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Basics

This section is intended to introduce players to the format of the Forge System, a system built to encourage character concept and design while being accessible to every style of play and player. This section covers everything from an introduction to tabletop games to how to build a character to navigating the system.

It should be noted that this system is a constant work in-progress, making this website a living document subject to change. Given this, there is no guarantee that a rule will remain the same. Though, with the long term process of playtesting, rule changes and updates will be slow and infrequent. To see the changes, check the Updates Log under the Home page.

Further, since much of the content of this system is from other, more established systems, this is a homebrew system which makes no claim on the aforementioned content. It does make a claim to the new structure of character creation presented here; specifically the methods implemented around the Heritage and Traits chapters.

For new players or those looking for a refresher in tabletop games, it is recommended to read the Tabletop Role Playing Games presented after this introduction.

When starting to play tabletop games you can approach character creation however you choose. Two mainstream ways, though, provide reliable starting points: Character Concept or Stat Building. Character concept considers personality, goals, strengths, weaknesses, experiences, ideals, and anything else that is an integral part of the identity you are creating. Stat building approaches the process from a numbers and abilities first stance by creating the playable character sheet before considering the story. Both of these are excellent methods and most players use some combination of the two. The Forge System is intended as a way to blend and accommodate any style players may prefer.

Tabletop Role Playing Games

Welcome to tabletop games! Have you ever wanted to be the hero in a battle against demons, try your hand at stealing from a dragon, or explore a fantasy world? You have come to the right game category for such fun. Tabletop role playing games allow you to create and play a character through a game where the imagination is the limit. So gather a group of friends and let’s get started!

Tabletop role playing games blend narrative storytelling with a set of rules about chance that guide success and failure. To begin with, you will want a group of others also interested in playing. While in theory, it is possible to play with as few as two or more than eight, it is highly recommended to have between four to seven people. If you are playing virtually, more than five other slows the game down.

One player will be the Game Master, often referred to as the GM. This role is to build challenges for the other players to overcome and to moderate the rules. The most important role is to follow the first rule of the game: fun. Everyone comes to the game table for different reasons but, ultimately, they stay because they are having fun.

The other players in the game are called just that, players. They create characters, often the heroes of the story, to explore the plot and world the GM presents them with. How to create a character is what the rest of this section is about.

Quick Understanding

“A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game; abbreviated RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making regarding character development. Actions taken within many games succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.

There are several forms of role-playing games. The original form, sometimes called the tabletop role-playing game (TRPG), is conducted through discussion, whereas in live action role-playing (LARP) players physically perform their characters’ actions. In both of these forms, an arranger called a game master (GM) usually decides on the rules and setting to be used, while acting as the referee; each of the other players takes on the role of a single character.”

The above is sourced from Wikipedia

Character Concepts

Creating the character concept for tabletop role playing is similar to writing a character for a book, movie, or tv show. One can always approach the process from some of the clichés, such as the seductive entertainer, the macho warrior, the anti-social hunter, or the kleptomaniac thief. Other ideas include trying to completely break these stereotypes. Some consider character personalities, while others think about strength and weaknesses, or of course the character backstory. And other players build the character around one or two key abilities.

Character concepts, their inspiration, and the process of building the character are entirely personal activities. Below is provided a list of resources for this process. These are to be used as seen fit.

While the above is a list of resources, you can go about using them as much or little as you need too. And if all else fails, try searching around you for inspiration from your life, friends, and other players in your game.