Res Mythica is designed from the ground up to provide players and GMs with a unique experience and world. This is not yet another d20 or PbtA RPG, and is not designed to be played in a generic high fantasy world.
The “Rules Elements System” (RES) provides a narrative game system with substance, allowing gaming groups to go from the wider “faction phase” in which PCs build up their power base while other factions progress and evolve, and an action phase where creativity meets tactical gameplay.
The world of Res Mythica is open-ended, providing snippets to activate player and GM imagination and allow each group to make it their own as they play.
The System
The game uses innovative mechanics to create a narrative experience in which the players and the dice lead the story without compromising on tactical decision-making both in and outside of combat. A faction system helps the GM create a rich world and provides plot hooks for players, while bonds and patron deities encourage deep role-play and an immersive dive into classical antiquity.
Tactical
Player abilities and an innovative dice system means every decision matters. The system makes sure you have tactical decisions to make in every scene; interesting and risky decisions exist beyond just combat.
Players need to manage their momentum along the scene, while adjusting the risk they take for every action. Build up power while making sure the enemy doesn’t gain control.
Player-driven
A faction system underpins the whole game to help the GM create a world that feels real. Player actions change the course of the story… and impact the course of history.
Narrative
A core resolution mechanic that puts the story at the forefront and makes every roll meaningful. Let the story develop as choices become ever tougher. The bonds and values mean every character is a different person who evolves with the story.
Narrative choices aren’t just fluff, they’re an impactful game mechanic that is fun to manage. Who your character is is just as important as what they can do.
The World
Res Mythica is inspired by the rich tapestry of ancient cultures, mythologies and politics.
The Ash of Empires campaign kit is designed for adventures in a low-magic, grounded fantasy world inspired by the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire (Principate). The world is unstable, multiple factions are vying for control, and even the grandest institutions are vulnerable.
Abilities
Abilities that allow for tactical decisions without being world-breaking allow for that world to come to life, and for dangerous situations to actually be dangerous. Heroes aren’t that because they know they’ll always win, they are heroic because they know that failure is an option… and persevere anyway.
Gods & the Ætherial
Magical abilities are subtle, almost invisible. Magical enemies, while often invisible, are omnipresent. Inspired by Roman superstitions and beliefs, the world is populated by more than the standard powerful monsters. A spirit may protect any building, and any concept may have its own god.
Each player has a Patron Deity who, hopefully, will help them in times of need. Subtle mechanics reflect the intricate beliefs of late antiquity in which the gods are ever watching, yet frustratingly cryptic.
Two expansions (Magic of the Old World and Courts of the Fae Kin) add more extensive magical abilities based on ancient beliefs. Learn about the divine powers of Theurgy, the cursed rituals of Goetia, and more…
Make it your own
Res Mythica is designed to allow you to make the setting your own. Enemies, factions, player abilities… all are modular to let you play anything from a high-fantasy universe in which magic is pervasive to a grounded historical adventure.