Storyteller System
The Storyteller System is a d10 dice pool system that serves as the core mechanic for several games. Originally created in 1991 as an adaptation of Shadowrun for World of Darkness by Tom Dowd and Mark Rein-Hagen, the Storyteller System has seen numerous adaptations, editions, and branching versions throughout its history. It's still the core system behind the World of Darkness games, including Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, Hunter: The Reckoning, and many more, as well as games like Exalted, Scion, and the more recent Trinity Universe games. Generally, when characters attempt actions in Storyteller System games, they roll a number of ten-sided dice equal to the points, or "dots" they have in a relevant attribute and ability. Each die that meets or exceeds a target number or difficulty, usually 6 or 7, counts as a "success." Sometimes, dice that come up 1 might subtract a success. Players then total their successes to determine if they overcome the challenge at stake. Usually, one success is enough, but sometimes, if their opposition is great enough, more may be required. Most Storyteller System games use the same nine attributes, comprising three categories (physical, social, and mental) with three associated attributes each. In some games, these attributes are classified as Power, Finesse, and Resistance. For example, Strength is physical power, Dexterity is physical finesse, and Stamina is physical resistance. Characters also have Abilities, specializations including Talents, Skills, and Knowledges which can help them in specific situations. Characters might also have pools of points they can draw upon to activate supernatural powers and replenish depending on the nature of their character, like drinking blood for vampires. The Storyteller system has undergone many changes between editions, but the core mechanic remains mostly intact. It has also branched out into several related but distinct systems, including the Storytelling System used in the Chronicles of Darkness games, and the Storypath System, an updated version used in the Trinity Continuum games. Most World of Darkness games, like Vampire, Werewolf, Hunter, Mage, Changeling, Wraith, and others, still use the Storyteller System, which is now in its fifth edition.
Popular RPGs using Storyteller System
Hunter: The Reckoning
A Storytelling Game of Desperate Measures. You saw what you shouldn’t have, the veil pulled back from the secret world and the monsters who prowl it. You chronicled the tragedies they wrought, these monsters, and the victims upon whom they preyed. You grasped the extent of their influence and witnessed the corruption of the organizations formed to keep them in check. And you vowed to do something about it. Tonight, you act. It’s time for a Reckoning.
Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition
Vampire: The Masquerade presents a more dramatic, contemplative world than most tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). While the average TTRPG experience is a Dungeons & Dragons inspired one (fighting monsters and getting treasure), Vampire is about simply surviving and keeping a piece of yourself intact. Players in Vampire become the titular mythological figure in a version of our modern world. And while near-immortality and superpowers seems cool, they come at the cost of existing in a secret society where hunters and other clans are out to get you. And there’s also the whole hungering for blood thing. In a typical Vampire game, holding onto humanity is just as tough as fending off foes.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition
Gaia is dying. The ices melt, while the seas swell. The heat rises, while the forests wither. Extinction threatens millions, in favor of the few. The Garou — warlike shapeshifters torn between Rage and spirit, between Wolf and Man, and champions of the earth-mother — have failed. The Apocalypse is here. Yet, a new generation of Garou now call upon their Rage to confront the forces of destruction, avarice, and greed ravaging the earth-mother. With tooth and claw the Garou will wrest her from the brink of death — or follow her enemies to the grave. Will you answer their howl? What legends will the Garou sing of you? When will you Rage? In Werewolf: The Apocalypse, you play as the Garou, a creature of flesh and spirit, blessed and cursed with primal rage. Born to fight and die in a desperate war to protect Gaia — the very living earth — you engage in an unequal battle against the greed and power-hunger of human civilization that has trapped the world in a choking web of technology and corruption.
Frequently asked questions about Storyteller System
Blog links about Storyteller System
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