The Simple Approach
A framework for story-first roleplaying.
The Simple Approach helps you tell better stories with less noise. It keeps the spotlight on character, consequence, and emotional momentum. Whether you’re running a campaign or writing a world, this system gives you tools that shape the fiction without slowing it down.
Why It Exists
Most roleplaying games bury story under mechanics. The Simple Approach flips that. It starts with the story you’re telling and gives you just enough structure to keep it moving. Characters are defined by traits, not stats. Outcomes are framed by what happens next, not by success or failure. Everything is modular. Nothing gets in your way.
What It Feels Like
The table stays in motion. You don’t stop to do math or resolve nested mechanics. You frame scenes around emotional stakes and world pressure. You know when to escalate, when to spotlight, and when to shift the tone. Every roll changes something. Every session builds momentum.
What It Includes
The core rules give you:
A simple trait system for building dynamic characters
Tools for framing scenes, shaping arcs, and sharing spotlight
A complication-driven outcome model that keeps the fiction active
Worldbuilding tools that create tone and pressure, not geography
Optional mechanics for faction influence, downtime, and advancement
Everything fits together cleanly. Use what serves the story. Leave the rest behind.
What You Can Do With It
Build Characters That Feel Real: Traits show personality, contradiction, and room for change. No classes. No point-buy. Just fiction you can act from.
Create Tension Through Framing: Scenes focus on what matters. You choose what’s at risk, what might shift, and what traits get pulled into the moment.
Use Outcomes as Story Beats: Every action leads to a consequence. Failure drives the next decision. Success comes with its own weight.
Prep Less, Run More: Adventures are built around narrative turns and emotional arcs. No stat blocks. No balance charts. Just usable structure.
Adapt to Any Genre: The system works clean in fantasy, horror, science fiction, and literary drama. You can use the full framework or just one piece.
Start With the Core Book
Principia: The Simple Approach Core Rules walks you through every part of the system. It includes examples, toolkits, and optional add-ons for the way you play.
