Skip to main content

Wolden SRD

Overview

In Wolden, you play characters who are members of one of several cults. These cults congregate in the titular Wolden, the heart of the forest, in an uneasy truce. It is said that all forests eventually lead to Wolden, if you go deep enough, and if you know where to look. From Wolden, the cults stage expeditions into other lands, to bring back riches, knowledge, and wonders.

Wolden

You might imagine the heart of the forest as a large encampment, where several cryptic cults have established demesnes in their own, idiosyncratic ways. Functionally it is akin to a city, even if it consists of wildly different dwellings clustered around a forest nexus.

The heart itself is a mystery, and the subject of many rumors among all but the very few high ranking cultists who might know the truth. Yet, everyone agrees that it must be protected at all costs.

Resolution Mechanic

Wolden's resolution mechanic aims to be simple and fast, abstracting potentially several actions into one roll.

When the outcome is uncertain, take 1d12. If you have a gift that would reasonably aid you in your current task, add an additional d12. Circumstance might allow you to add another d12. Another character might help you with their gift, in which case you add a d12 for their participation, but beware, in aiding you they also share any negative outcomes. The maximum number of dice you can accumulate is 4d12.

Roll the dice, and take the highest number. Add your relevant ability score to that number. If that total is 6 or less, it's a failure. If it's between 7 and 12, it's a partial success. If it's a 13 or higher, it's a success.

If you rolled any doubles, it's a critical success or failure. There are no critical partial successes.

Roll Categories

There are 4 categories of rolls, and the same mechanic is used for all of them:

  1. Challenges, including combat,
  2. Extended Challenges, including social endeavors,
  3. Travel Montages, for exciting, condensed journeys,
  4. Downtime, including healing and advancement.

For more information, see Playing the Game.

Back to Home