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LD50 - Minimalist Expandable RPG

A universal storytelling game without a Game Master

1. Overview

This system is designed for simple, improvisational role-playing inspired by classics like Dungeons & Dragons, but streamlined for play without a Dungeon Master.
All players take turns guiding the story, resolving obstacles with dice, and expanding the shared narrative.

2. Preparing the Game

1. Choose a setting
   Pick any fictional world with enough lore to inspire play.
   Example: the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood.

   
   



2. Choose a hero
   Select a protagonist from this world.
   Example: Little Red Riding Hood herself.

   
   



3. Define traits
   Describe the hero’s key abilities and flaws.

   
   
   
   
   • Red Riding Hood has intuition and starts with a basket of pies.
   
   
   • She is naïve and physically weak (a child).
   
   
   
   



4. Set a starting scene
   Decide where the hero begins.
   Example: Red Riding Hood sets off on the forest path.

   
   



5. Set an initial goal
   Define what the hero is trying to achieve.
   Example: Deliver pies safely to grandmother.

   
   



6. Initialize CTD (Chance to Die)
   Start with CTD = 0. This is the threshold against which failed rolls are checked when danger is involved.

   
   

3. The Gameplay Loop

1. Generate an obstacle
   Roll once (or more) on the d20 Concept Table to inspire what the hero encounters.
   Record an interpretation in the story journal.

   
   



2. Choose approach and action
   Combine a roll on the d6 Approach Table and the d8 Action Table, or pick directly.
   This defines how the hero attempts to overcome the obstacle.

   
   



3. Set resistance
   Judge the obstacle’s difficulty using the d20 Resistance Table.

   
   



4. Attempt resolution

   
   
   
   
   • Roll 1d20.
   
   
   • Apply bonuses from relevant traits: for every 2 points of resistance, add +1 if the action clearly uses a trait.
   
   
   • Compare the total to the obstacle’s resistance (DC).
   
   
   
   



5. Check success or failure

   
   
   
   
   • Success: the obstacle is overcome. Reduce CTD by (roll – DC).
   
   
   • Failure: the attempt fails. Increase CTD by (DC – roll).
   
   
   • Death check: if a failed roll is lower than CTD and the situation is deadly, the hero dies. Game over.
   
   
   
   



6. Apply twists

   
   
   
   
   • On a successful odd roll: a complication arises. Roll d20 Concept to interpret.
   
   
   • On a failed odd roll: an unexpected relief arises. Roll d20 Concept to interpret.
   
   
   
   



7. Advance goals
   If the current goal is achieved, set a new one and repeat from step 1.

   
   

4. Tools for Storytelling

d20 Concept Table

1. End — death, failure, completion, transformation


2. Beginning — birth, awakening, opportunity


3. Conflict — war, rivalry, struggle


4. Desolation — ruin, decay, loss


5. Strength — courage, resilience, force


6. Weakness — vulnerability, flaw, need


7. Threat — danger, antagonist, uncertainty


8. Opportunity — chance, reward, luck


9. Change — evolution, growth, chaos


10. Secret — hidden knowledge, motives, places


11. Connection — bond, alliance, cause/effect


12. Isolation — solitude, exile, challenge


13. Sign — omen, clue, foreshadowing


14. Journey — travel, quest, progression


15. Loss — grief, sacrifice, destruction


16. Desire — longing, temptation, motivation


17. Chaos — unpredictability, disruption


18. Order — law, structure, destiny


19. Mystery — puzzle, hidden forces


20. Choice — decision, branching paths, consequence

d20 Oracle

For yes/no questions. Roll 1d20 against the threshold below:

• Paranormal — 25


• Surprising — 20


• Possible — 15


• Likely — 10


• Expected — 5


• Certain — 2

d8 Action Table

1. Assault — direct confrontation


2. Divert — distract, redirect


3. Sneak — bypass unnoticed


4. Parley — negotiate, persuade


5. Utilize — use item or environment


6. Prepare — set up for advantage


7. Investigate — gather more information


8. Abandon — give up on the attempt

d6 Approach Table

1. Bravely — openly, boldly


2. Agilely — quickly, skillfully


3. Cleverly — with wit, trickery


4. Empathically — through emotion or lies


5. Patiently — by waiting, enduring


6. Magically — with supernatural means

d20 Resistance Table

• Divine (30) — harming immortal cosmic beings


• Paranormal (25) — fighting ghosts with mundane means


• Overwhelming (19) — chainsaw maniac barehanded


• Strong (15) — pack of wolves


• Moderate (11) — gunfight with a clone


• Weak (8) — outrunning a crippled zombie


• Tiny (4) — hiding from distracted slasher


• None (auto) — trivial tasks

5. Narrative Currency

• Inspiration
  If a hero acts in line with their nature, they gain Inspiration: a right to reroll one die.
  Example: Red Riding Hood flees in fear to call for help.

  
  



• Doom Tokens
  If a hero acts against their nature, they gain Doom tokens.

  
  
  
  
  • Each Doom token modifies Oracle rolls (helpful answers become less certain).
  
  
  • Accumulated Doom can unlock paranormal effects: reality warps, madness sets in.
    Example: Red Riding Hood grabs a chainsaw and attacks everyone.
  
  
  
  

6. Optional Rules

• With a Game Master (GM)
  A GM can run the world: generating obstacles, making rolls, and narrating. Players only choose actions.
  Maps, dungeons, and miniatures may be added for complexity.

  
  



• Without a GM
  The group shares narrative control. Keep a brief record of important facts (Is the wolf still alive? Did Red Riding Hood get bitten?).

  
  

7. Ending the Game

The story ends when:

• The hero dies (CTD check fails),


• The group agrees the hero’s story arc is complete,


• Or everyone is satisfied with the tale told.