Cairn

Cairn, by Yochai Gal, is a barebones TTRPG where players take control over adventurers exploring the dark and mysterious Wood.

The system primarily uses a d20 roll under system call Saves to determine if character avoid hazards. Otherwise it encourages situations to be resolved through narrative interaction with the fiction. If you character is in front of a lock door and you have a crowbar there is no need to roll, simply describe your character prying open the door with the tool. This gives players great flexibility in overcoming obstacles and reduces the random setbacks that can plague other games.

In the same vein, magic spells exist in the game but are there to create narratively interesting solutions. There are no magic missiles and fireballs to be found here. Instead character will scry, ward, web, swarm, and animate solutions to the problems they encounter. Even swinging a sword has been simplified with the removal of rolls to hit. All attacks are assumed to hit so only a damage roll is necessary.

Cairn is free to play in its entirety and has a healthy community that provides a plethora of additional content.

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