
KAP · King Arthur Pendragon · Pendragon TTRPG
Pendragon
Pendragon is Greg Stafford’s Arthurian roleplaying game centred around chivalry, romance, and difficult choices. You take on the role of knights in a mythical Britain where honour and passion are as significant as steel. Sessions unfold like a living legend: featuring feasts and courtly scenes, hunts and duels, desperate battles, and quests that challenge your virtues. Magic is rare and perilous, politics is personal, and glory comes at a price. A professional Game Master adjusts the tone from bright and gallant to gritty and tragic, ensuring the lore remains clear and inviting.
Pendragon is ideal for story-driven players, whether new or experienced, and is suitable for birthdays, gatherings of friends, and team events. It can be tailored to be focused and beginner-friendly for a one-shot, or evolve into an expansive family saga over the years. If you have a passion for Arthurian tales, begin with our quick overview of Arthurian games to capture the essence, then book a session that suits your group.
How to play Pendragon
You describe what your knight does, from bold speeches to charging with a lance. When an action is uncertain, you roll a d20 and aim to get equal to or below the skill the GM calls for. In a clash, both sides roll, and the better success determines the outcome. Traits guide your behaviour, and Passions can inspire a bonus when a vow or love drives you, albeit with some risk if they fail. Combat employs weapon skills opposed by the foe, with damage in d6s reduced by armour. The GM sets stakes, rulings, and consequences so you can focus on your choices.
You bring a knight concept, a few ideals to draw upon, and a willingness to be brave, courteous, or stubborn when it matters. A professional Game Master provides characters if you wish, teaches the rules as you progress, and frames scenes at court, on the field, and throughout the seasons. One-shots spotlight a tournament, a rescue, or a hunt, fostering quick bonds between knights. Campaigns introduce the Winter Phase, managing households, forging alliances, and even heirs, allowing your story to span generations. Meet our available GMs here: our Game Masters.





Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know about Arthurian lore or the rules?
No. A professional Game Master provides a brief introduction to chivalry, court customs, and the key figures, then teaches the rules as you play. Pendragon employs a straightforward d20-under-skill roll, allowing you to concentrate on choices and roleplay. Your knight’s personality Traits and Passions assist in guiding decisions and can offer bonuses when oaths and ideals are significant. If you are familiar with the legends, that’s great, but it is not necessary. The group will collectively experience the essence of Arthurian tales through play.
How does Pendragon differ from D&D?
You play as knights whose honour, ideals, and loyalties are as important as swordplay. There are no classes or spell lists. Skills encompass both combat and courtly life, and your knight’s Traits and Passions can lead you towards brave or conflicted choices. Magic exists, but it is rare and unsettling, not an everyday tool. Advancement is through Glory, earned by deeds and reputation. Campaigns often progress year by year, with winters spent managing households and families growing, creating a saga across generations.
What characters can we play? Do we have to be knights?
Pendragon is designed for knights at the heart of the narrative, and your Game Master will offer pre-generated knights or assist you in creating your own. Tables can also feature squires, ladies, courtiers, or other noble roles if you favour intrigue over combat. Knights of any gender are welcome if that aligns with your group's tone. Both historically grounded and more contemporary interpretations are supported. Your GM will customise the cast to fit the story you wish to tell.
Which edition will the Dungeon Master use?
Most sessions use the 6th Edition, released in 2023, as it is current and easy to learn. If your group prefers 5.2 or an earlier edition, please mention it when you book. The core experience, featuring Traits, Passions, and opposed combat, is consistent across editions, and adventures can be adapted. Pre-generated characters are available for each edition. You can browse and message available GMs to confirm edition preferences here: our Game Masters.
How deadly is combat, and how is romance managed?
Battles are perilous. Even armoured knights can sustain serious injuries from just a few heavy blows, and recovery requires time. Your GM can adjust the level of risk by emphasising jousts and tournaments, which are less lethal than battlefield melees. Themes of love and marriage are classic in Pendragon, but they are always subject to the table's preferences. Courtship can be tender and fade to black, or it can be minimised for a family-friendly game. Lines, veils, and other safety tools are available and can be employed upon request.
What group size is most suitable for Pendragon?
Pendragon is designed for 2 to 6 players, with the ideal number being 3 to 5. This is because duels, hunts, and court scenes typically focus on one or two knights at a time. With 6 players, the GM will streamline tournaments and large battles to ensure everyone remains engaged. Two-player games work particularly well when the characters are a sworn pair, such as siblings or companions, with strong personal story arcs. Your GM will craft scenes to ensure each character has distinct moments to act and earn Glory.
What can be accomplished in a single session, and what do campaigns contribute?
A single session typically revolves around a specific quest, a high-stakes hunt, a rescue, or a tournament accompanied by a feast and courtly interactions. In campaigns, the calendar progresses between adventures, and the Winter Phase allows you to manage your estate, form alliances, marry, and raise heirs. Over time, you may pass the mantle to the next generation. Whether you favour courtly drama, battlefield action, or a combination of both, you can select a GM whose style aligns with your preferences: GM playstyles.
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