This chapter explains the rules shared by every part of Risen Kings. Whether you’re learning the game for the first time or looking up a rule during play, these fundamentals provide the foundation for every adventure.
Risen Kings is built around a simple approach: players describe what their characters attempt, the Game Master determines what happens, and dice resolve uncertain outcomes when failure matters. The rules provide structure without limiting what characters can attempt.
Learning the Game
Begin with How the Game Works to understand the roles of players and the Game Master. Then explore the Three Modes of Play, which explain how the game moves between open-ended roleplaying, dangerous exploration, and tactical combat.
The Core Roll provides the foundation for resolving uncertain actions, while Boons and Banes represent the advantages and disadvantages that influence those rolls.
Resolving Actions
Additional sections explain Ability Checks, Difficulty Classes, Proficiency Bonuses, and Contested Actions. These rules help the Game Master determine when a roll is necessary, what modifiers apply, and how to resolve the outcome.
Understanding Your Character
The Character Values section introduces the statistics used throughout the game, including Hit Points, Mana and Energy, Armor Class, defenses, and other important values.
You don’t need to memorize everything before playing. Start with the fundamentals, create your character, and return to these rules whenever questions arise.
Use the chapter navigation on the left to explore each section.