TTRPG OWL Class Hierarchy with Individuals

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CC-BY 4.0 OWL Class Hierarchy with Individuals, Pascal Martinolli, 2025.

• game mechanics:
  - gamemaster has final decision, not the players' not the rules' (D&D Moldvay)
  • opposition mechanics:
    - Masteries scale (HeroQuest);
    - Roll under attack score but above opposing armor (White Hack);
    - Universal resolution table (Marvel SuperHero);
    - Choosing in a matrix of dilemmas (Psi*Run);
    - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
    - One PC is a possessed weapon, another PC is its holder (Bloodlust);
    - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen);
    - Speech fight with persuasion & rebuff styles (Dying Earth);
    - Dés de Kool/ dés de Krasse (dK System);
    - Never roll dice against inanimate objects, roll only against people (Technoir);
    - No randomization means never enter a fair fight (Amber);
    - 3 gamemasters: one opposition, one emotional relationships, one society/hierarchy influences (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
    - Players define an antagonist NPC for the future sessions (Mutant Year Zero);
    - Every scene a turning player plays versus the other players who become gamemasters (Perdus sous la pluie);
    - Competing factions of philosophers (Planescape);
    - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
    - "Hunted" flaw: PC tell the nature/frequency of a villain, GM choose appearance and play him (Champions);
    - Aspect to invoke by the player or to compel by the gamemaster or by the players (FATE);
    - Resistance rolls (Blades in the Dark);
    - Hero Points gained and spent during conflicts, and Survival Points for NPCs (James Bond 007);
    - There is different rules depending if it is for kicking mooks or important villains (Feng Shui);
    - Encourage to molest other PCs (Maid);
    - balance two sides of an extended conflict, then decide the authority (Freak's Squeele);
    - asks a player how many dice they decide to put, in order to match attacker’s value.(Dogs in the Vineyard);
    - Plot points vs Doom Pool (Marvel Heroic RPG);
    - For winning a narrative conflict: escalate the skates toward violence (Dogs in the Vineyard);
    - If success then the player describes consequences, with advantage to the last who talk (Blood and Honor);
    - Fronts as a collection of threats and challenges (Apocalypse World);
    - Rock-Scissors-Paper for 'coward dueling' (Baron Munchausen)
    • positioning mechanics:
      - Abstract distances and positioning (13th Age);
      - Hex based combat (Fantasy Trip)
      • stealth mechanics:
        - 3 stealth modes : Revealed, Detected, Hidden (Infinity)
      • chase mechanics:
        - Abstract chasing positions (Spycraft)
    • faction mechanics:
      - Company system: PC belong or control an organization with its own char sheet (Reign);
      - Clans, bloodlines, sects (Vampire: The Masquerade);
      - Faction mechanics (A Song of Ice and Fire);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
      - Competing factions of philosophers (Planescape);
      - Faction interactions drive advancement (Urban Shadows);
      - Faction turn mechanics (Stars without Numbers);
      - Guilds and secret societies of magicians (Ars Magica)
      • clans, bloodlines, sects
    • raise mechanics:
      - "Yakuza bets" on throw result to improve success (Les Érrants d'Ukiyo);
      - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - PCs invent fictional fear, GM escalate from it toward more horror (Bluebeard's Bride);
      - Escalation to extended conflict (The Shadow of Yesterday);
      - Spending Stress for improving dice pool and effect (Blades in the Dark);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - asks a player how many dice they decide to put, in order to match attacker’s value.(Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Changing the physicality of the conflict (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - For winning a narrative conflict: escalate the skates toward violence (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - If success then the player describes consequences, with advantage to the last who talk (Blood and Honor);
      - If a PC dies then a new PC more powerful is created to replace and lead the others (Hollow Point)
      • momentum:
        - Burning and gaining momentum (Ironsworn)
        • burning and gaining momentum
      • asks a player how many dice they decide to put, in order to match attacker’s value.
      • auction or wagering mechanics:
        - Wagering in each conflict (Wolsung);
        - Bid coins to add facts to the game (Universalis);
        - Wagering during the PC vs PC move (Blightburg);
        - Wager mechanics: player takes control of game & world (OcTane)
    • bargaining:
      - Bargain with Death (Dungeon World)
    • tag or compel:
      - Tag other PC with aspects (Monsterhearts 2)
    • choosing in a matrix of dilemmas
    • target number:
      - Roll-under targer number (OD&D);
      - THAC0 (AD&D2);
      - Target number dice pool (Shadowrun);
      - D12 rolled and crossref with difficulty in a unique table (Dark Realms)
    • challenge rating:
      - Challenge rating for monsters (D&D3);
      - Mechanical alienation (Broodmother Skyfortress)
  • consequence mechanics:
    - Social move is constraining the next GM narration (Cartel);
    - Reaction cards can be used even if PC dead (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
    - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
    - "Let it ride" : no retries, no backsies (Burning Wheel);
    - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
    - Failing forward (Apocalypse World);
    - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen);
    - Stress consequences (Fate);
    - Shaken status is a loss of action and is a substitute for HP loss (Savage Worlds);
    - Spells that are only expended on bad rolls (13th Age);
    - Difficult costy choice for basic success (Apocalypse World);
    - assign succeeding/failing dice to various outcomes (Otherkind);
    - Players describe if success, gamemaster describes if failure (InSpectres);
    - Spending Stress for improving dice pool and effect (Blades in the Dark);
    - add one detail for each bidden dice (Blood and Honor);
    - Easy bonus to cool powers leading to awful end (Urban Shadows);
    - Black bile: player decides negative consequences affecting his character (Libreté);
    - Choose mental consequences (Eclipse Phase);
    - Some actions can lead to Corruption (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
    - assign succeeding/failing dice to various outcomes (Bliss Stage);
    - Dark secret (Kult);
    - Only roll when possibility of interesting failure (Burning Wheel);
    - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
    - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
    - Murder darken the PC to his end (MarcheBranche);
    - Move (Apocalypse World);
    - One success gives one fact or one die (Donjon);
    - Violence will lead to failure eventually (Lady Rossa);
    - If success then the player describes consequences, with advantage to the last who talk (Blood and Honor);
    - Every roll means something (Apocalypse World);
    - Monologue of Victory (The Pool);
    - Excessive success has bad consequences (Libreté);
    - Ghost dice (Ghostbusters);
    - Success of resolution decides if player or GM has authority to tell the result (Houses of the Blooded);
    - If 3+ dice are used then PC gets Fallout dice (Dogs in the Vineyard);
    - Yes/No [and/but...] (Free Universal)
    • permanent loss:
      - Exchange and permanent loss of attachment tokens (Perdus sous la pluie);
      - Piling up of almost permanent negative effects (Don't Rest Your Head);
      - When 4 themes of PC are exhausted, some ritual sentences are no longer available (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
      - Splatter wounds: permanent damages if healing fails (ConspiracyX)
    • death spiral:
      - Accumulative chance of failure with Jenga tower (Dread)
    • switching the consequence:
      - Scars instead of Harm boxes (Urban Shadows);
      - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen);
      - Social bonds: used/exhausted for not going insane (Delta Green 2016);
      - Resistance rolls (Blades in the Dark);
      - Complication rule for Persona Artha (Burning Wheel)
    • character acquiring conditions:
      - Character conditions (Lady Blackbird);
      - Shaken status is a loss of action and is a substitute for HP loss (Savage Worlds);
      - Piling up of almost permanent negative effects (Don't Rest Your Head);
      - Hazardous ghosting and resleeving (GURPS: Transhuman space)
      • advantageous conditions
      • disadvantageous conditions:
        - Shaken status is a loss of action and is a substitute for HP loss (Savage Worlds);
        - Black bile: player decides negative consequences affecting his character (Libreté);
        - Mental disadvantages (GURPS);
        - Harm statuses (Blades in the Dark)
    • fixed outcomes:
      - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
      - Move (Apocalypse World);
      - Fractal timeline to built together (Microscope);
      - Fractal focus to build a timeline for worldbuilding (Microscope)
    • lose control of the character by the player:
      - Vendetta pool to discard hits taken GM can ask force player to do stupid things for vendetta (Secrets & Lies);
      - Each PC has a shadow/dark side, controlled by another player (Wraith: The Oblivion);
      - Temporary insanity: flee, struggle or submit (Delta Green 2016);
      - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
    • hard choice:
      - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3)
    • mental consequences:
      - Temporary insanity: flee, struggle or submit (Delta Green 2016)
      • choose mental consequences
        • Black bile: player decides negative consequences affecting his character
      • levels of hardening:
        - Levels of hardening reduce player agency (Unknown Armies 3)
      • acquiring a phobia
    • complication mechanics:
      - In 1d4 something happen (Index Cards RPG);
      - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - One PC is a possessed weapon, another PC is its holder (Bloodlust);
      - Flashback heist mechanic (Blades in the Dark);
      - Countdown clock (Apocalypse World);
      - Dés de Kool/ dés de Krasse (dK System);
      - Vendetta pool to discard hits taken GM can ask force player to do stupid things for vendetta (Secrets & Lies);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
      - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
      - Aspect to invoke by the player or to compel by the gamemaster or by the players (FATE);
      - Dark secret (Kult);
      - Only roll when possibility of interesting failure (Burning Wheel);
      - Computer dice: 1/6 chance of problems on each actions (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - Move (Apocalypse World);
      - Complication rule for Persona Artha (Burning Wheel);
      - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur);
      - If 3+ dice are used then PC gets Fallout dice (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Yes/No [and/but...] (Free Universal)
    • damage mechanics:
      - Loss of experience points (AD&D)
      • soaking damages:
        - Soaking damages (Vampire: The Masquerade)
      • temporary penalties:
        - Temporary penalties (GURPS)
      • critical damages:
        - "Lucky hit" (OD&D: Empire of the Petal Throne);
        - Lethality percentage for powerful weapons (Delta Green 2016);
        - Mega armors/ Mega damages (Rifts);
        - Character death happens mainly by critical damages, not hit point loss (Rolemaster)
    • character death:
      - Reaction cards can be used even if PC dead (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
      - Replace a dead PC by a related NPC (Torchbearer);
      - 3 PCs per player (Dark Sun);
      - "Cheat death" and "McGuffin" skills (Timelord);
      - Using a Fate point to survive anything (Warhammer FRP);
      - Play your dead PC sheets (Post Mortem);
      - Bargain with Death (Dungeon World);
      - Hazardous ghosting and resleeving (GURPS: Transhuman space);
      - Reincarnate & Raise Dead spells (OD&D);
      - Save or die/ Rocks fall, everyone dies (Tomb of Horrors);
      - PC never dies (Toon);
      - Pay for Life After Death insurance (SLA Industries);
      - Trauma Team International Prepaid CSAR services (Cyberpunk 2013);
      - Resurrection spell (AD&D: PHB)
    • one success gives one fact or one die
  • structural mechanics:
    - Moves specific for the beginning of the session (Apocalypse World);
    - Dice rolled in various tables at key moments (Fiasco);
    - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
    - Fractal focus to build a timeline for worldbuilding (Microscope)
    • talk distribution mechanics
      • player spotlight is codified
      • a caller relays players decisions to the gamemaster
    • intergame:
      - Intergame session is explained in game by "greydreaming" (Rêve de dragon);
      - Winter Phase (Pendragon);
      - Detailed rules for carousing, social and economics (Nightmares Underneath)
      • detailed rules for carousing, social and economics
      • rules for daily life aside from adventures
    • sharing elements mechanics:
      - Players and GM collectively create their village (Beyond the Wall);
      - Setting is fleshed out by GM and PC in the course of play (13th Age);
      - PCs design elements of the story (Wilderness of Mirrors);
      - PCs invent fictional fear, GM escalate from it toward more horror (Bluebeard's Bride);
      - Party sheet allows sharing PC talents with party (Warhammer FRP 3);
      - Players interpret collectively a central PC, and one PC each (Magistrats & Manigances);
      - PCs invent fiction clues and are rewarded if matching GM secrets (Sphynx);
      - Players define an antagonist NPC for the future sessions (Mutant Year Zero);
      - PC narrates a regret and answers other PCs questions (Headspace);
      - Players and characters share ideas and emotions collectively (Headspace);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Players invent the clues (InSpectres);
      - Giving authority over distinct parts of the world to different people (Belonging outside Belonging);
      - Troup-style play (Ars Magica);
      - Tag other PC with aspects (Monsterhearts 2);
      - Consensus reality is a metaphor of the shared players experience (Mage: The Ascension);
      - Fractal timeline to built together (Microscope);
      - Players collectively create their household, then with the remaining points they create their characters (Orkworld);
      - PCs invent rumors, GM decides which is true (Oltrée)
    • endgame and completion mechanics:
      - Endgame when the first player answers all their 6 questions (Psi*Run);
      - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
      - Inevitable and tragic endgame (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
      - Endgame when one character is left (Perdus sous la pluie);
      - Cmpletion of Final & two Epilogue Questions (October Rust);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - Progress Track intended to be filled – the player decides when it’s time to conclude it (Ironsworn);
      - When 4 themes of PC are exhausted, some ritual sentences are no longer available (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North)
      • inevitable and tragic endgame:
        - When 4 themes of PC are exhausted, some ritual sentences are no longer available (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North)
      • no endgame
      • all clues are collected:
        - all clues are collected (InSpectres)
      • element of character background is resolved or fully explored:
        - Endgame when the first player answers all their 6 questions (Psi*Run);
        - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
        - When 4 themes of PC are exhausted, some ritual sentences are no longer available (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North)
    • codified rituals:
      - Ritual key-phrases structuring game conversation (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North)
      • ritual phrases:
        - Ritual phrases (Love in the Time of Seid);
        - Ritual key-phrases structuring game conversation (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
        - When 4 themes of PC are exhausted, some ritual sentences are no longer available (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North)
      • Moves specific for the beginning of the session
    • temporal shifts:
      - Fractal focus to build a timeline for worldbuilding (Microscope)
      • fractal focus:
        - Fractal timeline to built together (Microscope);
        - Fractal focus to build a timeline for worldbuilding (Microscope)
      • flashforward scene:
        - Vertigo of flashback and flashforward scenes (Odyssea)
      • flashback scene:
        - Vertigo of flashback and flashforward scenes (Odyssea);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
        - PC can play their background as flashbacks (Nephilim)
        • flashback heist mechanic:
          - Flashback heist mechanic (Blades in the Dark)
        • play historical flashbacks to remember forgotten powers and knowledges
        • all characters of a player: sum up & link to an archetype
      • fast-forwarding scene
      • retroactively declaring facts mechanics:
        - Flashback heist mechanic (Blades in the Dark);
        - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur)
      • skipping moment:
        - Play at different era and watch long term evolution of PCs (Undying)
        • skipping element in the scene:
          - Stop and skip what's played in the scene as a silent 'safe word' (XCard)
        • skipping a scene
    • downtime mechanics:
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - Winter Phase (Pendragon)
    • mission mechanics:
      - Perilous, Discovery & Rogue phases (Spycraft);
      - BPNs: Blueprint News Files missions (SLA Industries);
      - Day turn & night turn (Night Witches)
      • planning the mission:
        - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur)
      • debriefing in game:
        - Choose between conflicting values and debrief in confession after missions (Miles Christi);
        - BPNs: Blueprint News Files missions (SLA Industries);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres)
      • briefing in game:
        - BPNs: Blueprint News Files missions (SLA Industries)
    • game progress mechanics:
      - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Countdown clock (Apocalypse World);
      - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - Scenario progress (Monster of the Week);
      - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
      - Fronts as a collection of threats and challenges (Apocalypse World);
      - Various 4/6/8/10/12-sided clocks (Blades in the Dark)
    • pacing or turn mechanics:
      - Rigid scene turn order (Fiasco);
      - Rotating the gamemaster role each scene (Lovecraftesque)
      • scenario pacing:
        - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
        - Flashback heist mechanic (Blades in the Dark);
        - Dice rolled in various tables at key moments (Fiasco);
        - Breakdown of fiction into procedural scenes and dramatic scenes (Hillfolk);
        - Perilous, Discovery & Rogue phases (Spycraft);
        - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
        - Players have their own turn scene (Archipelago) (Love in the Time of Seid);
        - Ritual key-phrases structuring game conversation (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
        - Rotating the gamemaster role each scene (Lovecraftesque);
        - Day turn & night turn (Night Witches);
        - Scenario progress (Monster of the Week)
      • sudden interruption mechanic:
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres)
      • skipping/ ellipsing:
        - Bloody vs Test: fast-forward combats (Burning Wheel)
      • timer:
        - In 1d4 something happen (Index Cards RPG);
        - Escalation die where the bonus to hit = nb of rounds passed (13th Age)
      • loss of action
        • shaken: loss of action:
          - Shaken status is a loss of action and is a substitute for HP loss (Savage Worlds)
      • campaign turn or phase:
        - Winter Phase (Pendragon);
        - Fellowship phase (Adventures in Middle-Earth)
      • initiative mechanics:
        - Action cards with bluff on initiative (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
        - Non-violence enforced through initiative system (Doctor Who Roleplaying Game);
        - Rigid scene turn order (Fiasco);
        - Regular 52 set of poker cards for initiative, huckster spells, etc. (Deadlands)
      • player dedicated scene:
        - Players have their own turn scene (Archipelago) (Love in the Time of Seid)
      • scene pacing:
        - In 1d4 something happen (Index Cards RPG);
        - GM turns, then PC turns (Mouse Guard);
        - Ritual key-phrases structuring game conversation (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
        - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
        - Fast turn, slow turn (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
        - D12 rolled and crossref with difficulty in a unique table (Dark Realms)
      • session pacing:
        - +1 meta-dice of stress per 30min of game avg.(D-Start)
      • codified scene framing:
        - Players have their own turn scene (Archipelago) (Love in the Time of Seid);
        - Rigid scene turn order (Fiasco)
        • confessional reality-TV-like
    • minigame:
      - Several skills and rules for social situations (James Bond 007);
      - Psionic sub-game (AD&D: PHB);
      - Crisis management minigame (Paranoia: High Programmers);
      - Subsystem for 1-on-1 duel (L5R);
      - Musards (Milles-Marches);
      - Scripts for torturing captured PCs (James Bond 007);
      - Mini-game for character creation who could even die (Traveller);
      - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
      - Funnel (Dungeon Crawl Classic);
      - Life-path character creation (Traveller);
      - Highdreaming: navigate a matrix map of magical zones to cast a spell (Rêve de dragon)
  • character mechanics:
    - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase)
    • character creation:
      - Replace a dead PC by a related NPC (Torchbearer);
      - Priority-based character creation (Shadowrun);
      - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
      - Point-build character (Fantasy Trip);
      - A notebook as character sheet (Sailor Moon);
      - Character can start with more experience, or more expertise or more money (Powers & Perils);
      - Play your dead PC sheets (Post Mortem);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Multiple min-max builds possible (D&D3);
      - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
      - PC are toys made up of parts that can be damaged, modified, exchanged, or lost (ThreadBare);
      - Play dynasties of characters (Empires & Dynasties);
      - Psychological Limitations option (Champions);
      - Random stats at character creation (OD&D);
      - Each PC has 1 ability at zero, different from the other PCs (Houses of the Blooded);
      - Mini-game for character creation who could even die (Traveller);
      - Abstract character generation (Everway);
      - Funnel (Dungeon Crawl Classic);
      - Mecha creation is more important than pilot character creation (Mechwarriors);
      - Life-path character creation (Traveller);
      - If a PC dies then a new PC more powerful is created to replace and lead the others (Hollow Point)
      • point-build character:
        - Point-build character (Fantasy Trip);
        - Cybernetic implants reduce empathy attribute (Cyberpunk 2013);
        - Point-buy system (GURPS);
        - Players collectively create their household, then with the remaining points they create their characters (Orkworld);
        - Social/psychological traits & negative flaws in point-build characters (Champions)
      • no character generation rules:
        - PCs are the TV characters (Dallas)
      • play alternative characters:
        - Play monsters prying on adventurers (Monsters Monsters);
        - Play colonized races characters (Shaan);
        - PCs can be monsters (Runequest);
        - Play minions trying to escape their master (My Life With Master);
        - Non-humanoid roles (Bunnies & Burrows);
        - PC are the cultists (Soth);
        - PC are toys made up of parts that can be damaged, modified, exchanged, or lost (ThreadBare);
        - Players play themselves (The End of the World);
        - Play familiars trying to revenge their beloved mistress (The Witch is Dead);
        - Mecha creation is more important than pilot character creation (Mechwarriors)
      • character templates:
        - Generic pre-made character template to tweak (Star Wars WEG);
        - Character archetypes (Talislanta);
        - Pre-gen characters with complex backgrounds tight to the setting (DragonLance);
        - Chess board and pieces (Vade+Mecum)
      • back-story mechanics:
        - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
        - Create PC backstory & assign abilities based on events described (Spirit of the Century);
        - Family and ancestors generator with family honor, status, birthrights,.. (AD&D: Oriental Adventures);
        - PC narrates a regret and answers other PCs questions (Headspace);
        - Pre-gen characters with complex backgrounds tight to the setting (DragonLance);
        - PC has 'One Unique Thing': anything without direct mechanics (13th Age);
        - Dark secret (Kult);
        - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
        - Each PC has a shadow/dark side, controlled by another player (Wraith: The Oblivion);
        - PC can play their background as flashbacks (Nephilim);
        - Spend points to link your background to the campaign, and receive the corresponding lore sheet (Weapons of the Gods);
        - Life-path character creation (Traveller)
    • motivation mechanics:
      - Play minions trying to escape their master (My Life With Master);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - "Cheat death" and "McGuffin" skills (Timelord);
      - Dharmas (Kindred of the East);
      - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Choose between conflicting values and debrief in confession after missions (Miles Christi);
      - Play familiars trying to revenge their beloved mistress (The Witch is Dead);
      - Nature and demeanor traits (Vampire: The Masquerade);
      - Motive, virtue, fault & fate (Everway);
      - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
      - Honor system (Bushido);
      - Character belief is an incentive to play in a certain way (Burning Wheel);
      - Heroic and villainous motivations (DC Heroes);
      - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon);
      - Rage, noble and fear passions (Unknown Armies)
      • quest:
        - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway)
      • goals mechanics:
        - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
        - Players have a main goal and stereotype goals linked to the franchise (Ghostbusters)
    • character progression mechanics:
      - Priority-based character creation (Shadowrun);
      - A notebook as character sheet (Sailor Moon);
      - Progress tracks (Warhammer FRP 3);
      - Character can start with more experience, or more expertise or more money (Powers & Perils);
      - Grind (Torchbearer);
      - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
      - Faction interactions drive advancement (Urban Shadows);
      - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
      - BPNs: Blueprint News Files missions (SLA Industries);
      - Play at different era and watch long term evolution of PCs (Undying);
      - Brownie points to spend in game (Ghostbusters);
      - Progress Track intended to be filled – the player decides when it’s time to conclude it (Ironsworn)
      • buy (& buy back) keys of character
      • negative advancement:
        - SAN: Insanity rule (Call of Cthulhu)
      • path mechanics:
        - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord)
      • level advancement
        • character levels
        • level loss
      • no character advancement rules
      • career mechanics:
        - Priority-based character creation (Shadowrun);
        - Multiple min-max builds possible (D&D3);
        - Mini-game for character creation who could even die (Traveller);
        - Life-path character creation (Traveller)
      • explicit class requirements
      • special attributes advancement
        • edges unlocked by PC rank
      • skill improvement
        • skill tree
        • skill specialization: broad, maxed out, then specialized
        • linear bonus progression
      • experience mechanics:
        - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
        - Hit points symbolize health, experience & luck (Miles Christi)
      • earn a new value at each stage of PC lives
    • moral mechanics:
      - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Morality track (Hunter: The Reckoning);
      - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming);
      - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
      - Dark side points (Star Wars WEG);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Morality, Virtues and Vice traits (Vampire: The Requiem);
      - Each PC has a shadow/dark side, controlled by another player (Wraith: The Oblivion);
      - Nature and demeanor traits (Vampire: The Masquerade);
      - Humanity track (Vampire: The Masquerade);
      - Motive, virtue, fault & fate (Everway);
      - Vampire 'paths' (Vampire: The Masquerade);
      - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
      • corruption mechanics:
        - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
        - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming);
        - Cybernetic implants reduce empathy attribute (Cyberpunk 2013);
        - Easy bonus to cool powers leading to awful end (Urban Shadows);
        - Dark side points (Star Wars WEG);
        - Some actions can lead to Corruption (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
        - Murder darken the PC to his end (MarcheBranche)
      • character alignment:
        - 3 alignments: lawful, chaotic, neutral (OD&D);
        - Christian-like values alignment scale (Chivalry & Sorcery);
        - Competing factions of philosophers (Planescape);
        - 1 axis with 5 alignments (Warhammer FRP);
        - Creatures divided between law & chaos (Chainmail);
        - 2 axis alignment: lawful-neutral-chaotic; good-neutral-evil (AD&D: PHB) (D&D Holmes)
      • inner conflict:
        - Choosing in a matrix of dilemmas (Psi*Run);
        - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
        - One PC is a possessed weapon, another PC is its holder (Bloodlust);
        - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
        - Dark secret (Kult);
        - Choose between conflicting values and debrief in confession after missions (Miles Christi);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
        - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
      • no moral mechanics
      • dark secret:
        - Each player defines a dark secret he doesn't reveal, even to the gamemaster, and can used how he wants (The Mountain Witch);
        - Dark secret (Kult);
        - Each PC has a shadow/dark side, controlled by another player (Wraith: The Oblivion)
    • health rules:
      - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
      - Scars instead of Harm boxes (Urban Shadows);
      - Hit points strictly symbolize health (Runequest);
      - Shaken status is a loss of action and is a substitute for HP loss (Savage Worlds);
      - SAN: Insanity rule (Call of Cthulhu);
      - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands);
      - Hit points symbolize health, experience & luck (Miles Christi);
      - Temporary insanity: flee, struggle or submit (Delta Green 2016)
      • hit points:
        - Hit points strictly symbolize health (Runequest);
        - Hit points symbolize health, experience & luck (Miles Christi);
        - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
        - Some hit points come from plot armor [high level expert NPC has more hit points] (D&D3);
        - Character death happens mainly by critical damages, not hit point loss (Rolemaster)
      • wound track:
        - Wounds tracked separately, each of them healing independently (Maelstrom RPG);
        - Each injury is tracked individually (Hârn);
        - Exhaustion track separated from life track (Rêve de dragon);
        - Wound track system (Ars Magica 5th)
      • stress mechanics:
        - Flashback heist mechanic (Blades in the Dark);
        - Stress consequences (Fate);
        - Spending Stress for improving dice pool and effect (Blades in the Dark);
        - Exhaustion track separated from life track (Rêve de dragon);
        - 5 stress meters: Helplessness, Isolation, Self, Unnatural, and Violence (Unknown Armies 3);
        - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
        - BPM track : breadcrumb gauge (Lacuna)
      • hit location:
        - Wounds tracked separately, each of them healing independently (Maelstrom RPG);
        - Hit location (Runequest);
        - Each injury is tracked individually (Hârn);
        - Wound track system (Ars Magica 5th);
        - Hit location (OD&D: Blackmoor)
      • poisoning mechanics:
        - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming)
      • healing mechanics:
        - Wounds tracked separately, each of them healing independently (Maelstrom RPG);
        - addiction to healing/buffing drugs (SLA Industries);
        - Splatter wounds: permanent damages if healing fails (ConspiracyX);
        - Healing surge (D&D4)
      • addiction mechanics:
        - addiction to drugs mechanism (COPS);
        - addiction to healing/buffing drugs (SLA Industries)
      • mental sanity mechanics:
        - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
        - SAN: Insanity rule (Call of Cthulhu);
        - Dark secret (Kult);
        - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
    • character constraints:
      - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
      - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
      - PC virtues are 'poles' on the map (On Mighty Thews);
      - Morality, Virtues and Vice traits (Vampire: The Requiem);
      - Choose between conflicting values and debrief in confession after missions (Miles Christi);
      - Barbarians hate magic (AD&D: Unearthed Arcana);
      - 2 axis alignment: lawful-neutral-chaotic; good-neutral-evil (AD&D: PHB) (D&D Holmes);
      - Each PC has 1 ability at zero, different from the other PCs (Houses of the Blooded);
      - Levels of hardening reduce player agency (Unknown Armies 3);
      - Honor system (Bushido);
      - Character belief is an incentive to play in a certain way (Burning Wheel);
      - When 4 themes of PC are exhausted, some ritual sentences are no longer available (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
      - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon);
      - Rage, noble and fear passions (Unknown Armies)
    • character class:
      - No assassin (AD&D2)
      • no character class
    • character descriptors:
      - An aspect or power can be versatile, potent & frequent (Everway)
      • derived character statistics:
        - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord)
      • character ability:
        - Masteries scale (HeroQuest);
        - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
        - Party sheet allows sharing PC talents with party (Warhammer FRP 3);
        - Create PC backstory & assign abilities based on events described (Spirit of the Century);
        - Abilities determine dice size (Sovereign Stones);
        - Character can start with more experience, or more expertise or more money (Powers & Perils);
        - Abilities determine dice size (Serenity)
        • language:
          - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord)
        • character skill:
          - Non-weapon proficiencies (AD&D: Oriental Adventures);
          - Several skills and rules for social situations (James Bond 007);
          - d6 minus d6 + skill bonus (Feng Shui);
          - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
          - Unified resolution system for fight and skills (Runequest);
          - Extended skill challenge (D&D4);
          - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
          - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord)
        • special abilities:
          - Psionic sub-game (AD&D: PHB);
          - "Cheat death" and "McGuffin" skills (Timelord);
          - Easy bonus to cool powers leading to awful end (Urban Shadows);
          - Magic items: attunement and rarity (D&D5);
          - Saving roll as stunt (Tunnels & Trolls);
          - Every character can do magic (Runequest);
          - Powers for all classes: at-will, per-encounter, per-day (D&D4)
      • character attribute:
        - Masteries scale (HeroQuest);
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - Cybernetic implants reduce empathy attribute (Cyberpunk 2013);
        - Open-mindedness vs Spirituality attributes (Maléfices);
        - Rationality and Irrationality statistics (Aquelarre);
        - Ancestry. Novice, expert and master paths (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
        - Random stats at character creation (OD&D)
        • special attribute
          • luck:
            - Hit points symbolize health, experience & luck (Miles Christi);
            - Luck can reverse a previous contest (Dallas)
      • character flaw:
        - PCs invent fictional fear, GM escalate from it toward more horror (Bluebeard's Bride);
        - SAN: Insanity rule (Call of Cthulhu);
        - Dark secret (Kult);
        - Morality, Virtues and Vice traits (Vampire: The Requiem);
        - Psychological Limitations option (Champions);
        - Mental disadvantages (GURPS);
        - Each PC has 1 ability at zero, different from the other PCs (Houses of the Blooded);
        - Nature and demeanor traits (Vampire: The Masquerade);
        - Motive, virtue, fault & fate (Everway);
        - Social/psychological traits & negative flaws in point-build characters (Champions);
        - Rage, noble and fear passions (Unknown Armies)
      • body mechanics
      • opposing descriptors:
        - Open-mindedness vs Spirituality attributes (Maléfices);
        - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
        - Rationality and Irrationality statistics (Aquelarre);
        - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
      • character aspect:
        - Masteries scale (HeroQuest);
        - DIY free-form traits (Ghostbusters);
        - Scars instead of Harm boxes (Urban Shadows);
        - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
        - An aspect or power can be versatile, potent & frequent (Everway);
        - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
        - Aspect to invoke by the player or to compel by the gamemaster or by the players (FATE);
        - PC virtues are 'poles' on the map (On Mighty Thews);
        - Character aspect (Fate);
        - Morality, Virtues and Vice traits (Vampire: The Requiem);
        - Tag other PC with aspects (Monsterhearts 2);
        - backgrounds of the PC can be used both as benefits or disadvantages (7th Sea)
      • mental mechanics:
        - Psionic sub-game (AD&D: PHB);
        - Choose mental consequences (Eclipse Phase);
        - Psychological Limitations option (Champions);
        - Mental disadvantages (GURPS)
  • supernatural mechanics
    • destiny mechanics:
      - Motive, virtue, fault & fate (Everway)
    • spell:
      - Spells that are only expended on bad rolls (13th Age);
      - Reincarnate & Raise Dead spells (OD&D);
      - Resurrection spell (AD&D: PHB);
      - Spells in matrixes to attune (EarthDawn)
      • spell points
      • spell casting:
        - Vancian magic (OD&D);
        - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
        - Highdreaming: navigate a matrix map of magical zones to cast a spell (Rêve de dragon)
      • spell building:
        - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery)
        • building free-form spells
          • Four By Five Magic
          • Verb-noun method to classify spells
          • No spell list, just areas of magic & 1..5 levels
          • table of analogies for building spells
      • spell list:
        - Vancian magic (OD&D)
        • list of leveled spells
    • magic:
      - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
      - Every character can do magic (Runequest);
      - Regular 52 set of poker cards for initiative, huckster spells, etc. (Deadlands);
      - Highdreaming: navigate a matrix map of magical zones to cast a spell (Rêve de dragon)
      • magic stat:
        - Magical 'Flow' character attribute kept secret from player (Maléfices);
        - Open-mindedness vs Spirituality attributes (Maléfices);
        - Rationality and Irrationality statistics (Aquelarre);
        - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery)
      • magic fuel:
        - Blood pool fuels magic powers (Vampire: The Masquerade)
      • magic canceller or reducer:
        - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming)
      • danger of magic:
        - It is dangerous to warp reality/ paradox (Maelstrom RPG);
        - Warping: side effect of too much exposition to magic (Ars Magica)
      • magic school:
        - Each school of magic is mechanically unique and specific (Unknown Armies);
        - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
        - Guilds and secret societies of magicians (Ars Magica);
        - Five colors of Magic and Black Lotus (D&D: Castle Amber) (MtG?);
        - Barbarians hate magic (AD&D: Unearthed Arcana);
        - Powers for all classes: at-will, per-encounter, per-day (D&D4)
        • learning magic:
          - Vancian magic (OD&D);
          - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery)
        • psionics:
          - Psionic sub-game (AD&D: PHB)
    • magic item:
      - One PC is a possessed weapon, another PC is its holder (Bloodlust);
      - Budget for magic items (D&D4);
      - Magic items: attunement and rarity (D&D5);
      - Magic item typed bonuses & item slots (D&D3)
      • unlock powers of magical items:
        - Unlock powers of magical items (EarthDawn)
      • attunement:
        - Magic items: attunement and rarity (D&D5);
        - Spells in matrixes to attune (EarthDawn)
  • resolution mechanics:
    - Action resolution mechanics based only on social interactions (Panty Explosion);
    - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
    - Aspect to invoke by the player or to compel by the gamemaster or by the players (FATE);
    - Single sliding scale for all resolutions (Torg)
    • substitution mechanics:
      - Replace a dead PC by a related NPC (Torchbearer);
      - Exchange and permanent loss of attachment tokens (Perdus sous la pluie);
      - Action resolution mechanics based only on social interactions (Panty Explosion);
      - Scars instead of Harm boxes (Urban Shadows);
      - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands);
      - Seelie and Unseelie aspects (Changeling: The Dreaming);
      - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
      - Luck can reverse a previous contest (Dallas);
      - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
      - Flip-flopping: switch tens and singles of d00 roll (Unknown Armies);
      - If a PC dies then a new PC more powerful is created to replace and lead the others (Hollow Point)
    • randomization mechanics:
      - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
      - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
      - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
      - Random stats at character creation (OD&D);
      - Move (Apocalypse World);
      - Roll for Jovial or Glum scene tone (Swords without Masters);
      - D12 rolled and crossref with difficulty in a unique table (Dark Realms)
      • pick a card:
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway)
      • dice mechanics:
        - d6 minus d6 + skill bonus (Feng Shui);
        - In 1d4 something happen (Index Cards RPG);
        - Escalation die where the bonus to hit = nb of rounds passed (13th Age);
        - Gamemaster has have every right to overrule the dice at any time (AD&D: DMG);
        - Dés de Kool/ dés de Krasse (dK System);
        - Never roll dice against inanimate objects, roll only against people (Technoir);
        - (Dis)advantages: roll 2 dices and pick (D&D5);
        - Every roll means something (Apocalypse World);
        - d666 (In Nomine Satanis/ Magna Veritas);
        - Moral or Mysteries story elements on a roll of 3 (Swords without Masters)
        • step die mechanics:
          - Step die mechanics (EarthDawn);
          - Abilities determine dice size (Sovereign Stones);
          - Abilities determine dice size (Serenity);
          - Control die and situation dice (Alternity)
        • side die:
          - Best two roll, and third die is effects (Smallville);
          - Computer dice: 1/6 chance of problems on each actions (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
          - Control die and situation dice (Alternity);
          - Ghost dice (Ghostbusters);
          - d666 (In Nomine Satanis/ Magna Veritas)
          • Wild die. Roll, read best only:
            - Wild die. Roll, read best only (Deadlands)
          • Computer dice: 1/6 chance of problems on each actions
        • opposed rolls:
          - Roll under but as high as possible for opposed rolls or exact score for critics (Pendragon);
          - Both opposing parties roll, add and compare (Tunnels & Trolls);
          - Opposed rolls in dice pools (Vampire: The Masquerade)
        • blackjack mechanics (roll high under):
          - Roll under attack score but above opposing armor (White Hack);
          - Roll under but as high as possible for opposed rolls or exact score for critics (Pendragon);
          - Blackjack d100 mechanic (Unknown Armies)
        • dice pool:
          - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée);
          - Target number dice pool (Shadowrun);
          - Spending Stress for improving dice pool and effect (Blades in the Dark);
          - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
          - Best two roll, and third die is effects (Smallville);
          - Karma pool to boost dice pool (Shadowrun);
          - First dice pool (Ghostbusters);
          - Franchise dice pool for the group (InSpectres);
          - If 3+ dice are used then PC gets Fallout dice (Dogs in the Vineyard)
          • non-linear dice pool:
            - Fudge dice (Fudge);
            - Opposed rolls in dice pools (Vampire: The Masquerade)
            • Sets of identical-dices values in dice pool
            • ORE: One Roll Engine
            • roll-and-keep dice pool:
              - Roll-and-keep dice pool (L5R)
            • Best two roll, and third die effect
            • success-counting system:
              - Opposed rolls in dice pools (Vampire: The Masquerade)
            • roll a dice pool and pick the best:
              - Roll a dice pool and pick the best (Silhouette)
          • linear dice pool:
            - Highest-die dice pool (Prime Directive);
            - Additive dice pool (Star Wars WEG)
            • system with fixed success chances per die
            • roll-and-sum system:
              - Both opposing parties roll, add and compare (Tunnels & Trolls)
        • percentile dice-based:
          - Open-ending roll for PC and NPC (Rolemaster);
          - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
          - Percentile dice-based (Boot Hill);
          - Blackjack d100 mechanic (Unknown Armies);
          - d666 (In Nomine Satanis/ Magna Veritas);
          - Flip-flopping: switch tens and singles of d00 roll (Unknown Armies)
        • roll under:
          - Roll-under targer number (OD&D)
        • open-ended roll:
          - Open-ending roll for PC and NPC (Rolemaster)
        • d6 minus d6 (+ skill bonus)
        • diceless:
          - Diceless and deterministic resolution (Amber)
      • rock-scissors-paper:
        - Speech fight with persuasion & rebuff styles (Dying Earth);
        - Rock-Scissors-Paper (Mind Eye Theater);
        - Fighting styles have advantages on others like in Rock-Scissors-Paper (Dying Earth);
        - Rock-Scissors-Paper for 'coward dueling' (Baron Munchausen)
      • craps-like wager rules:
        - Craps-like wager rules (Hellywood)
      • no randomization:
        - No randomization means never enter a fair fight (Amber)
      • runes picking as randomizers:
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok)
      • playing cards mechanics:
        - 52 playing cards as randomizers (Castle Falkenstein)
    • extended conflict:
      - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Escalation to extended conflict (The Shadow of Yesterday);
      - Extended skill challenge (D&D4);
      - balance two sides of an extended conflict, then decide the authority (Freak's Squeele);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - Changing the physicality of the conflict (Dogs in the Vineyard);
      - Gridiron rules for extented conflicts (Unknown Armies 3)
    • results mechanics:
      - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
      - "Let it ride" : no retries, no backsies (Burning Wheel);
      - Gamemaster has have every right to overrule the dice at any time (AD&D: DMG);
      - Players describe if success, gamemaster describes if failure (InSpectres);
      - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
      - Success of resolution decides if player or GM has authority to tell the result (Houses of the Blooded);
      - Yes/No [and/but...] (Free Universal)
      • retry mechanics:
        - "Let it ride" : no retries, no backsies (Burning Wheel)
      • ranks of results:
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - 5 ranks of results: Mishap, Failure, Partial Success, Full Success, Critical Success (Talislanta);
        - Yes/No [and/but...] (Free Universal)
        • degree of success/failure:
          - Degree of success/failure (James Bond 007)
      • automatic result
        • spending ressources for automatic success
        • automatic success if ...
        • automatic failure if ...
      • success mechanics:
        - automatic success if action is funny for players and gamemaster (Toon);
        - "Yakuza bets" on throw result to improve success (Les Érrants d'Ukiyo);
        - Difficult costy choice for basic success (Apocalypse World);
        - add one detail for each bidden dice (Blood and Honor);
        - Move (Apocalypse World);
        - One success gives one fact or one die (Donjon);
        - If success then the player describes consequences, with advantage to the last who talk (Blood and Honor);
        - Monologue of Victory (The Pool);
        - Success of resolution decides if player or GM has authority to tell the result (Houses of the Blooded);
        - Success allows PC to add facts (On Mighty Thews)
        • excessive success:
          - Excessive success has bad consequences (Libreté);
          - If 3+ dice are used then PC gets Fallout dice (Dogs in the Vineyard)
        • critical success mechanics:
          - Open-ending roll for PC and NPC (Rolemaster);
          - "Lucky hit" (OD&D: Empire of the Petal Throne);
          - Critics and fumbles (Runequest);
          - Roll under but as high as possible for opposed rolls or exact score for critics (Pendragon);
          - Detailed random tables for critics and fumbles (Rolemaster)
          • critical hit 'lucky hit'
          • critics and fumbles
      • failure mechanics:
        - Accumulative chance of failure with Jenga tower (Dread);
        - Story points awarded for deliberate failure (Doctor Who Roleplaying Game);
        - Only roll when possibility of interesting failure (Burning Wheel);
        - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
        - Violence will lead to failure eventually (Lady Rossa);
        - Splatter wounds: permanent damages if healing fails (ConspiracyX)
        • glitch:
          - Glitch happens if half dice rolled are ones (Shadowrun 4)
          • glitch if half dice rolled are ones
        • critical failure mechanics:
          - Critics and fumbles (Runequest);
          - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
          - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
          - Detailed random tables for critics and fumbles (Rolemaster)
        • failing forward:
          - "Let it ride" : no retries, no backsies (Burning Wheel);
          - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera)
    • dramatic modifiers to resolution:
      - Possibility points: as XP or in-game special effects (Torg);
      - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands);
      - No randomization means never enter a fair fight (Amber);
      - Easy bonus to cool powers leading to awful end (Urban Shadows);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Forture and Fame points spent to influence success (Top Secret);
      - One success gives one fact or one die (Donjon);
      - Fighting styles have advantages on others like in Rock-Scissors-Paper (Dying Earth);
      - Control die and situation dice (Alternity);
      - Armor Class as bonus/malus to attacker (OD&D)
      • deck of modifiers:
        - Choose a card from your hand to use later only for a miracle (Miles Christi);
        - Drama Deck: PC & GM influence play (Torg);
        - Whimsy Cards: influence the plot of a story (Ars Magica)
      • modifiers for "cool" actions:
        - automatic success if action is funny for players and gamemaster (Toon);
        - Perversity points awarded when player are amusing/inventive (Paranoia);
        - Cinematic actions influence chances of success (Feng Shui);
        - Receiving a bonus for 'Surprise maneuver' ie. a cool description (Champions)
      • buff mechanics
      • bets to push success:
        - "Yakuza bets" on throw result to improve success (Les Érrants d'Ukiyo)
    • validation mechanics:
      - PCs invent fiction clues and are rewarded if matching GM secrets (Sphynx);
      - PCs invent rumors, GM decides which is true (Oltrée)
  • generative mechanics:
    - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée)
    • inspirational element generation:
      - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway)
    • suggestion of future events:
      - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres)
    • fixed element generation
  • social mechanics:
    - Social move is constraining the next GM narration (Cartel);
    - Several skills and rules for social situations (James Bond 007);
    - Confidence points, alliances, and finally betrayals for all PC (The Mountain Witch);
    - Company system: PC belong or control an organization with its own char sheet (Reign);
    - Action resolution mechanics based only on social interactions (Panty Explosion);
    - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
    - Speech fight with persuasion & rebuff styles (Dying Earth);
    - Social bonds: used/exhausted for not going insane (Delta Green 2016);
    - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
    - 3 gamemasters: one opposition, one emotional relationships, one society/hierarchy influences (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
    - Family and ancestors generator with family honor, status, birthrights,.. (AD&D: Oriental Adventures);
    - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
    - Vassal and lord relationships defined (Borderlands);
    - Dark secret (Kult);
    - Guilds and secret societies of magicians (Ars Magica);
    - BPNs: Blueprint News Files missions (SLA Industries);
    - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
    - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
    - Honor system (Bushido);
    - Social/psychological traits & negative flaws in point-build characters (Champions)
    • inevitable high fame can undermine spying ability
    • spend money and time to maintain reputation rank
    • attracting attention mechanics:
      - Several skills and rules for social situations (James Bond 007);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark)
    • maintain career status with downtime activities
    • relations between characters mechanics:
      - Exchange and permanent loss of attachment tokens (Perdus sous la pluie);
      - 3 gamemasters: one opposition, one emotional relationships, one society/hierarchy influences (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
      - Vassal and lord relationships defined (Borderlands)
    • genealogy mechanics:
      - Play dynasties of characters (Empires & Dynasties)
    • gain and loss of social status:
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark)
  • resource management mechanics:
    - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
    - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
    - Flashback heist mechanic (Blades in the Dark);
    - Blood pool fuels magic powers (Vampire: The Masquerade);
    - Spells that are only expended on bad rolls (13th Age);
    - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
    - Cybernetic implants reduce empathy attribute (Cyberpunk 2013);
    - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
    - Magic items: attunement and rarity (D&D5);
    - Aspect to invoke by the player or to compel by the gamemaster or by the players (FATE);
    - Ritual key-phrases structuring game conversation (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
    - Magick system (Chivalry & Sorcery);
    - Condition dice for traits and equipments (Soulfire);
    - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur);
    - Magic item typed bonuses & item slots (D&D3);
    - Trauma Team International Prepaid CSAR services (Cyberpunk 2013);
    - Spells in matrixes to attune (EarthDawn);
    - Usage dice for items (Black Hack)
    • monetary mechanics:
      - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - Character can start with more experience, or more expertise or more money (Powers & Perils);
      - Pay for Life After Death insurance (SLA Industries);
      - Trauma Team International Prepaid CSAR services (Cyberpunk 2013)
      • budget to acquire stuff:
        - Budget for magic items (D&D4)
    • followers:
      - Play minions trying to escape their master (My Life With Master)
      • familiar:
        - Play familiars trying to revenge their beloved mistress (The Witch is Dead)
    • building, crafting, forging your stuff:
      - Players and GM collectively create their village (Beyond the Wall);
      - Detailed DIY vehicle systems (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles);
      - Build your own mecha or spaceship (Mekton);
      - PC are toys made up of parts that can be damaged, modified, exchanged, or lost (ThreadBare);
      - Mecha creation is more important than pilot character creation (Mechwarriors)
    • vehicle mechanics:
      - Detailed DIY vehicle systems (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles);
      - Build your own mecha or spaceship (Mekton);
      - Mecha creation is more important than pilot character creation (Mechwarriors)
    • base of operations:
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark)
    • equipment:
      - Cybernetic implants reduce empathy attribute (Cyberpunk 2013);
      - El Cheapo items: socially awkward or malfunction on a certain roll number (Deadlands);
      - Condition dice for traits and equipments (Soulfire);
      - Usage dice for items (Black Hack)
      • tracking of character possessions
      • flawed possession:
        - El Cheapo items: socially awkward or malfunction on a certain roll number (Deadlands);
        - Hazardous ghosting and resleeving (GURPS: Transhuman space)
      • usage dice:
        - Condition dice for traits and equipments (Soulfire);
        - Usage dice for items (Black Hack)
      • inanimate object:
        - Never roll dice against inanimate objects, roll only against people (Technoir)
    • meta-currency:
      - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
      - Bennies as plot/drama/karma points (Savage Worlds);
      - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée);
      - Possibility points: as XP or in-game special effects (Torg);
      - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands);
      - Clues for free or to buy (Gumshoe system);
      - Forture and Fame points spent to influence success (Top Secret);
      - Fate points meta-currency (FATE);
      - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur)
      • pool of modifiers:
        - Confidence points, alliances, and finally betrayals for all PC (The Mountain Witch);
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
        - Bennies as plot/drama/karma points (Savage Worlds);
        - Blood pool fuels magic powers (Vampire: The Masquerade);
        - Vendetta pool to discard hits taken GM can ask force player to do stupid things for vendetta (Secrets & Lies);
        - Possibility points: as XP or in-game special effects (Torg);
        - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands);
        - Spending Stress for improving dice pool and effect (Blades in the Dark);
        - Karma pool to boost dice pool (Shadowrun);
        - Aspect to invoke by the player or to compel by the gamemaster or by the players (FATE);
        - Hero Points gained and spent during conflicts, and Survival Points for NPCs (James Bond 007);
        - Forture and Fame points spent to influence success (Top Secret);
        - Fate points meta-currency (FATE);
        - Tarot cards with Luck, Death,... to influence results (Maléfices);
        - Forture/Fame points spent by GM to influence success (Top Secret);
        - Describing more details gives more dice to roll, but the GM can veto for style (Wushu);
        - Brownie points to spend in game (Ghostbusters);
        - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur);
        - Magic item typed bonuses & item slots (D&D3)
        • pool of bonus and pool of malus:
          - Despair/Hope coins (Don't Rest Your Head);
          - Dés de Kool/ dés de Krasse (dK System);
          - Plot points vs Doom Pool (Marvel Heroic RPG);
          - Banes and Boons that cancel each other (Shadow of the Demon Lord)
      • refreshing pools:
        - Blood pool fuels magic powers (Vampire: The Masquerade);
        - Clues for free or to buy (Gumshoe system)
      • non-refreshing pools:
        - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
        - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir)
      • pool of actions:
        - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir)
  • reward mechanics:
    - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée);
    - Perversity points awarded when player are amusing/inventive (Paranoia);
    - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
    - PCs invent fiction clues and are rewarded if matching GM secrets (Sphynx);
    - Story points awarded for deliberate failure (Doctor Who Roleplaying Game);
    - Players have a main goal and stereotype goals linked to the franchise (Ghostbusters);
    - BPNs: Blueprint News Files missions (SLA Industries);
    - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
    - Brownie points to spend in game (Ghostbusters);
    - Artha awarding procedures when completion of play (Burning Wheel)
    • item collected
      • material and social rewards
      • special item collected
    • game world advantage
      • social status:
        - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir)
      • social contact:
        - Crew management (Blades in the Dark)
        • access to source of information
        • Faction in debt
        • NPC in debt
    • Karma points rewarded for heroic behavior\following Silver Age comic book codes
    • experience point spending
      • XP spends for improvements
      • XP spends for temporary advantages
    • monetary reward
    • gain of experience points:
      - Possibility points: as XP or in-game special effects (Torg);
      - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands);
      - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
      - Bonds (Apocalypse World)
      • character experience point:
        - Loss of experience points (AD&D)
        • XP-for-gold system
        • reward mechanisms push players to take unneeded risks
        • gamified XP system
        • XP for skill use and training
        • mark XP at every failure
      • XP distributed at beginning (can be consumed in game)
  • approbation mechanics:
    - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée);
    - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
    - Frustration token taken when a player is feeling he is not listened (The Quiet Year);
    - Friendship gems (My Little Pony RPG);
    - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
    - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres)
  • avoidance mechanics:
    - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen);
    - Using a Fate point to survive anything (Warhammer FRP);
    - Hero Points gained and spent during conflicts, and Survival Points for NPCs (James Bond 007);
    - No dodging (Into The Odd);
    - Some hit points come from plot armor [high level expert NPC has more hit points] (D&D3)
    • immunity
    • using a destiny point:
      - Using a Fate point to survive anything (Warhammer FRP);
      - Destiny & Resilience tracks (Warhammer FRP 4);
      - Hero Points gained and spent during conflicts, and Survival Points for NPCs (James Bond 007)
    • more than one character:
      - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
      - 3 PCs per player (Dark Sun);
      - Each player has 6 clones (Paranoia);
      - A player has a main character and multiple supporting characters (Star Trek Adventures)
    • game over reversal:
      - Replace a dead PC by a related NPC (Torchbearer);
      - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
      - 3 PCs per player (Dark Sun);
      - "Cheat death" and "McGuffin" skills (Timelord);
      - Play your dead PC sheets (Post Mortem);
      - Hero Points gained and spent during conflicts, and Survival Points for NPCs (James Bond 007);
      - Bargain with Death (Dungeon World);
      - Each player has 6 clones (Paranoia);
      - Hazardous ghosting and resleeving (GURPS: Transhuman space);
      - Reincarnate & Raise Dead spells (OD&D);
      - PC never dies (Toon);
      - Pay for Life After Death insurance (SLA Industries);
      - If a PC dies then a new PC more powerful is created to replace and lead the others (Hollow Point);
      - Resurrection spell (AD&D: PHB)
    • saving throws:
      - Passive [/no] saving throws (D&D4);
      - 3 saving throws : speed, will, health (Bushido);
      - Universal method-of-avoidance by saving throws (D&D3);
      - Resistance rolls (Blades in the Dark);
      - Hardiness ability: counter some unfair magical attacks (AD&D2.5);
      - Saving roll as stunt (Tunnels & Trolls);
      - Saving throws (OD&D);
      - Save or die/ Rocks fall, everyone dies (Tomb of Horrors)
      • dodge mechanics
      • 3 saving throws (speed, will, health)
    • parry
    • plot armor:
      - Some hit points come from plot armor [high level expert NPC has more hit points] (D&D3)
    • armor:
      - Roll under attack score but above opposing armor (White Hack);
      - THAC0 (AD&D2);
      - Mega armors/ Mega damages (Rifts)
• gameplay:
  - Urge to follow strict rules (AD&D: PHB);
  - Mecha creation is more important than pilot character creation (Mechwarriors)
  • player requirements
    • players have different or alternative character roles:
      - Players and GM collectively create their village (Beyond the Wall);
      - Players interpret collectively a central PC, and one PC each (Magistrats & Manigances);
      - Each player plays one character (Blackmoor);
      - Each player has 6 clones (Paranoia);
      - Each player has one or more characters (Ars Magica);
      - Players collectively create their household, then with the remaining points they create their characters (Orkworld);
      - A player has a main character and multiple supporting characters (Star Trek Adventures)
      • each player plays several characters
      • each player is GMing one important setting element and elements change hands when certain conditions are met
    • maturity requirements
    • age requirements:
      - 5 year old age requirements (Pequenos Detectives de Monstruos)
    • gamemaster needs to be a figure of authority (adult, dad, pastor...)
    • all players play one character:
      - Players interpret collectively a central PC, and one PC each (Magistrats & Manigances)
    • number of players requirements
  • player characters group dynamics:
    - Perversity points awarded when player are amusing/inventive (Paranoia);
    - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres)
    • betrayal:
      - Confidence points, alliances, and finally betrayals for all PC (The Mountain Witch);
      - Treasonous PvP (Paranoia)
    • lying:
      - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen)
    • abuse:
      - Play minions trying to escape their master (My Life With Master);
      - Encourage to molest other PCs (Maid)
    • dual play:
      - One PC is a possessed weapon, another PC is its holder (Bloodlust);
      - Each PC has a shadow/dark side, controlled by another player (Wraith: The Oblivion)
    • teamwork:
      - Solo/Buddy/Team affiliations (Marvel Heroic RPG);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - Solo/Squad modes (Deathwatch)
    • bluff:
      - Action cards with bluff on initiative (Paranoia: Red Clearance)
    • group mechanics:
      - Solo/Buddy/Team affiliations (Marvel Heroic RPG);
      - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée);
      - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
      - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
      - Solo/Squad modes (Deathwatch);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Franchise dice pool for the group (InSpectres);
      - Artha awarding procedures when completion of play (Burning Wheel)
    • competition:
      - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
      - Treasonous PvP (Paranoia)
  • safety of the game space:
    - Colon or native characters: their players have different authority on fiction (Dog Eat Dog)
    • pushing boundaries:
      - Exploration of player/character consents (Poison'd);
      - Encourage to molest other PCs (Maid);
      - Dark secret (Kult)
    • safety mechanics:
      - Frustration token taken when a player is feeling he is not listened (The Quiet Year);
      - Stop and skip what's played in the scene as a silent 'safe word' (XCard)
  • fairness:
    - No randomization means never enter a fair fight (Amber)
    • fairness favors characters
    • perfect fairness for all
  • game session playstyle
    • pre-game
      • introduction or recapitulation
      • role and play exercices
      • game preparations
    • uncodfied rituals
      • saying the session ends
      • Giving experience points at the end of the session
      • saying the session starts
    • questioning mechanics:
      - PC narrates a regret and answers other PCs questions (Headspace)
    • after game
      • commenting after game
    • gamemaster taking some players aside
    • pausing the game
  • metagame:
    - Consensus reality is a metaphor of the shared players experience (Mage: The Ascension)
    • parody:
      - Mechanics parodying RPG gaming habits (Hackmaster)
    • play to lose:
      - Play to lose (Never tell me the odds);
      - Story points awarded for deliberate failure (Doctor Who Roleplaying Game);
      - Inevitable and tragic endgame (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread)
    • breaking the 4th wall:
      - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen);
      - Players play themselves (The End of the World);
      - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
      - Mechanics parodying RPG gaming habits (Hackmaster)
    • participants dynamics at the table:
      - Exploration of player/character consents (Poison'd);
      - Players and characters share ideas and emotions collectively (Headspace);
      - Frustration token taken when a player is feeling he is not listened (The Quiet Year);
      - Consensus reality is a metaphor of the shared players experience (Mage: The Ascension)
    • irony or sarcasm:
      - Mechanics parodying RPG gaming habits (Hackmaster)
    • game journaling and notebooking
    • frame-within-a-frame:
      - Frame-within-a-frame (Rêve de dragon);
      - Intergame session is explained in game by "greydreaming" (Rêve de dragon)
      • player characters are dreamt by dragons, like they are played by players
  • adventure design
    • referee designs his own adventure:
      - Referee designs his own adventure (Free Kriegsspiel movement);
      - Referee designs his own adventure (Braunstein);
      - Referee designs his own adventure (Strategos);
      - Referee designs his own adventure (Blackmoor)
    • referee hacks or adapts an existing adventure
  • win conditions
    • no win conditions
      • level-up: substitute for victory
  • personification:
    - Players play themselves (The End of the World);
    - Players personify their characters (Blackmoor)
    • players interpret or act as their characters:
      - Players personify their characters (Blackmoor)
    • players design their own characters:
      - Players design their own characters (Blackmoor)
    • Focus on character rather than strategy:
      - Focus on character rather than strategy(Blackmoor)
  • rules adaptation
    • selecting rules
    • reverse-engineering
    • urge to follow strict rules:
      - Urge to follow strict rules (AD&D: PHB)
    • ignoring rules
    • referees tinker their own system:
      - Referees tinker their own system (Blackmoor);
      - actively encourages players to own the rules, to tinker, to playtest (Arduin)
      • hacking rules
      • simplifying rules
      • complexifying rules
  • game over conditions
    • TPK:
      - TPK is a baseline (Lamentations of the Flame Princess);
      - Endgame when one character is left (Perdus sous la pluie);
      - Killer dungeon (Tomb of Horrors);
      - Save or die/ Rocks fall, everyone dies (Tomb of Horrors)
• owl#Thing
  • narrative authority:
    - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée);
    - balance two sides of an extended conflict, then decide the authority (Freak's Squeele)
    • tone or diegetic style:
      - Vertigo of flashback and flashforward scenes (Odyssea);
      - Choose colour or style of the gameplay (Neuroshima);
      - TPK is a baseline (Lamentations of the Flame Princess);
      - Perilous, Discovery & Rogue phases (Spycraft);
      - Roll for Jovial or Glum scene tone (Swords without Masters);
      - Monologue of Victory (The Pool);
      - Describing more details gives more dice to roll, but the GM can veto for style (Wushu);
      - Treasonous PvP (Paranoia);
      - Moral or Mysteries story elements on a roll of 3 (Swords without Masters)
    • unified resolution system:
      - Unified resolution system (GURPS);
      - Universal method-of-avoidance by saving throws (D&D3);
      - Unified resolution system for fight and skills (Runequest);
      - Unified resolution system (Traveller)
      • universal resolution table:
        - Universal resolution table (Marvel SuperHero);
        - "Charte angoumoise" (Runes Magazine);
        - D12 rolled and crossref with difficulty in a unique table (Dark Realms)
      • generic resolution system
    • assymetry of the rules:
      - Action resolution mechanics based only on social interactions (Panty Explosion);
      - Colon or native characters: their players have different authority on fiction (Dog Eat Dog);
      - PCs have differents rule set than NPCs (DragonRaid);
      - Luck can reverse a previous contest (Dallas);
      - There is different rules depending if it is for kicking mooks or important villains (Feng Shui)
    • gamemaster authority:
      - Vendetta pool to discard hits taken GM can ask force player to do stupid things for vendetta (Secrets & Lies);
      - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
      - "Hunted" flaw: PC tell the nature/frequency of a villain, GM choose appearance and play him (Champions);
      - Success of resolution decides if player or GM has authority to tell the result (Houses of the Blooded)
      • turning gamemastering:
        - 3 gamemasters: one opposition, one emotional relationships, one society/hierarchy influences (Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at Utmost North);
        - Every scene a turning player plays versus the other players who become gamemasters (Perdus sous la pluie);
        - Giving authority over distinct parts of the world to different people (Belonging outside Belonging);
        - Troup-style play (Ars Magica);
        - Rotating the gamemaster role each scene (Lovecraftesque);
        - Fractal timeline to built together (Microscope)
      • gamemaster is the boss:
        - Gamemaster has have every right to overrule the dice at any time (AD&D: DMG);
        - gamemaster has final decision, not the players' not the rules' (D&D Moldvay)
        • rule zero : gamemaster has final say:
          - Rule zero: gamemaster has final say (Vampire: The Masquerade)
      • anything can be attempted:
        - anything can be attempted (Braunstein);
        - anything can be attempted (Free Kriegsspiel movement);
        - anything can be attempted (Blackmoor);
        - anything can be attempted (Strategos)
      • rules adaptation
        • selecting rules
        • reverse-engineering
        • urge to follow strict rules:
          - Urge to follow strict rules (AD&D: PHB)
        • ignoring rules
        • referees tinker their own system:
          - Referees tinker their own system (Blackmoor);
          - actively encourages players to own the rules, to tinker, to playtest (Arduin)
          • hacking rules
          • simplifying rules
          • complexifying rules
    • information asymmetry
      • incomplete information:
        - Each player defines a dark secret he doesn't reveal, even to the gamemaster, and can used how he wants (The Mountain Witch);
        - Incomplete information (Strategos);
        - Incomplete information (Blackmoor);
        - Magical 'Flow' character attribute kept secret from player (Maléfices);
        - Incomplete information (Free Kriegsspiel movement);
        - PCs invent fiction clues and are rewarded if matching GM secrets (Sphynx);
        - Incomplete information (Braunstein)
        • not everything about a character is known by its player:
          - Magical 'Flow' character attribute kept secret from player (Maléfices);
          - Dark secret (Kult)
        • not everything is known by the gamemaster:
          - Each player defines a dark secret he doesn't reveal, even to the gamemaster, and can used how he wants (The Mountain Witch);
          - Plot mapping : gamemaster and players learns the plot as they play (Technoir)
      • complete information
      • imperfect information
      • perfect information
    • group shared authority:
      - Setting is fleshed out by GM and PC in the course of play (13th Age)
      • some elements of the world (factions, NPCs,...) belong to a player:
        - Giving authority over distinct parts of the world to different people (Belonging outside Belonging);
        - Troup-style play (Ars Magica)
      • negotiation with a stick:
        - Negotiation with a stick (In a Wicked Age) (Poison'd)
      • adversarial shared authority:
        - Social move is constraining the next GM narration (Cartel);
        - Colon or native characters: their players have different authority on fiction (Dog Eat Dog);
        - Vendetta pool to discard hits taken GM can ask force player to do stupid things for vendetta (Secrets & Lies);
        - Players describe if success, gamemaster describes if failure (InSpectres);
        - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
        - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
        - "Stump the opponent" (Baron Munchausen);
        - Tag other PC with aspects (Monsterhearts 2);
        - If success then the player describes consequences, with advantage to the last who talk (Blood and Honor);
        - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
        - Wagering during the PC vs PC move (Blightburg)
        • success of resolution decides if player or GM has authority to tell the result
        • creating limits for other participants:
          - Social move is constraining the next GM narration (Cartel)
      • advantage to the last who talk:
        - If success then the player describes consequences, with advantage to the last who talk (Blood and Honor)
      • each players can GM side-stories of the campaign
      • mutual agreement between participants
        • mutual agreement between two players:
          - Bonds (Apocalypse World)
    • completeness of the rules
      • incomplete rules:
        - Incomplete rules by nature (Blackmoor)
      • voluntary limitness of the rules:
        - No dodging (Into The Odd)
      • complete rules
    • player authority:
      - Progress Track intended to be filled – the player decides when it’s time to conclude it (Ironsworn)
      • information added by player:
        - PCs design elements of the story (Wilderness of Mirrors);
        - PCs invent fictional fear, GM escalate from it toward more horror (Bluebeard's Bride);
        - add one detail for each bidden dice (Blood and Honor);
        - Players define an antagonist NPC for the future sessions (Mutant Year Zero);
        - PC narrates a regret and answers other PCs questions (Headspace);
        - "Hunted" flaw: PC tell the nature/frequency of a villain, GM choose appearance and play him (Champions);
        - Players invent the clues (InSpectres);
        - Bid coins to add facts to the game (Universalis);
        - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils);
        - One success gives one fact or one die (Donjon);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
        - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur);
        - PCs invent rumors, GM decides which is true (Oltrée);
        - Success allows PC to add facts (On Mighty Thews)
        • PCs decide the consequences of the clue
        • Success allows PC to add facts
      • player takes control:
        - Choose a card from your hand to use later only for a miracle (Miles Christi);
        - Gamemaster and player intrusion mechanic (Numenera);
        - Everything happen exactly how players describe it (Wushu);
        - Stop and skip what's played in the scene as a silent 'safe word' (XCard);
        - Wager mechanics: player takes control of game & world (OcTane)
        • Bloody vs Test: fast-forward combats
  • game material component
    • uses die:
      - Approbation dice token given for rewarding narrative creations (Prosopopée)
      • uses dice with special icon(s):
        - Unique icons set of dice (Warhammer FRP 3);
        - Ghost dice (Ghostbusters);
        - Fudge dice (Fudge)
      • uses polyhedral dice (d4.d6.d8.d12.d20):
        - Polyhedral dice: d4.d6.d8.d12.d20 (OD&D);
        - Usual polyhedral dice + Zocchi dice set: d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24 & d30 (Dungeon Crawl Classic)
      • Zocchi dice:
        - Usual polyhedral dice + Zocchi dice set: d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24 & d30 (Dungeon Crawl Classic)
      • diceless (no randomizer)
    • uses chess board and pieces:
      - Chess board and pieces (Vade+Mecum)
    • uses game mat
      • uses player mat:
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - Player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok)
    • uses playing cards:
      - 52 playing cards as randomizers (Castle Falkenstein);
      - Randomized narrator: whoever win a card game decide the content and the end of a scene (Dust Devils)
      • uses a special dedicated set of cards:
        - Reaction cards can be used even if PC dead (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
        - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
        - Action cards with bluff on initiative (Paranoia: Red Clearance);
        - Drama Deck: PC & GM influence play (Torg);
        - Whimsy Cards: influence the plot of a story (Ars Magica)
      • uses zener cards:
        - Zener cards (ConspiracyX)
      • uses a regular set of 52 cards:
        - Regular 52 set of poker cards for initiative, huckster spells, etc. (Deadlands)
      • uses tarot cards:
        - Tarot cards with Luck, Death,... to influence results (Maléfices)
    • game publishing model
      • self-published game
      • published by a company
      • licensed game:
        - Licensed game (Dallas)
        • transmedia franchise
        • another game license
      • homebrew
    • uses pen and paper
    • uses token:
      - Bennies as plot/drama/karma points (Savage Worlds);
      - Frustration token taken when a player is feeling he is not listened (The Quiet Year);
      - Friendship gems (My Little Pony RPG)
      • uses poker chip:
        - Poker chips for bonus or injuries, unused turn into XP (Deadlands)
      • uses colored bead
    • uses rune:
      - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok)
    • uses computer
      • software
        • database
        • tool
        • online software
          • blog
          • forum
        • email
        • locally installed
      • hardware
        • table flat screen
        • projector
    • uses domino:
      - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir)
    • uses Jenga tower:
      - Accumulative chance of failure with Jenga tower (Dread);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread)
    • uses gamemaster screen:
      - Gamemaster shield (Judge Guild)
    • uses drinks
      • uses alcoholic beverages:
        - If caught lying then correct the story, or ignore and drink a glass of beer (Baron Munchausen)
    • uses props
      • uses music
      • uses object
        • uses rune:
          - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok)
        • pendant
        • badge
        • statue
      • uses ambient sounds
      • uses printed game aids
        • uses newspaper clippings
    • uses character sheet:
      - Play your dead PC sheets (Post Mortem);
      - Character sheet (Alarums & Excursions)
      • uses annexes to character sheet:
        - Company system: PC belong or control an organization with its own char sheet (Reign)
      • uses character diary:
        - A notebook as character sheet (Sailor Moon);
        - Players keep an in-character diary (Castle Falkeinstein)
      • uses a group sheet:
        - Covenant sheet (Ars Magica);
        - Crew management (Blades in the Dark);
        - Party sheet allows sharing PC talents with party (Warhammer FRP 3)
    • uses a living room or a kitchen table
    • game rules format
      • one-page RPG:
        - One-page RPG (The Witch is Dead)
        • business card
      • game supplement
      • boxed set
      • book
        • nano-game:
          - Nano-game (200 Word RPG challenge);
          - 200 Word RPG challenge (misc);
          - Nano-game (Vast and Starlit)
        • hardcover
        • paperback
        • binder
    • uses map:
      - PC virtues are 'poles' on the map (On Mighty Thews)
      • point crawl map
      • square grid map
      • board map:
        - Board map (Aux marches du pouvoir)
      • keyed map
        • location keyed illustration:
          - Location keyed illustration (Tomb of Horrors)
      • hexed map:
        - Highdreaming: navigate a matrix map of magical zones to cast a spell (Rêve de dragon)
      • uses a big central map on the table:
        - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
        - Uses domino and a central map (Aux marches du pouvoir);
        - Big central map on the table (Braunstein)
  • game design qualifiers
    • renown for this mechanic or element:
      - Special dedicated set of cards for Karma, Drama and Fortune: character creation, action resolution, and inspiring narrative (Everway);
      - Universal resolution table (Marvel SuperHero);
      - Unified resolution system (GURPS);
      - Faction mechanics (A Song of Ice and Fire);
      - Investigation (Call of Cthulhu);
      - Dice rolled in various tables at key moments (Fiasco);
      - Cybernetic implants reduce empathy attribute (Cyberpunk 2013);
      - Outdoor adventure (Chivalry & Sorcery);
      - Point-buy system (GURPS);
      - Clues for free or to buy (Gumshoe system);
      - Rock-Scissors-Paper (Mind Eye Theater);
      - Detailed and precise rules (Rolemaster);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - City crawl (City-State of the Invincible Overlord);
      - Cinematic actions influence chances of success (Feng Shui);
      - Life-path character creation (Traveller);
      - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
    • principle:
      - "Let it ride" : no retries, no backsies (Burning Wheel);
      - Failing forward (Apocalypse World);
      - Infinite worldbuilding constrained by 3 principles: the Rule-of-Three, the Unity of Rings, and the Center of All (Planescape);
      - Only roll when possibility of interesting failure (Burning Wheel);
      - GM has to facilitate a funny game experience (Toon)
      • gameworld narrative rules:
        - Doing the suggested thing always kills you (Lamentations of the Flame Princess);
        - TPK is a baseline (Lamentations of the Flame Princess);
        - Infinite worldbuilding constrained by 3 principles: the Rule-of-Three, the Unity of Rings, and the Center of All (Planescape);
        - Violence will lead to failure eventually (Lady Rossa)
      • gamemaster Agenda & Principles:
        - Gamemaster Agenda & Principles (Apocalypse World);
        - GM has to facilitate a funny game experience (Toon);
        - GM has to crush all fun ideas of players (My Life With Master)
    • framework:
      - IIEE : Intention, Initiation, Execution, Effect (Rock of Tahamaat)
    • rule system
    • game operator
      • semantifying operator
      • opérateur d'ajout
      • quantifying operator:
        - Hit points strictly symbolize health (Runequest);
        - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
        - Hit points symbolize health, experience & luck (Miles Christi)
      • substitution operator:
        - Replace a dead PC by a related NPC (Torchbearer);
        - Action resolution mechanics based only on social interactions (Panty Explosion);
        - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
        - Flip-flopping: switch tens and singles of d00 roll (Unknown Armies);
        - If a PC dies then a new PC more powerful is created to replace and lead the others (Hollow Point)
      • opérateur d'occultation
      • splitting operator
      • sequencing operator
      • opérateur de fusion
    • procedure:
      - Scripts for torturing captured PCs (James Bond 007)
    • typology
    • first of its kind:
      - Point-build character (Fantasy Trip);
      - Secret level (Steading of the Hill Giant Chief);
      - Licensed game (Dallas);
      - Abilities determine dice size (Sovereign Stones);
      - PC has 'One Unique Thing': anything without direct mechanics (13th Age);
      - Forture and Fame points spent to influence success (Top Secret);
      - Character sheet (Alarums & Excursions);
      - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
      - GM has to facilitate a funny game experience (Toon);
      - First dice pool (Ghostbusters);
      - Unique icons set of dice (Warhammer FRP 3);
      - Gamemaster shield (Judge Guild);
      - First adventure based on investigation (Traveller: Twilight Peak);
      - City crawl (City-State of the Invincible Overlord);
      - First investigation in a D&D module (Against The Cult of the Reptile God);
      - Chess board and pieces (Vade+Mecum);
      - Saving throws (OD&D);
      - Planar crawling (Queen of the Demonweb Pits);
      - Hit location (OD&D: Blackmoor);
      - Basic and advanced rules (Boot Hill);
      - Life-path character creation (Traveller);
      - Location keyed illustration (Tomb of Horrors)
  • adventure and setting
    • system-neutral setting:
      - System-neutral setting (Hârn)
    • challenge:
      - Fronts as a collection of threats and challenges (Apocalypse World)
      • social interaction:
        - Confidence points, alliances, and finally betrayals for all PC (The Mountain Witch);
        - Exchange and permanent loss of attachment tokens (Perdus sous la pluie);
        - Speech fight with persuasion & rebuff styles (Dying Earth);
        - Vassal and lord relationships defined (Borderlands)
        • focus on players interactions:
          - Focus on players interactions more than the module (Vampire: The Masquerade)
      • investigation:
        - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
        - Investigation (Call of Cthulhu);
        - Clues for free or to buy (Gumshoe system);
        - First adventure based on investigation (Traveller: Twilight Peak);
        - First investigation in a D&D module (Against The Cult of the Reptile God)
        • automatic clue acquisition:
          - Clues for free or to buy (Gumshoe system)
        • characters need to find clues
        • chasing clues:
          - PCs invent fiction clues and are rewarded if matching GM secrets (Sphynx)
        • players invent the clues:
          - PCs invent fiction clues and are rewarded if matching GM secrets (Sphynx);
          - Players invent the clues (InSpectres)
      • unveiling secrets of the setting
      • combat:
        - Roll under attack score but above opposing armor (White Hack);
        - THAC0 (AD&D2);
        - Psionic sub-game (AD&D: PHB);
        - Bloody vs Test: fast-forward combats (Burning Wheel);
        - Speech fight with persuasion & rebuff styles (Dying Earth);
        - Shaken status is a loss of action and is a substitute for HP loss (Savage Worlds);
        - Subsystem for 1-on-1 duel (L5R);
        - Non-violence enforced through initiative system (Doctor Who Roleplaying Game);
        - Unified resolution system for fight and skills (Runequest);
        - Fighting styles have advantages on others like in Rock-Scissors-Paper (Dying Earth);
        - No dodging (Into The Odd);
        - Rock-Scissors-Paper for 'coward dueling' (Baron Munchausen);
        - Hex based combat (Fantasy Trip)
        • weaponless martial art system:
          - Weaponless martial art system (Bunnies & Burrows)
      • exploration
        • dungeon crawling:
          - Dungeon crawling (Blackmoor);
          - Elegant retcon of the weird original dungeon designs (Return to the Tomb of Horrors)
          • killer dungeon:
            - Doing the suggested thing always kills you (Lamentations of the Flame Princess);
            - Elegant retcon of the weird original dungeon designs (Return to the Tomb of Horrors);
            - Killer dungeon (Tomb of Horrors);
            - Funnel (Dungeon Crawl Classic)
          • secret level:
            - Secret level (Steading of the Hill Giant Chief)
          • dungeon-zoo:
            - Elegant retcon of the weird original dungeon designs (Return to the Tomb of Horrors);
            - Dungeon-zoo (Palace of the Vampire Queen)
          • megadungeon
        • point crawl:
          - Board map (Aux marches du pouvoir)
          • caravan crawl
        • outdoor adventure:
          - Outdoor adventure (Chivalry & Sorcery);
          - Outdoor adventure (Isle of Dread)
          • hexcrawl:
            - Hexcrawl sandbox, but with 'invisible walls' (DragonLance)
          • sandbox:
            - Hexcrawl sandbox, but with 'invisible walls' (DragonLance)
        • planar crawling:
          - Planar crawling (Queen of the Demonweb Pits)
        • city crawl:
          - City crawl (City-State of the Invincible Overlord)
      • plot hooks:
        - Dark secret (Kult)
    • monster:
      - Play monsters prying on adventurers (Monsters Monsters);
      - PCs can be monsters (Runequest);
      - Challenge rating for monsters (D&D3)
    • seriality of adventure
      • replays: transcripts of RPG sessions:
        - Replays: transcripts of RPG sessions (Records of Lodoss War)
      • stand-alone adventure
      • series of modules
        • open table:
          - Dynamic dungeon-crawl for episodic play of any available players interactions of multiple groups of players (Dead in Thay)
          • West-Marches style
        • series of non-connected modules
        • campaign:
          - Players define an antagonist NPC for the future sessions (Mutant Year Zero);
          - Play dynasties of characters (Empires & Dynasties)
          • thematic campaign:
            - adventure path (The Shackled City);
            - adventure path (Pathfinder);
            - Pre-gen characters with complex backgrounds tight to the setting (DragonLance);
            - Play at different era and watch long term evolution of PCs (Undying);
            - Spend points to link your background to the campaign, and receive the corresponding lore sheet (Weapons of the Gods)
            • non-linear campaign
    • worldbuilding:
      - Infinite worldbuilding constrained by 3 principles: the Rule-of-Three, the Unity of Rings, and the Center of All (Planescape);
      - Worldbuilding (Dawn of Worlds);
      - New edition is explained in game as a cataclysm (Forgotten Realms);
      - Interactive campaign plotline curated from the fan feedbacks (Torg);
      - Fractal focus to build a timeline for worldbuilding (Microscope)
      • "in game" mechanics:
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase);
        - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming);
        - Generic pre-made character template to tweak (Star Wars WEG);
        - A notebook as character sheet (Sailor Moon);
        - Non-violence enforced through initiative system (Doctor Who Roleplaying Game);
        - Players keep an in-character diary (Castle Falkeinstein);
        - Pre-gen characters with complex backgrounds tight to the setting (DragonLance);
        - Players and characters share ideas and emotions collectively (Headspace);
        - PC has 'One Unique Thing': anything without direct mechanics (13th Age);
        - Intergame session is explained in game by "greydreaming" (Rêve de dragon);
        - New edition is explained in game as a cataclysm (Forgotten Realms);
        - Tarot cards with Luck, Death,... to influence results (Maléfices);
        - The setting changes at the end of the campaign (Nephilim : Chroniques de l'Apocalypse);
        - Hazardous ghosting and resleeving (GURPS: Transhuman space);
        - Regular 52 set of poker cards for initiative, huckster spells, etc. (Deadlands);
        - PCs are the TV characters (Dallas);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
        - PC can play their background as flashbacks (Nephilim);
        - Spend points to link your background to the campaign, and receive the corresponding lore sheet (Weapons of the Gods);
        - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur);
        - Pay for Life After Death insurance (SLA Industries);
        - d666 (In Nomine Satanis/ Magna Veritas);
        - Trauma Team International Prepaid CSAR services (Cyberpunk 2013);
        - Receiving a bonus for 'Surprise maneuver' ie. a cool description (Champions);
        - Highdreaming: navigate a matrix map of magical zones to cast a spell (Rêve de dragon)
      • worldbuilding archetypes:
        - Infinite worldbuilding constrained by 3 principles: the Rule-of-Three, the Unity of Rings, and the Center of All (Planescape);
        - Historical NPCs are generic figures like the king, the cardinal,... (Mordiou);
        - Emulate the literary style of Lovecraft (Call of Cthulhu)
        • Infinite gameworld constrains by 3 principles (the Rule-of-Three, the Unity of Rings, and the Center of All)
        • Clichés and tropes of Chinese action movies
      • participants contribute to the setting
        • fandom contributes to the worldbuilding:
          - Interactive campaign plotline curated from the fan feedbacks (Torg);
          - Setting changes depending on CCG tournament results (L5R)
        • players contribute at the creation of the setting:
          - Players define an antagonist NPC for the future sessions (Mutant Year Zero);
          - Players collectively create their household, then with the remaining points they create their characters (Orkworld)
        • players contribute to the evolution of the setting:
          - Giving authority over distinct parts of the world to different people (Belonging outside Belonging)
      • fixed and detailed world:
        - Encyclopedic details (Hârn);
        - Fixed and detailed world (Runequest);
        - Complex and rich pantheons (Cults of Prax)
      • evolution of the setting:
        - Setting changes depending on CCG tournament results (L5R);
        - Wager mechanics: player takes control of game & world (OcTane)
        • an option disappear in the following edition:
          - No assassin (AD&D2)
        • reboot of the setting:
          - Reboot of the setting (Vampire: The Requiem)
          • new edition cataclysm:
            - New edition is explained in game as a cataclysm (Forgotten Realms);
            - The setting changes at the end of the campaign (Nephilim : Chroniques de l'Apocalypse)
        • timeline:
          - Interactive campaign plotline curated from the fan feedbacks (Torg);
          - Play at different era and watch long term evolution of PCs (Undying);
          - Fractal timeline to built together (Microscope);
          - Fractal focus to build a timeline for worldbuilding (Microscope);
          - Setting changes depending on CCG tournament results (L5R)
          • interactive campaign plotline (curated from the fan feedbacks)
          • no timeline:
            - No official timeline, same starting point (Hârn)
        • setting is fleshed out in the course of play:
          - Setting is fleshed out by GM and PC in the course of play (13th Age);
          - Plot mapping : gamemaster and players learns the plot as they play (Technoir)
        • game played changes the setting:
          - Narrative influence on the campaign (The Drow War);
          - Outcomes of key scenes can influence the campaign (Nephilim: Arthuriades)
      • creation of the setting on the fly:
        - Players and GM collectively create their village (Beyond the Wall);
        - Zero prep campaign creation (Beyond the Wall);
        - No continuity between adventure locations (Rêve de dragon);
        - Fractal timeline to built together (Microscope);
        - Players collectively create their household, then with the remaining points they create their characters (Orkworld)
      • retcon:
        - Elegant retcon of the weird original dungeon designs (Return to the Tomb of Horrors);
        - "Ubik": players drop tokens later used by DM against them as hallucinations (RétroFutur)
      • setting ecosystem mechanics:
        - Progress of The Sin in the community (Dogs in the Vineyard);
        - Detailed rules for carousing, social and economics (Nightmares Underneath)
    • location:
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - No continuity between adventure locations (Rêve de dragon);
      - Players collectively create their household, then with the remaining points they create their characters (Orkworld)
      • predefined locations
        • detailed location:
          - Detailed location (Steading of the Hill Giant Chief)
        • lightly detailed location:
          - One-line note for each room (OD&D: Greyhawk)
      • geographical or local limits:
        - Hexcrawl sandbox, but with 'invisible walls' (DragonLance)
      • traveling mechanics:
        - Back up your PC in game by sleaving/ egocasting into new body (Eclipse Phase)
      • procedurally generated location:
        - Infinite worldbuilding constrained by 3 principles: the Rule-of-Three, the Unity of Rings, and the Center of All (Planescape)
    • non-player character NPC:
      - Replace a dead PC by a related NPC (Torchbearer);
      - Players define an antagonist NPC for the future sessions (Mutant Year Zero);
      - PCs have differents rule set than NPCs (DragonRaid);
      - Relationship Map or Pathways Map (Smallville);
      - Vassal and lord relationships defined (Borderlands);
      - There is different rules depending if it is for kicking mooks or important villains (Feng Shui);
      - Historical NPCs are generic figures like the king, the cardinal,... (Mordiou);
      - Some hit points come from plot armor [high level expert NPC has more hit points] (D&D3)
      • boss:
        - "Hunted" flaw: PC tell the nature/frequency of a villain, GM choose appearance and play him (Champions);
        - There is different rules depending if it is for kicking mooks or important villains (Feng Shui)
      • mook:
        - There is different rules depending if it is for kicking mooks or important villains (Feng Shui)
    • genre
      • fantasy
      • science fiction:
        - First adventure based on investigation (Traveller: Twilight Peak)
      • humour:
        - Players have a main goal and stereotype goals linked to the franchise (Ghostbusters);
        - Confessional reality-TV-like (InSpectres);
        - Ghost dice (Ghostbusters);
        - Mechanics parodying RPG gaming habits (Hackmaster)
      • horror:
        - PCs invent fictional fear, GM escalate from it toward more horror (Bluebeard's Bride)
      • dark
      • historical setting:
        - Historical NPCs are generic figures like the king, the cardinal,... (Mordiou)
      • urban fantasy
  • game semantics components
    • text qualifier:
      - Abilities: verbs and domains instead of numbers (RétroFutur)
      • free-form text:
        - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
        - Abilities: verbs and domains instead of numbers (RétroFutur)
        • freeform power rating:
          - DIY free-form traits (Ghostbusters);
          - Abilities: verbs and domains instead of numbers (RétroFutur)
      • controlled vocabulary text:
        - Abilities: verbs and domains instead of numbers (RétroFutur);
        - An aspect or power can be versatile, potent & frequent (Everway);
        - Verbal scale (Fudge)
      • list
    • game text
      • tables:
        - Dice rolled in various tables at key moments (Fiasco);
        - Detailed random tables for critics and fumbles (Rolemaster)
      • bibliography of inspirations
      • boxed text descriptions for the DM to read:
        - Boxed text descriptions for the DM to read (The Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan)
      • headmast
      • epigraph
      • game design citations
      • stat block
      • index
    • term used
      • game master
      • role-playing game
    • rules granularity
      • basic and advanced rules:
        - Basic and advanced rules (Boot Hill)
      • generic core rules with specific genre modular rules:
        - Generic core rules with specific genre modular rules (Worlds of Wonder)
      • optional rules:
        - Optional rules (AD&D2)
      • simple rules:
        - Simple rules (Ghostbusters);
        - Verbal scale (Fudge);
        - Stop and skip what's played in the scene as a silent 'safe word' (XCard);
        - Yes/No [and/but...] (Free Universal)
      • abstract rules:
        - Abstract distances and positioning (13th Age);
        - Abstract chasing positions (Spycraft);
        - Abstract rules (Blackmoor);
        - Abstract rules (Everway);
        - Abstract character generation (Everway)
      • detailed, precise, complex rules:
        - Detailed and precise rules (Rolemaster)
    • numeric quantifier:
      - Masteries scale (HeroQuest);
      - Hit points strictly symbolize health (Runequest);
      - Bonds (Apocalypse World);
      - Hit points symbolize health, experience & luck (Miles Christi)
      • one axis with two directions:
        - 3 alignments: lawful, chaotic, neutral (OD&D);
        - Rationality and Irrationality statistics (Aquelarre);
        - 1 axis with 5 alignments (Warhammer FRP);
        - Players can lose control of their characters with passions and personality traits (Pendragon)
      • scale
        • verbal scale:
          - Verbal scale (Fudge)
        • single sliding scale for all resolutions:
          - Single sliding scale for all resolutions (Torg)
        • continuous scale divided in sections:
          - Masteries scale (HeroQuest)
      • track mechanics:
        - Rune stone over a player mat (Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok);
        - Scars instead of Harm boxes (Urban Shadows);
        - Morality track (Hunter: The Reckoning);
        - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming);
        - Percentile for tracking collective group objectives (Unknown Armies 3);
        - Progress tracks (Warhammer FRP 3);
        - Grind (Torchbearer);
        - Some actions can lead to Corruption (Shadow of the Demon Lord);
        - Murder darken the PC to his end (MarcheBranche);
        - Progress Track intended to be filled – the player decides when it’s time to conclude it (Ironsworn)
        • temporary gauge embedded in permanent track:
          - Banality track (Changeling: The Dreaming)
        • progress clock:
          - Countdown clock (Apocalypse World);
          - Fronts as a collection of threats and challenges (Apocalypse World);
          - Various 4/6/8/10/12-sided clocks (Blades in the Dark)
        • gauge mechanics:
          - Accumulating mechanics (Glitch);
          - Jenga tower accumulating pressure until final doom (Dread);
          - BPM track : breadcrumb gauge (Lacuna)
      • fluctuating score:
        - SAN: Insanity rule (Call of Cthulhu);
        - Honor system (Bushido)
      • negative value or statement:
        - Bonds (Apocalypse World)
      • dual-rating score:
        - Dual rating score for abilities: active and defensive (Dallas RPG)
      • two axis:
        - 2 axis alignment: lawful-neutral-chaotic; good-neutral-evil (AD&D: PHB) (D&D Holmes)
      • infinite:
        - Open-ending roll for PC and NPC (Rolemaster);
        - Mechanical alienation (Broodmother Skyfortress)
      • decimal values:
        - Use decimal values (GURPS)
      • discontinuous leap