So I think I’m looking for an TTRPG system that would essentially run a soap opera. Rules light is a plus, really something from the old “one-page rpgs” would probably be perfect. I want to focus on the narrative part and have a simple resolution mechanic that’s favors social encounters because combat isn’t part of the game.

If you guys were about to run a soap opera game, what would you reach for?

  • MrMusAddictEnglish
    2•11 months ago

    I’m newish to the RPG scene, mainly played 5e and recently pathfinder. Also watch Critical Role. That being said, they featured a new system recently called Candela Obscura. I’m sure it’s based on pre-existing systems, but I’m too new to know what those might be. . The system is designed for a kind of Lovecraftian Horror aesthetic, however its systems feel like they could be transplanted into a TV drama with some work.

    Here’s a real quick gist:

    • How practiced you are in each skill tells you how many D6’s you get to roll for skill checks
    • The highest die determines the result of your skill check:
      • 1-3 = fail
      • 4-5 = mixed success
      • 6 = full success
      • multiple 6’s = critical success
    • You have a number of extra dice you can expend, an there’s a mechanic to recharge those
    • Throughout a campaign the player can claim they possess an item that will help them in their scenario. The don’t need to have said up front that they have it, they can just Deus Ex Machina it so long as the GM accepts the explanation for how their character has it. They can do this 3 times by default.