13th Age

It uses the same d20 core, but it reduces bookkeeping and prioritizes storytelling. Skills are replaced with broad backgrounds, allowing you to roll based on what suits your character instead of a lengthy list. Classes offer clear, engaging options that are easy to read at the table. Combat escalates each round, making battles conclude more quickly and feel more decisive. The setting incorporates relationships with powerful figures that propel plots from session to session. Interested in exploring alternatives? You can compare systems here: see other game systems.

No. If you can roll a d20 and add a number, you’re good to go. A professional Game Master can teach you the basics in just a few minutes and provide quick character creation or pre-made characters. The game uses straightforward language for powers and checks. On your turn, you will move, take an action, and describe what that looks like. The emphasis is on bold choices rather than rules trivia. New players become comfortable quickly, while experienced players can jump right into creative tactics.

Icons are the key players in the setting, such as a dragon queen, an archmage, or a crusader. Your character begins with a few relationships with these figures, which can be positive, conflicted, or negative. At the start of a session, you roll for those ties. The results provide the Game Master with inspiration for allies, favours, rivalries, and complications. This means your connections actively influence scenes, clues, and twists. Politics and power dynamics become integral to the story without requiring extensive lore to remember.

At the beginning of round two, a large d6 is introduced, displaying 1. With each new round, it increases by 1, up to a maximum of 6. Heroes add this number to their attack rolls, and many abilities depend on it. Enemies rarely gain any advantage. The bonus encourages daring decisions, helps conclude battles before they become tedious, and creates memorable moments for heroes in the later rounds. Your turn remains centred on a few clear options, ensuring that even extensive battles remain engaging and easy to track.

Your One Unique Thing is a statement that distinguishes your character, such as being the only dwarf who hears the earth sing. It does not provide power; rather, it offers a narrative hook for the Game Master to utilise. Backgrounds replace a fixed skill list. You outline a few broad past experiences, allocate points, and roll those when they are relevant to the task. This approach keeps the rules simple, encourages creativity, and ensures your character’s history is significant during challenges and investigations.

Yes. With two players, the Game Master adjusts encounters and can include an ally, ensuring you get time in the spotlight without dragging things out. Three to five players is ideal for quick turns and diverse tactics. Six players can work if there's a focus on pacing and simplified monster choices. The system’s clear math and defined class roles help keep everyone involved. Your Game Master will balance scenes so that each player has meaningful moments in both roleplay and combat.

Sessions use 13th Age 1st Edition. Your Game Master runs the core rules and, if your group wishes, may include options or creatures from official expansions by agreement. For one-shots, expect pregenerated characters or simplified creation. For campaigns, you can add material as you progress, with clear guidance on tone and complexity. To see who is available and their approach, browse our Game Masters.