Karen
Evil has a name… and she wants to speak to your manager.
Karen is here to transform your roleplaying experience into a living nightmare of entitlement, confrontation, and passive-aggressive terror. Looking to add some darkly humorous, yet deeply unsettling horror to your setting? This sourcebook is rooted in The Simple Approach and is designed to slot seamlessly into any roleplaying game you’re already running. There’s no need to learn a new system or overhaul your campaign—just introduce these Karens into your story and sit back as they unravel even the most carefully planned situations.
We’re not just talking about mild inconveniences or harmless gripes. These Karens are chaos incarnate, taking what should be simple, straightforward encounters and twisting them into grueling, psychological ordeals. They aren’t merely annoying distractions; they are sinister, manipulative forces that can turn the tide of a campaign in an instant. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience blown out of proportion or a full-blown meltdown, these Karens create an atmosphere of social horror that forces players to navigate complex, emotionally charged situations that escalate into far darker territory.
What makes Karen unique is that these characters aren’t just mindless antagonists to be defeated in combat. These Karens are far more insidious. They exist to get under your players’ skin, challenge their patience, and force them into moral and ethical dilemmas. Every encounter with a Karen has the potential to unravel the group dynamic, push characters to their breaking points, and create memorable moments of tension and chaos. The psychological horror they bring isn’t about jump scares or gore—it’s about the uncomfortable, gut-wrenching reality of dealing with someone who can’t be reasoned with and won’t back down.
Because Karen is system-agnostic, it fits into any roleplaying game without the need for complex new rules. Built on The Simple Approach, it focuses on creativity, collaboration, and storytelling, letting players drive the narrative as they figure out how to handle these walking nightmares. Your players will be forced to make tough decisions, face down their worst social fears, and deal with escalating tension—all while keeping their sanity and story intact.
Whether you’re looking to introduce a Karen as a central antagonist or simply want to throw one into a side quest for an unexpected twist, Karen has everything you need.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Inside this book you’ll find:
The Evolution of Karens: Dive deeper into the origins of the Karen archetype, tracing how these entitled, disruptive figures evolved from minor public nuisances to full-blown cultural symbols of unchecked privilege. Explore the psychology behind the Karen persona, and how this character type taps into societal fears and frustrations surrounding entitlement, control, and the abuse of power.
Karen Archetypes: A detailed breakdown of various Karen types, each with their own specific traits and methods of creating chaos. From the "Manager-Seeker," who escalates every minor inconvenience into a full-scale disaster, to the "Social Media Crusader," who uses the internet to rally outrage and bend the narrative in her favor. Each archetype brings its own blend of horror and satire, allowing you to tailor your encounters to suit the tone and mood of your game.
Traits & Tactics: Get an in-depth look at the dark abilities and passive-aggressive techniques Karens use to dominate and manipulate. Learn how Karens leverage public perception, twist the rules of social engagement, and exploit systems of power to maintain control. These traits range from their weaponized victimhood to their uncanny ability to escalate minor issues into catastrophes that force everyone around them to bend to their will. Psychological warfare is their playground, and this section will show you how to bring it into your setting.
Karen Factions: Discover the social cliques and secret factions Karens form to support their reign of chaos. From the "Neighborhood Watchdogs," a group of self-appointed enforcers of community norms who terrorize their neighbors under the guise of public safety, to the "Facebook Enforcers," who lead online witch hunts, using social media as a weapon to call out anyone they deem unacceptable. These factions add a layer of depth and connectivity, giving your campaign a broader scope as Karens band together to spread their influence and disorder.
Cozy Fantasy: Explore how Karens can inject tension and humor into a cozy fantasy setting, where their demands and complaints create friction in otherwise peaceful communities. Imagine a Karen turning a quaint village upside down with unreasonable expectations for magical services or disrupting a pastoral festival because it doesn't meet her impossible standards. This section offers ways to seamlessly integrate Karens into lighthearted narratives without losing the unsettling chaos they bring.
Crime & Mystery: Learn how to use Karens in a crime and mystery setting, where their manipulative tendencies make them key players in baffling, unsolvable crimes. Karens excel at shifting blame, confusing investigators, and using their influence to muddy the waters of any investigation. Their ability to sow doubt and frustration among both law enforcement and the public can turn a simple whodunit into a labyrinth of accusations, dead ends, and false leads.
Dark Academia: Bring Karens into the hallowed halls of academia, where their entitlement and thirst for control can corrupt the very institutions meant to foster enlightenment. In this setting, Karens can be professors wielding tenure like a weapon, students undermining their peers through social influence, or even deans manipulating university policies to serve their own agendas. This section explores how Karens can warp academic institutions into arenas of power struggles, corruption, and intellectual decay.
Espionage: Karens thrive in the shadows of espionage, where their ability to manipulate, blackmail, and control makes them formidable adversaries. In this world of spies and secrecy, Karens can sabotage missions, compromise agents, or use their connections to gain dangerous levels of influence. Whether working for themselves or as tools of a greater power, Karens can be used to disrupt covert operations with their insidious blend of entitlement and cunning.
Heroic Fantasy: Incorporate Karens into traditional fantasy campaigns, where their ability to manipulate rulers and destabilize kingdoms can wreak havoc on entire regions. Karens can be courtiers who poison the political landscape with their scheming, merchants who demand favors and influence through blackmail, or even nobles who undermine the heroes at every turn. Their presence can complicate quests, fracture alliances, and turn victory into a pyrrhic endeavor as the heroes navigate their incessant demands.
Magical Realism: In a magical realism setting, Karens can distort reality itself with their demands. Their entitlement warps the fabric of the world, creating bizarre, unsettling scenarios where the rules of nature bend to accommodate their whims. Imagine a Karen whose insistence on receiving preferential treatment causes small, inexplicable changes in the world around her—flowers that wither when she walks by, mirrors that reflect her perfectly even when others see distortions. This section explores how to create subtle, reality-bending horrors that creep into the story and unsettle players in unpredictable ways.
Modern Horror: In a modern horror setting, Karens are the embodiment of contemporary fears, exploiting social norms, media influence, and institutional power to turn everyday interactions into nightmarish confrontations. They escalate situations into conflicts that can’t be easily diffused, using their entitlement as a weapon to destabilize everyone around them. This section provides tips on integrating Karens into urban settings, using their influence to manipulate social situations and create a sense of dread that permeates modern life.
Romance: Explore how Karens can disrupt love and relationships with their manipulative, meddling behavior. From the overbearing mother-in-law to the friend who always knows what’s best for everyone, Karens can create tension, jealousy, and heartbreak in any romantic narrative. This section explores how Karens use emotional manipulation, gossip, and control to fracture bonds and destroy relationships, adding an unsettling layer of tension to any love story.
Space Opera: Imagine Karens in a sprawling space opera setting, where their demands and manipulations disrupt interstellar politics and destabilize advanced civilizations. Whether they’re using their influence to sway galactic councils or sowing discord among alien races, Karens can twist the fate of entire star systems with their entitled behavior. This section explores how Karens can be introduced into space-faring settings to create cosmic-scale consequences for seemingly minor demands.
Steampunk: Karens in a steampunk world can take on the role of social elites, using their influence to disrupt technological advancements and impose their will on the clockwork-driven society around them. With their ability to meddle in everything from scientific progress to political intrigue, they can derail entire movements with their relentless pursuit of status and power. This section provides ideas for integrating Karens into steampunk settings, where their manipulation of both technology and social norms can wreak havoc on the world.
Karen-Themed Artifacts: A collection of cursed and sinister Karen-related artifacts, from the "Complaint Ledger" that causes bureaucracies to bend to the will of its user, to the "Manager’s Amulet" that forces others to comply with demands against their better judgment. These items add layers of social horror and manipulation to any campaign, giving players tangible objects to interact with that reflect the terrifying influence of Karens.
Supporting Characters: Not every Karen is a villain. This section provides a list of supporting characters like the "Reformed Karen," who now works against her former peers, or the "Karen Slayer," a hero devoted to shutting down Karen-induced chaos. These characters add complexity and nuance to your story, allowing you to explore different sides of the Karen archetype.
When the Entitlement Ends: A final note on how to balance the absurdity and horror of Karens, ensuring your players are left with a satisfying mix of frustration, fear, and catharsis. This section discusses how to create meaningful encounters with Karens that feel impactful and memorable without tipping too far into parody or losing the tension that makes these characters so unsettling.
Reference: A comprehensive guide to books, films, and cultural analysis that inspired and informed the concept of Karens. This section provides a deeper understanding of the Karen archetype and offers resources to help you expand their influence in your own storytelling.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
Karen isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
115 page. PDF and epub files included.
Evil has a name… and she wants to speak to your manager.
Karen is here to transform your roleplaying experience into a living nightmare of entitlement, confrontation, and passive-aggressive terror. Looking to add some darkly humorous, yet deeply unsettling horror to your setting? This sourcebook is rooted in The Simple Approach and is designed to slot seamlessly into any roleplaying game you’re already running. There’s no need to learn a new system or overhaul your campaign—just introduce these Karens into your story and sit back as they unravel even the most carefully planned situations.
We’re not just talking about mild inconveniences or harmless gripes. These Karens are chaos incarnate, taking what should be simple, straightforward encounters and twisting them into grueling, psychological ordeals. They aren’t merely annoying distractions; they are sinister, manipulative forces that can turn the tide of a campaign in an instant. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience blown out of proportion or a full-blown meltdown, these Karens create an atmosphere of social horror that forces players to navigate complex, emotionally charged situations that escalate into far darker territory.
What makes Karen unique is that these characters aren’t just mindless antagonists to be defeated in combat. These Karens are far more insidious. They exist to get under your players’ skin, challenge their patience, and force them into moral and ethical dilemmas. Every encounter with a Karen has the potential to unravel the group dynamic, push characters to their breaking points, and create memorable moments of tension and chaos. The psychological horror they bring isn’t about jump scares or gore—it’s about the uncomfortable, gut-wrenching reality of dealing with someone who can’t be reasoned with and won’t back down.
Because Karen is system-agnostic, it fits into any roleplaying game without the need for complex new rules. Built on The Simple Approach, it focuses on creativity, collaboration, and storytelling, letting players drive the narrative as they figure out how to handle these walking nightmares. Your players will be forced to make tough decisions, face down their worst social fears, and deal with escalating tension—all while keeping their sanity and story intact.
Whether you’re looking to introduce a Karen as a central antagonist or simply want to throw one into a side quest for an unexpected twist, Karen has everything you need.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Inside this book you’ll find:
The Evolution of Karens: Dive deeper into the origins of the Karen archetype, tracing how these entitled, disruptive figures evolved from minor public nuisances to full-blown cultural symbols of unchecked privilege. Explore the psychology behind the Karen persona, and how this character type taps into societal fears and frustrations surrounding entitlement, control, and the abuse of power.
Karen Archetypes: A detailed breakdown of various Karen types, each with their own specific traits and methods of creating chaos. From the "Manager-Seeker," who escalates every minor inconvenience into a full-scale disaster, to the "Social Media Crusader," who uses the internet to rally outrage and bend the narrative in her favor. Each archetype brings its own blend of horror and satire, allowing you to tailor your encounters to suit the tone and mood of your game.
Traits & Tactics: Get an in-depth look at the dark abilities and passive-aggressive techniques Karens use to dominate and manipulate. Learn how Karens leverage public perception, twist the rules of social engagement, and exploit systems of power to maintain control. These traits range from their weaponized victimhood to their uncanny ability to escalate minor issues into catastrophes that force everyone around them to bend to their will. Psychological warfare is their playground, and this section will show you how to bring it into your setting.
Karen Factions: Discover the social cliques and secret factions Karens form to support their reign of chaos. From the "Neighborhood Watchdogs," a group of self-appointed enforcers of community norms who terrorize their neighbors under the guise of public safety, to the "Facebook Enforcers," who lead online witch hunts, using social media as a weapon to call out anyone they deem unacceptable. These factions add a layer of depth and connectivity, giving your campaign a broader scope as Karens band together to spread their influence and disorder.
Cozy Fantasy: Explore how Karens can inject tension and humor into a cozy fantasy setting, where their demands and complaints create friction in otherwise peaceful communities. Imagine a Karen turning a quaint village upside down with unreasonable expectations for magical services or disrupting a pastoral festival because it doesn't meet her impossible standards. This section offers ways to seamlessly integrate Karens into lighthearted narratives without losing the unsettling chaos they bring.
Crime & Mystery: Learn how to use Karens in a crime and mystery setting, where their manipulative tendencies make them key players in baffling, unsolvable crimes. Karens excel at shifting blame, confusing investigators, and using their influence to muddy the waters of any investigation. Their ability to sow doubt and frustration among both law enforcement and the public can turn a simple whodunit into a labyrinth of accusations, dead ends, and false leads.
Dark Academia: Bring Karens into the hallowed halls of academia, where their entitlement and thirst for control can corrupt the very institutions meant to foster enlightenment. In this setting, Karens can be professors wielding tenure like a weapon, students undermining their peers through social influence, or even deans manipulating university policies to serve their own agendas. This section explores how Karens can warp academic institutions into arenas of power struggles, corruption, and intellectual decay.
Espionage: Karens thrive in the shadows of espionage, where their ability to manipulate, blackmail, and control makes them formidable adversaries. In this world of spies and secrecy, Karens can sabotage missions, compromise agents, or use their connections to gain dangerous levels of influence. Whether working for themselves or as tools of a greater power, Karens can be used to disrupt covert operations with their insidious blend of entitlement and cunning.
Heroic Fantasy: Incorporate Karens into traditional fantasy campaigns, where their ability to manipulate rulers and destabilize kingdoms can wreak havoc on entire regions. Karens can be courtiers who poison the political landscape with their scheming, merchants who demand favors and influence through blackmail, or even nobles who undermine the heroes at every turn. Their presence can complicate quests, fracture alliances, and turn victory into a pyrrhic endeavor as the heroes navigate their incessant demands.
Magical Realism: In a magical realism setting, Karens can distort reality itself with their demands. Their entitlement warps the fabric of the world, creating bizarre, unsettling scenarios where the rules of nature bend to accommodate their whims. Imagine a Karen whose insistence on receiving preferential treatment causes small, inexplicable changes in the world around her—flowers that wither when she walks by, mirrors that reflect her perfectly even when others see distortions. This section explores how to create subtle, reality-bending horrors that creep into the story and unsettle players in unpredictable ways.
Modern Horror: In a modern horror setting, Karens are the embodiment of contemporary fears, exploiting social norms, media influence, and institutional power to turn everyday interactions into nightmarish confrontations. They escalate situations into conflicts that can’t be easily diffused, using their entitlement as a weapon to destabilize everyone around them. This section provides tips on integrating Karens into urban settings, using their influence to manipulate social situations and create a sense of dread that permeates modern life.
Romance: Explore how Karens can disrupt love and relationships with their manipulative, meddling behavior. From the overbearing mother-in-law to the friend who always knows what’s best for everyone, Karens can create tension, jealousy, and heartbreak in any romantic narrative. This section explores how Karens use emotional manipulation, gossip, and control to fracture bonds and destroy relationships, adding an unsettling layer of tension to any love story.
Space Opera: Imagine Karens in a sprawling space opera setting, where their demands and manipulations disrupt interstellar politics and destabilize advanced civilizations. Whether they’re using their influence to sway galactic councils or sowing discord among alien races, Karens can twist the fate of entire star systems with their entitled behavior. This section explores how Karens can be introduced into space-faring settings to create cosmic-scale consequences for seemingly minor demands.
Steampunk: Karens in a steampunk world can take on the role of social elites, using their influence to disrupt technological advancements and impose their will on the clockwork-driven society around them. With their ability to meddle in everything from scientific progress to political intrigue, they can derail entire movements with their relentless pursuit of status and power. This section provides ideas for integrating Karens into steampunk settings, where their manipulation of both technology and social norms can wreak havoc on the world.
Karen-Themed Artifacts: A collection of cursed and sinister Karen-related artifacts, from the "Complaint Ledger" that causes bureaucracies to bend to the will of its user, to the "Manager’s Amulet" that forces others to comply with demands against their better judgment. These items add layers of social horror and manipulation to any campaign, giving players tangible objects to interact with that reflect the terrifying influence of Karens.
Supporting Characters: Not every Karen is a villain. This section provides a list of supporting characters like the "Reformed Karen," who now works against her former peers, or the "Karen Slayer," a hero devoted to shutting down Karen-induced chaos. These characters add complexity and nuance to your story, allowing you to explore different sides of the Karen archetype.
When the Entitlement Ends: A final note on how to balance the absurdity and horror of Karens, ensuring your players are left with a satisfying mix of frustration, fear, and catharsis. This section discusses how to create meaningful encounters with Karens that feel impactful and memorable without tipping too far into parody or losing the tension that makes these characters so unsettling.
Reference: A comprehensive guide to books, films, and cultural analysis that inspired and informed the concept of Karens. This section provides a deeper understanding of the Karen archetype and offers resources to help you expand their influence in your own storytelling.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
Karen isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
115 page. PDF and epub files included.
Evil has a name… and she wants to speak to your manager.
Karen is here to transform your roleplaying experience into a living nightmare of entitlement, confrontation, and passive-aggressive terror. Looking to add some darkly humorous, yet deeply unsettling horror to your setting? This sourcebook is rooted in The Simple Approach and is designed to slot seamlessly into any roleplaying game you’re already running. There’s no need to learn a new system or overhaul your campaign—just introduce these Karens into your story and sit back as they unravel even the most carefully planned situations.
We’re not just talking about mild inconveniences or harmless gripes. These Karens are chaos incarnate, taking what should be simple, straightforward encounters and twisting them into grueling, psychological ordeals. They aren’t merely annoying distractions; they are sinister, manipulative forces that can turn the tide of a campaign in an instant. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience blown out of proportion or a full-blown meltdown, these Karens create an atmosphere of social horror that forces players to navigate complex, emotionally charged situations that escalate into far darker territory.
What makes Karen unique is that these characters aren’t just mindless antagonists to be defeated in combat. These Karens are far more insidious. They exist to get under your players’ skin, challenge their patience, and force them into moral and ethical dilemmas. Every encounter with a Karen has the potential to unravel the group dynamic, push characters to their breaking points, and create memorable moments of tension and chaos. The psychological horror they bring isn’t about jump scares or gore—it’s about the uncomfortable, gut-wrenching reality of dealing with someone who can’t be reasoned with and won’t back down.
Because Karen is system-agnostic, it fits into any roleplaying game without the need for complex new rules. Built on The Simple Approach, it focuses on creativity, collaboration, and storytelling, letting players drive the narrative as they figure out how to handle these walking nightmares. Your players will be forced to make tough decisions, face down their worst social fears, and deal with escalating tension—all while keeping their sanity and story intact.
Whether you’re looking to introduce a Karen as a central antagonist or simply want to throw one into a side quest for an unexpected twist, Karen has everything you need.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Inside this book you’ll find:
The Evolution of Karens: Dive deeper into the origins of the Karen archetype, tracing how these entitled, disruptive figures evolved from minor public nuisances to full-blown cultural symbols of unchecked privilege. Explore the psychology behind the Karen persona, and how this character type taps into societal fears and frustrations surrounding entitlement, control, and the abuse of power.
Karen Archetypes: A detailed breakdown of various Karen types, each with their own specific traits and methods of creating chaos. From the "Manager-Seeker," who escalates every minor inconvenience into a full-scale disaster, to the "Social Media Crusader," who uses the internet to rally outrage and bend the narrative in her favor. Each archetype brings its own blend of horror and satire, allowing you to tailor your encounters to suit the tone and mood of your game.
Traits & Tactics: Get an in-depth look at the dark abilities and passive-aggressive techniques Karens use to dominate and manipulate. Learn how Karens leverage public perception, twist the rules of social engagement, and exploit systems of power to maintain control. These traits range from their weaponized victimhood to their uncanny ability to escalate minor issues into catastrophes that force everyone around them to bend to their will. Psychological warfare is their playground, and this section will show you how to bring it into your setting.
Karen Factions: Discover the social cliques and secret factions Karens form to support their reign of chaos. From the "Neighborhood Watchdogs," a group of self-appointed enforcers of community norms who terrorize their neighbors under the guise of public safety, to the "Facebook Enforcers," who lead online witch hunts, using social media as a weapon to call out anyone they deem unacceptable. These factions add a layer of depth and connectivity, giving your campaign a broader scope as Karens band together to spread their influence and disorder.
Cozy Fantasy: Explore how Karens can inject tension and humor into a cozy fantasy setting, where their demands and complaints create friction in otherwise peaceful communities. Imagine a Karen turning a quaint village upside down with unreasonable expectations for magical services or disrupting a pastoral festival because it doesn't meet her impossible standards. This section offers ways to seamlessly integrate Karens into lighthearted narratives without losing the unsettling chaos they bring.
Crime & Mystery: Learn how to use Karens in a crime and mystery setting, where their manipulative tendencies make them key players in baffling, unsolvable crimes. Karens excel at shifting blame, confusing investigators, and using their influence to muddy the waters of any investigation. Their ability to sow doubt and frustration among both law enforcement and the public can turn a simple whodunit into a labyrinth of accusations, dead ends, and false leads.
Dark Academia: Bring Karens into the hallowed halls of academia, where their entitlement and thirst for control can corrupt the very institutions meant to foster enlightenment. In this setting, Karens can be professors wielding tenure like a weapon, students undermining their peers through social influence, or even deans manipulating university policies to serve their own agendas. This section explores how Karens can warp academic institutions into arenas of power struggles, corruption, and intellectual decay.
Espionage: Karens thrive in the shadows of espionage, where their ability to manipulate, blackmail, and control makes them formidable adversaries. In this world of spies and secrecy, Karens can sabotage missions, compromise agents, or use their connections to gain dangerous levels of influence. Whether working for themselves or as tools of a greater power, Karens can be used to disrupt covert operations with their insidious blend of entitlement and cunning.
Heroic Fantasy: Incorporate Karens into traditional fantasy campaigns, where their ability to manipulate rulers and destabilize kingdoms can wreak havoc on entire regions. Karens can be courtiers who poison the political landscape with their scheming, merchants who demand favors and influence through blackmail, or even nobles who undermine the heroes at every turn. Their presence can complicate quests, fracture alliances, and turn victory into a pyrrhic endeavor as the heroes navigate their incessant demands.
Magical Realism: In a magical realism setting, Karens can distort reality itself with their demands. Their entitlement warps the fabric of the world, creating bizarre, unsettling scenarios where the rules of nature bend to accommodate their whims. Imagine a Karen whose insistence on receiving preferential treatment causes small, inexplicable changes in the world around her—flowers that wither when she walks by, mirrors that reflect her perfectly even when others see distortions. This section explores how to create subtle, reality-bending horrors that creep into the story and unsettle players in unpredictable ways.
Modern Horror: In a modern horror setting, Karens are the embodiment of contemporary fears, exploiting social norms, media influence, and institutional power to turn everyday interactions into nightmarish confrontations. They escalate situations into conflicts that can’t be easily diffused, using their entitlement as a weapon to destabilize everyone around them. This section provides tips on integrating Karens into urban settings, using their influence to manipulate social situations and create a sense of dread that permeates modern life.
Romance: Explore how Karens can disrupt love and relationships with their manipulative, meddling behavior. From the overbearing mother-in-law to the friend who always knows what’s best for everyone, Karens can create tension, jealousy, and heartbreak in any romantic narrative. This section explores how Karens use emotional manipulation, gossip, and control to fracture bonds and destroy relationships, adding an unsettling layer of tension to any love story.
Space Opera: Imagine Karens in a sprawling space opera setting, where their demands and manipulations disrupt interstellar politics and destabilize advanced civilizations. Whether they’re using their influence to sway galactic councils or sowing discord among alien races, Karens can twist the fate of entire star systems with their entitled behavior. This section explores how Karens can be introduced into space-faring settings to create cosmic-scale consequences for seemingly minor demands.
Steampunk: Karens in a steampunk world can take on the role of social elites, using their influence to disrupt technological advancements and impose their will on the clockwork-driven society around them. With their ability to meddle in everything from scientific progress to political intrigue, they can derail entire movements with their relentless pursuit of status and power. This section provides ideas for integrating Karens into steampunk settings, where their manipulation of both technology and social norms can wreak havoc on the world.
Karen-Themed Artifacts: A collection of cursed and sinister Karen-related artifacts, from the "Complaint Ledger" that causes bureaucracies to bend to the will of its user, to the "Manager’s Amulet" that forces others to comply with demands against their better judgment. These items add layers of social horror and manipulation to any campaign, giving players tangible objects to interact with that reflect the terrifying influence of Karens.
Supporting Characters: Not every Karen is a villain. This section provides a list of supporting characters like the "Reformed Karen," who now works against her former peers, or the "Karen Slayer," a hero devoted to shutting down Karen-induced chaos. These characters add complexity and nuance to your story, allowing you to explore different sides of the Karen archetype.
When the Entitlement Ends: A final note on how to balance the absurdity and horror of Karens, ensuring your players are left with a satisfying mix of frustration, fear, and catharsis. This section discusses how to create meaningful encounters with Karens that feel impactful and memorable without tipping too far into parody or losing the tension that makes these characters so unsettling.
Reference: A comprehensive guide to books, films, and cultural analysis that inspired and informed the concept of Karens. This section provides a deeper understanding of the Karen archetype and offers resources to help you expand their influence in your own storytelling.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
Karen isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
115 page. PDF and epub files included.