Forbidden Lands is one of my all time favorite TTRPGs!  If you like a simple-but-meaningful set of mechanics that facilitate combat, exploration, survival, social encounters, and stronghold building (a.k.a. domain play), Forbidden Lands is a game you really should try.

Forbidden Lands is a fantasy role-playing game that offers a unique and immersive open world sandbox experience. Players have the freedom to explore a dangerous and mysterious wilderness, filled with ancient ruins, powerful magic and deadly monsters.

With a game system that emphasizes player skill and luck, rather than character stats, every adventure is full of unexpected challenges and opportunities. The game also features a modular and customizable rule-set which allows players to tailor the gameplay to their specific preferences. Whether you want to embark on a epic quest, build your own stronghold, or simply survive in the wild, Forbidden Lands offers a unique and thrilling role-playing experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Click here to learn more about Forbidden Lands.

PALLADIUM FANTASY RPG

Palladium Fantasy RPG has been around since the early 1980s. Since that time PFRPG has had only one major revision, which introduced Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing, 2nd Edition back in 1996.  Since then it has been going strong… and with good reason!

Palladium Fantasy RPG is a classic fantasy role-playing game that offers players a vast and immersive world filled with magic, monsters, and adventure. With a rich and detailed setting, players can explore ancient ruins, battle fierce monsters, and uncover hidden treasures. The game features a unique and flexible magic system that allows players to choose from hundreds of spells and magic items, giving them the power to shape the world as they see fit.

Palladium Fantasy RPG also offers a wide range of character classes, races, and skills, allowing players to create a unique and personalized character to suit their playstyle. Whether you want to be a powerful sorcerer, a skilled thief, or a noble knight, the game has something for everyone. With an active community and a wealth of supplements and sourcebooks, Palladium Fantasy RPG offers an endless and exciting world of adventure that will keep you coming back for more.

Click here to learn more about Palladium Fantasy RPG 2E

LION & DRAGON

Are you looking for something a bit more… authentic?  Well, you can’t go wrong with the game described as “authentic role-playing.” Lion & Dragon is a Medieval Authentic OSR game. Until now, you only thought you were playing “medieval fantasy”!

Lion & Dragon is a medieval fantasy role-playing game that immerses players in a rich and dynamic world of chivalry and adventure. Set in a fictional version of medieval Europe, players can take on the role of brave knights, powerful wizards, or cunning thieves, as they navigate through a world of political intrigue, religious fervor, and the struggle for power.

The game features a unique and realistic combat system, that emphasizes player skill and strategy, allowing players to engage in epic battles and duels with realistic outcomes. The game also offers a detailed and historically accurate social system that allows players to interact with the world and its inhabitants in a believable and engaging way.

With a rich and detailed setting, and a wealth of NPCs, organizations, and adventures to explore, Lion & Dragon offers a unique and exciting role-playing experience that will transport players to a world of fantasy and adventure. Whether you want to defend the innocent, vanquish evil, or pursue your own ambition, Lion & Dragon provides an engaging and immersive world where anything is possible.

CONAN: ADVENTURES IN AN AGE UNDREAMED OF

People simply cannot stop sharing their excitement and enthusiasm for the Conan 2d20 role-playing game.  If you have not had the opportunity to play this game, you really are missing out on a hidden gem.

Conan 2d20, published by Modiphius Entertainment, is a role-playing game that immerses players in the gritty and brutal world of Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian. Players take on the role of brave warriors, powerful sorcerers, and cunning thieves, as they navigate through a world of bloodthirsty barbarians, ancient gods, and deadly monsters.

The game features a fast-paced and action-packed 2d20 system, that emphasizes player skill and quick thinking, allowing players to engage in epic battles and thrilling chases with cinematic outcomes. The game also offers a detailed and immersive setting that captures the essence of Howard’s stories, allowing players to experience the danger, adventure and excitement of Conan’s world.

With a rich and detailed setting, and a wealth of NPCs, organizations, and adventures to explore, Conan 2d20 offers a unique and exciting role-playing experience that will transport players to a world of fantasy and adventure. Whether you want to defend the innocent, vanquish evil, or pursue your own ambition, Conan 2d20 provides an engaging and immersive world where anything is possible.

EARTHDAWN

While most of my Earthdawn experience is with the 1st Edition of the game, it remains my all time favorite high magic fantasy TTRPG of all time. The Step System is phenomenal, and the world in incredibly rich. The game may be a bit daunting for new gamers, but once you put your hands on this game you won’t ever want to put it down!

Earthdawn is a fantasy role-playing game that takes players on an epic journey through a world of magic and danger. Set in a world where magic is woven into the very fabric of reality, players take on the role of powerful adepts, who harness the power of magic to survive in a world overrun by terrifying monsters and ancient horrors.

The game features a unique and dynamic magic system, that allows players to harness the power of the elements, the spirits, and the threads of magic itself, to shape the world around them. The game also offers a wide range of disciplines, talents, and abilities, allowing players to create a unique and powerful character that reflects their playstyle.

With a rich and detailed setting, and a wealth of adventures, mysteries and secrets to uncover, Earthdawn offers an exciting and immersive role-playing experience that will transport players to a world of fantasy and wonder. Whether you want to uncover ancient artifacts, vanquish powerful enemies, or explore the unknown, Earthdawn provides a rich and engaging world where anything is possible.

Click here to learn more about Earthdawn.

All right! There’s a list of five games to get you started on your heroic journey away from Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. I’ll introduce you to five more games in the near future, but don’t wait until then! Grab one of these wonderful games… now!