Asmythe RPG

Asmythe RPG is a system I developed to support the kind of TTRPG that I want to run for my son and his teenage friends. It is rules-lite so the GM can focus on story, but complex enough to enable players to create unique characters.

Asmythe RPG adapts ideas from D&D, Savage Worlds, Cypher, Fate, and many other systems. Most of these systems seem to be evolving in the same direction, but many can't escape their wargame roots. This is my attempt at perfection, used occasionally with mustard.

Characters

Character creation is designed to support archetypes, which are idealized character styles popularized by books and movies. For example, a druid with animal companions, a paladin fighting for great good, a swashbuckling scoundrel, a mysterious wizard, a smash-everything barbarian, and many many more.

All player characters in Asmythe are human and assumed to be from a large and moderately wealthy household. They have too many siblings, or they are an illegitimate child, and have no hope of inheriting wealth or position. They are given a very small grant from their family and sent away. Some people in this position join an organization such as the Soldiers of Asmythe and become adventurers.

Delvers, Sylvani, Goblins, and other sentient races exist but their cultures are very different from humans and they don't mix well. Such people would never join with a human adventurer.

Recommended Character Creation Process

1. First get a piece of scratch paper and use this to make notes during this process. 1. Decide on a character concept and archetype. Create your Core Concept. 1. Allocate 15 points to attributes, rated 1-5. 1. Allocate 15 points to skills, rated 1-5.

What is your character background; how do they function in society? What attachments or obligations do you have to family, guild, or lord? What ideals does your character have that helps them decide right from wrong? Character flaws are quirks and shortcoming that give your character depth and personality. Review the list of skills and choose a 4-8 that are important to your character concept. Looking at the linked attribute for these skills, which attributes look like they are the most important? Allocate attribute points according to your character concept and skills from above. You Choose skills and allocate points. You should have 5-10 skills with at least a d6 in your most important skills. Note that skills may not be higher than the linked attribute. Make your character interesting by selecting 4 points in hinderances. Use these points to gain edges and/or improve attributes. If your character uses magic you must gain the appropriate supernatural background edge, see #Supernatural Backgrounds below. All characters begin with basic adventuring gear (see below). If you want any additional gear now is the time to talk to your GM about it. Copy everything to your character sheet.

Core Concept

First, decide what kind of character you want to play. Then refine that into a Core Concept: an "{adjective} {archetype} who {motivation}". This core concept will help you decide which attributes, skills, quirks, and powers to choose.

• Adjective is a short description of the character: handsome, mysterious, brawny, fearful, etc.
• Archetype describes your class, profession, or history: pirate, warrior, priest, sorcerer, engineer, etc.
• Finally motivation is an activity or belief that makes the character unique: hunts monsters, brings justice, explores mysteries, seeks danger, etc.

Examples:

• Beautiful druid who talks with animals
• Gruff paladin who fights for great good
• Swashbuckling scoundrel always looking for a score
• Mysterious wizard searching for lost history
• Brutal barbarian who smashes everything they don't understand

Attributes

There are five attributes, four representing power and speed of the characters physical and metal self, and one attribute representing their ability to withstand stress and hardship.

Attributes are rated 1-5, "human average" is 2-3. Heroic characters allocate 15 points among attributes.

Strength

Strength is physical power. It is might, vitality, brawn, and gross motor skills.

Agility

Agility is physical speed. It represents dexterity, nimbleness, and fine motor skills.

Intellect

Intellect is mental power. It is wisdom, intelligence, reasoning, and logic. It is the ability to think through a problem or puzzle.

Wit

Wit is mental speed. It is intuition, charisma, and the ability to react quickly to new situations.

Tenacity

Tenacity is health, resistance, and fortitude. It is the ability to keep working when affected by stress and pain.