The Hero Within RPG: Introduction

This is new to me, rough-drafting in the open, so here are my notes as organized as I could get them.

Okay my kindred,….here we go!

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We talked about making a game.

Today is the day.

I have zero experience in doing this live in front of people, so be kind.

Read and digest the material below, then leave your feedback, input, suggestions and perspectives in the comments. I’m going to take what I’m working on and lay it out, right here in articles over time, for you to chew on and spit it back at me.

Most of this is going to read like it’s finished, but it’s not. I’ve been working on the starting rules for a while now. It’s NOT been tested yet, so there will be flaws, holes, and possibly contradictions.

Joseph Vickery

&

Bendragon

(nice avatar, Benjamin!) have volunteered to meet me in real life to play test soon =).

This is gonna ROCK!!

I’m also building a themed section of The Fiction Hub to meet and discuss these rules live across chat. Paid supporters who wants to participate, can. You will receive access and extra privileges with a special thanks with your name in the back of the completed game =).

Not a paid subscriber yet? Here’s a discount if you’re on the fence.

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Welcome to The Hero Within - A Wanted Hero Game, a world where your choices matter, your bravery is tested, and your imagination knows no bounds.

Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop roleplayer or someone stepping into this kind of adventure for the first time, this game is designed to be both a thrilling experience and a journey of personal growth.

In The Hero Within, you won’t just be rolling dice and moving pieces on a board. You’ll be stepping into the shoes of a hero in the world of Wanted Hero, a realm filled with wonder, danger, and unforgettable characters. Here, every decision you make has consequences, every battle is a test of your skills, and every victory—no matter how small—is a triumph of both mind and spirit.

This game isn’t just about winning. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, learning what it means to be a hero, and, most importantly, having fun along the way. So grab your dice, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on an adventure like no other.

What You’ll Need to Play

To play The Hero Within, you’ll need a few essentials:

• A set of polyhedral dice. These dice come in various shapes and numbers of sides, such as d4 (four-sided), d6 (six-sided), d8 (eight-sided), d10 (ten-sided—you’ll need two of these), d12 (twelve-sided), and d20 (twenty-sided). Dice can be shared between players and the GM.

• Character sheets to track your hero’s abilities, health, and progress.

• A group of friends (at least one person to be the Game Master and 2-5 players).

• A shared sense of adventure and a willingness to let your imagination run wild!

Optional, but fun to have:

• Coins for Luck mechanics.

• Maps, miniatures, or tokens to help visualize the action.

• Snacks (because adventuring is hungry work).

How to Play: An Overview

At its core, The Hero Within is a storytelling game. You and your friends will create characters, take on the roles of heroes, and embark on adventures crafted by the Game Master (GM). Together, you’ll explore the world of Wanted Hero, face challenges, solve puzzles, and fight epic battles.

But here’s the twist: in this game, the story is shaped by your choices. There are no pre-determined outcomes—what happens next depends on what you and your fellow players decide to do. It’s a collaboration between you, your friends, and the world you’re exploring.

1. Creating Your Hero

Your journey begins by creating a hero—a character you’ll embody throughout the game. This involves choosing a race, a class, and rolling for attributes. Your hero’s abilities and background will determine how they interact with the world, from their combat prowess to their skills in negotiation or magic.

Don’t worry if this sounds complicated—it’s actually a lot of fun! You’ll get to decide who your character is, what they’re good at, and what drives them to become a hero. And if you’re new to this, the game provides plenty of guidance to help you along the way.

2. Playing the Game

Once your characters are ready, the adventure begins. The GM will set the scene, describing the world and the challenges you’ll face. Your job is to decide what your hero does in response. Do you charge into battle? Try to talk your way out of a sticky situation? Or maybe you use your wits to come up with a clever solution?

You’ll describe your actions, and then roll dice to see if you succeed. The percentile dice (d100) are your go-to tools for resolving actions. Your goal is to roll under your relevant skill or attribute to succeed. The lower the roll, the better the outcome.

But here’s the fun part—Luck can change everything. Whether it’s avoiding disaster or tipping the scales in your favor, your Luck Points are a wildcard you can play when you need it most.

3. Working Together

While your hero is powerful, the true strength of the game comes from working together as a team. Each player brings something unique to the table, and by combining your strengths, you’ll overcome obstacles that would be impossible alone. Communication, strategy, and creativity are key to success.

4. Facing Challenges

Throughout the game, you’ll face a variety of challenges—combat, puzzles, moral dilemmas, and more. The GM will guide you through these situations, providing opportunities for both heroic deeds and personal growth. Every challenge is a chance to learn more about your character, your friends, and what it means to be a hero.

5. Gaining Experience and Growing

As you progress through the game, your hero will grow in power and ability. By completing quests, overcoming obstacles, and making meaningful choices, you’ll earn Discipline Points (DP) that you can use to level up your skills, unlock new abilities, and even create custom spells.

But remember, being a hero isn’t just about gaining power—it’s about making the right choices, helping others, and staying true to your values.

For New Players:

If this is your first time playing a tabletop roleplaying game, welcome! The Hero Within is designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of experience. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect—just focus on having a good time, and the rest will follow.

Start by reading through the character creation rules, then jump into the adventure. If you have any questions, your GM is there to help guide you. And remember, the most important rule is to enjoy the journey.

For Experienced Players:

If you’re a seasoned roleplayer, you’ll find plenty of depth and challenge in The Hero Within. From the intricate magic system to the strategic combat mechanics, there’s something here for everyone. Feel free to dive deep into the world lore, experiment with custom spells, and push your hero to their limits.

In Conclusion:

The world of Wanted Hero is waiting for you. With every choice, every roll, and every moment, you’ll be writing your own story—a story of courage, friendship, and adventure. So gear up, gather your party, and step into The Hero Within.

Your destiny awaits.

Want to get a taste of the world we’re creating?

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Play Tester Questions:

Your feedback is incredibly valuable in making The Hero Within the best experience possible! Whether you’re new to tabletop RPGs or a seasoned player, your thoughts on clarity, mechanics, and overall gameplay will help refine and improve the game.

As you go through the material, consider these questions and let us know what works, what could be clearer, and what excites you the most. Your input is essential to making this game a thrilling and engaging adventure for everyone!

1. Does the game introduction effectively set the tone and expectations for new players?

2. Are the listed essentials for playing (dice, character sheets, etc.) clear and easy to understand?

3. Does the game overview provide a strong sense of what players will experience?

4. Is the explanation of character creation (choosing a race, class, and attributes) intuitive and engaging?

5. Do the instructions for playing the game (rolling dice, using skills, and making choices) feel clear and easy to follow?

6. Does the progression system (earning Discipline Points and leveling up) feel motivating and rewarding?

Thank you for your time and insights—your feedback is what helps bring The Hero Within to life!