Do we really need another rules-lite universal system. If that system is BURN 2d6 by Saltheart RPG and written by Kevin Borrup, then the answer is a resounding yes.
The game is designed around a unique BURN mechanic that is designed to keep games moving with pace and thrills, and to allow for a complete adventure to be run in a short session. Its also intended to be universal – indeed, the rulebook comes with four complete mini-settings: Pulp (an art deco setting right out of 1930s serial), space opera (think Flash Gordon or Star Wars), Myth and Magic (classic fantasy), and Supers (four-colour comic book super heroics).I was skeptical that a simplified system could pull if off. That’s a lot to ask of a game. It’s shouldn’t work, and yet BURN 2d6 works beautifully, living up to its promise and more.
The system is as simple as advertised. You have four stats: Move, Heart, Eyes, Soul. These range from 4-12. You also have up to four pieces of equipment or powers that can enhance Stats. Performing an action is just a matter of rolling under the relevant Stat with 2d6.
For more difficult tasks you may be asked to roll 3d6, 4d6 or even, for something truly heroic, 6d6. This is where the fun and innovative BURN mechanic enters the fore. Let’s say you have a big challenge ahead that requires you to roll 5d6 but you really need to succeed. You can elect to BURN a stat, reducing it by whatever amount you choose and, in the process, taking away a corresponding number of d6s from the roll (for example, reducing a Stat by 2 takes 2d6s away from the roll). The trick is, if two Stats reach zero the character is dead or incapacitated. This system keeps the game going at a brisk pace and grants players have a lot of agency over adventure and its outcome.
Stats, therefore, represent not only ability scores but also a life and a will to push through and succeed in true heroic fashion. Great stuff.
As mentioned, there are four mini-settings/genres in the core rulebook. Each one comes with genre-specific rules. Though they are only a dozen or so pages apiece, author Kevin Borrup manages to squeeze so much into them that they feel alive and exciting, ready to play. Its masterwork in concise writing. I’ve play tested all four genres and am pleased (and not a bit surprised) to say that the system runs equally well in each.
The book is put together beautifully, with as much care evidently put towards appearances as to game design. The B+W interior art by Craig Brasco has a classic rpg feel and is universally excellent. Each genre has its own unique character sheet so evocative that it instantly puts you in the right headspace. Kris McClanahan, who designed them, is a genius of his craft. And There are also maps to help the GM bring the four settings to life.
Many rules-lite systems are difficult to hate but equally difficult to truly love. BURN 2d6 is an outlier. You’ll instantly fall in love with its unique mechanics and flexibility.
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