Basic Roleplaying (BRP) is a universal game engine that serves as the foundation for a variety of tabletop roleplaying games. Originally created by Chaosium, it is a rules system that prioritizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing players to delve into various genres and settings.
Some of the RPG games based upon the BRP system:
- Call of Cthulhu: Created by Chaosium, Call of Cthulhu is a horror roleplaying game set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. It focuses on investigation, mystery, and the horrors of cosmic entities. The BRP system serves as the foundation for the game’s mechanics, emphasizing sanity, skill-based challenges, and character progression.
- RuneQuest: Also developed by Chaosium, RuneQuest is a fantasy roleplaying game set in the mythic world of Glorantha. It explores a wide range of cultures, magic, and epic quests. The BRP system provides the mechanics for character creation, combat, and skill resolution in this high-fantasy setting.
- Stormbringer/Elric!: Based on Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné novels, Stormbringer (and later Elric!) is a sword and sorcery roleplaying game. It focuses on the adventures of the brooding anti-hero Elric and his struggle against the forces of chaos. The BRP system is used to facilitate gameplay in this dark and dangerous world.
- Mythras: Previously known as “RuneQuest 6,” Mythras is a standalone roleplaying game that evolved from the BRP system. It offers a comprehensive and customizable set of rules for various genres and settings. Mythras provides detailed mechanics for combat, skills, magic, and character development, making it suitable for a wide range of campaigns.
One of the strengths of the Basic Roleplaying system is its simplicity. The rules are designed to be intuitive and easy to grasp, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced players. Character creation is straightforward, with players allocating points to various attributes and skills to define their character’s abilities.
The mechanics of BRP are based on percentile dice rolls. When attempting an action, players roll percentile dice and try to roll under their skill or attribute score to succeed. This simple resolution system keeps gameplay flowing smoothly and encourages players to focus on storytelling and problem-solving rather than complex rules.
The flexibility of BRP allows it to accommodate a wide range of genres and settings. Whether you want to play a gritty investigation game in the 1920s, a high-fantasy epic, or a science fiction adventure, the BRP system can adapt to suit your needs. This versatility is enhanced by the availability of numerous supplements and adaptations that provide additional rules, settings, and guidance for different genres.
Additionally, the BRP system emphasizes realism and immersive gameplay. It includes rules for detailed combat, skill-based interactions, and handling various challenges. This focus on realism can add depth and tension to gameplay, but it may also require more bookkeeping and attention to detail compared to more streamlined game systems.
One potential drawback of the BRP system is that it may require some additional work from the Game Master (GM) to fully customize and adapt it to their preferred setting. While the core rules provide a solid foundation, GMs may need to create or modify rules and content to match their specific genre or campaign. This can be seen as both a strength, allowing for creative customization, and a potential challenge for those looking for a more plug-and-play experience.
Basic Roleplaying is a flexible and accessible system that provides a solid foundation for tabletop roleplaying games. Its simplicity, realism, and adaptability make it a great choice for players and GMs who value creativity, storytelling, and a wide range of genres. With the availability of various supplements and adaptations, the BRP system offers a wealth of options for those looking to explore different settings and play styles.
To get the most recent version of Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine:
