Versus is a brand new role-playing game with a strong focus on narrative and customization. It has no classes, instead using a point-buy system to create unique characters with perks and flaws. There aren't traditional levels, your characters will gradually improve skills and progress as you play. But your group can choose to start at a variety of power levels.
If you've never played a table-top RPG before, don't be intimidated! Versus was designed to be intuitive and easy to learn. Just gather a few friends, pencils and odd-shaped dice and you're ready to start weaving tales. Simply put, Versus (and other TTRPGs) are collaborative story-telling games, where one player creates a fictional world and the other players create a character in it.
If you're a seasoned role-player, don't worry, there's plenty for you too. Maybe you're a player who wants to break out of the typical archetypes and perfectly tailor a character to your play-style. Or maybe, you're a game master who wants a system that never gets in the way of story-telling, keeps the stakes high, and easily accommodates your original ideas.
Either way, the Versus Role-Playing Game has something for you!
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Simple rules make the game easy to learn and customize!
In Versus, you can make your character as simple or as complex as you want. Whip one up in 10 minutes and get right into the game, or spend hours pouring over the 200 traits to find the perfect combination.
In Versus, you spend points to make a character instead of choosing from a list of classes. This allows you to make literally thousands of different characters. Play something that has never been played before or recreate your favorite archetype. It's up to you!
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Versus is setting agnostic so can be played in any genre.
Whether you and your friends want to tell the story of epic dragon slayers, an art heist, or an intergalactic road-trip, Versus can do that. You don't have to learn any extra rules, unless you feel like making a few up to really drive home the flavor of your setting. If your game deals with cosmic horror and you want a create a sanity mechanic, you can! Versus is designed to be customized and the Narration chapter will walk you through making balanced rules that suit your table.
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Included with the core rules is a fantasy setting add on.
Versus was designed to accommodate any genre, but few settings are as beloved as medieval fantasy. And since many players will want to jump right in, I've included a complete fantasy setting add on. It includes detailed rules for strategic martial combat, a magic system with 140 different spells, and a guide to the World of Nell.
The World of Nell is a campaign setting that you can set your own games in. It's home to a variety of rich cultures and fantastical places but leaves enough room for your own ideas and stories.
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And this is not the end for the Versus Role-Playing Game! The included medieval-fantasy setting is just the first of its kind. And whether Versus supports western, cyber-punk or paranormal investigation games next, is up to you, the supporters! My plan is that in the coming months and years, as this project is developed further, people will be able to easily play in and create a multitude of settings with the Versus Role-Playing System as a sort of universal language.
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You can watch an introductory video on the Learn More page, or try out making a character for yourself with the Point Calculator. You can download a free PDF of game on the Get the Game page! An actual play series is coming soon and a hard-cover print run is in the works! Versus, the Role-Playing game is a project that has been 10-years in the making for me. I hope you give it a try, and have as much fun playing it as I have had making it.
-Jonah Klever