Symbaroum

Symbaroum TTRPG · Symbaroum Roleplaying Game

Symbaroum

Symbaroum immerses you in the radiant kingdom of Ambria and the shadowy depths of Davokar. Ruins whisper, factions plot, and every shortcut comes at a price. Players appreciate its atmospheric tone, stark morality, and the ongoing struggle between ambition and corruption. It is a realm where relics earn favour at court, elves uphold ancient taboos, and the forest itself resists.

A session feels like a guided expedition. You scout, negotiate, and delve deeper until a choice must be made, then steel clashes with claw and the dice determine who returns home limping. Combat is swift and perilous, and clever strategies are essential. Ideal for inquisitive newcomers as well as seasoned players who relish grounded stakes. A professional Game Master assists with pre-generated characters and sets the tone, adjusting challenges to suit your group, whether for a moody birthday session or a focused team event. Browse our professional Game Masters to find the perfect match.

How to play Symbaroum

Symbaroum employs a straightforward roll-under system. When you attempt something risky, you roll a d20 and aim to achieve a result that is equal to or below a relevant attribute after accounting for modifiers from equipment, assistance, or the opponent. Players are responsible for the rolls, even when enemies are attacking. In combat, you select an action, roll to determine if it succeeds, and then roll for your weapon’s damage, while armour mitigates the impact. Magic is potent but incurs temporary and permanent corruption, so spellcasters must choose their moments wisely. Outside of combat, the same fundamental roll governs travel, stealth, negotiation, and exploring ruins.

You only need a character concept, a readiness to make tough decisions, and perhaps a pencil and some dice. The Game Master provides the Davokar map, factions, encounters, and pre-made characters if you wish to dive in quickly. One-shots concentrate on a single delve, rescue, or intrigue with clear objectives and a complete narrative. Campaigns track your growing reputation, long-term corruption, and connections to Ambrian and elven politics. Discuss your preferred level of difficulty and intensity, ranging from harsh survival to story-driven mystery, and choose a style that fits your group using GM playstyles.

A detailed painted game miniature of a tabaxi character leaping with a knife, designed for role-playing game adventures.
A detailed painted game miniature of a tabaxi character leaping with a knife, designed for role-playing game adventures.
Double-exposure portrait of a smiling person seated in front of bookshelves
Double-exposure portrait of a smiling person seated in front of bookshelves

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need any rules or knowledge of the setting?

No. Your professional Game Master explains the rules at the table and provides a brief overview of Ambria and the Davokar forest. You only need a character concept. Pre-generated characters are available if you want to dive in quickly. The core mechanic is straightforward: you roll a d20 and aim to get a result equal to or lower than an attribute after modifiers. The GM manages everything else and maintains the atmosphere, allowing you to concentrate on decisions, teamwork, and remaining untainted.

How does Symbaroum differ from D&D?

The world is harsher and more grounded. Power comes at a cost, as magic breeds corruption that can scar or distort you. Exploration and faction politics are just as important as combat. The rules are streamlined; you roll to act while enemies seldom roll. Armour absorbs damage instead of increasing your chance of being missed. Healing is rarer, making scouting and negotiation essential tools. Advancement is steady rather than explosive. Victories feel hard-won, and risky shortcuts can come back to haunt you.

How perilous is combat, really?

Fights are quick and can hinge on a single poor decision. Armour mitigates damage, but injuries accumulate and healing options are restricted. Victory comes from selecting the terrain, employing light and stealth, and striking at the right moment. Retreat is a legitimate strategy. The GM signals threats and adjusts difficulty according to your group. Thoughtful preparation, inventive tactics, and effective use of equipment help ensure your survival. When you do hold your ground, be prepared for tense rolls and significant consequences.

How do magic and corruption function?

Casting spells or handling tainted artefacts gives you temporary corruption that can become permanent if you push too far. Exceed certain thresholds and you may suffer marks or worse, ranging from eerie tells to mutations. Different traditions—such as theurgs, witches, and sorcerers—manage risk in their own ways, often through rituals, foci, or talents. Magic is powerful and rare, so you must plan your moments carefully. Your GM tracks limits, explains options, and helps you weigh the cost before you cast.

What group size and session length are suitable?

Symbaroum works best with 2 to 6 players, with 3 to 5 being the ideal number for spotlight and survival. A typical session lasts between 180 and 240 minutes. A one-shot generally involves a focused delve, rescue, or court intrigue with a clear objective and a satisfying conclusion. A short arc or campaign allows your choices to influence factions, monitor increasing corruption, and build relationships, while still ensuring each session remains purposeful and tense.

Which version are you using, original or 5E?

Most sessions utilise the original Symbaroum rules with the d20 roll under mechanic. Some Game Masters can also run Ruins of Symbaroum for 5E groups. If you have a preference, please mention it in your request and the GM will confirm. You can browse available professionals and their system options here: find a professional Game Master.

Is it too dark for children or sensitive players?

Symbaroum embraces dark fantasy. Themes encompass corruption, moral compromise, and unsettling creatures. It is not suitable for children. For adult groups, the tone can be adjusted. Your GM can emphasise mystery and survival over body horror, fade to black on certain topics, and employ clear lines and veils. If you have boundaries, communicate them upfront. Read about table tone and session styles here: GM playstyles.

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Genres you can play in Symbaroum

What players think

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly brilliant as a DM! Cheerful, adaptable, and exceptionally experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in an enjoyable manner and engaged every player in the story, regardless of whether they were vocal or reserved. If you embark on an adventure with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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