Chaosium has released QuestWorlds, a new self-contained roleplaying system designed for cinematic and larger-than-life gameplay. Inspired by classic pulps, comic books, and weird fiction, QuestWorlds aims to provide a versatile and accessible experience for players of all levels.
QuestWorlds is a complete roleplaying system that does not require additional books to play. Its rules-light framework focuses on resolving in-game conflicts quickly and efficiently, with a simple core mechanic and optional rules that allow for customization to fit various settings and genres. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of storytelling styles, from action-packed adventures to mysterious explorations.
The system includes streamlined character creation rules, enabling players to design unique characters in a short amount of time. Players can create characters ranging from ordinary individuals to extraordinary heroes, with no limits on creativity.
In addition to character creation, QuestWorlds provides tools for designing custom settings. Players can build their own worlds, whether inspired by classic genres or entirely original concepts, offering a high degree of personalization for their games.
QuestWorlds is currently available in PDF format for $19.99 through Chaosium’s website and DriveThruRPG.
The game reflects the philosophy of Chaosium founder Greg Stafford, who emphasized the cooperative nature of storytelling games. Stafford described such games as a shared experience where players contribute to an ongoing narrative through verbal interaction and imagination.
“In a storytelling game, the object is to participate verbally in the cooperative experience of a story. Everyone talks in order to contribute to the ongoing story. Inevitably, some people will talk a lot, some will talk only a little. Hopefully, everyone will talk a lot when their turn comes around and only a little at other times.
“Play is verbal and imaginative. The action takes place in the minds of the players. This is a social game in the most positive sense of the word. Aggressive competition or legalistic arguments over rules are alien to the spirit of a storytelling game.”
