What Does A Swords TTRPG Need To Be, To You?
Added 2025-10-12 05:35:07 +0000 UTCI tried to start a TTRPG Swords: Pens & Papercuts a while ago, but a lot of things happened in between. People still seem to want something in this space though so I figure "Why not start from 0 and ask what problem people want solved in a fantasy TTRPG, before deciding if I want to start it up again?"
And so:
What problems can a Swords TTRPG solve, that Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Daggerheart, Final Fantasy XIV and so on aren't solving for you?
Does it need to be free and printable from home?
Does it need to be light weight and easy to learn?
Does it need to be playable with a D6 and a Chess Board for maximum accessibility?
Does it need to do something better? Faster? Smarter?
Do you want it to leverage humor as a core mechanic somehow? Should The Rule Of Cool be replaced with Laughter Gives Me Bonus Damage?
Do you want everyone to be a Level 1 Monster like Choplet or Quest Sprout?
Do you want Swords to grow and level up and gain souls and have access to all the different power systems from the comics?
These are just loose thoughts. I'd love to hear your dream pitch for the Swords TTRPG. I don't want to hear what you think will sell well or resonate with a theoretical fan, I want to hear what your dream game looks like.
Thanks!
Comments
I'll have a look but broadly speaking I don't like the idea that I have to tip toe across a minefield of every bad decision every TTRPG has ever made - I'd rather gravitate towards what's fun and accessible
Matthew Wills
2025-10-15 22:01:01 +0000 UTCIf you want a "what NOT to do" sort of guide, the Shadowrun rule book is famous for how utterly insane the layout and rules are.
Michael Negranol
2025-10-15 20:21:46 +0000 UTCIt's gotta be about the swords. They are companions, co-characters, deserve their own special place in the world and the rules. I want to level my sword up, I want it to gain quirks and new abilities, I DO NOT want loot or gear upgrades. I want a relationship with the swords! Oh and hopefully it is still funny and punny
Chris Aardappel
2025-10-14 23:30:49 +0000 UTC
