Symbaroum Dark Fantasy; Bleak; Exploration-Driven; Resource Management; Classless; Tactical Combat; Character Customization
Symbaroum is a dark fantasy tabletop roleplaying game set in the ominous forest of Davokar. It emphasizes exploration, resource management, and tactical combat within a bleak and dangerous world. With its classless character progression and unique corruption mechanic, Symbaroum offers a distinctive player experience focused on high-stakes adventure and morally grey choices. Its simple D20 system makes it easy to learn, while still offering depth and complexity for more experienced players. The game is designed to be punishing, but flexible, offering memorable stories and fun.
Theme and Setting
Symbaroum plunges players into a dark fantasy world reminiscent of Princess Mononoke meets Game of Thrones. The setting centers around the vast and foreboding forest of Davokar, a place brimming with both natural resources and ancient ruins. The Ambrians, a civilization displaced from their homeland, seek to establish themselves on the edge of this forest, leading to conflicts with the native barbarian clans and the elves of the Iron Pact. The game master can build campaigns around action, intrigue, or both.
The fallen empire of Symbaroum, whose remnants lie scattered throughout Davokar, casts a long shadow. Players face not only external threats like monsters and rival factions but also the pervasive corruption emanating from the forest's depths. This corruption can manifest as physical deformities or unsettling character traits, adding a layer of moral complexity to character progression. The game pushes the idea that even theurgs (cleric-like characters) must manage corruption even when trying to heal.
Core Mechanics and Rules
Symbaroum utilizes a player-facing D20 system. This means that players make all the rolls, even when defending against enemy attacks. When the monster attacks, it is resolved by having the player roll to defend, keeping players engaged. Characters roll under their relevant attribute, modified by circumstance or opposition, to succeed. Combat is designed to be fast-paced and tactical, with a focus on resource management and strategic decision-making. The game discourages HP bloat, as HP goes from 10 to an absolute maximum of 23 with a lot of XP spend on certain Abilities.
Character creation in Symbaroum is classless, allowing for considerable customization. Players develop their characters by acquiring Abilities (similar to feats) as they gain experience. The game master is expected to guide the characters so that character concepts fit within the setting.
What Makes It Unique
Several elements contribute to Symbaroum's uniqueness. The dark fairytale aesthetic, combined with the theme of corruption, creates a distinct atmosphere. The player-facing dice system streamlines gameplay and keeps players actively involved. The classless character progression and wide array of abilities offer exceptional flexibility in character development. Finally, the exploration mechanics, particularly the dangers and discoveries within Davokar, provide a compelling gameplay loop centered around risk and reward. This also provides the opportunity for a very unique twist on classic fantasy races.
One notable mechanic is the Pain Threshold: If a character takes an amount of damage equal or greater to it, they must decide whether their character is knocked prone where they will need to spend later actions getting back up into a fighting stance or allow a second attack from their opponent potentially take them out in a one two combo.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Symbaroum appeals to players who enjoy dark fantasy settings, exploration-driven campaigns, and tactical combat. The game's themes of moral ambiguity and the consequences of power resonate with those seeking a more mature and nuanced roleplaying experience. The rules are easy to learn, making it accessible to new players, while the depth of character customization and tactical options provides ample engagement for experienced gamers.
Players can expect a challenging and rewarding experience where survival hinges on careful planning, resource management, and strategic decision-making. The world is intended to feel brutal so players need to be ready to plan to survive. The setting is detailed and consistent, immersing players in a world that is as dangerous as it is beautiful. With a mature mix of faction play, exploration, and epic combat, the Throne of Thorns campaign is considered by some to be D&D done right.
