The Simple Approach

A roleplaying system with narrative-driven traits, beat-based difficulty, and rules that stay out of the way.

Roleplaying should feel natural. It should be immersive, intuitive, and engaging. The Simple Approach is built to support that, with clear mechanics, a strong structure, and a focus on storytelling. The rules help shape the experience, not get in the way.

This system is for those who see roleplaying as an art. It is built on character, story, and collaboration. It strips away excess, offering a flexible framework that strengthens storytelling instead of slowing it down. It adapts to any setting or genre, giving players and gamemasters the tools to create compelling narratives with minimal friction. The mechanics guide the story but never take control.

A Philosophy of Play

Mechanics should serve the story. If rules become the focus, roleplaying turns into bookkeeping. The Simple Approach removes unnecessary complexity, keeping the emphasis on momentum and player decisions.

Characters are defined by traits, descriptive elements that shape how they interact with the world. No rigid skill lists. No point-buy systems. When a challenge comes up, the relevant trait determines how many dice you roll. A high total means success. A low roll means failure. Effort, circumstance, and risk always play a role.

The game uses beat-based difficulty, where challenges shift with the story’s rhythm. Simple tasks stay simple. High-pressure moments push characters to their limits. Instead of static target numbers, difficulty rises when the stakes do. This keeps the pacing dynamic and makes every success and failure land with real impact.

A detective with Sharp Instincts (4) rolls four dice to notice a hidden clue. A senator with Always Gets the Last Word (3) rolls three dice to dominate a debate. A mercenary with Knows Every Dirty Trick (4) senses when a situation is a setup. A battle-scarred knight with Stalwart Defender (4)rolls four dice to hold the line when all hope seems lost.

Traits do more than define mechanics. They shape personality, motivation, and decision-making. They bring characters to life in ways that go beyond numbers.

The Simple Approach does not claim to have invented these ideas. Roleplaying is a shared tradition, shaped by decades of experimentation. This system refines what works, distilling it into a clear, intentional framework.

Roleplaying as a Creative Act

The Simple Approach provides structure without limitation. Every decision deepens the narrative, making roleplaying feel organic and dynamic. The mechanics encourage problem-solving, collaboration, and improvisation. Violence isn't assumed, and growth isn't tied to leveling up. Every action shapes the story.

Whether navigating Victorian intrigue, unraveling dark academia conspiracies, or leading a pirate crew into dangerous waters, the mechanics stay simple and flexible. The framework is constant, but the players decide what matters.

A System Without Barriers

The Simple Approach extends beyond mechanics. The full core rules are available as a free digital edition. No stripped-down previews. No missing mechanics. A complete system, ready to use.

No gatekeeping. No restrictions. Just the tools to create.

Get it. Play it. See how effortless roleplaying can be.