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