Free RPG List: long

new • universal • rules-lite • long • live-action • online • supplement • preview • wotc-d20 • world • genre • open-license • horror • modern • scifi • fantasy • traditional • postapocalyptic • superhero • Index

The Action! System by Mark Arsenault, Patrick Sweeney, and Ross Winn: Keywords: universal long preview open-license; A universal system, whose version 1.1 is released under the WotC Open Gaming License. There is an extended commercial version (released in print or for download) with 10 extra pages and added artwork. The rules are similar to the Fuzion system. Action resolution is by stat + skill + 3d6 vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based. 92 pages free rules (PDF or RTF), plus ~60 pages supplements and variants (RTF format).
Active Exploits Diceless Roleplaying by Brett Bernstein (Politically Incorrect Games): Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview; A universal diceless system. Action resolution is based on spending Luck, Discipline, and Revelation points. Skill lower difficulty, while attributes add to the total. Character creation is limited point-based. There are four free setting books, 20-30 pages each: a modern-day monster-hunter setting ("The Shaded Veil"), a dystopian sci-fi setting ("Overworld"), a modern conspiracy/horror setting ("Harlequinade"), and a medieval Europe setting ("The Kingdom of Norweign"). In addition, there are three commercial settings: HeartQuest, CORPS, and Dreamwalker. 36 pages core rules (PDF) plus 90 pages free settings (PDF).
Ad Astra: The New Age by Paul DuBois: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic fantasy scifi rules-lite long; A post-apocalypse science fantasy setting, with various alien races mixed with tribal humanity. An expanded version with GM-only information is available in print (not free). Character creation is point-based. ~60 pages basic rules and background (HTML).
The Adventurer's Guild by Chris Salzer: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A medieval fantasy RPG, using a percentile skill-based system (tersely described). ~40 pages HTML rules
Aera Preview by Christian Fricke, Tobias Mannewitz, Stefan Koch, Sebastian Fricke: Keywords: genre fantasy long preview; A German-language fantasy RPG, the preview version of the commercial game. 100 pages basic rules and background (PDF).
Agyris by Daniel M. Davis: Keywords: genre fantasy long world; An original fantasy setting, created using the Fudge rules but largely systemless background. Agyris is world of many ancient mysteries of long lost empires and Fey powers, inhabited by an original set of seven races (humanity plus six others). ~150 pages (HTML).
Alien RPG by Chris Tavares Dias: Keywords: genre scifi horror long; An extensive supplement for the Fuzion game system, adapting the movie Aliens and its many spin-offs. ~80 pages HTML.
Alternacy by Kizig: Keywords: universal long; A generic RPG using 2d5 skill rolls and broad talents/skills. Uses 16 general talents instead of attributes. Skills are derived from the talents, but values are decided by the referee using a question system (how long has the character trained the skill, how important is the skill to the character, etc...). There is a universal chart for determining special results. 36 pages (MSWord and text).
Alternate Realities by Carter Butts, Karim Nassar, and Brian Rayburn: Keywords: universal long; An "object oriented" roleplaying game, which uses percentiles with some rather advanced math subsumed in a universal table ("DRF"). Character creation uses description, points, or random rolls for attributes and skills. 88 pages (HTML, PDF, MSWord, PostScript).
Alternity Fast-Play Rules by Bill Slavicsek and Richard Baker: Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long; The "Fast-Play" version of the (out-of-print) commercial sci-fi RPG rules. This is available along with many other downloads including adventures and supplements. Players Book 13 pages (PDF). GM's Book 13 pages (PDF). Warships Sourcebook 112 pages (PDF)
Angel/Demon: The Rapture by Christopher Blankley: Keywords: genre modern horror long supplement; A supplement for White Wolf's Storyteller system, about playing immaterial angels who manifest by entering human bodies -- fighting with demons who possess them. ~20 pages HTML rules plus ~10 pages sourcebook.
Anteas: L'archipel des cimes by Denis Pouchain: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A French-language fantasy RPG set in an original world. 100 pages rules and background (PDF).
Appleseed D6 by Mike Lynes: Keywords: genre scifi long; An RPG adaptation of the cyberpunk manga Appleseed by Masamune Shirow, using a variant of West End's "D6 Legen" system. The core mechanics are included with the rules, although it recommends having the rules in addition. ~60 pages rules and background (HTML).
Archeus by Colin Smith: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A medieval fantasy RPG. It uses a simple percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and a package of skills based on occupation. ~40 pages HTML rules (including races, skills, spells, and equipment).
ARG: The Adventure Role Play Gaming System by J.A. Partridge: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A fantasy-genre RPG set in the world of Anghar. It uses a detailed skill-based system, (skill+d20) vs difficulty. Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. Background on Anghar is detailed separately. ~40 pages rules (HTML) plus ~20 pages background (HTML).
Ars Magica, 4th edition by Jonathan Tweet, Mark Rein*Hagen, Jeff Tidball, and John Nephew: Keywords: genre fantasy long preview; This is the complete and up-to-date version of the full commercial RPG, made available for free in PDF form by Atlas Games. It is set in a mythic version of medieval Europe, and the PCs are magicians who gather in secret covenants to learn their Art. It includes a highly in-depth magic system widely regarded as a classic of design. 272 pages rules and background (PDF).
a|state-lite by Malcolm Craig: Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long preview; A dark science fantasy RPG set in a place known only as "The City", the preview version of a print RPG to be published in 2003. It has advanced technology but also is plagued by the remnants of a magical cataclysm known as "The Shift". It uses a percentile skill-based system (roll under stat/skill on 1d100). Character creation is limited point-based (attribute points and skill points), with various origins and occupations offering suggested skills. There are no ads/disads. 62 pages (PDF).
Athala by Tristan Collet: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A free generic fantasy RPG in English and French. It uses a skill-based system, where action resolution uses 1d20 + skill bonus - penalty, and 20 or more succeeds. Character creation is class-based with random-roll attributes and limited point-buy. 31 page character book, plus 14 page rule book, plus 21 page magic book (PDF).
Aurora Quick-Start Guide by Stephen Mulholland: Keywords: genre scifi long preview; A hard science-fiction spacefaring RPG -- the abbreviated version of the published game available on CD-ROM. Action resolution uses the concept of "Failure Dice". You can choose to roll any number of d10's. That number is added to your skill, but any die which is that number or less is a failure which subtracts 2 from your total. Thus, more dice allows better results but is riskier. Character creation is open point-based. 56 pages quick-start guide (PDF), plus several additions including two 28-page alien species guides.
The Awakening Rules Engine v2.1.1 by Dan Regewitz: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A universal RPG. The basic rules are freeware (optional $3 charge), with two commercial background settings for $6 each. It uses a point-based, skill-based character creation, emphasizing freeform discovering things about their characters. It uses a simple system with a general dice pool (starting at 2 dice) to split among all actions, resolving stat+dice vs difficulty. 75 pages rules (RTF).
B-Movie: Scared Stiff by Mike Demetro: Keywords: genre horror rules-lite long; A parody of both horror movies and horror RPGs, this uses simple attributes and "stereotype" classes. As an interesting inverse, character have stats for flaws instead of abilities. Thus, your stats are Weakness, Clumsiness, Ignorance, Cowardice, Paranoia and Belief. (instead of Strength, Dexterity, etc.) ~44 pages HTML.
Ballad Fantasy by Dialog Publishing and James Flowers: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; "Ballad of a Greater Earth" Fantasy RPG, nominally set on a world similar to our own which in the future suffers an apocalyptic collapse to an early Renaissance level. It does not describe the world per se, but covers sorcery, miracles, and various traditional fantasy monsters. Resolution is by rolling a number of d6's based on difficulty: Easy(2d6) to Very Hard (5d6). Character creation is limited point-bought attributes and skills. 58 pages PDF.
Bamf RPG by Brett A. Paul: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A simple percentile system developed partly for Play-by-Email. Roll under skill on percentile dice. Combat has a chart showing varying levels of success. In other skills, your attribute determines number of re-rolls allowed. Includes a system of special abilities (magical/superpower/etc.). 67 pages PDF.
The Battleaxe RPG by Kenneth Douglas Woolsey: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A fantasy RPG designed with kick-in-the-door gamers in mind, in a fantasy setting complete with familiar fantasy races. 154 pages (PDF).
Beyond the Mists by Benjamin W. Holty: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A medieval fantasy system. Character creation uses a mix of limited point-bought and random-roll attributes. Skills are based on a skill cluster (Stealth, Physical Combat, Magic, Religious, Mercantile, or Scientific) with some bonus skill points. ~80 pages HTML in various pages.
Bibliotech: the Future Past by David Bubar: Keywords: genre scifi rules-lite long; A sci-fi RPG based on the Bible, with politics on another planet based on biblical figures. The system uses percentiles skills with six degrees of success/failure.
Bif Bam Pow by Stephen K. Fuelleman / Entropy Games: Keywords: genre modern superhero long; A medium complexity superhero game. Action resolution is roll under attribute on Nd6, or roll under skill on 1d12. Character creation has random-roll attributes (Strength, Will, Intelligence, Constitution, Personality, Dexterity, and Vitality); random-roll powers (rolling once on the Offense, Defense, Transportation, and Special powers); and point-bought skills (15 points). 109 pages PDF.
Brutal v2.0 by David J. Stanley: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional rules-lite long; "A Hack-and-Slash Fantasy Horror Game". It uses a simple dice-pool system: roll a number of d6 equal to stat, and compare total with an opposed roll. Character creation is limited point-based. The basic rulebook includes a mass combat system and even an index. 26 pages basic rules, 10 pages magic rules, 84 pages monster booklets, 29 pages adventures (PDF).
Buffy D6 by Michael Lynes: Keywords: genre modern fantasy rules-lite long; An RPG set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, using an adaptation of WEG's D6 system. The rules includes all the basics for D6 gaming (using the D6 classic system), character templates, magic rules, equipment and some basic monster stats. ~40 pages (HTML).
Cantr II: Keywords: genre fantasy online long; An online fantasy game in a world with a mix of technology from medieval (common) to rare modern devices, but no magic. ~25 pages rules, background, and notes (HTML).
Children of Fire by Erich Wambach: Keywords: genre modern fantasy long; An RPG where the PCs are angels, interacting with other celestials in Heaven, the children of clay (humans) on Earth, demons, and other creatures. There is extensive background on the angelic orders. Character creation is based on choosing an order and selected options. Action resolution is stat + 2d10 vs difficulty. It includes a "magic" system (Celestial Forces). 57 pages rules and background (PDF) plus 38 page "Children of Clay" supplement (PDF).
Cineflex v2.2 by Dariel R. A. Quiogue: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A cinematic universal system. It uses a d20 dice pool for action resolution, roll 1-3 d20's over a target number. Character creation is by selecting a focus ability, up to four secondary abilities, and disabilities. The rules include a generic magic system, and vehicle/mecha rules. There are three developed settings for use with it: The Twilight Age (a science fantasy setting), Barsoom (an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burrough's early sci-fi), and Red Branch (mythic pre-Christian Ireland). ~30 pages rules (HTML) or 16 pages rules v2.1 (PDF), plus ~75 pages Twilight Age background (HTML), ~30 pages Barsoom background (HTML), ~30 pages Ireland background (HTML).
Cinis by Weisman Stewart Burt: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy genre RPG set on the an original fantasy world ("Tigmar"), with background on the regions and races. There are twisted subhumans, high humans, halflings, goblins, frog-people, bird-people, and lizard-people -- but no dwarves or elves. Action resolution is by 3d12 + attribute + skill vs Difficulty. Character creation is random-roll attributes, and point-bought skills using an occupation and lifepath. 340 pages rules and background (PDF).
Circe by Bryce Harrington: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long open-license; A medieval fantasy system, with some parts designed with computer aids in mind (although it is not required). Released under the GNU Free Documentation License. Character creation is a mix of random-roll attributes and point-bought skills and extras. 143 pages core rules (PDF or MSWord).
Classroom Deathmatch Free PDF by Jake Richmond and Matt Schlotte: Keywords: genre modern horror long; The free release of a 2007 commercial game on PDF. This is a modern-day action/horror RPG based on Japanese fiction including the film "Battle Royale" where a class of high school students are forced to fight each other to the death for televised entertainment. It uses a dice pool conflict resolution system (using d6, d8, d10, and d12), with special rules for narration. 108 pages rules and background (PDF).
Claymore and Claymore Light by Rodney E. Barnes: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A fantasy Christian RPG set in the 41st century, with bible quotes scattered in (similar to Dragonraid). 1000 years after a apocalypse, mutations and natural disasters have developed a weird feudal city/state world governmental system. Varying mechanics. Random-roll character creation. Light rules ~55 pages (HTML, RTF, or MSWord). Full rules ~113 pages (HTML).
Contes De Fées by Antoine Drouart, Thomas Laborey, and Thomas Lampert: Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long; A French-language fairy-tale role-playing game. It is set in the wonderland of Feerie, where PCs can be adaptations of faery creatures or original creations. Actions are resolved by stat + 1d10 - 1d10 vs difficulty, or an alternative diceless system based on directly comparing stat and difficulty. Character creation is point-based, allowing an open-ended range of creatures. It also includes several ready-to-play adventures. ~220 pages (HTML, PDF).
Continuum by Travis Casey: Keywords: universal long; A straightforward skill-based system, using skill+attribute+1d6-1d6 vs difficulty. It uses point-based character creation. It includes a generic magic system and a short superpower system. ~60 pages (text-only).
Cosmic Synchronicity v3 by Joseph Teller and Kiralee McCauley: Keywords: genre modern scifi universal long; A universal system, which balances PC's by the principle that a more powerful PC (i.e. higher total attributes) will have critical failures happen more often. Actions are resolved by rolling under (stat or skill)*4 on percentile dice. There are personality traits ("Aspects") that determine the points available in different skill groups. It includes a setting book entitled "Earth Unmasked" -- about an alternate 2025 where aliens and supernatural monsters have emerged. 119 pages core rules (PDF or HTML) plus 151 page setting book (PDF)
Cosmos: Keywords: universal long; A universal system, built to address problems with D&D. Character creation includes random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. Action resolution is percentile roll over skill. ~80 pages rules (text-only)
The Creative Conclave RPG: Keywords: genre fantasy long world; A fantasy world setting for use with any system with a Chinese flavor. The GM section includes maps, place and culture descriptions, religions, and so forth. ~50 pages HTML background (scattered in different pages) plus discussion forum and information on two campaigns.
Crestfallen: A Bronze Age Role-Playing Game by Dan Hiscutt: Keywords: genre fantasy long; Bronze age fantasy role-playing, with a strong Celtic flavour. It includes detailed background on a world, Kerun, including mythology and history. There are five races, including humans, the tree-like Arcadians, wolf-like Lupus, giant Cyclops, and four-armed Naderites. The system uses stat+1d8-1d8 vs difficulty for resolution. Character creation is limited point-bought attributes and skills. 164 pages PDF and HTML.
CyberFUDGE by David Jaquith: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi fantasy long; A cyberpunk/fantasy mix, set in a near-future where magic returned to Earth, resulting in a world war. The war was ended by an army of cyber- and magic-enhanced super-soldiers created by the U.S., Australia, and England. It uses a variant of the Fudge system. 51 pages (PDF).
Cyno's Roleplay by Chieh Cheng: Keywords: universal genre fantasy modern scifi long; A universal system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought percentile skills. It includes four genre books: (fantasy, modern, near-future). ~33 pages core rules, plus four ~10-15 page genre books (HTML).
D20 System Reference Document, v3.5: Keywords: genre fantasy long open-license; The basic mechanics for the popular commercial game, Dungeons & Dragons, 3.5th edition, from Wizards of the Coast. The SRD is not a full game as presented, but contains most rules necessary for play as well as stats (but not descriptions) on a host of monsters, items, and more. 200+ pages rules and stats (RTF)
D20 Modern System Reference Document, v3.5: Keywords: genre modern long open-license; The basic mechanics for the commercial game, D20 Modern, from Wizards of the Coast. The SRD is not a full game as presented, but contains most rules necessary for play, as well as stats (but not descriptions) on a host of monsters, items, and more. 200+ pages rules and stats (RTF)
Dagenthir by Thomas Schulze: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A German-language fantasy RPG set on an original world ("Dagenthir"). ~50 pages rules and background (HTML).
Daidalos by jochen eid: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A German-language diceless RPG, with an emphasis on dramatic storytelling. 69 pages rules and background (PDF or HTML).
Danse Macabre by Dean Suter and Christopher Johnstone: Keywords: genre fantasy horror long; A medieval horror RPG, set in an alternate Europe in the year 1189 struck by the Black Plague as the crusades failed before Saladin. It uses a dice pool system, where resolution is by rolling d6s equal to trait, where each 6 is a success. Spending effort points can allow successes on 5-6 (for one point) or 4-6 (for two points). Character creation is by picking society (noble, freedman, outsider, or serf); picking 1-3 Virtues and/or Sins; picking five backgrounds; and spending 12 skill points. 141 pages core rules (PDF), plus four supplements totalling 50 pages (PDF).
Dark Fantasy by Tim Barrett with Peter Simcic and Rowan Dunch: Keywords: genre fantasy long; Set in a parallel Dark Ages Europe (800-1200 A.D.) with fantasy elements, this uses a percentile skill system, with vaguely class-like personality types. 80 pages PDF, plus 50 page Magic system and 30 page Campaign book.
Darklands by Eric Mau: Keywords: genre fantasy horror scifi long; A futuristic fantasy-horror game, set in 2066 in a grim cyberpunk future where PC's are the "Warbreed" -- creatures created by the dark gods (the "Ashura") and left on Earth in ancient times, who now fight for the Earth against their creators. Character creation is breed and class based, with point-bought attributes. The resolution system is not clear. ~45 pages MSWord format.
Darkness by A. Glare: Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long world; A post-magical-apocalypse RPG set in the year 4469 after a great Fall. The world is is replete with feudal kingdoms, magic, demons, elves, dwarves, gnomes, and halfings -- along with advanced technology in underground cities which survive against the poisoned world. The system is roll under attribute + skill on 1d20, with the roll indicating level-of-success. Character creation is open point-based. ~80 pages rules (HTML).
deadEarth by J.T. Smith with Chris Hagness and Michael Helfman: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long; A post-nuclear-apocalypse survival RPG, the 51-page free version of the 174-page published game from Anarchy inK. Available free after web registration. It uses a d6 dice-pool system with random-roll character creation including 100 mutations (1000 in the published version!). 51 page Players Handbook (PDF), 101 page GM handbook expansion (PDF).
Death or Glory by Alexander Trofimov: Keywords: universal long; A generic percentile system similar to Runequest, with supplements for firearms, magic, and medieval background. ~20 pages rules (ASCII text only), plus 20 pages supplements.
deGenesis by Christian Gunther: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long preview; A German-language post-apocalyptic RPG, a free download with identical content to the commercially published book. It uses a system based on 2d10 roll-under-skill. 380 pages rules and background (PDF).
Demonwright by Andre Schönherr: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A German free fantasy RPG. It has random-roll attributes and character classes. 99 pages rules (PDF).
Divus Ex: by J.C. Connors: Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long; "The Roleplaying Game of Gods and Goddesses". The system is mostly diceless, using tarot cards that correspond to different divine powers in the setting. 58 pages rules and background material (PDF).
Dick Tracy: The Roleplaying Game by Cynthia Miller (aka Baby Cindi) and Sabrina Belle (Miss Skitch): Keywords: genre modern rules-lite long; An RPG based on the original comic strip. Character creation is a mix of random-roll and point-based, including 8 attributes, skills, and ads/disads. Resolution is by 2d6+attribute+skill vs difficulty. ~60 pages HTML.
Dominion by Scott Gray and Sharon Tripp: Keywords: fantasy traditional long open-license; A fantasy genre boffer LARP (live action role playing game), including a low fantasy setting ("Uruk"), analogous to the Middle East. With only humans and rare magic. ~90 pages (HTML).
Dominion Rules 2.0 by Dominion Games: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy-genre set of rules, with a sample kingdom ("Gwenil"). It uses a skill-based system: roll 1d12 under skill or attribute. Character creation is via a random-roll number of attribute points, a random advantage table, and fixed skill points. There are generic systems for priestcraft and for witchcraft. 90 pages core rules (PDF), plus 20 page weapons/armor supplement (PDF), plus 92 page spellbook (PDF).
Doom: The Next Chapter by Richard D. Clark: Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long; An RPG set in the world of the computer game "Doom", where futuristic portal research opens a gateway to hell. It uses a simple percentile system (roll under stat on d100). Character creation is by random-roll attributes, and each skill has a starting value by averaging 2 attributes. 136 pages PDF or text.
Dragonfly by Jeffrey S. Schecter: Keywords: genre fantasy long; Described as a cross between "Pokemon" and "Starship Troopers", this is about humans -- Hunters, Riders, Entomologists, and others -- on the planet Arthra who interact with the giant bugs there. There are six attributes (rated 6 to 14 or more) and binary skills. Character creation is based on class and point-bought enhancements. Action resolution is based on roll under stat using a number of d6s based on difficulty (2d6 for easy; 5d6 for incredibly difficult). 24 pages core rules (PDF).
DragonNet (v3.0 beta 8): Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy RPG designed by committee over the internet. 99 pages (PDF).
Dragonspawn by Jeffrey R. Naujok: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A skill-based fantasy system, but without a generic skill roll: each skill is treated individually. 123 pages (MSWord, HTML, or PDF).
Earth of the Fourth Sun by Tom Slaughter: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy genre game with a skill-based system and a unique magic system. 180 pages (PDF format).
Empire of Satanis by Darrick Dishaw: Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite long; A horror role-playing game, where the characters are fiends which live in a hellish universe called Yidathroth, or visit the human world (known to them as Sha-la). There are fourteen races of fiends -- and all are unfathomably evil, and strive towards godhood through dark magics. It uses a dice-pool system, where resolution is by rolling attribute + skill d6s, and taking the highest -- where sixes are open-ended. Also, once each scene a player can roll 1d6, and if the result is a six, the player can declare a statement to be true in the game. 62 pages rules (PDF).
Endland by BSI Productions: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic long preview; A German-language post-apocalyptic RPG. It was a commercial RPG that is now out of print, and the full rules are now available for download. 297 pages rules and background (PDF).
Enoch: Role-playing in the Second Genesis by Chad Walker: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic fantasy long; A post-apocalyptic fantasy RPG, where the PCs are rebels fighting against an oppressive natural order including immortals from before the Fall, demons, and more. Resolution is roll under the sum of two attributes on 1d20. There are eight attributes ("spheres") rated 1 to 10: Combat, Medicine, Cunning, Presence, Lore, Conviction, Technology and Survival. Character creation is limited point-based. There are also mundane and supernatural advantages ("charms" and "talents"). 66 pages rules and background (PDF).
Entalis by Robert Barrows: Keywords: genre scifi long; A science fiction RPG set on a planet ("Entalis") which is key to an interdimensional gateway. It uses a percentile, skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and occupation-based skills with point-bought skill advancement. ~80 pages rules and background (HTML).
Epoch by Jonathan Clarke: Keywords: genre scifi long; A space opera RPG closely based on "Star Trek", attempting for less pseudo-science and more cinematic feel. It uses a dice-pool system, taking highest of Nd6 where the number depends on how many traits apply to the task. Character creation consists of picking freeform traits (i.e. "Security Officer" is a sample trait). 71 pages (MSWord format).
Epoch: Age of Magic (Demo) by Chris Rutkowsky: Keywords: genre fantasy long preview; The free demo version of a published RPG. Epoch is a fantasy RPG using a percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll race, social class, and attributes -- plus skill points which also be used to modify rolls. ~37 pages MSWord format.
Ergo by Ian Millington: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; An experimental collaborative RPG -- meaning without a GM. The system is a Fudge variant. ~40 pages ASCII text.
E-RPG by Ruel K. Knudson: Keywords: genre fantasy long preview; The core rules of a generic fantasy RPG, offered for free in preview of the general E-RPG system. Action resolution is a step die, skill-based system. Character creation is either random-roll or limited point-bought attributes, and limited point-bought skills. 173 pages fantasy player's guide, plus 64 pages GM's book.
Eternal Soldier by Christopher Arnold, Rob Arnold, and Joe Mays (Tai-Gear Simulations): Keywords: universal long; A full generic system somewhat similar to Chaosium's "Basic Roleplaying". It uses a skill-based percentile system, using other polyhedral dice as well. Character creation allows attributes to be generated by several means, with point-bought skills. ~50 pages (HTML).
Ex Mortis V 1.0 BRPS by Michael J. Cheney: Keywords: universal long; A percentile skill-based system, using open-ended percentile rolls. Character creation is partly class-based, with random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. ~60 pages HTML.
Faelands by Chris Fox: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy genre game currently (Nov 2002) in beta testing. It is set on an original fantasy world ("Ardgan") where within the past generation a number of people have begun to be born with great magical powers, known as the Chosen of the Fae. Character creation is limited point-based, with powers for the type ("aspect") of Chosen. ~72 pages MSWord.
<"http://www.nma-fallout.com/forum/dload.php?action=category&cat_id=63"> Fallout: The Pencil and Paper Role-Playing Game, v2.0 by Jason N. Mical: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long; A post-nuclear-apocalypse RPG set after a nuclear war in 2077, based on the computer game by Interplay. It uses a simple percentile system with limited point-based character creation. 157 pages core rules (PDF), plus several sourcebooks.
FANGS: The Fantasy Adventure Networked Gaming System by Christopher Allen: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long rules-lite; A generic medieval fantasy system. It uses a skill-based system where resolution is by skill plus modifiers, where any result of 20 or more is a success. Character creation is open point-based. ~50 pages core rules (HTML).
Fantasia by Tybalt: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A French-language fantasy/steampunk setting. 195 pages rules and background (MSWord format) plus 101 page bestiary (MSWord format).
Fantasia Quickstart by Matthew deMille (New Dimension Games): Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long preview; The preview version of a commercial fantasy RPG. Action resolution is stat + 1d6 vs difficulty for ability checks, or 1d20 + modifiers for combat. Character creation is random-roll attributes, choice of class, and point-bought skills (d12 skill points). Advancement is level-based. The preview version includes a limited magic system and selection of monsters. 52 pages preview rules (PDF).
Fantasized Adventures by W. Ty Dobson and Great River Games: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A system for the fantasy world of Bakara. Each race has detailed character creation rules. Skills are generally percentile, but with d20 combat resolution and adjustments from attributes based on tables. ~290 pages HTML.
Fargoth World Building Project: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long supplement world; A collaborative project building a traditional fantasy world. It includes individual descriptions of kingdoms, races, monsters, flora, fauna, and gods. ~70 pages descriptions (HTML).
F.A.T.A.L. by Fatal Games: Keywords: traditional fantasy long; "Fantasy Adventure To Adult Lechery". A highly detailed fantasy system. It has 5 core attributes with 20 sub-attributes. Tables for each sub-attribute detail everything from Enunciation to Bust Size. Action resolution uses skill plus d100 vs difficulty. Character creation is random-roll attributes. ~500 pages rules (PDF).
FFRE or Sagatafl by Peter Knutsen: Keywords: universal long; A universal system still under development. It uses a dice-pool system, rolling a number of d12s equal to stat, with successes equal to the number of dice rolled over difficulty (from 2 to 18). Character creation is an extensive open point-based system. 36 pages basic rules plus 23 pages magic expansions (PDF).
FFRPS: Free Fantasy Role Playing System by Ray Rischpater: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; An under-construction fantasy genre system based on AD&D, designed with computer aids in mind. ~40 pages HTML, with some sections missing.
Foresight by Tonio Loewald: Keywords: universal long; A generic system concentrating on character description and sci-fi elements. It is no longer available for free, and is due to be published (supposedly in 2006) by Shrapnel Games -- cf. the Shrapnel Game ForeSight Forum. 80 pages (PDF).
Forgotten Futures by Marcus L. Rowland: Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long world; Not technically free, but a great shareware RPG based on turn-of-the-century science fiction (Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle, et al.). ~500+ pages rules and background in six collections (HTML).
Freestyle RPG by George DeMuth: Keywords: universal long; A universal RPG system, with genre sourcebooks for post-apocalyptic ("Fall of Darkness") and superhero ("Super Cyber") along with supplements for martial arts and modern combat. Action resolution is by rolling 3d6 on a universal table. Character creation is limited point-based (attribute points and skill points), with an option for random-roll attributes. 83 pages basic rules (PDF) plus 79 pages supplements (PDF).
Frontier Horizons by Rick Heney: Keywords: genre scifi long; A generic science fiction system with involved combat. Action resolution is by d20 + attribute + skill vs difficulty. Character creation is by a combination of random-roll and point-spending for the 16 basic attributes and 9 derived ones. Skills are assigned through a class system. 334 pages rules (PDF).
Fudge by Steffan O'Sullian: Keywords: universal rules-lite long open-license; A well-written and long-standing set of freeform rules, released under the WotC OGL license (the Fudge SRD) as well as a limited free license for non-commercial use. The complete rules are available free as well as in print from Grey Ghost Games, who also print Fudge supplements, special Fudge dice, and Fudge Expanded Edition. 90 pages rules (PDF, text, or HTML).
FuRPiG / World of Esaene by Brant Guillory: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; Formerly a free fantasy-genre RPG system, this is now a published but low-cost RPG from BaDGe Publications.
Future Shadows by Warren Raoul Martel III and Jayson Robert Drury: Keywords: genre scifi long; A sci-fi RPG, set in 3407 where a unified galactic empire is fighting invaders from another galaxy. It uses a percentile skill-based system with point-bought character creation. Basic Game 164 pages PDF format, plus various supplements: including a mostly-complete 61-page equipment guide, less complete other supplements, and ~30 pages of campaign info.
Fuzion v5.02 by "The Fuzion Group": Keywords: universal long preview; A universal system loosely based on a merging of the HERO system (from Hero Games) and the Interlock system (from R Talsorian Games). It is identical to the commercially available rules in Champions: The New Millenium and other games. The free core rules have no background, but there are two commercial downloadable fantasy-genre systems using Fuzion ("Shards of the Stone" and "WildBlades"). 50 pages core rules (PDF).
Gehennum by Brett Evill: Keywords: genre fantasy long supplement world; A non-traditional fantasy setting for use with any rule system. Gehennum is a volcanic and mountainous archipelago ringed with coral and clad in jungle. It is closer to south-east Asia rather than medieval Europe in nature and culture. ~40 pages HTML.
Game Engine Manual (GEM) by Neale Davidson: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A simple but complete d6-based generic game. Action resolution is roll under stat+skill using Nd6 where the number depends on difficulty. Character creation is either random-roll or point-bought attributes and point-bought skills. 32 pages basic rules (PDF) plus 32 pages GM's Guide (PDF), plus several supplements adapting anime material (~80 pages).
Gods & Monsters by Jerry Stratton: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license; A fantasy RPG compatible with TSR's AD&D (1st or 2nd edition), released under the GNU Free Documentation license. The system is similar but with many changes and simplifications. 100 pages basic rules (PDF, RTF, or HTML).
GORE - Generic Old-school Role-playing Engine by Daniel Proctor: Keywords: universal long preview; A variant of the original Basic Roleplaying system, similar to Call of Cthulhu, based on an adaptation of the RuneQuest rules released under the Wizards of the Coast Open Gaming License. The book is also available in print. 58 pages rules (PDF).
Grey Lotus by Andrew Williams: Keywords: genre fantasy long world open-license; A fantasy RPG released under the Open Publication License. It is set on the fantasy world of Gaia, which is inhabited by humans, faerie races, and alien races. It uses a skill-based system. Action resolution is to roll d10's equal to skill and take the highest + attribute versus difficulty. Character creation is semi-open point-based, assigning 7 priority points among four categories, then spending points within each category. 110 pages core rules (PDF,HTML,LaTeX) plus 23 page magic supplement (PDF,HTML).
The Guide to Adventure Page by Michael E. Ball: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy system, set in an AD&D-like world, using a skill-based system. It also has a modern and sci-fi supplement, Alien Dawn, although less developed. Character creation is point-bought, but the available points are generated randomly. The combat system focuses on realistic fights and uses cards to determine the sequence of action. 86 page players handbook and 61 page GMs handbook (RTF, PostScript, WordPerfect, and text-only formats).
GURPS Lite by Steve Jackson and Sean Punch: Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview; A "lite" version of the published RPG. It uses 3d6 roll under skill, with open point-based character creation. 32 pages PDF.
Halo JDR by Mr. D: Keywords: genre scifi long; A French-language sci-fi RPG set in the universe of the Halo video game series from Bungie Studios. Based on the free Synapse system from the same author. 55 pages rules (PDF).
Harlequinade by Gareth Williams: Keywords: genre modern horror rules-lite long; A black comedy / paranoid horror RPG set in the modern world. Character creation is by random-roll attributes and an archetype. Resolution is by 2d6 + attribute + modifiers vs. 0 or an opposing roll. 72 pages (PDF).
Harpe by Craig Critchfield: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; The "Hugely Adaptable (Action/Anime) Role-Playing Engine". Characters are described by freeform "abilities" which go from 1 to 8 or so for normal humans. A typical ability might be 2d+2. The dice give 1 success for each even number rolled. 125 pages (PDF).
Haven: City of Violence by Louis Porter, Jr.: Keywords: genre modern long preview; The demo version of a published modern action RPG set in a fictional city ("Haven") on the eastern coast of the United States. Action resolution uses rolling under attribute or skill on 1d20. Character creation is skill-based, using templates for various professions. 39 pages (PDF).
Hazon by Mike Jacobs: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy game in a D&D-like setting, using a percentile system. ~30 pages (text-only).
Heavy Ordnance by Christopher Blankley: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi long; A humorous RPG about well-armed schoolchildren after an apocalypse where a runaway nuclear reaction in the cafeteria has turned teachers into flesh-eating demons. It uses a dice pool system: roll (attribute+skill) d10's, where each die over the difficulty is a success. Character creation is by random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. Includes a brief sample adventure. 46 pages text.
Heritage by Norbert "Bulletshower" Matausch: Keywords: genre universal rules-lite long; A semi-diceless, drama-based system, similar to Theatrix. There are also several genre-specific supplements for the game, which tend to have more rigid dice-using rules. ~22 pages core rules (HTML) plus ~75 pages genre supplements (HTML).
Heroes of Mars by Jeffrey A. Kazmierski: Keywords: genre fantasy scifi rules-lite long; An adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom setting to the Fudge system. Includes links for rules additions for combat, wealth, and fencing as well as character creation guidelines. ~50 pages (HTML).
Heroic Golden Turbulence by Scott Beattie: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A wild fantasy martial-arts RPG. The system uses a dice pool of color-coded d6's. Successes are rolls of 6, 6 or 4, or 6 or 4 or 2 (depending on your specialty). The combat and crisis system revolves around choosing the colours of dice in your pool to represent your priorities (i.e. finesse, caution, power, etc.), which lessens the need for modifiers. ~55 page HTML.
Hexalon House Rules RPG by Paul W. Will: Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long; A Fudge-based fantasy RPG, set in a collection of 6 fantasy worlds which share a common fate. The system is a variant on the core Fudge rules. 84 pages core rules (PDF and HTML), 101 pages additional rules (PDF), plus ~20 page background (HTML).
Highlander Rules for the Storyteller system by Hank Driskill and John Gavigan: Keywords: genre modern long supplement; A detailed adaptation of "Highlander" for the Storyteller system. It includes character creation mechanics and a variant combat system, but is not a complete standalone system. 54 pages (PDF, HTML, or text-only).
Highlander Rules for D&D3: Keywords: genre modern long supplement; A detailed adaptation of "Highlander" for the 3rd edition D&D system. 38 pages PDF.
honorabilis lex ludi by Blum, Michael Deflize, and Jan Sachers: Keywords: universal long; A German-language universal RPG system. It includes rules for development and supernatural powers, but not for starting character creation. ~75 pages HTML.
The Human Interface for Fantasy Roleplaying by John F Sasso: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A generic fantasy system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and template-based skills, though skills are point-bought with experience. Action resolution is a d6 dice-pool with a number of successes equal to the number of 6's rolled. 47 pages basic rules (PDF or HTML) plus 29 pages magic rules (PDF).
HYPeR by Michael Sachau: Keywords: universal long; A universal system, using percentiles (roll under 50+stat on percentile dice). ~60 pages HTML or PostScript.
Icar by Rob Lang: Keywords: genre scifi long; A science fiction RPG set in the far future. It uses a percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. 97 pages core rules (PDF) plus 34 page GM's guide (PDF) and background/technology files (HTML).
Iconoclast: The RPG v1.0a3 by Michael Fiegel and Corey Mosher: Keywords: genre scifi long; A cyberpunk RPG set in the dawn of the 22nd century, with corporations having taken over the world. Humanity has branched into 10 different artificially-created "genotypes" (Spectre, Rager, Savant, Shifter, Morph, etc.). It uses a percentile skill-based system. ~80 pages rules (HTML).
Imperial Magician by Marc Uhl: Keywords: genre fantasy long supplement; A French-language RPG system -- ostensibly "a medieval fantasy role playing game from a subjective view designed for micro information processing." ~80 pages HTML.
Imperium by Olivier Legrand: Keywords: genre scifi long; A French-language sci-fi RPG set in the world of Frank Herbert's "Dune" novels. 106 pages (MSWord or HTML).
Impresa, Express Version by Brett M. Bernstein (Politically Incorrect Games): Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview; The preview version of a universal, modular game system. It uses a dice pool system: roll a number of d10s equal to attribute, where each roll less than skill is 1 'step'. Difficulty is expressed as the number of steps required to succeed. Character creation is limited point-based (attribute points and skill points). There are six attributes (rated 0 to 6): Fitness, Awareness, Creativity, Reasoning, Influence, and Luck. There are also 39 skills (rated 2 to 8). 11 pages core rules (PDF).
Infinite Horizons by Trawna Publications: Keywords: universal long; A skill-based percentile system. It includes a brief outline of a magic system, but no other genre expansions. ~50 pages core rules (HTML) plus ~10 pages magic system.
The Infinity Project by Matt Savigear: Keywords: universal long; A universal RPG system, including a magic system. It uses a detailed character creation system, with 7 core attributes each with 4 sub-attributes (28 total). Character creation uses either point-bought or random-roll attributes and point-bought skills. Resolution is by rolling percentile dice under skill, with ranges for critical and superior indicated on a universal table. It has an involved tactical combat system. 121 pages core rules (MSWord) plus 21 pages magic rules (MSWord).
In Media Res by S. Isaac Dealey: Keywords: universal long rules-lite; A universal system available for free download (formerly called "Synergy"). A skill-based system with no attributes. 100+ pages HTML rules.
Inquisitor by Dialog Publishing with James Flowers and Paul Tobin: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A medieval fantasy RPG set in an alternate world ("Nuevo Espana") where refugees from Earth are oppressed by an evil regime derived from the Spanish Inquisition. There are also fey races mixed in: alien milanesians and fomorians (from Irish myth). It uses a percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes with "archetype" packages of skills with various choices. 31 pages PDF rules plus 41 pages PDF background.
In the Name of Justice by Guy McLimore: Keywords: genre superhero long preview; A free mini-game preview of a superhero game from Plaid Rabbit Productions. 112 digest-size pages (PDF) plus cards and two maps (PDF).
Into the Shadows by Craig "Pandemonium" Griswold: Keywords: genre horror long; A Horror/Adventure RPG. It uses a variant of the "D6" system from West End Games, but it is a complete game with all rules included in the download. The rules includes magic systems and psionics system (horror oriented, of course). 125 pages rules (RTF or MSWord) plus 125 pages GM's book (RTF or MSWord).
Inzeladun: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A detailed fantasy world, intended for use with D&D third edition. It includes the standard races plus Winged Folk along with variant rules and extensive background. ~100 pages HTML.
JAGS by Marco Chacon: Keywords: genre universal scifi fantasy superhero long; A universal skill-based system with many genre supplements: Magic, Cyberpunk, Fantasy, Horror, Supers, Psionics, Chi Martial Arts, and Steampunk. It is quite detailed, but there is a "rules-medium" version: JAGS-2. Action resolution is roll under attribute or skill on 4d6-4. Character creation is open point-based, with 3 primary attributes and 9 secondary. Skills have a 4-level expertise rating (Beginner, Average, Expert, Master) which determines usage as well as a number to roll under (0 to 20). 200 pages basic rules (PDF) plus 150+ pages of supplements (PDF).
JAGS-2 by Marco Chacon: Keywords: genre universal long open-license preview; A universal system, the "rules-medium" version of JAGS. It has a version released under the GNU Free Documentation License, and also has a print version available. It uses roll under attribute or skill on 4d6 (dropping 6s). It uses open point-based character creation, with 3 primary attributes and 9 secondary. Skills have a 4-level expertise rating (Beginner, Average, Expert, Master) which determines usage as well as a number to roll under (0 to 20). 65 pages basic rules (PDF).
The World of JERA! by Steve Myers: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world supplement; A fantasy world in a "magi-punk" steam age, designed for the AD&D system but including some of its own rules. ~100 pages background (HTML).
Kalyr by Tim Hall: Keywords: genre fantasy long world; A fantasy setting for use with GURPS and Fudge. It is a world where the ancient race of Kandar (a sophisticated humanoid race) dominate, with humans as their slaves and serfs. ~75 pages (HTML).
Khoras by David M. Roomes: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long supplement world; A very detailed fantasy world with non-system-specific notes. It is intended to be realistic with fantasy additions. There are traditional dwarves and elves along with Avarians, Saurians, and other races. It details 35 nations and 26 cities along with races, fauna, flora, and other information. ~250 pages HTML.
Knarf 2 by Edward Frank: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A simple generic fantasy system, with support for common tropes including a magic system and 20 races. Action resolution is attribute + skill + 1d20 vs difficulty. Character creation is limited point-based (12 attribute points and 20 skill points). ~50 pages rules (HTML).
Labyrinth Lord by Daniel Proctor: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long preview; A variant of the original Dungeons & Dragons game, mimicking the original basic game circa 1980 based on the third edition rules released under the Wizards of the Coast Open Gaming License. The book is also available in print. 138 pages rules (PDF).
Lannassir: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A freeware RPG in German. No comments (I can't read it!).
The LATTICE by toff: Keywords: genre scifi long online world; This is a freeform online game set in an original background. Set in the 16th millenium, humanity has expanded into an enormous lattice of worlds artificially created by an unknown race of builders. Each is linked to 8 other worlds by a portal in the center. ~2 pages freeform rules (HTML) plus ~30 pages background (HTML).
Legacy: War of the Ages by Brandon Blackmoor and Susan Blackmoor: Keywords: genre long preview world; A free HTML preview of a published game: complete but with no illustrations, imperfect formatting, etc. The game is about immortal humans similar to those of Highlander, in the near future (a "Techno-Gothic" world). ~225 pages HTML.
Legendary Beta Version by Marty Vance (aka Dracos) of Dragon's Forge: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A mechanics system for fantasy. It has point-based character creation, and percentile resolution. The magic system is developed (verb-noun based), and there are rules for race creation but there are no pre-made races yet. ~46 pages (HTML).
Legendary Lives by Joe Williams and Kathleen Williams: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A simple electronic edition of the 1993 published fantasy game, put online by the author. It is set in a light-hearted Celtic-flavored world thick with faeries. The system uses a universal Action Result Table (ART) included on the character sheet. You find the row for skill (modified by difficulty) and rolling percentile dice to find degree of success/failure (5 levels each). Character creation is largely random-roll with a choice of profession, developing a random "life-path" of the character's history. 258 pages rules (HTML and PDF).
Legendary Quest by John Kirk: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; A fantasy genre RPG, set in a fantasy world based on European myth and folklore. PCs are dwarves, elves, gnomes, goblins, hobs, or orcs. Action resolution is attribute + 1d10 vs difficulty, skill + 1d30 vs difficulty, or limited other d30 rolls. Character creation uses classes, and is limited point-buy spending separately on attributes and skills. It includes a magic system, priestly miracles, and a host of monsters. 194 pages rules (PDF), plus 175 pages encyclopedia of monsters (PDF), and 248 pages spell book (PDF).
Legends Walk! by Tim Gray: Keywords: genre superhero rules-lite long; A modern-day superhero RPG, available as shareware (requesting $10 for use). All supers are incarnations of old myths such as gods, heroes, and monsters of various pagan pantheons. It includes a background set in 2020 after "metas" began appearing in 2000. It uses a simple dice pool system, where you roll a number of dice based on difficulty + attribute (-1 to +2, or more for supers) + skill (1 to 4), and +1 for each advantage. Each result of 4-6 is one success. Character creation is limited point-based: 7 points for normal abilities, and 10-14 points for powers. 169 pages PDF.
Instant Lightspeed by Christian Conkle: Keywords: genre scifi long; The free version of a space opera RPG using the Instant Fuzion rules. It is set in the galaxy of the 27th Century, where the PC's are Federation Rangers (a cross between the French Foreign Legion, the Texas Rangers, and bounty hunters). The commercial PDF download is 216 pages. 36 pages rules (PDF) plus 35 pages "Psi Rangers" supplement (PDF) and 17 page "StarForce" supplement (PDF).
LIQUID, version 3.0 by Marcus Johanus, Markus Voht, and Jakob Schillinger (Blacknet Publishing): Keywords: genre universal fantasy long world; A German-language free universal RPG system, with sourcebooks for seven worlds: AD 2309, Endland, Freeya, Narvalon, Scoutz!, Thyria Steamfantasy, and Schattenmeister. Character creation is limited point based. Checks are made by rolling 1d10 under the sum of an attribute and a skill value, with degree of success equal to the die result of a successful roll. The basic rules include a magic system. 378 pages (PDF).
Living Legends by Jeff Dee: Keywords: genre modern superhero long; A "sequel" / new edition of Villians and Vigilantes. It has a huge character design system (mainly superpowers), but only limited other mechanics available. 142 pages character design (PDF). 4 pages early combat rules (text-only).
Lords of Knowledge by Ohmnibus: Keywords: genre fantasy scifi long; An Italian science fantasy RPG, with a rules system leaning towards realism and accuracy. The game is split into four manuals: Ambient, Characters, Rules, and Magic. Rules and background 141 pages (PDF).
Lost Souls by Joe Williams and Kathleen Williams: Keywords: genre modern fantasy long; A simple electronic edition of the 1993 published horror game, put online by the author, where the PCs are ghosts trying to reincarnate, fighting evil ghosts and other creatures to improve their karma. The system is percentile-based, with degree of success indicated by a universal chart printed on the character sheet. There are five degrees of failure (from Catastrophic to Poor) and five degrees of success (from Passable to Awesome). Character creation has many random rolls, but the key selections are profession in life and lost soul type -- which may be either rolled or chosen. Creation begins with generating appearance, then profession, then how you died, and then the type of ghost you become (which determines your powers). There are 22 types of ghosts, including Bansee, Doppelganger, Haunt, Shade, and Spook. There are also 12 attributes, each of which has 4 associated skills. Ghosts have "will-to-live" points, which when you run out of you have a chance to reincarnate. Experience is via karma, which grants powers as well as improving your luck in reincarnation. 245 pages rules and background (HTML and PDF).
Lungfish Alpha by Michael Beck: Keywords: genre scifi long world; A science fiction setting for any rules system. It is set 17,000 years in the future -- where bio-engineered creatures ("maniti") have colonized the galaxy. 159 pages background (HTML, text-only, or MSWord).
Lycadican by Sheldon Lee Wen, Monte Lee Wen, Ricardo Bare: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world open-license; A fantasy game set on the world of Khardan, released under the Open Content License. The system is a percentile skill-based with required professions. 363 pages rules (PDF) plus additional worldbook.
Maelstrom Fantasy Campaign Setting by Brian K. Moseley: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A fantasy campaign setting for use with any system, with extensive maps and descriptions -- the land of Kaladia on the world of Roil. It includes geography, history, and gods but little on races, inhabitants, and culture. ~90 pages (HTML).
Magicians of England by Tony Dowler: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A Victorian fantasy narrational game about rival magicians and the honor of the British Empire. Resolution is by bidding numbers of story chips against opposed players, while story chips must also be spent for narrating in various effects like changing place, time, or characters. 12 pages rules (PDF).
The Magic Theatre: Cathay Arts of Role-playing by Leonard Hung: Keywords: genre fantasy long; An authentic Oriental RPG, using stats based on classical Chinese categories: the nine house chart, along with 5 "roots" for attributes, each with a yin and yang aspect. ~52 pages HTML.
Marvel Superheroes by Jeff Grubb (TSR): Keywords: genre modern superhero long; This is the original TSR game (published 1984 and 1988), now out of print and made available online by Zan of HeroPlay.com in both low-res and high-res PDF formats. Besides the basic rules, there are the Ultimate Powers Book, Realms of Magic book, the Fantastic Four Compendium, and two adventures modules available. Players Book 96 pages (PDF), plus Judges Book 68 pages (PDF), plus ~200 pages supplements (PDF).
The Matrix RPG by Chris Parlevliet: Keywords: genre scifi long; An original RPG based on the dark future virtual-reality movie. It uses a card-draw system: card number + skill vs difficulty. Character creation is point-based (22 attribute points, 20 skill points), plus hacking abilities for their persona in the Matrix. ~50 pages rules (HTML).
Mazes & Minotaurs by Olivier Legrand: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A retro D&D-like RPG based on Greek sources (the 1963 "Jason & the Argonauts" movie and Homer's Odyssey) rather than Tolkien and related Western fantasy. So there are six random-roll attributes, and classes of Barbarian, Spearman, Noble, Priest, Sorcerer and Nymph. There are three supplements: "Men & Monsters" (with new classes and rules), "Myth & Magic" (with four new magical classes and new items), and "Hekatoteratos" (with 100 creatures). 74 pages core rules (PDF).
MCB RPG by Vincent Diakuw: Keywords: genre rules-lite long; A simple set of playing-card-based mechanics. The player has a hand of cards, and can play up to their attribute (1 to 4) in cards for any given task, then draws 2 cards to refill the hand. ~6 pages (HTML).
Mean Streets and Mean Villains by Mark Baker: Keywords: genre rules-lite long; An RPG system for police and detective television series of the 70's and early 80's where coolness and style were everything. It uses a simple cinematic system of rolling 1d6 under attribute or skill. Shootouts may result in damage to one's "Cool" attribute, possibly forcing you to run away, but cannot actually cause damage. 31 pages rules (HTML, MSWord, or PDF).
Men and Supermen by Jerry Stratton: Keywords: genre modern superhero long; A superhero RPG, emphasizing allowing variable power among heroes, so average humans can fight alongside gods. It uses roll 2d10 under stat for most resolution, as well as some percentile rolls. Other dice (d4,d6,etc.) are used for damage and miscellaneous rolls. It has random-roll attributes and powers, with point-bought skills. 232 pages PDF rules plus 103 page "Heroes Guide" campaign book (PDF or HTML).
Metalface "Setup Rules" by Richard Wallace Garner: Keywords: genre scifi long; This is the commercial version of an out-of-print sci-fi RPG where the PCs are human minds in robot bodies (known as "metalfaces"). It is set in the mid-22nd century, complete with robots, huge cities, mutant humans, space travel, corporate warfare and a bit of spirituality. Action resolution is by rolling 1d10 to 5d10 (depending on difficulty) under character stat. Character creation is by selecting a model and class of robot body, plus point-bought skills. 63 pages PDF format.
Metascape II (v2.0.1) by Blake Mobley: Keywords: genre scifi long preview; A free sci-fi space opera RPG with commercial supplements (for Specialization, Artifacts & Omega Powers, Aliens, and Mobile). It uses a complex skill-based system with open-ended rolling. Most rolls are one die multiplied by a special 16-sided "doubling die" (with eight 1s, four 2s, two 4s, one 8 and one 16). 346 pages Player rules (PDF), 312 pages GM guides and setting (PDF).
Midian: Keywords: genre fantasy long open-license; A dark fantasy genre RPG released under a home-grown open license, in a world populated by dwarves, elves, trolls, ghouls, hobgoblins, warrior gaijin, reptilian Killians, and humans. Character creation is random-roll attributes with different rolls based on race. Action resolution is based on 1d20 for combat, or 2d20 roll under stat. 212 pages (HTML/PDF).
Miravlor by Matthew West: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A fantasy genre RPG. It includes a magic system, monsters, and religions but not a world. Action resolution uses roll under skill on 1d20, or 1d20 + attack stat - defense stat for combat. Character creation is based on 37 templates, with rules for modifying selected attributes according to a point system. 200 pages rules (MSWord format).
Mistrunner by Glenn "Bifster" Buettner: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A post-magical-apocalypse fantasy RPG, set on Earth a few centuries after a cataclysm in 2289 ripped the world into different realms surrounded by faerie mists. It uses a simple dice-pool system: roll d10's equal to skill, take highest and add attribute. ~40 pages rules (HTML) plus ~15 pages background (HTML).
Mithlund by Ricardo Bare: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long world; A fantasy RPG, set on a medieval-era world with an odd assortment of natural and faery races. It uses a skill-based system, using d20. 152 pages rules and background (PDF).
MSF High RPG: Free Version by Joey Fanning: Keywords: genre superhero long preview; A humorous anime-inspired RPG set in MSF Highschool, a training ground for teenage superheroes, including both alien and magical races. This is the preview with all the basic rules and character creation, but missing most of the advantages, disadvantages, races, facets, spells, animals, items, and the GM section. The rules are playable, but a bit limited in this version. 90 pages (PDF).
Multiclass by Peter Knutsen: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy RPG system, where you pick three classes (out of 12), and then put points into skills (cost varying with class). Actions are resolved by rolling under skill on 3d6. ~40 pages ASCII text.
Myriad by Ashok Desai: Keywords: universal long open-license; A collection of customizable mechanics for putting together an RPG. Action resolution uses a dice pool: roll d6s equal to attribute and take the highest, add skill and compare to difficulty. There are several variations of character generation, including open and limited point-based, random and templates. 74 pages (PDF).
The Fantasy World of Mythosa by Bruce A. Gulke: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long world; A detailed fantasy world, not tied to a particular system. ~60 pages background (HTML).
Mythos of the Maori by Christopher Johnstone: Keywords: genre fantasy long; An epic fantasy game set in the pre-European contact and mythic history of the Maori peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand). 62 pages rules and background (PDF).
NAGS Society Worldbook by Scott Larson (Circa Games): Keywords: genre scifi long world; A worldbook for the Fudge system. A group of adventurer-scientists whose exploits were never recorded in the annals of cinematic heroes, explorers of the 19th and 20th centuries, pulp adventure stories of the 1930's, and supernatural investigative fiction and RPG's set in the 1920's. 96 pages PDF.
The Nameless RPG by Daniel Pond: Keywords: genre scifi fantasy universal rules-lite long world; A simple universal RPG system. Actions resolution is by drawing a playing card (or rolling 1d10) under attribute + skill. Modifiers are by adding bonus or penalty draws -- keepign the best/worst of the cards. Players can spend Karma points for successes. It includes three settings: a cross-genre setting (All-Worldz), a dark fantasy setting (Erebus), and a adaptation of "The Matrix". There are also two adventures. ~15 pages basic rules plus ~80 pages background (HTML).
Nemesis by Dennis Detwiller, Greg Stolze, and Shane Ivey: Keywords: genre horror modern long; A free generic modern horror RPG using the ORE system (One Roll Engine) that originated with Stolze's commercial game "Godlike". 52 pages rules (PDF).
Neon Twilight by Mateusz Krepicz: Keywords: genre scifi long world; A cyberpunk RPG set in a unique world. Half of the material is freely browsable, the other half is available on email request. The system uses attribute + skill + d6 vs difficulty. ~30 pages rules (HTML) plus ~80+ pages background (HTML).
Neverwhere, 2nd edition by Grim & Raven Morrison (Postmortem Studios): Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long; A system based on the urban fantasy novel and BBC TV series by Neil Gaiman, set in an underworld realm below modern London. It uses a minimalist system where characters are rated by 5 adjectives from their description, plus skills (with five levels: Beginner to Legend). Action resolution is 1d10 +1 for each adjective + skill vs difficulty. 76 pages rules and background (PDF).
Niños, el juego de rol de los niños de goma: Keywords: genre modern rules-lite long; A Spanish-language RPG, originally published in Spain in the magazine "LIDER". The title roughly translates as "Kids, the game of rubber kids". It is about imaginative childhood play where no one gets hurt (hence "rubber" as in "I'm rubber and you're glue"), but kids can get their feelings hurt and cry. Action resolution is roll under stat (from 1 to 6) on 1d6. There are "kid points" and "mom points" which can be spent to affect rolls. ~30 pages HTML.
Nova by George Chatzipetros: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A generic RPG engine based on d6 dice pools with a twist. You have several target numbers (such as 456), and then roll a number of d6's equal to the number of target numbers, where each die that is greater than or equal to its target is a success. Dice open-end high (6's reroll and add) and low (1's are rerolled for a chance of critical failure). Character creation is point-based with some randomness (you allocate dice to attributes and skills). It includes supplements for magic, psionics, cyberpunk, vehicles, equipment, and options. 24 pages basic rules (PDF), plus 117 pages supplements (PDF).
NUELOW games by Steven Miller: Keywords: genre rules-lite long; Various roleplaying games of poor taste and sexually repressed humor, including "Faeries", "Lust and Dust", and others. Each game is self-contained and around 30 pages HTML.
The Nutcracker Prince by Peter Seckler and Clinton R. Nixon: Keywords: genre fantasy long supplement; A fairy-tale-like dreamland fantasy RPG, based on a speculative version of 3rd edition D&D. 53 pages PDF rules plus ~20 pages various background.
octaNe by Jared A. Sorensen: Keywords: genre postapocalyptic scifi rules-lite long; A formerly free RPG now available in print or in PDF format. The original free version was ~40 pages in HTML compared to 120 pages (PDF or print) for the current commercial game. It is a post-apocalyptic RPG set amidst "trash-culture" America. It uses a dramatic system where 3d6 is rolled, and as long as one die is 4 or higher, the player gets to call the shots. A higher stat increases the rewards for a success, but not the chance of success. Character creation is limited point bought.
OmniRole by Robert Clemens Praetzler: Keywords: universal long; A universal system in German and English. It uses a percentile system of stat + modifiers + 1d100, where a total over 100 is a success. Character creation is open point-based, with a variety of ads/disads and options. It includes a magic system, psionics system, and a vehicular combat system (land, air, and naval). 270 pages English rules (MSWord only).
Opening the Dark by Malcolm Sheppard: Keywords: genre horror long open-license preview; This is the core mechanical system for a commercial modern dark fantasy/horror RPG, closely based on White Wolf's World of Darkness games, but released under an open gaming license. It uses a dice pool system, rolling d10s equal to attribute plus skill, where every result from 7 to 9 is one success, and every result of 10 is two successes. 116 pages rules (RTF).
Opera: Beholders Lost in Alternative Realities by Leonardo Andrade and Rogério Godoy: Keywords: universal long; A Portuguese-language shareware universal RPG with a partial English version. Action resolution uses either 2d6 roll under attribute, or 2d6 plus attribute vs opposed roll. Character creation is limited point-based, buying attributes and skills. 188 pages (PDF).
Ork: L'Ultime Outrage by Ghislain Morel: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A fantasy RPG of playing orks, in French. No comments (I can't read it).
The OSRIC Project: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long open-license; OSRIC ('Old School Reference and Index Compilation') is an effort to make a WotC OGL version of first edition AD&D mechanics without violating copyright. 133 pages PDF.
Outlaws of the Water Margin by Paul Mason: Keywords: genre fantasy long world; A game set in Song dynasty (12th cent) China, which combines a lot of background with a simple skill-based system (somewhat incomplete). ~112 pages HTML.
Paradigm Shift by Greg Poehlein, Michael Nunn, and D.B. Lincoln: Keywords: universal long; A free, generic version of the rules used in the published games Supermegatopia the RPG and UNSanctioned, from Nightshift Games. Resolution is by roll under skill on 2d10. Character creation is open point-based, with three primary attributes: Mind, Body, and Agility. 64 pages PDF.
Paradox RPG by Faight Industries: Keywords: universal long; A percentile-based generic system, also available printed. Resolution is percentile, with chance equal to 1/3 of attribute plus skill. Character creation is open point-based. It includes systems for magic, cybernetics, and robot characters. 50 pages basic rules (HTML, MSWord, or RTF) or 123 pages advanced rules (HTML, MSWord, or RTF).
Paragon by D. Jon Mattson (aka "Cwylric"): Keywords: genre modern superhero scifi long world wotc-d20; A superhero RPG based on the WotC "D20" system, used in 3rd edition Dungeons and Dragons. It contains new races, new classes, and superpower rules. It includes a sourcebook for "Vancouver 2020", a shared-universe superhero setting. 104 pages basic rules (PDF or MSWord) plus 120 pages background (PDF or MSWord).
Pathfinder Alpha Playtest by Jason Bulmahn: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long wotc-d20; An adaptation of the 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons by Paizo publishing, using the open source D20 system rules. 66 pages (PDF).
Paths of Virtue by Abraham Pernicka aka "Krin": Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long world; A science fantasy RPG with the campaign world of "Earth:2230", with FTL travel, aliens, cyberware, and magic. It uses a percentile skill-based system. Character creation is random-roll attributes plus open point-buy of skills, advantages, and other aspects. 60 pages rules and background (MSWord).
Pathwanderer by Karl Thornley and David Collins: Keywords: universal fantasy long world; A universal system. Character creation is either random-roll or point-bought attributes with point-bought skills. Resolution is mostly percentile: roll d100 + skill + modifiers, where over 100 is a success. It includes a supplement ("world unit") for early medieval Ireland, between 410 and 793 A.D. 66 pages core rules (PDF), plus 136 pages supplement (PDF).
Pathways by John Buczek: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A simple percentile system using 3 attributes and various ads/disads. It includes a default psionics and magic system. 42 pages PDF.
Phantasm by Lamar Henderson and Chris Adams: Keywords: genre modern fantasy long; A game of magic in the modern world, using a simple d10 based system. The rules are focussed on the involved magic system. 130 pages rules plus 80 pages background (PDF or RTF).
Phobos by Mark Hughes: Keywords: genre modern fantasy horror long; A partly universal system geared for modern fantasy/horror. It includes a magic system but no setting. Task resolution uses an open-ended d20 roll (20 is reroll and add, 1 is reroll and subtract). Stat or skill + d20 + mods over 20 is a success. Character creation is open point-based. ~48 pages rules (HTML).
Phoenix Command High-Speed Pursuit System: Keywords: genre modern long supplement; This is a extensive supplement to the published Phoenix Command system (from Leading Edge Games) for motor vehicle chases and engagements. 160 pages (PDF).
Pinion by Kenneth MacArthur: Keywords: universal rules-lite long; A universal skill-based system. Action resolution is to roll under your skill on 2d10. Character creation can be either random-roll or point-based attributes with points-based ads/disads and skills. 53 pages PDF format.
PLUS, 5th edition by Joseph Steven Coleman: Keywords: genre universal scifi fantasy long rules-lite world; "Player's Labor-Saving Utility System". This is a simple dice-pool system where you compare the total to a target number, with open-ended results. Character generation uses random-roll core attributes (Luck, Body, and Age) , and point-bought attributes and skills based on these. It includes numerous setting adaptations, including an adaptation of the Jorune setting from Skyrealms Publishing and of Space 1889 from GDW. 41 pages basic rules (PDF or text-only) plus 175 pages setting adaptations.
POW! Core Rules: Keywords: universal rules-lite long preview; A free simple universal system, the same system used for the commercial RPG "Power Grrrl" and others. It is intended as a fast cinematic system. Character creation is open point-based -- 20 points among six attributes and "specials" associated with attributes. Action resolution is stat + 2d6 versus Difficulty. 20 pages rules (PDF).
Prism by Frank J. Perricone: Keywords: universal long; A modular skill based system. It is not quite complete, needing a combat system (by default it is intended for use with Rolemaster's Arms Law). It includes a number of supplements, including adaptation for GDW's "Space 1889" setting and Columbia Games' "Harn" setting. ~120 pages illustrated plus ~30 pages supplements (HTML).
Proteus by Sean McLaughlin: Keywords: genre scifi postapocalyptic long rules-lite world; A post-apocalypse RPG set on a colony planet (Ad Tair) after a devastating accident. Now humanity shares the planet with six intelligent alien races, and struggles to rebuild. It uses a simple dice pool system: roll (attribute + skill) d10s, with each roll over difficulty counting as one success, and each "1" rolled subtracting from successes. Character creation is point-based, with archetypes for different species. There is one supplement with new rules for drugs, merits/flaws, new skills, psionics, equipment, and races. 95 pages core rules plus 32 page supplement (PDF).
QCarz, version 2.0 by Nathan Stilwell: Keywords: genre scifi long; This is primarily a vehicular combat game about fights using James-Bondian spy cars. There are some RPG elements elements incorporated (character creation, and nominals stats). 28 pages rules (PDF).
Quasar by Conroy & Conroy company: Keywords: genre scifi fantasy long; A sci-fi and fantasy RPG, deliberately avoiding occult and unsuitable-for-children elements such as magic, psionics, demons, sex, or gore. It uses a "realistic" system of classes including architect, biologist, chemist, commando, etc. Players Guide 212 pages, GMs Guide 87 pages, Creature Anthology 157 pages (MSWord, RTF, HTML).
~330 page Player's Handbook, ~100 page GM's Guide, and ~100 page Monster Manual (HTML).
Ranma Nibun No Ichi - The Storyteller Game by Keith Martinson and Don Boys: Keywords: genre fantasy long; An adaptation of the Street Fighter and Storyteller rules (from White Wolf) to the Ranma 1/2 animated TV series. ~45 pages (HTML).
Realms of Adventure (Version 1.5) by Chris Pinto: Keywords: genre traditional fantasy long; A generic fantasy-genre system designed to be compatible with AD&D. It uses roll 3d6 under attribute or percentile dice under skill. Character creation is free-form negotiated with the GM. This is version 1.5 as posted to the newsgroup rec.games.design in 1993. ~30 pages rules (text-only).
Realm Walkers Light by Grant Graves: Keywords: genre fantasy rules-lite long; A "RPG / Dice Game" about dimension-hopping characters in a cosmic battle. Resolution is by points scored on certain 3d6 rolls. Character creation is template/class based with point-bought extras. It includes seven genre books covering fantasy, cyberpunk, and others. 15 pages core rules (PDF), plus ~80 pages worldbooks (PDF).
Recon (1st edition) by Joe F. Martin: Keywords: genre modern long; An officially-released PDF of the 1982 Vietnam War role-playing game, later acquired by Palladium Books. Resolution is percentile-based. Character creation is random-roll attributes (2d100 for Strength, Agility, and Alertness), selecting 1d10 binary skills, and picking a primary and secondary Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). 43 pages core rules (PDF).
Record of Lodoss War The RPG (Eternal Edition) by Mark Chase: Keywords: genre fantasy traditional long; An adaptation of the fantasy-genre Japanese animated series from Group-SNE/Kadokawa Shoten Publishing, using the Fuzion system with "Atomik Fuzion" supplemental material. 93 pages rules and background (PDF).
Red Shift Lite by Paul B. Spence: Keywords: genre scifi long preview; The free version of the commercial science fiction game, with a system similar to GURPS. Character creation is open point-based, including a selected profession and race, fifteen attributes, skills, talents, advantages, and disadvantages. Action resolution is roll under skill plus modifiers on 3d6. The free version includes combat and psionics rules, but no background and only brief stats on equipment. 32 pages rules (PDF).
Returner's Final Fantasy RPG by Scott Tengelin, Martin Drury, Chris Pomeroy, Matthew Martin, Matt Perrotti, and Paul Mulka: Keywords: genre fantasy long; A pencil-and-paper RPG based on the popular series of video games from SquareSoft. It uses a percentile skill system. Character creation is limited point-based: with a random number of attribute points, and skill points based on class. ~100 pages rules (HTML).
Rêve Book One: Journeyers: Keywords: genre fantasy long preview world; The first book of the published RPG Rêve: the Dream Ouroboros. This is the complete character generation and action resolution rules. The commercial game adds in Books Two and Three which describe the magic system and world background.