by Kirt Dankmyer

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite     

 A simple story-oriented RPG about behavior in war.  There are
     five attributes: Savvy, Sense, Guts, Meat, and Responsibility.
     Action resolution is roll under attribute on 1d20.  An important
     concept is rolling on Responsibility to avoid a Lapse where the
     character does something reprehensible.  Also, a player can
     affect the story of other PCs by spending Gift Points.  Character
     creation is limited point-based.
     
     ~20 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Urbanmyth by Jonathan Clarke

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A near future RPG (C. 2018) set in the United Kingdom, inspired
     by the Greg Mandel books of Peter F. Hamilton.  The setting is 
     cyberwear and emphasizes subtlety.  Character creation uses 
     random-roll attributes and point-bought skills.  Action
     resolution uses roll under skill on 1d100.  
     
     58 pages basic rules (MSWord).

 
     
     
     Utopia

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional online

 A fantasy-genre "interactive webgame" including a documented
     system.  
     
     ~20 pages rules and background (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Valence 592 by Colin Fredericks, Eric Garrison, and
     Eric Tapley

 Keywords: genre scifi long world

 A freeware space opera RPG set in the year 3029, with various
     races inhabiting a galaxy in turmoil.  Megacorporations hold sway
     where the old Earth empire does not.  Genetic technology has also
     unlocked a seemingly magical power known as "lording".  
     
     ~120 pages HTML rules and background in various files.

 
     
     
     
     Vampire: The Masquerade QuickStart

 Keywords: genre modern horror preview

 A freeware introduction to the commercial game by White Wolf,
     where PCs are vampires among numerous competing clans secretly
     operating in the modern world.  
     
     29 pages PDF.  

 
     
     
     
     
     Vanguard Free Roleplaying

 Keywords: genre scifi long

 A spacefaring hard scifi RPG.  It uses a universal table where
     2d6 plus skill gives the number of successes, and a result of 10
     or more indicates success.  
     
     130 pages rules and background (PDF)
     plus 33 pages spaceship combat rules (PDF).

 
     
     
     The Vietnam Game by Michael "Epoch" Sullivan

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A basic RPG system intended for role-playing U.S. soldiers
     fighting in Vietnam.  It includes basic character creation,
     combat, and stress checks.  
     
     ~15 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Vis Imperium Victoriana

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 An RPG of Colonial age Victorian Adventure, using the same system
     as C&S Essence.
     
     8 pages PDF format.  

 
     
     
     
     Vox Draconis by Ben Overmyer 

 Keywords: genre traditional fantasy rules-lite

 A game of high adventure in a world of dinosaurs, dragons,
     monsters, and men.  A simple D&D-like system with brief
     listings of monsters and spells.  
     
     ~14 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     VRAANZANNTH (anonymous)

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A generic pure mechanics system, which uses two-step mechanic:
     roll under stat on 1d12, then determine result by rolling 2d6-7
     on a table to find a multiplier for your effect.  Character
     creation seems to be an open point-bought system.  
     
     ~11 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     Warlock: Black Spiral by Brandon Blackmoor 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long preview

 A free HTML preview of a published game: complete but with 
     no illustrations, imperfect formatting, etc.  The game is about 
     warlocks in a near future world.  The system uses a simple roll
     under (attribute+skill+mods) on 1d10.  It also includes
     conversions for the FUDGE and
     Fuzion systems.  
     
     ~100 pages backgrounds, rules, and GM's guide (HTML).

 
     
     
     War Wind: The Role-Playing Game by Erick Bouchard

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A sci-fi RPG based on the War Wind video game from SSI.  It is set
     in a sci-fi universe, Yavaun, where four species war for freedom
     or supremacy.  It uses a very simple system of roll under stat
     on 1d6.  
     
     ~14 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     Wasteland Hero by Ronald A. Miller

 Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long supplement

 A sourcebook for the HERO system based on a post-apocalyptic
     future featuring rules and background.  It includes character
     creation with random mutation tables, various technology
     notes, and background.  
     
     ~80 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     
     Wayfarer's Song by Christopher Johnstone

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world

 A fantasy system which focusses on magic and high fantasy,
     set on an fantasy world ("Mithgerd") based closely on Saxon
     and Norse folklore.  Character creation is based on archetypes
     with some point-bought options.  Action resolution is roll
     under stat on 1d10.  
     
     103 pages core rules plus 146 pages 
     book on human characters and background (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     
     WEM3 by "steveb"

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A simple universal RPG system.  Character creation is by 
     limited point-bought attributes and skills.  Resolution is by
     best roll from a pool of d6's.  
     
     ~12 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     West Coast Empire by Jon Land

 Keywords: genre modern superhero rules-lite online

 An online superhero/supervillian RPG where the characters battle
     in arranged matches, in a professional-wrestling sort of flavor.
     The mechanics are inspired from the card game "Overpower".
     

 
     
     
     W.H.A.T. RPG, Introductory Edition 

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite

 A free version of the "World of Heroes and Tyrants customizable RPG"
     from the Guild of Blades Publishing Group.  Action resolution is
     by stat or skill plus an open-ended 1d6 roll vs difficulty.
     Character creation is skill-based using a mix of random-roll
     and point-bought.  
     
     ~35 pages (HTML).  

 
     
     
     Wheel of Time RPG by John Walter Biles 

 Keywords: genre fantasy long

 An RPG Based on the series by Robert Jordan.  A basic skill and
     ad/disad system, using a d20 skill die and d6 bonus/penalty dice. 
     
     ~62 pages (HTML).

 
     
     
     The Wild West by Julian Gatt

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A simple skill-based dice-pool RPG set in the Wild West.  Mixed
     point-based and random-roll character creation.  
     
     ~8 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     The Window by Scott Lininger 

 Keywords: universal modern horror fantasy rules-lite long

 A simple, drama-based system (in English and French).  Action
     resolution is by rolling a step-die (d4 to d30) based on skill
     under difficulty.  Character creation is freeform.  It includes
     two settings: a modern horror setting ("The Stage") and 
     an angels-in-the-modern-world setting ("Children of Fire").  
     
     42 pages base rules (PDF or HTML), plus 18-page modern
     horror setting (PDF or HTML), and a 57-page urban fantasy
     setting (PDF or HTML).  

 
     
     
     Windsphere by Pathscapes Productions

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite

 A fantasy RPG set on a world of islands floating in the sky,
     which contact each other through "windships".  It uses a d6 based
     system.  
     
     (?) ~18 pages MSWord format.  

 
     
     
     Wing Commander RPG by Michael Coe

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A sci-fi RPG based on the video game, using a minimalist "Quick
     and Dirty" system (roll 2d6 under skill).  
     
     ~20 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Wing Commander: Frontier

 Keywords: genre scifi online long

 An RPG based on the video game "Wing Commander", played online
     over IRC with a GM and a dice-roller program.  It includes a
     number of pages of background on the history, technology, and
     other information.  The downloadable rules use a percentile
     skill-based system with limited point-based character creation.  
     
     68 pages rules (MSWord) plus ~20 pages background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Witchcraft Quickstart Rules

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite preview

 A preview version of the published urban fantasy system
     from Eden Studios, about practitioners of magic in the
     modern world.  
     
     24 pages (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     The Woodland Elves
     by Brad Shultz

 Keywords: genre fantasy online

 An online fairly freeform play-by-post fantasy-genre game.  You
     select from one of 50 or so character types.  
     
     ~2 pages posting rules (HTML).

 
     
     World War II RPG (v1.0) by Mikko Kauppinen

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 A minimalist system for playing in WWII.  It uses 3 attributes
     and binary skills, roll under attribute on 1d6.  
     
     ~15 pages rules (text-only).  

 
     
     
     
     Wuthering Heights RPG by Philippe Tromeur

 Keywords: genre rules-lite

 A tongue-in-cheek RPG, based on Charlotte Bronte's "Wuthering
     Heights".  As such, it has Rage and Despair among its stats,
     along with a large table of random problems.  It uses a
     minimalist system translated from French, now revised.
     It is based on another French-language free RPG called "Rene" after 
     Francois Rene de Chateaubriand, leader of the French Romantics.
     
     10 pages rules (PDF).  

 
     
     
     
     
     The X RPG by Chris Fleming 

 Keywords: universal long

 A complex generic RPG, using exponential ratings (from Mayfair
     Games' DC Heroes) and offering a choice of several dice-rolling
     methods.  
     
     ~185 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Yags by Samuel Penn

 Keywords: genre fantasy long world open-license

 A generic fantasy system released under the GNU Free Documentation
     License.  It includes adaptations for an original world (Habisfern)
     and for Columbia Games' Hârn setting.  There are no magic
     rules or other expansions yet.  Action resolution is skill + 1d20
     vs difficulty.  Character creation is open point-based.  
     
     ~60 pages rules (HTML).  

 
     
     
     YARPG: Yet Another Role Playing Game
     by Andrea Tosino

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 An Italian-language sci-fi RPG, using a simple rules system.
     Character creation is point-bought attributes with no skills
     per se.  Actions are resolved by rolling d20 + attribute to
     get over 11.
     
     ~24 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     
     YOU: The Role-playing Game of Tomorrow by Mike Petty 

 Keywords: genre modern rules-lite

 Not technically free anymore, but a cheap download.  This is an
     RPG where you play yourself, tomorrow, through some bizarre
     (usu. humorous) events, like eating cereal which makes you a
     superhero.  Uses an ultra-simple d10 system rolling against one
     of three attributes (Body, Mind, or Soul).  
     
     Formerly ~9 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Ysgarth by David Nalle

 Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite long

 A fantasy RPG, currently in its sixth edition.  
     
     ~22 pages basic rules (HTML) plus ~50 pages in various
     background files (text-only). 

 
     
     
     Zaibatsu by Paul Elliot

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long

 "Roleplaying the Corporate Wars of the Future".  A cyberpunk RPG
     set in Japan, where the PC's are agents for warring
     corporations.  It uses a very simple system with binary skills.
     If you have a skill, you roll 7 or less on 2d6 to succeed.  If
     you don't have a skill you must roll 5 or less.  There are
     additional rules for combat.  Character creation is by choosing a
     template plus 5 other skills.  
     
     ~100 pages rules and background (HTML).

 
     
     
     Zaon by Justin Winters

 Keywords: genre scifi long 

 A spacefaring sci-fi RPG currently available for open playtest.
     Action resolution uses stat + skill + 1d12 vs difficulty, 
     plus 1d8 vs penalties (such as wounds) for an additional chance
     of failure.  Character creation is limited point-based, using
     20 species templates and 32 background "kits".  
     
     235 pages core rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     
     Zen and the Art of Mayhem by Dave Zyn

 Keywords: universal long

 A universal system focussing on Japanese anime.  Action
     resolution is attribute + skill + 1d10 vs difficulty.  Character
     creation is open point-based with optional random-roll attributes.
     It has a sample sci-fi setting, Pangea.  
     
     124 pages core rules and background (PDF).

 
     
     
     
     
     Zenobia RPG by Paul Elliot

 Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long

 A mythic/historical RPG set in the late Roman Empire.  It uses a
     rules-lite system intended for fast play and the relatively
     primitive setting.  Action resolution uses attribute + 2d6 vs
     difficulty.  Character creation has random-roll stats and binary
     skills.  There is a wealth of background information usable with
     any system, and even a sample adventure.  
     
     ~150 pages HTML.  

 
     
     
     Zero Gravity by Kevin Pifer

 Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite

 A space-opera genre RPG, using a simple dice-pool system: roll
     d6's equal to attribute+skill, remove the lowest, and add them vs
     difficulty.  
     
     ~8 pages (MSWord format).

 
     
     
     ZIGZAG by Jow Lindsay

 Keywords: universal rules-lite

 A combination RPG and drinking game, where actions are resolved by
     how much alcohol is consumed rather than by dice or cards.
     
     ~10 pages HTML.

 
     
     
     Zombies!!! Mini-RPG by Matt Romaro

 Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite

 A mini-RPG conversion of the "Zombies!!!" boardgame from
     Twilight Creations, about zombie attack horror.  It uses
     map tiles and zombie miniatures from the boardgame, but
     none of the other rules or components.  Character creation
     is random-roll attributes-only (Health, Muscles, Brains, and Aim).
     Action resolution is attribute + 1d10 + modifiers, and a 9 or
     higher is a success.  
     
     14 pages rules (PDF) plus 8 page example campaign (PDF).  

 
     
     
     Zombie: The Coil by Daniel Solis

 Keywords: genre modern horror supplement long

 An adaptation of White Wolf's Storyteller system for zombies.
     Currently in alpha release.  
     
     66 pages MSWord format.  






John H. Kim <jhkim@darkshire.net>


Last modified: Mon Oct 18 17:37:30 2004