Rogueland: A Fantasy TTRPG Adventure Awaits!
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable tabletop roleplaying adventure? Look no further than Rogueland, a captivating fantasy TTRPG that will immerse you in a world of magic, monsters, and exploration. In this review, we'll delve into the game's mechanics, character generation, magic system, and more. So gather your dice and prepare for an epic journey!
Rogueland's Unique Character Generation:
Rogueland presents a refreshing take on character generation by embracing chance over choice. Drawing inspiration from Knave, the game employs a classless approach where characters are defined by what they wear, making for a truly unique and unpredictable experience.
Players have two methods to generate their characters:
Unique Build:
In the Unique Build, players roll for everything, from armor and weapons to appearance, vices, and backgrounds. This method allows for intriguing character concepts to emerge through the randomness of the dice. If you have the time and love surprises, this mode is for you!
When using the Unique Build, players roll 3d6 to determine their ability modifiers:
| 3d6 Total | 3-6 | 7-11 | 12-14 | 15-17 | 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modifier | +0 | +1 | +2 | +3 | +4 |
Players then assign these modifiers to abilities such as Strength (STR), Dexterity (DEX), Constitution (CON), Intelligence (INT), Wisdom (WIS), and Charisma (CHA), a system familiar to both veterans of Old School D&D and 5E.
Pre-pack Build:
For those seeking a quicker character creation process, the Pre-pack Build offers a streamlined approach. By rolling a single d6, players receive a character title with associated stats, gear, and weapons. This option is perfect for running convention sessions or when time is limited.
A Pre-pack character might look like this:
Brute
- Stats: +3 STR | +1 DEX | +2 CON | +1 INT | +1 WIS | 0 CHA
- HP 10 | AC +2 | Inv 10 Includes armor, gear, and weapons.
The Dice Mechanic:
Rogueland uses the familiar d20 mechanic. Players roll a d20 and add the appropriate modifier to determine whether their actions succeed or fail. Additionally, initiative in combat is determined by rolling a 1d6.
| Roll | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Foe goes first |
| 4-6 | Player goes first |
The Game Master also rolls for morale at the end of each round if a player's character falls to 0 HP or less. Furthermore, a fallen player must make a death saving throw using a d4 for sustained trauma, aiming to surpass a Difficulty Rating of 15. In my experience, a house-ruled version with a d6 creates a sense of urgency, indicating how many rounds remain before the character succumbs to their wounds.
Unleashing Magic in Rogueland:
Magic in Rogueland is both accessible and versatile. Any playable character can cast spells using scrolls and attuned items. Players can equip their characters with wands, spell books, and rune stones, provided they diligently keep track of their inventory.
Exploration and Hex-Based Adventure:
Rogueland excels at providing an exciting exploration experience. The game features hex-based adventures, allowing characters to traverse diverse landscapes and uncover hidden treasures, mysterious locations, and encounters with various creatures. Players can chart their path on a map, making each exploration a unique and immersive journey.
Monster Conversion Made Easy:
One standout feature of Rogueland is its monster conversion system. Game Masters can easily adapt creatures from other TTRPG systems to fit seamlessly into the world of Rogueland. This flexibility not only saves time for GMs but also opens up a vast array of monsters and adversaries for players to encounter.
Final Thoughts and Where to Obtain Rogueland:
Rogueland offers a thrilling adventure with its light rules, player-facing rolls, and classless system. Whether you're seeking a one-shot adventure or a full-fledged campaign, this game has something unique to offer.
If you're eager to embark on your journey through Rogueland, you can find the game at the following links:
DriveThruRPG | Itch.io | Exalted Funeral | Cavern of Heresy
Thank you for joining me on this adventure through Rogueland. Whether you're a seasoned TTRPG player or a curious newcomer, I hope this review has piqued your interest in exploring this captivating world. Until next time, happy gaming!