13th Age

It uses the same d20 core, but it reduces bookkeeping and prioritises story. Skills are replaced with broad backgrounds, allowing you to roll based on what suits your character rather than a lengthy list. Classes offer clear, concise options that are quick to read at the table. Combat intensifies each round, making battles conclude more swiftly and feel more decisive. The setting incorporates relationships with powerful figures that propel plots from session to session. Interested in alternatives as well? You can compare systems here: see other game systems.

No. If you can roll a d20 and add a number, you are good to go. A professional Game Master will teach you the basics in just a few minutes and provide quick character creation or ready-made characters. The game employs straightforward language for powers and checks. During your turn, you will move, take an action, and describe what that looks like. The emphasis is on bold choices rather than rules trivia. New players settle in quickly, while experienced players can jump straight into creative tactics.

Icons are the key players in the setting, such as a dragon queen, an archmage, or a crusader. Your character begins with a few relationships with these figures, which can be positive, conflicted, or negative. At the start of a session, you roll for those ties. The results provide the Game Master with material for allies, favours, rivalries, and complications. This means your connections actively influence scenes, clues, and twists. Politics and power struggles become integral to the story without requiring extensive lore to memorise.

At the start of round two, a large d6 comes into play showing 1. Each new round it increases by 1, up to a maximum of 6. Heroes add that number to their attack rolls, and many abilities depend on it. Enemies almost never benefit. The bonus rewards daring choices, helps to conclude fights before they drag on, and creates memorable moments for heroes in the later rounds. Your turn remains focused on a few clear options, ensuring that even large battles stay dynamic and easy to follow.

Your One Unique Thing is a statement that distinguishes your character, such as being the only dwarf who hears the earth sing. It does not provide power; instead, it offers a narrative hook for the Game Master to utilise. Backgrounds replace a fixed skill list. You define a few broad past experiences, allocate points, and roll those when appropriate for the task. This approach keeps the rules light, encourages creativity, and ensures your character’s history is significant during challenges and investigations.

Yes. With two players, the Game Master adjusts encounters and can introduce an ally to ensure you get your moment in the spotlight without dragging things out. Three to five players is the ideal number for quick turns and diverse tactics. Six players can work, provided there is a focus on pacing and simplified monster choices. The system’s straightforward mathematics and clear class roles help keep everyone involved. Your Game Master will balance scenes so that each player has meaningful moments in both roleplay and combat.

Sessions use 13th Age 1st Edition. Your Game Master runs the core rules and, if your group wishes, may include options or creatures from official expansions by agreement. For one-shots, expect pregenerated characters or simplified creation. For campaigns, you can add material as you progress, with clear guidance on tone and complexity. To see who is available and their approach, browse our Game Masters.