RPGs by Genre - Revision history

Wordman at 21:56, 24 April 2026

2026-04-24T21:56:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 24 April 2026
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	=== Cyberpunk ===		=== Cyberpunk ===

	* '''[https://anvil-8-games.com/aetherium-roleplaying-game/]''' — a d10 pool system, set in a cyberpunk world that puts heavy emphasis on virtual reality.		* '''[https://anvil-8-games.com/aetherium-roleplaying-game/ Ætherium]''' — a d10 pool system, set in a cyberpunk world that puts heavy emphasis on virtual reality.
	* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/304415/ALTERED-STATE Altered State]''' — a cyberpunk supplement for the ''Index Card RPG'' which brings cyberpunk to that system.		* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/304415/ALTERED-STATE Altered State]''' — a cyberpunk supplement for the ''Index Card RPG'' which brings cyberpunk to that system.
	* '''[http://dicemachine.com/#section-hero Black Code]''' — a transhuman cyberpunk game “set in a future where humanity and technology are intermingled so closely we don’t know where we are going next”, using a toolkit approach.		* '''[http://dicemachine.com/#section-hero Black Code]''' — a transhuman cyberpunk game “set in a future where humanity and technology are intermingled so closely we don’t know where we are going next”, using a toolkit approach.

Wordman at 21:55, 24 April 2026

2026-04-24T21:55:31Z

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Wordman at 13:18, 21 April 2026

2026-04-21T13:18:44Z

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Wordman at 13:04, 21 April 2026

2026-04-21T13:04:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 21 April 2026
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	</div>		</div>

			<div class="nolinkicons">
	== A Short List ==		== A Short List ==

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	* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/153484/Cornerstone-RPG--Basic Cornerstone RPG]'''¤ — a dialog-heavy, simple d6-based system, intended to run zero-prep one-shots.		* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/153484/Cornerstone-RPG--Basic Cornerstone RPG]'''¤ — a dialog-heavy, simple d6-based system, intended to run zero-prep one-shots.
	* '''[https://www.gildorgames.com/gildor-games/ Elemental]''' — aims to be “a fast and flexible roleplaying game for any character, any setting, any story”. It is a skill-based system with free one-page rules, but deeper support materials.		* '''[https://www.gildorgames.com/gildor-games/ Elemental]''' — aims to be “a fast and flexible roleplaying game for any character, any setting, any story”. It is a skill-based system with free one-page rules, but deeper support materials.
	* '''[https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf Fast FU]''' — a two-page minimalist version of Freeform Universal ~~within the [https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf 2nd edition PDF].~~		* '''[https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf Fast FU]''' — a two-page minimalist version of Freeform Universal
	* '''[http://www.fudgelite.com Fudge Lite]''' — a rules-light generic RPG that uses natural language to describe character traits (fair, good, great, etc.) The game is designed to let the mechanics fade into the background and allow the players to focus on playing the game.		* '''[http://www.fudgelite.com Fudge Lite]''' — a rules-light generic RPG that uses natural language to describe character traits (fair, good, great, etc.) The game is designed to let the mechanics fade into the background and allow the players to focus on playing the game.
	* '''[https://heroictalesrpg.com/ Heroic Tales]''' — a “genre-neutral, rules-light role playing game of heroic problem solving.”		* '''[https://heroictalesrpg.com/ Heroic Tales]''' — a “genre-neutral, rules-light role playing game of heroic problem solving.”
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	* '''[https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/-zMNd4JOoJvv Paper-Free RPG]''' — a one-page RPG for situations in which character sheets are not very feasible, such as during nature hikes or night-time car-rides.		* '''[https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/-zMNd4JOoJvv Paper-Free RPG]''' — a one-page RPG for situations in which character sheets are not very feasible, such as during nature hikes or night-time car-rides.
	* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/28315/QAGS-Second-Edition QAGS]''' — “Quick-Ass Game System”. Minimalist RPG first published in 2001, notable (notorious?, infamous?) for its explicit use of edible tokens as a dice modifier currency called “Yum-Yums”.		* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/28315/QAGS-Second-Edition QAGS]''' — “Quick-Ass Game System”. Minimalist RPG first published in 2001, notable (notorious?, infamous?) for its explicit use of edible tokens as a dice modifier currency called “Yum-Yums”.
	* '''[https://www.risusrpg.com/rules Risus: The Anything RPG]''' — a free four-page game with a [http://www.risusiverse.com large following], supporting a variety of play styles.		* '''[https://www.risusrpg.com/rules Risus: The Anything RPG]'''¤ — a free four-page game with a [http://www.risusiverse.com large following], supporting a variety of play styles.
	* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/296464/SHARP-Simple-Handy-Adaptable-RolePlaying SHARP]''' — a lightweight descriptive system, ''Simple Handy Adaptable Role-Playing'' claims to be a “love child” of ''WaRP'', ''FitD'', and ''Gumshoe''. ([https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-the-open-game-license OGL])		* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/296464/SHARP-Simple-Handy-Adaptable-RolePlaying SHARP]''' — a lightweight descriptive system, ''Simple Handy Adaptable Role-Playing'' claims to be a “love child” of ''WaRP'', ''FitD'', and ''Gumshoe''. ([https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-the-open-game-license OGL])
	* '''[https://pjfelix.itch.io/septible Septible (aka Alpha-7)]'''¤ — a lean, flexible system playable with pools of any type of 50/50 randomizer (dice, coins, etc.). ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])		* '''[https://pjfelix.itch.io/septible Septible (aka Alpha-7)]'''¤ — a lean, flexible system playable with pools of any type of 50/50 randomizer (dice, coins, etc.). ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])
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	* '''[http://www.lamemage.com/microscope/ Microscope]''' — a fractal game to build a world with rich, problematic turning points		* '''[http://www.lamemage.com/microscope/ Microscope]''' — a fractal game to build a world with rich, problematic turning points
	* '''[https://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year The Quiet Year]''' — define the struggles of a community living after the collapse of civilization		* '''[https://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year The Quiet Year]''' — define the struggles of a community living after the collapse of civilization

			</div>

Wordman at 05:06, 20 April 2026

2026-04-20T05:06:56Z

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 * '''[https://rowanrookanddecard.com/spire-rpg/ The Spire]''' — doesn’t bill itself as a cyberpunk game, but has a definite cyberpunk vibe, as your drow revolutionaries resist the high elf establishment that runs a mile tall tower-city.
 * '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/232943/Toonpunk Toonpunk]''' — “cartoons have come to life in the dystopian 24th century”.
 * '''[http://www.ravendeskgames.com/vurt-the-tabletop-roleplaying-game Vurt]''' — takes place in a cyberpunk setting that adds travel into parallel worlds. ([http://cypher-system.com Cypher])
@@ Line 923: / Line 924: @@
 * '''[https://evilhat.com/product/thirsty-sword-lesbians/ Thirsty Sword Lesbians]''' — flirting, sword-fighting, and zingers in a system designed for both narrative drama and player safety ([http://apocalypse-world.com/pbta/policy PbtA])
 * '''[https://ludicreations.com/product/and-then-we-held-hands/ …and then we held hands]''' — a non-verbal cooperative game for two players about finding balance.
 === Pirates ===
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 * '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/352002/a-second-moment A Second Moment]''' — an intense duel
 * '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/82246/world-vs-hero World vs. Hero]''' — card-based storytelling for two
 === World Building ===
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 * '''[https://aeross.itch.io/arcanadrome Arcanadrome]''' — use tarot cards to generate a backstory and develop a world
 * '''[https://goldenlassogames.itch.io/decuma Decuma]''' — tarot-inspired “R&D for your RPG” to guide collaborative world-building
 * '''[https://www.lamemage.com/kingdom/ Kingdom]''' — create any kind of group or organization you want to explore, confronting critical decisions that force the community to change
-* '''[http://www.lamemage.com/microscope/ Microscope] — a fractal game to build a world with rich, problematic turning points
+* '''[http://www.lamemage.com/microscope/ Microscope]''' — a fractal game to build a world with rich, problematic turning points

Wordman at 03:44, 20 April 2026

2026-04-20T03:44:18Z

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Wordman at 04:54, 15 April 2026

2026-04-15T04:54:29Z

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Wordman at 03:54, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T03:54:24Z

Wordman at 03:44, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T03:44:52Z

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Wordman at 03:51, 12 April 2026

2026-04-12T03:51:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:54, 14 April 2026
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	Magic exists in urban fantasy games, but it is often hidden or secret, allowing more of the ”real world” to remain familiar. PCs are almost always in on the secret.		Magic exists in urban fantasy games, but it is often hidden or secret, allowing more of the ”real world” to remain familiar. PCs are almost always in on the secret.

	* The many editions of the different '''[https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/world-of-darkness/products/tabletop-roleplaying World of Darkness]''' games cast a long shadow in urban fantasy roleplaying. These games are somewhat infamous for promising game play (intrique and politics) ~~they~~ they never delivered (here's 200 pages of combat rules).		* The many editions of the different '''[https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/world-of-darkness/products/tabletop-roleplaying World of Darkness]''' games cast a long shadow in urban fantasy roleplaying. These games are somewhat infamous for promising game play (intrique and politics) they never delivered (here's 200 pages of combat rules).
	* '''[https://www.savourcn.com/dark-places-demogorgons Dark Places & Demogorgons]''' — 1980s teenagers from a small town where strange occurrences began popping up all around.		* '''[https://www.savourcn.com/dark-places-demogorgons Dark Places & Demogorgons]''' — 1980s teenagers from a small town where strange occurrences began popping up all around.
	* '''[https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/the-rpg Dresden Files]''' — based on Jim Butcher’s series of novels ([https://faterpg.com FATE])		* '''[https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/the-rpg Dresden Files]''' — based on Jim Butcher’s series of novels ([https://faterpg.com FATE])
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	* One of the first espionage RPGs, '''Top Secret''' has been through many editions:		* One of the first espionage RPGs, '''Top Secret''' has been through many editions:
	** The ''First Edition'' was revised and updated within a year, and hard to find		** The ''First Edition'' was revised and updated within a year, and hard to find
	** The revised ''Second Edition'' is mired in legal rights issues, and neither the box set or missions are legally available digitally		** The revised ''Second Edition'' is mired in legal rights issues, and neither the box set nor missions are legally available digitally
	** Ditto for the thrid edition, “Top Secret/SI”, which changed the system significantly, and leaned into more cinematic espionage		** Ditto for the thrid edition, “Top Secret/SI”, which changed the system significantly, and leaned into more cinematic espionage
	** [https://topsecretrpg.com New World Order] is a crowd-sourced reboot		** [https://topsecretrpg.com New World Order] is a crowd-sourced reboot
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	=== Mystery/Investigation ===		=== Mystery/Investigation ===

	Games with investigation a the primary activity.		Games with investigation as the primary activity.

	* '''[https://www.gauntlet-rpg.com/brindlewood-bay.html Brindlewood Bay]''' — play a group of elderly women who help the authorities solve murder cases in a picturesque New England town ([https://rpggeek.com/rpgsystem/106921/carved-from-brindlewood CfB)		* '''[https://www.gauntlet-rpg.com/brindlewood-bay.html Brindlewood Bay]''' — play a group of elderly women who help the authorities solve murder cases in a picturesque New England town ([https://rpggeek.com/rpgsystem/106921/carved-from-brindlewood CfB])
	* '''[https://pelgranepress.com/2017/06/01/cthulhu-dark/ Cthulhu Dark]''' — short, focussed, Lovecraftian, investigative horror ([https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/category/products/gumshoe-general/ Gumshoe])		* '''[https://pelgranepress.com/2017/06/01/cthulhu-dark/ Cthulhu Dark]''' — short, focussed, Lovecraftian, investigative horror ([https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/category/products/gumshoe-general/ Gumshoe])
	* '''[https://pelgranepress.com/product/the-esoterrorists-2nd-edition/ The Esoterrorists]''' — elite investigators combating the plots of a loose affiliation of occult terrorists ([https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/category/products/gumshoe-general/ Gumshoe])		* '''[https://pelgranepress.com/product/the-esoterrorists-2nd-edition/ The Esoterrorists]''' — elite investigators combating the plots of a loose affiliation of occult terrorists ([https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/category/products/gumshoe-general/ Gumshoe])

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:51, 12 April 2026
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	* '''[https://as-if.itch.io/core-micro CORE Micro]'''¤ — a minimalist hybrid (trad/narr) SRD designed by Tod Foley, basis of “DayTrippers” and other games. (CC BY 3.0)		* '''[https://as-if.itch.io/core-micro CORE Micro]'''¤ — a minimalist hybrid (trad/narr) SRD designed by Tod Foley, basis of “DayTrippers” and other games. (CC BY 3.0)
	* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/153484/Cornerstone-RPG--Basic Cornerstone RPG]'''¤ — a dialog-heavy, simple d6-based system, intended to run zero-prep one-shots.		* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/153484/Cornerstone-RPG--Basic Cornerstone RPG]'''¤ — a dialog-heavy, simple d6-based system, intended to run zero-prep one-shots.
	* '''[https://www.gildorgames.com/gildor-games/ Elemental]''' aims to be “a fast and flexible roleplaying game for any character, any setting, any story”. It is a skill-based system with free one-page rules, but deeper support materials.		* '''[https://www.gildorgames.com/gildor-games/ Elemental]''' — aims to be “a fast and flexible roleplaying game for any character, any setting, any story”. It is a skill-based system with free one-page rules, but deeper support materials.
	* '''[https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf Fast FU]''' is a two-page minimalist version of Freeform Universal within the [https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf 2nd edition PDF].		* '''[https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf Fast FU]''' — a two-page minimalist version of Freeform Universal within the [https://www.perilplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FU2-Beta-V1.1-Oct-2020.pdf 2nd edition PDF].
	* '''[http://www.fudgelite.com Fudge Lite]''' is a rules-light generic RPG that uses natural language to describe character traits (fair, good, great, etc.) The game is designed to let the mechanics fade into the background and allow the players to focus on playing the game.		* '''[http://www.fudgelite.com Fudge Lite]''' — a rules-light generic RPG that uses natural language to describe character traits (fair, good, great, etc.) The game is designed to let the mechanics fade into the background and allow the players to focus on playing the game.
	* '''[https://heroictalesrpg.com/ Heroic Tales]''' is a “genre-neutral, rules-light role playing game of heroic problem solving.”		* '''[https://heroictalesrpg.com/ Heroic Tales]''' — a “genre-neutral, rules-light role playing game of heroic problem solving.”
	* '''[https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/-zMNd4JOoJvv Paper-Free RPG]''' is a one-page RPG for situations in which character sheets are not very feasible, such as during nature hikes or night-time car-rides. ~~([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])~~		* '''[https://squidhead-games.itch.io/mag MAG]''' — uses step die for the attributes and everything is an opposed roll ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])
			* '''[https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/-zMNd4JOoJvv Paper-Free RPG]''' — a one-page RPG for situations in which character sheets are not very feasible, such as during nature hikes or night-time car-rides.
	* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/28315/QAGS-Second-Edition QAGS]''' — “Quick-Ass Game System”. Minimalist RPG first published in 2001, notable (notorious?, infamous?) for its explicit use of edible tokens as a dice modifier currency called “Yum-Yums”.		* '''[https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/28315/QAGS-Second-Edition QAGS]''' — “Quick-Ass Game System”. Minimalist RPG first published in 2001, notable (notorious?, infamous?) for its explicit use of edible tokens as a dice modifier currency called “Yum-Yums”.
	* '''[https://www.risusrpg.com/rules Risus: The Anything RPG]''' — a free four-page game with a [http://www.risusiverse.com large following], supporting a variety of play styles.		* '''[https://www.risusrpg.com/rules Risus: The Anything RPG]''' — a free four-page game with a [http://www.risusiverse.com large following], supporting a variety of play styles.
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	* '''[https://jasontocci.itch.io/24xx 24XX]'''¤ — the system from ''2400'' prioritizes “description and narrative positioning over detailed rules processes”. ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])		* '''[https://jasontocci.itch.io/24xx 24XX]'''¤ — the system from ''2400'' prioritizes “description and narrative positioning over detailed rules processes”. ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])
	* '''[https://the-black-hack.jehaisleprintemps.net The Black Hack]''' — an OSR fantasy game that spawned a [https://www.dieheart.net/the-black-hack-resources/#tbh-standalone-games vast number] of games in other genres. ([https://the-black-hack.jehaisleprintemps.net OGL])		* '''[https://the-black-hack.jehaisleprintemps.net The Black Hack]''' — an OSR fantasy game that spawned a [https://www.dieheart.net/the-black-hack-resources/#tbh-standalone-games vast number] of games in other genres. ([https://the-black-hack.jehaisleprintemps.net OGL])
			* '''[https://farirpgs.itch.io/charge-rpg Charge]'''¤ — a free, open and generic role-playing game ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])
	* '''[https://d6xd6.com D6xD6]''' — an open system using two d6 multiplied together and characters that can be written on a business card. Provides the framework for many games and settings. ([https://d6xd6.com/faq-licensing-etc/d6xd6-rpg-licensing/ D6xD6 OSL])		* '''[https://d6xd6.com D6xD6]''' — an open system using two d6 multiplied together and characters that can be written on a business card. Provides the framework for many games and settings. ([https://d6xd6.com/faq-licensing-etc/d6xd6-rpg-licensing/ D6xD6 OSL])
			* '''[https://zeruhur.itch.io/diper DIPER]''' — a tabletop roleplaying game framework that puts players in control of dynamic and engaging stories ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])
	* '''[https://bladesinthedark.com Forged in the Dark]'''¤ — [https://bladesinthedark.com/basics SRD] based on the award winning [https://bladesinthedark.com/ Blades in the Dark RPG], a game focusing on daring heists and building a criminal organization. Generally specializes in episodic, story-driven play with a set gameplay cycle. ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ CC BY 3.0])		* '''[https://bladesinthedark.com Forged in the Dark]'''¤ — [https://bladesinthedark.com/basics SRD] based on the award winning [https://bladesinthedark.com/ Blades in the Dark RPG], a game focusing on daring heists and building a criminal organization. Generally specializes in episodic, story-driven play with a set gameplay cycle. ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ CC BY 3.0])
	* '''[http://freeformuniversal.com FU: the Freeform Universal RPG]'''¤ — a lightweight system supporting degrees of success that “lends itself to a ‘seat of your pants’ style, where little preparation is needed.” ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])		* '''[http://freeformuniversal.com FU: the Freeform Universal RPG]'''¤ — a lightweight system supporting degrees of success that “lends itself to a ‘seat of your pants’ style, where little preparation is needed.” ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])
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	* '''[https://dorkland.blogspot.com/p/the-4c-rules.html 4C]'''¤ — explicitly a toolkit “foundation for you to build upon”, using a lightweight percentile/chart lookup system, heavily influenced by FASERIP. The title is an abbreviation of “four color”, owing to the game’s superhero roots. (text is public domain)		* '''[https://dorkland.blogspot.com/p/the-4c-rules.html 4C]'''¤ — explicitly a toolkit “foundation for you to build upon”, using a lightweight percentile/chart lookup system, heavily influenced by FASERIP. The title is an abbreviation of “four color”, owing to the game’s superhero roots. (text is public domain)
	* '''[https://www.pigames.net/store/default.php?cPath=21 Active Exploits]'''¤ — diceless generic rpg system from Precis Intermedia first published in 2002.		* '''[https://www.pigames.net/store/default.php?cPath=21 Active Exploits]'''¤ — diceless generic rpg system from Precis Intermedia first published in 2002
			* '''[https://farirpgs.itch.io/breathless-srd Breathless]''' — helps you design a game where every mechanic ever-increasingly rises the tension until the characters are forced to suffer dangerous consequences ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CC BY 4.0])
	* '''[https://welshpiper.com/packages/chimera-rpg-core-rules/ Chimera RPG]''' — a 64-page “framework for gaming in any conceivable genre” using d12 non-binary checks and opposed polyhedral rolls, that is “easy to learn and optimized for fast play”. ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])		* '''[https://welshpiper.com/packages/chimera-rpg-core-rules/ Chimera RPG]''' — a 64-page “framework for gaming in any conceivable genre” using d12 non-binary checks and opposed polyhedral rolls, that is “easy to learn and optimized for fast play”. ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])
	* '''[https://www.cortexrpg.com/ Cortex Prime]''' — a mid-complexity, “multi-genre, modular, session-centered” toolkit, with explicit knobs for tuning the system for a desired campaign. Evolved from earlier iterations of ''Cortex'' that powered many games from Margaret Weis Productions.		* '''[https://www.cortexrpg.com/ Cortex Prime]''' — a mid-complexity, “multi-genre, modular, session-centered” toolkit, with explicit knobs for tuning the system for a desired campaign. Evolved from earlier iterations of ''Cortex'' that powered many games from Margaret Weis Productions.