LOW

RES
RPG
Welcome to LOW RES RPG. A tabletop
RPG designed for flexibility and ease
of use for beginner players and
experienced GMs.

The design of this game has a

few primary objectives meant
to differentiate it from the
alternatives.

Firstly, the author sheet. Player engagement

found many traditional seems to drop when they
RPG games presented the cannot keep track of what
rules as tools the game their character is capable
master and players could of, and newer players can
use against each other. be overwhelmed by dense
Many games punish sub- systems. Being extremely
optimal play. In LOW RES lightweight, the game is
RPG, the omnipotence of also flexible and adaptable
the game master is never to a variety of settings.
in question. They are Look for example modules
encouraged to reward with scenario generation
and challenge players tools, items, skills and
as they see fit, and are traits germain to various
ultimately responsible settings.
for the wellbeing of the
party and the atmosphere A third objective was
of the table. Defining the to create a game with
expectations of the group the least barriers to
early, and making time at play. It could be played
the end of sessions for remotely with simple
feedback is recommended. conference call software,
and the resources exist
Secondly, this game as interactive Google
attempts to improve documents. They will be
player engagement by linked at the end of this
presenting them with the guide. Enriching the game
most streamlined rules with assets like figures,
possible, for the most a battle mat to suit your
part fit on their character game is not discouraged.
 LOW
RES
FOR GAME MASTERS

RPG
This section is for the player who
wishes to host the game for their
friends. They will be referred to as
the GM from here.

This guide assumes a relatively

experienced GM interested in letting
their players surprise them.

You will need two things defined by their TITLE,

to play: A scenario and TRAITS, SKILLS and ITEMS.
some friends. Invite your It is recommended each
friends to get together to character take 2 to 4 of
play an RPG with a couple each to begin with.
of generalized themes in
mind (eg. science fiction, For example, a pirate
fantasy, historical, character might have the
horror, mystery, etc). title “Pirate Captain”.
Tell your players to bring Their traits could be Peg
a couple of loose ideas Legged, Parrot Companion,
or themes they would be and Intimidating Presence.
interested in exploring in Skills could be Command,
a game or a character. Navigation and Dual Wield.
And beginning items might
Example modules for the be a Cutlass, Brace of
game will include scenario Pistols and Grog Flask.
generation tools, and with
the help of these and your These traits, skills and
players’ ideas an exciting items are meant to be
scenario should be within self explanatory. Use
reach. your common sense as a GM
and award advantage or
Character generation disadvantage to rolls when
in the game is simple. they would apply during
Some other games have tests. Example modules
overly prescriptive class will come equipped with
systems, or comprehensive- lists of each of these to
though-overwhelming choose from, but there
character creation should be no problem with
processes. In LOW RES RPG inserting your own either.
the characters are simply
 LOW
RES
ATTRIBUTES

RPG
This game has made some attempts to
reduce the numbers the players need
to keep track of and calculate. While
it works differently than the popular
parent game, we still roll a D20 for
most checks because it is fun.

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT Similarly, the GM may

require a character facing
During character creation, extraordinary difficulties
roll 4D6 and discard the to roll at DISADVANTAGE,
lowest to determine each where they choose the
MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. lowest score of two dice
rolls.
During gameplay, players
must attempt to roll a WEALTH
D20 below the appropriate
ability score when tested. WEALTH represents the
probability a character
MIND represents a will have access to
character’s mental acuity. material or social
resources in a given
BODY represents a situation.
character’s physical
prowess. When accessed, roll D6
under WEALTH.
SPIRIT represents a If 1, -1 WEALTH. WEALTH
character’s courage, may be awarded at the
charisma and empathy. discretion of the GM.

KARMA
When a character tests an
attribute in a scenario
Each failed test earns 1
where one of their TRAITS,
KARMA. Spend 1 KARMA to:
SKILLS or ITEMS would be
advantageous, or receive - Reroll one die
aid from a friend, they — Act once before
are able to roll twice and   incapacitation
choose the highest number. - Improve healing
This is called ADVANTAGE, overnight
and the GM may award it at
their discretion.
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RES
STATUS AND ADVANCEMENT

RPG
LOW RES RPG does not use the common
system of tracking a character’s hit
points or experience numerically.

STATUS Other conditions may be

applied at the discretion
A character will begin of the GM.
with an empty STATUS field
in their character sheet, CHARACTER RECORD
representing good health.
LOW RES RPG does not
When characters are hurt, do away with the core
alter STATUS temporarily, principle of character
representing the condition advancement. During
of the character. The gameplay, players are
condition will persist to record the trials,
until medical attention is tribulations and triumphs
sought in game. of their characters. At
the end of each session,
WOUND TABLE these accomplishments are
reviewed and boons may be
When struck in combat, roll awarded by the GM.
D6 on the wound table to
determine STATUS. Add +1 One might deliberately
to this roll for each hit exercise a skill, for
sustained this encounter. example, either to add it
to their character sheet
1 Nothing or improve it to represent
2 Flesh Wound enhanced expertise. We
3 DISADVANTAGED may see an accomplished
4 Disarmed fencer improve their SWORD
5 Staggered skill to DUAL WIELDING or
6 Subdued EXECUTIONER

Non-player combatants may A GM may also award

suffer the resultsof the attribute improvements,
table or be at the mercy of TRAITS, WEALTH or KARMA
the agressor when damaged.
 LOW
RES
RPG
TRAITS SKILLS and Each failed test
ITEMS represent earns 1 KARMA. Spend
character. They give 1 KARMA to:
ADVANTAGE to tests
where appropriate. - Reroll one die
— Act once before
STATUS reflects health   incapacitation
- Improve healing
WEALTH represents overnight
resources, cash,
and connections Roll D20 under
appropriate stat
When accessed, roll when tested.
D6 under WEALTH.
If 1, -1 WEALTH

PLAYER MIND STATUS

NAME BODY WEALTH

TITLE PORTRAIT SPIRIT KARMA

SKILLS TRAITS ITEMS