Martin Bergström

A fantasy roleplaying game of exploration of a dark and haunted forest. The game rules are tied to the setting, but could be used outside.

I started out thinking that Symbaroum was quite simple, and it sort of is, but in quite interesting ways. I like the system more after reading it in depth; it reminds me of a lightweight Basic Roleplaying with its flexible character design, dangerous combat and ability checks (which are a little bit like a simplified version of the Resistance Table in BRP).

The magic system is quite interesting. Each Mystical Power or Ritual is an ability which can be advanced like any other from Novice to Adept to Master. Learning any Mystical Power accumulates permanent Corruption points, and casting them causes temporary Corruption which evaporates at the end of the scene. However there are other abililities which represent different magical traditions: Theurgy, Wizardry, Witchcraft and Sorcery. Those help you reduce Corruption for mystic powers within their traditions. It's also possible to be a self-taught mystic, who can use any abilities but must pay the full Corruption cost.

The playable races are: human (Ambrian {ie medieval} or barbarian), Changeling (elf or faery substituted for a human at birth), Ogre (giants from the forest with no memories) or Goblin (short-lived but practical cheap labour).

It strikes me that this game system would work quite well wherever you might use Dragon Warriors -- a 'British (or Lyonesse) Isles' kind of fantasy. I think you could construct the Dragon Warriors archetypes quite easily, but it also allows you to be flexible.… (mais)