Tales from the Loop

Tales from the Loop RPG · Tales from the Loop Roleplaying Game

Tales from the Loop

Tales from the Loop is a mystery roleplaying game set in a suburb influenced by a vast research facility known as the Loop. You juggle school and home life with peculiar events that no adult wishes to confront. Imagine sagging barns, unusual machines on the outskirts of town, and the neon glow on winter nights. The atmosphere is warm and inquisitive, with a hint of unease. Players are drawn to its human stories and retro-futuristic aesthetic.

A session unfolds like your favourite small-town mystery. You pose questions, cycle to important locations, converse with eccentric adults, and experiment with bizarre technology until the truth reveals itself. It is ideal for beginners, families, birthday groups, and teams seeking a shared puzzle. If you appreciate grounded puzzles and character-driven moments, it fits perfectly within Mystery.

How to play Tales from the Loop

The rules use pools of six-sided dice. When you attempt something risky, gather a handful based on your child’s traits, skills, and equipment, then roll. Any 6 is a success. More 6s provide additional benefits. If you miss, you can try again by taking a Condition or by seeking help from friends. Most turns are straightforward: describe what you do, roll if it is uncertain, then the Game Master reveals the results in the world.

You bring a child concept, a couple of personal details, and a willingness to ask questions and assist the group. A professional Game Master provides the mystery, maps, NPCs, handouts, and the 80s vibe. One-shots focus on one clear case you can solve in an evening. Campaigns develop your home life, recurring NPCs, and larger secrets. It also works seamlessly online; see online play options.

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.
Players with elven ears and a wizard hat role-playing at a d&d session, with miniatures set on the table for storytelling.
Players with elven ears and a wizard hat role-playing at a d&d session, with miniatures set on the table for storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to know any rules to get started?

No. A professional Game Master guides you as you play. The system is straightforward: when something is uncertain, you roll a handful of six-sided dice based on your child’s strengths and equipment. One 6 means you succeed, and additional 6s provide bonuses. If you fail, the story continues, often with a twist or a choice. You only need a character concept, such as bookworm or skater, and a sense of curiosity. Everything else is explained at the table.

How many players are there and how long does it last?

Tales from the Loop is best enjoyed with 3 to 5 players, although it can also accommodate 2 for a quieter, more intimate mystery. A typical session lasts between 2 to 3 hours. New groups can create characters in around 15 minutes before diving into the case. One-shots are perfect for a single evening. For campaigns, that same session length allows you to balance school, family scenes, and the developing mystery without feeling rushed.

Is it genuinely suitable for children? What age groups are appropriate?

Yes. The tone is gentle and curious, filled with wonder, school drama, and light scares rather than graphic content. Adventures focus on solving problems, conversing with quirky adults, and experimenting with unusual technology. Many families play comfortably with children aged 10 and above, and a Game Master can adjust the tension to suit your group. Parents are welcome at the table. If you wish to avoid certain topics, please mention this at the start and the GM will navigate around them.

How does Tales from the Loop differ from D&D?

It focuses on investigation and everyday life, rather than dungeon battles. You play as children with bikes and torches, so conversation, stealth, and tinkering are more important than combat. There are no classes or spell lists, and no battle maps are required. Danger is managed through narrative setbacks instead of hit points. Most scenes revolve around clues, choices, and relationships. If you wish to compare it with other systems in terms of feel, explore more game options.

What types of characters do we play, and how is danger managed?

You play as kids from the 80s-that-never-was, such as a Bookworm, Jock, Troublemaker, or Weirdo, each with simple abilities and personal issues at home or school. Kids do not die in this game. When things go awry, you mark Conditions like Scared, Exhausted, or Injured, which make future rolls more difficult until you receive support or find a quiet moment to recover. The stakes feel real without being grim, so the tension arises from time pressure, getting grounded, or strained friendships.

Where are the mysteries located, and can we use our town?

The published settings feature Sweden’s Mälaren Islands and Boulder City, Nevada, both influenced by a vast research facility known as the Loop. A professional Game Master can run either setting, or adapt the mystery to your local area so your group can relate to familiar landmarks, slang, and local idiosyncrasies. Both urban and rural settings are suitable. The retro-future technology and the Loop’s experiments provide the backdrop, while the streets, shops, and school corridors become your own.

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Genres you can play in Tales from the Loop

  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, construct timelines, and apprehend the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, assembling alibis and…

    View genre: Mystery
  • Cozy

    Heartwarming, low-pressure tales centred around tea, neighbours, and simple pleasures. Imagine Stardew Valley with friends, where gentle…

    View genre: Cozy
  • Conspiracy

    Unravel layers of deception as you pursue leads through dimly lit rooms, encrypted files, and betrayals. Paranoia escalates with each clue…

    View genre: Conspiracy
  • Spooky

    Candlelight, creaking stairs, and a shadow that shifts when you look away. Imagine Goosebumps, filled with quick thrills, playful…

    View genre: Spooky
  • Rural

    Charming fields, muddy boots, neighbourly drama, and harvest festivals. Imagine Stardew Valley infused with mysteries at the hedgerow…

    View genre: Rural

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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