NSR (New School Revolution) tabletop RPGs are shaking up the gaming world with their focus on:
- Simple rules
- Player freedom
- Weird, wild settings
- Dynamic, ever-changing worlds
Key features of NSR games:
- Minimal rulebooks
- Emphasis on creativity over dice rolling
- Quick character creation
- Deadly consequences for actions
- Encouragement of out-of-the-box thinking
Popular NSR games:
To start playing:
- Choose a game
- Gather 2-4 players (or play solo)
- Get basic dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20)
- Download free character sheets
- Let your imagination run wild
NSR games offer a fresh, simple approach to RPGs that's perfect for both newcomers and veteran players looking for something different.
Quick Comparison:
| Aspect | Traditional RPGs | NSR Games |
|---|---|---|
| Rules | Complex | Simple |
| Prep Time | Long | Short |
| Setting | Fantasy tropes | Bizarre worlds |
| Player Agency | Limited | High |
| Lethality | Moderate | High |
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What Makes NSR Games Different
NSR (New School Revolution) games are shaking up the tabletop RPG scene. They're not your typical fantasy adventure - these games bring something fresh to the table.
Main Ideas Behind NSR Games
NSR games are all about keeping it simple, getting creative, and giving players room to breathe. Here's what makes them stand out:
Rules? What Rules?
NSR games don't bog you down with rulebooks. They're more about using your noggin than rolling dice. One player put it this way: "I forget about the rules and just play the game."
Weird Worlds
Forget elves and dragons. NSR games throw you into worlds that'll make your head spin. Aaron Marks from Cannibal Halfing Gaming nails it:
"Imagine, if you will, that Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett have returned from the dead. They both pile into a Ford Cortina and take a long drive across the American Southwest, pondering the nature of the fantasy genre."
The World Keeps Spinning
In NSR games, you're not the center of the universe. Stuff happens whether you're there or not. Yochai Gal, a big name in NSR circles, explains:
"In NSR games the players far more often play protagonists of this story than heroes of THE story."
Your Story, Your Way
There's no script here. The story unfolds based on what you do. Yochai Gal puts it like this:
"The story isn't in the book the GM buys, and it isn't in the narrative the GM presents. The story is what the players do."
Actions Have Consequences
In NSR games, you can't just charge in swinging. One wrong move could be your last. It's not just about fighting - it's about thinking smart and weighing your options.
Quick Character Creation
No need to spend hours crafting your character's backstory. In games like Troika! Numinous Edition, you can roll up a character in minutes and jump right in.
More Than Just Monster Bashing
NSR games encourage you to think outside the box. That troll blocking your path? Maybe you can trick it, bribe it, or even make friends with it.
Easy on the Wallet
Many NSR games come in bite-sized zine formats. Some even offer free rules online. It's a great way to dip your toes into new gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
Now, NSR games might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you're into deep lore or spending hours tweaking your character's stats, you might find them a bit lacking. But if you're after a quick, wild, and imaginative RPG experience, NSR games might just be your ticket to adventure.
Main Parts of NSR Games
NSR games have a unique flavor that sets them apart from traditional tabletop RPGs. Let's look at what makes these games tick.
Simple Rules System
NSR games keep things light. No more flipping through big rulebooks mid-game. These systems boil down the essentials to just a few pages.
Games like Knave and The Black Hack strip away complexity. You're left with a handful of easy-to-grasp mechanics. This isn't just about saving time – it's about focusing on the story and the fun.
But simple doesn't mean shallow. As one RPG fan puts it:
"The lighter the rules, the more confident the GM has to be in their ability to improvise rulings, as opposed to their understanding the rules."
This puts more on the Game Master's plate. They need to think fast, make quick calls, and keep things moving. It's a different challenge, but many find it exciting.
Player Freedom
In NSR games, players aren't just along for the ride – they're driving. These games push for creativity in ways that more structured games might not.
Daniel Sell, who created Troika! Numinous Edition, says:
"The freedom to allow and positively encourage every group of players to interact with the setting differently; each game group will be unique."
This means no two games are ever quite the same. Players might talk their way out of trouble, pull off a daring stunt, or even make friends with the "bad guys". It's all up to them.
But this freedom comes with risk. NSR games can be deadly. One wrong move could end your character. This makes every choice feel important.
NSR games blend simplicity with depth. They're easy to pick up but tough to master. They invite players to push limits and create stories they'll remember for years.
Popular NSR Games
New School Revolution (NSR) games have shaken up the tabletop RPG scene. Let's check out some fan favorites:
Troika! Numinous Edition
Daniel Sell's Troika! Numinous Edition mixes simplicity with wild creativity. It drops players into a universe where anything goes.
The game uses just three stats: Skill, Stamina, and Luck. With 36 unique character backgrounds and random generation, you can start playing in no time. Characters level up by resting and reflecting on their skills.
Troika!'s magic? It's wide open. As one player put it:
"Troika! is a fun, hackable, fairly rules-light game. A setting is vaguely implied but never stated."
This means you can let your imagination run wild. Whimsical or weird, it's up to you.
Electric Bastionland
Chris McDowall's Electric Bastionland takes you through the chaos of Bastion city. It builds on his earlier game, Into the Odd, but adds its own twist.
The game uses a d20 'roll under' system and keeps things simple with just three attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Charisma. It also has a unique 'Scars' system for injuries and character growth. With 100 character backgrounds, each getting a 2-page spread, you've got plenty of options.
Electric Bastionland shines in pushing player creativity and GM improv. It's all about thinking on your feet.
One reviewer raved:
"Electric Bastionland makes me want to play it, but that's not all. Electric Bastionland also shows me how it should be run, providing more guidance and direction in its Conductor Resources than pretty much any other game I've read this year." - Cannibal Halfling Gaming
Into the Odd
Another Chris McDowall creation, Into the Odd, focuses on exploration and survival. It's known for its lean rules and dangerous expeditions.
The game uses a d20 system and quick character creation. You level up by completing successful expeditions. Its simplicity is its strength. As one player noted:
"ItO's char gen and equipment page is a masterpiece of brevity."
If you want to dive right into the action without rule book deep-dives, this is your game.
Each of these NSR games offers something fresh. Whether you're into Troika!'s bizarre worlds, Electric Bastionland's urban chaos, or Into the Odd's risky expeditions, there's an NSR game that'll hit the spot.
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How to Start Playing NSR Games
Ready to jump into New School Revolution (NSR) games? Here's how to get started:
What You Need to Play
Playing NSR games is simple. You'll need:
1. A Game
Pick an NSR game that grabs you. Try Troika! Numinous Edition, Electric Bastionland, or Into the Odd. Many offer free or cheap rules.
2. People
You need a Game Master (GM) and 2-4 players. But don't sweat it if you're short - many NSR games work great solo too.
3. Dice
Grab a set of d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. That'll cover most games.
4. Character Sheets
Find these free on game websites or in rulebooks. Some games, like Troika!, have online character generators.
5. Imagination
Your most crucial tool. NSR games thrive on creativity.
NSR games are easy to start. As one player puts it:
"Fewer rules to get in the way."
This lets you focus on the story and fun, not complex mechanics.
Quick Tip: Many NSR games have open-source systems. You can often find free rules online. It's a great way to test a game before buying.
Don't hold back - let your imagination go wild! The magic of NSR games is in the stories you create together.
For more NSR gaming info, check out the TTRPG Games Directory. It's packed with games, ideas, and ways to connect with other NSR fans.
So grab your dice, call your friends, and dive in. The NSR world is waiting!
How to Run NSR Games
Running New School Revolution (NSR) games is a whole different ball game compared to your typical tabletop RPGs. As the Game Master (GM), you're not just following rules - you're weaving stories with a sprinkle of simple mechanics.
Mixing Stories and Rules
Here's the secret sauce for running killer NSR games:
Go Wild: NSR games are all about the bizarre and unexpected. Daniel Sell, the brains behind Troika!, puts it this way:
Boldly lay claim to the games you play, create content recklessly, and always write in pen.
Translation? Don't hold back. Create the weirdest, most out-there experiences you can imagine.
Rules? What Rules?: Keep it simple. The whole point of NSR games is to ditch the rulebook and focus on the story. One player summed it up perfectly:
I forget about the rules and just play the game.
That's the sweet spot you're aiming for.
Prep Smart: Forget spending hours planning every detail. With NSR games, less is more. Be ready to think on your feet and roll with whatever crazy ideas your players throw at you.
Choices Matter: Make your players' decisions count. Big time. Their choices should shake up the game world and send the story in new directions.
Hook 'Em Good: Start your game with a bang. Throw in some mysterious objects, quirky characters, or just plain weird events to get your players' minds racing.
NPCs with Pizzazz: Don't settle for boring background characters. Give your NPCs some spice - weird habits, hidden agendas, the works. It'll make your world feel alive and give your players more to play with.
Here's a quick comparison of NSR games vs. traditional RPGs:
| Aspect | Traditional RPGs | NSR Games |
|---|---|---|
| Rules | Thick rulebooks | Bare-bones simplicity |
| Prep Work | Hours of planning | Just the essentials |
| Setting | Elves and dragons | Talking moons and sentient puddings |
| Player Freedom | "You can't do that" | "Sure, why not?" |
| Consequences | Predictable outcomes | Chaos and surprises |
Remember, every game should be its own wild ride. As Daniel Sell says:
The freedom to allow and positively encourage every group of players to interact with the setting differently; each game group will be unique.
So go ahead, break the mold, and let your imagination run wild. That's what NSR gaming is all about.
Help and Support
Jumping into NSR games is fun, but you might need a hand. No worries - there's a friendly community ready to welcome you.
Meeting Other Players
Want to find NSR fans? It's easier than you think:
NSR Discord Server: This is the place to be for all things NSR. The NSR Cauldron community on Discord has over 3,189 members and it's always buzzing. You can:
- Chat about RPG theory
- Find games or players
- Get rules help
- Share your NSR stories
A community rep says:
"We are a very accepting community, although small."
Everyone's welcome, whether you want to play, run games, or just talk. It's also great for trying out characters and developing original ones.
Local Gaming Stores: Don't forget face-to-face meetups. Many game shops host RPG nights. They might not focus on NSR games, but you can meet gamers who might want to try something new.
Online Platforms: Sites like Roll20 and StartPlaying help you find NSR games online. On Roll20, check the "Join a Game" tab for NSR titles. StartPlaying lets you book sessions with pro GMs, costing $5 to $50.
For online games, stick with it. An RPGnet Forums user advises:
"Players that are invested in a game are more likely to make it fun, so figure out if what you want to run is a good fit."
TTRPG Games Directory
The TTRPG Games Directory is a goldmine for NSR fans. Here's how to use it:
1. Browse the Catalog: Look through their big list of tabletop RPGs. You'll find old favorites and new indie games, including lots of NSR titles.
2. Read Game Details: Each listing tells you about the game's rules, themes, and special features. This helps you find NSR games you'll love.
3. Compare Games: Use the directory to look at different NSR games side-by-side. This helps you choose between similar games or find ones that work well together.
4. Try New Genres: NSR games often mix genres. The directory's many categories can help you find NSR games that blend your favorite elements in new ways.
5. Keep Up-to-Date: Check the directory for new NSR game releases and updates.
The basic directory is free, but they also have a paid version with extras like game reviews and early access to new listings.
Wrap-Up
NSR tabletop RPGs offer a fresh take on roleplaying. Let's recap the key points:
Keep It Simple: NSR games cut the fluff, focusing on storytelling and player creativity. One player put it bluntly: "Fewer rules to get in the way." This means less setup time and more actual play.
Get Weird: NSR thrives on odd settings. Let your imagination go wild. Daniel Sell says it best: "Boldly lay claim to the games you play, create content recklessly, and always write in pen."
Players Rule: In NSR, player choices shape the story. No railroading here. This leads to clever solutions and unexpected twists.
Start Small: Begin with a basic NSR system like The Black Hack or Into the Odd. They're solid starting points that you can build on.
Join the Club: The NSR Discord server has over 3,189 members. It's a great place to find games, share ideas, and connect with other players.
Want to dive in? Here's how:
1. Pick Your Game: Try Troika! Numinous Edition, Electric Bastionland, or Into the Odd.
2. Find Your Group: Grab 2-4 friends, or try solo play.
3. Prep Light: Focus on creating an interesting scenario, not a detailed plot.
4. Think Fast: As a GM, be ready to improvise. NSR games thrive on unpredictability.
5. Have a Blast: Don't sweat the small stuff. NSR is about fun and creativity.
Todd Crapper, creator of Killshot, offers this advice: "Play a game before you try reading how to play. It makes the learning curve so much faster when you know what the outcome, pace and style of your first RPG is like rather than trying to work it all out in your head first."
NSR games blend simplicity, creativity, and player freedom. They're great for newbies and veterans alike. So grab your dice, call your friends, and jump into an NSR adventure. Your imagination's the only limit!
FAQs
What is the best NSR to start with?
If you're new to New School Revolution (NSR) games, Maze Rats is a great place to start. Here's why:
Maze Rats gets you playing fast. You can make characters and start rolling dice in minutes. It's simple, using random tables and quick choices instead of complex rules. This lets you focus on telling stories and being creative.
Maze Rats also helps you learn to improvise, which is key in NSR games. Its simple setup gives you room to make things up as you go.
Archstone Press said on March 8, 2024:
"Maze Rats is particularly noted for its beginner-friendly approach, featuring straightforward mechanics and character generation that can get players started within minutes."
But remember, the best game for you depends on what stories you want to tell. Other good NSR options for beginners include:
- The Black Hack: Simple rules that you can easily change
- Into the Odd: Quick character creation, focuses on exploring
The most important thing is to start playing. Todd Crapper, who made Killshot, says:
"Play a game before you try reading how to play. It makes the learning curve so much faster when you know what the outcome, pace and style of your first RPG is like rather than trying to work it all out in your head first."
So pick a game and dive in. You'll learn faster by doing than by just reading the rules.
