We believe you shouldn't have to buy a game to find out whether you enjoy playing it or not. That's why the core rules of Places of Power are freely available here, with everything you need to play. Give the game a try, and, if you enjoy it, pick up a copy of the full rulebook (when it is ready) which offers a deeper dive into the rules and setting, along with additional guidance and advice for players and Game Masters.
The rules are free. The adventure is yours.
the basics
Places of Power is a Table Top Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) for between two to five players. It is set in a grimdark, low fantasy world, in the midst of a rising global conflict. Players take on the role of everyday people living in an increasingly harsh world, doing whatever it takes just to stay alive. Life is tough, and the world unforgiving. What are you willing to do to survive another day?
The Game
Each player creates a character that they will embody in the world of Places of Power. The players’ job is to invest in the characters they create, to bring them to life in a way that is interesting and entertaining. The players also have the responsibility to engage with the setting and premise of the game.
Players should work with the GM to ensure that the story is told to the best of every one’s ability. You are building this world together, and no-one else will ever experience the exact same story that you do. You owe it to yourself to make it the very best it can be.
The Players
The characters in Places of Power are not legendary superheroes, out to right all the wrongs of the world. They are, for the most part, everyday people, just trying to earn enough money to afford some food and a warm place to sleep for the night. Most characters will also be morally grey, neither all good nor all bad, but skirting along in that middle ground between the two extremes.
The Characters
The Games Master (GM) is the storyteller, referee, and guide of the game, responsible for shaping the story and bringing it to life for the players. They set the stage by describing the setting, portraying characters, and presenting the challenges and mysteries the players will face. The GM controls the flow of the game, narrating events and responding to the players' actions, all while maintaining the rules and ensuring everyone has fun. They also play the role of all non-player characters (NPCs), manage the consequences of the players' decisions, and keep the story moving forward, making sure that the game is immersive, fair, and engaging for everyone involved.
The Games Master
Players: Two to five players, plus one GM.
Dice: Each player will need two of each of the following dice, D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, and D20 (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 20-sided dice, respectively). It is also useful to have a couple of extra D6 for tracking things like Action Points.
Pencil and Paper: As you play the game you will likely find yourself needing to take notes, in order to remind yourself of what is going on, who you have met on your journey, and what additional information and equipment you have gained along the way. You may also need to make temporary changes to your Character Sheet (which is why a pencil rather than a pen is recommended).
Character Sheet: Each player will need a copy of their character sheet, which contains all of the base Attributes and Skills that their Character has, as well as information on any weapons and items they may have access to.
New Player Sheets: The New Player Sheets are designed to get people unfamiliar with TTRPGs, and specifically with Places of Power, up to speed as quickly as possible. You can download the New Player Sheets from the Resources page of this website.