Zombie Apocalypse Role-Playing Game (RPG) Core Rules
The Zombie Apocalypse RPG is a tabletop role-playing game where players navigate a
world overrun by the undead. This system emphasizes survival, strategy, and
storytelling. The following rules provide a framework for gameplay.
Game Setup
Player Roles
Game Master (GM): Oversees the story, controls NPCs (non-player characters), and
creates challenges.
Players: Control individual characters, make decisions, and interact with the
world.
Character Creation
Attributes: Distribute points among the core attributes. Each starts at F- (free)
and can be improved:
Strength: Physical power, lifting, and melee combat.
Agility: Speed, reflexes, and stealth.
Accuracy: Precision with ranged weapons. Increases by 1 for every 2 points in
Agility.
Intelligence: Problem-solving, crafting, and knowledge.
Persuasion: Charm, negotiation, and leadership.
Skills: Choose skills based on your character’s backstory, such as first aid,
lockpicking, or firearms training.
Equipment: Begin with basic survival gear, with choices tailored to your
character’s role and expertise.
Backstory: Develop a brief history to explain your character’s abilities and
motivations.
Core Mechanics
Dice Rolls
Use a 20-sided die (d20) for most actions.
The GM sets a difficulty level (DL) from 5 (easy) to 20 (extremely hard).
Add the relevant attribute and skill modifiers to your roll. A total equal to or
above the DL succeeds.
Combat System
Turn Order: Determined by Agility rolls at the start of combat.
Actions per Turn:
Major Action: Attack, use an item, or perform a complex action.
Minor Action: Move, reload, or communicate.
Critical Hits:
Achieved with a natural roll of 20 or by exploiting weak spots (e.g., sneak
attacks).
Double damage or special effects determined by the GM.
Zombie Bites:
Fatal unless addressed immediately. Limb amputation or rare antidotes may save the
victim.
Resource Management
Health: Track injuries using a wound countermark system. Serious wounds reduce
effectiveness.
Stamina: Limits strenuous actions; recover through rest or consumables.
Supplies: Food, water, and ammo must be rationed to avoid scarcity.
Gameplay Features
Exploration
Navigate cities, forests, or wastelands filled with zombies and potential allies or
enemies.
Use Intelligence to solve puzzles, find safe routes, or locate supplies.
Survival
Manage hunger, thirst, and morale.
Create shelters and fortifications using crafting skills.
Encounters
Zombie Types:
Standard Zombies: Slow and relentless.
Runners: Fast but fragile.
Specials: Unique abilities or mutations.
Human NPCs:
Friendly: Potential allies or traders.
Hostile: Bandits or rival survivors.
Advanced Mechanics
Group Dynamics
Leadership: Persuasion can inspire or intimidate group members.
Morale: Affected by victories, losses, and resource availability.
Crafting
Use materials to create weapons, traps, or medical supplies.
Intelligence rolls determine success.
Character Progression
Earn experience points (XP) by completing objectives and surviving encounters.
Spend XP to improve attributes, learn new skills, or acquire perks.
Winning the Game
There’s no single “win condition.” Players set their own goals, such as reaching a
safe zone, rebuilding society, or simply surviving another day. The GM tailors the
story to the group’s objectives.
Tips for GMs and Players
Game Masters
Create diverse challenges that test different attributes and skills.
Encourage teamwork and role-playing.
Be flexible; adapt the story to player choices.
Players
Communicate and cooperate with your group.
Think creatively to solve problems.
Balance risk and reward when making decisions.
With these core rules, your group is ready to embark on a thrilling journey through
the zombie apocalypse. Adapt and expand the system to fit your playstyle and create
memorable adventures!
