Pilgrims of Rao: Core Guidebook

Pilgrims of Rao is a multiplayer tabletop roleplaying game for 2-9 players, featuring an original rules system and tools to build a randomized game world that provides a unique experience every time it is played.  In the world of Pilgrims of Rao, humanity teeters on the brink of extinction after a failed attempt to usurp the gods millennia ago left only scattered pockets of survivors around the world.  Humanity rebuilt from the wreckage, but once again they are faced with mortal peril.  Players take on the role of humans amidst the crisis, create and customize their characters, and set off on an epic quest to rediscover the legendary fallen human capital of Rao.  Players explore the world, encounter devious traps and wicked monsters, and uncover the secrets left behind by those who dared to face the gods.

Pilgrims of Rao is a fantasy roleplaying game where the players are the architect of their story. The only limit is their imagination. The game is like a collaborative storytelling experience supported by a set of rules. This full-color illustrated guidebook contains the rules and the structure you need to play the game.

This guide includes the basics of how to play, advanced gameplay (encounter types, terminology, etc), character creation with a character sheet template, a wealth of randomly generated items, and expanded play (optional rules for your gaming experience).

This RPG features gaming with no Game Master. The world, enemies in encounters, non-player characters, and treasure you find are all randomly generated using the rules in this guidebook.

This game includes three encounter types. These are: combat, communication, and exploration. Encounters are the trials that your character must overcome to progress in the game. You will fight monsters, debate in the halls of government, and explore forgotten ruins. Beat everything the world throws at you to gain experience and loot, climbing ever higher toward your ultimate victory.

Most actions are resolved by rolling dice. You will need four (d4), six (d6), and eight-sided dice (d8) to play this game. Three of each is preferable. Roll are divided into Performance and Effect Rolls. A performance roll uses d8 with the goal of rolling 5+ to succeed. An effect roll uses d4-d8, depending on the action and modifiers, with the goal of rolling equal to or greater than the target number (DC: Difficulty Class). Determine the results of an action by rolling the appropriate dice and adding all modifiers. If two characters make the same type of roll against each other, this is called a competing roll and the highest number (after modifiers) wins.

After a character completes his adventure or falls in battle, he retires. He can then use the feats he accomplished in his adventure to pass on his legacy to a new character. Thematically this could be a father passing on his sword and titles to his son, a young woman finding the magical staff of a long dead hero while exploring a cave, or anything else that might kickstart a new adventure. This guidebook provides mechanical support for this type of role playing.

Character customization offers four races, nine classes, six homelands, four lifestyles, and seven vocations for crafting items. It also offers seven main attributes, fourteen skills, a variety of talents (other games may call these feats), and dozens of special powers. Characters grow in level, become more powerful and learn new abilities by earning experience points. They earn these points by completing quests and encounters.

Game sessions vary in length depending on the number of players and how you like to play. 30-90 minutes is a good length for an introductory session, especially if some players are new to roleplaying games. Session length is only limited by the players. The game can be played in one-shot adventures or weekly continuous campaigns.

Happy gaming!