FAQ for The Simple Approach
What Is The Simple Approach?
The Simple Approach is a philosophy and system that focuses on clarity, collaboration, and accessibility. It puts character and story first, with rules designed to support meaningful choices instead of getting in the way. If you’re looking for a deep, narrative-driven experience where relationships and consequences matter as much as action, you’re in the right place.
How Does It Differ from Traditional Fantasy Roleplaying?
The Simple Approach moves away from dungeon-crawling and combat-first storytelling. Instead of focusing on tactical encounters and number crunching, it emphasizes narrative momentum, character growth, and emotional stakes. It’s designed for players who value story over stats and want mechanics that enhance, not dominate, the narrative.
Is This System “Rules-Light?”
Not exactly. The Simple Approach is rules-intentional. The mechanics are streamlined so they don’t bog down the story, but they’re still robust where it counts. The system offers enough structure to create meaningful tension and interesting choices without overwhelming players with unnecessary complexity.
Why Don’t You Have Complex Combat Rules?
Because combat isn’t the only way to resolve conflicts or create drama. Violence is an option, not the default. The Simple Approach makes space for diplomacy, investigation, and personal growth, allowing characters to solve problems in ways that reflect their values and strengths. If you prefer games where combat dominates the experience, this system may not be the best fit.
What Makes Beat-Based Difficulty Unique?
Beat-based difficulty mirrors the natural rhythm of storytelling. Instead of treating success and failure as binary outcomes, it introduces tension that builds over time, making challenges feel organic and dynamic. This approach ensures that obstacles escalate at a pace that matches the narrative, keeping players engaged while maintaining narrative flow.
How Do You Handle Balance?
Balance in The Simple Approach comes from giving characters meaningful opportunities to shine, not from meticulously calibrated encounters. Each session should provide chances for every character to contribute in ways that align with their strengths, weaknesses, and personal goals. It’s about spotlight time and narrative relevance, not mathematical symmetry.
What If I’m New to Safety and Consent Tools?
Safety and consent tools create a space where everyone can fully engage without fear or discomfort. If you’re unfamiliar with these tools, that’s okay. The Simple Approach provides guidance on how to implement them effectively, ensuring that players can explore difficult topics while maintaining trust and respect at the table. It’s about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and safe.
Why Is Inclusivity So Important?
Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they tell. Inclusivity isn’t an add-on, it’s foundational to meaningful storytelling. The Simple Approach is built to welcome diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring that every player feels like they belong. If that doesn’t align with your values, this system may not be the right fit.
Can I Customize The Simple Approach to Fit My Style?
Absolutely. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing you to tweak or modify mechanics to suit your group’s needs. Whether you’re expanding the narrative framework or adding custom elements, The Simple Approach encourages creativity and adaptability. It’s a framework, not a straitjacket.
What About Character Death?
Character death is possible but never arbitrary. Death should be a narrative turning point, not a punishment for bad rolls. The focus is on consequences that drive the story forward, allowing failures to shape the narrative without bringing it to a dead stop.
How Does Solo Play Work?
The Simple Approach works seamlessly for solo play, thanks to beat-based difficulty and narrative complications that keep the story moving. Solo play isn’t about rolling dice in a vacuum, it’s about exploring stories that unfold through meaningful decisions and unexpected outcomes.
How Do I Handle Failure in The Simple Approach?
Failure isn’t the end, it’s a pivot point. It creates opportunities for unexpected turns, deeper consequences, and new goals. Hero Points allow players to shift the narrative, turn setbacks into successes, or mitigate disastrous outcomes. Failure fuels growth and opens new paths forward.
Is There Room for Power Fantasy?
There’s space for stories where characters grow in power, but The Simple Approach focuses on the power to make meaningful choices and grapple with their consequences. If your idea of power is exploiting game mechanics to “win,” this system probably won’t satisfy. But if you’re interested in characters who evolve through their struggles, you’ll find plenty of depth here.
Where Can I Find More Support or Connect with Others?
The Manifesto, our newsletter, offers regular insights into design, storytelling, and philosophy. While The Simple Approach doesn’t have an official online community, you can engage with others exploring similar ideas through roleplaying forums, blogs, and independent creators who align with these values
Why Do Some People Think Story-Driven Systems Are Pretentious?
Because narrative-first systems challenge traditional notions of what roleplaying “should” be. The Simple Approach prioritizes character and consequence over tactics and optimization. For some, that shift feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable, but for those seeking deeper, more meaningful stories, it’s a breath of fresh air.
What If I Don’t Like This Approach?
That’s fine. The Simple Approach isn’t trying to please everyone. It’s for players and creators who value narrative-driven storytelling, emotional stakes, and collaborative creativity. If that resonates, welcome. If not, there are plenty of other systems that might be a better fit.
