Realms:Etria

Realms: Etria is a solo (or 2-player) narrative roleplaying game with six pre-made settings to choose from. It combines elements of journalling and dice-based games to create a gm-less system. It is flexible but focuses on narrative by having you draw and describe scene cards. You don't need to plan sessions in advance because the story is generated as you go along. The system is inspired by games like Numenera, Colostle, The Story Engine, Ex Novo and countless journalling-esque games.

Etria is a world forever changed by the Cataclysm. Once a popular space-travel destination, the minds and land of Etrians were wiped clean; little remains of the memories of the Before. People instead focus on the here and now, adventuring across the vast continent in search of technology no one knows how to use or make; they call it magi-tech.

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If you are a game designer or looking for a way to play out your worldbuilding project, take a look at the system reference document for Realms here (to be released soon). It contains a guide on how to make your own Roll Book and how to adjust character creation to fit your world.

A full session example is written out here.

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To play Realms, you need to a Roll Book. A Roll Book is a separate booklet that contains all the tables you need during gameplay. Each Roll Book contains tables such as character motivations, exploration scenes, and story complications. 

Realms: Etria has six different adventure themes based on its six different countries. I’ve included a short description of each to help you choose which roll book’s theme is best for you. But there’s more information on the World of Etria blog. 

Hodi, the technologically advanced land of progress and wisdom. Located in the northwest of Etria, Hodi is home to the Fioli people, known for their thirst for knowledge and innovation. Explore the vast and diverse landscapes of Hodi, from snowy mountains to taiga, temperate forests, and grasslands. In this setting, you'll embark on adventures that revolve around the pursuit of knowledge, the mysteries of advanced technology, and the peculiar floating spherical devices known as "Eyes in the Sky." 

Yengel, the overlooked centre of Etria, harbours the ostracised Geli. Refugees and runaways seek solace in this land of harsh conditions, small walled cities, and untamed wastelands. An adventure in Yengel offers a post-apocalyptic atmosphere where survival and monster-hunting collide. Venture into the untamed wilderness and confront the terrifying creatures that inhabit it while uncovering old magi-tech in long-forgotten cities. 

Grojie offers a whimsical and mystical setting for an adventure. Its simple rural life revolves around forests, and much of the culture is tied to a religion all about mother nature. As you journey through Grojie, expect encounters with otherworldly phenomena, forging deep connections with nature and its creatures, and the opportunity to wield magic in your own unique way. 

Blassai brings a vibrant and bustling trading flavour to an adventure. As masters of sky and sea routes, the Blai thrive on commerce. Blassai is a land of blue waters, tropical rainforests, and a thriving industrial sector. Your journey in Blassai can involve riding airborne creatures, navigating the intricate waterways with flatboats, and exploring the vibrant coastal cities that thrive around the enormous ports. 

Lan Rut offers a unique flavour of indulgence and fervent religion in an adventure. The country's focus on hedonistic pleasure and pursuing enlightenment through sensory experiences sets the stage for immersive cultural adventures. Magic, here, is restricted to defensive and healing practices, except among the elite ruling class. Uncover the secrets of the elite class and their clandestine use of magic, risking scandal, and imprisonment if exposed. 

O'lage brings a dark and turbulent flavour to an adventure. The blood-red history, underground caves, and oppressive social structure create an atmosphere of tension. The struggle to make a living, inner peace and the rising undercurrents of rebellion add depth to the setting. Your adventures in O'lage could involve challenging the oppressive ruling class, seeking ways to uplift the impoverished Shattel population, and unearthing the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. 

Your purchase of the base game includes:

• An A5 booklet of the game rules
• All country roll books 
• A character sheet
• An example of play