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The Dark Eye vs Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay

Compare The Dark Eye and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, cost, and more.

The Dark EyeWarhammer Fantasy Roleplay
GenreFantasyFantasy
Play StyleCrunchy, Skill-Based, Lore-Heavy, Character Building, Simulation, Realistic, Social Intrigue, High-FantasyGritty, Deadly, Career-Based, Dark Fantasy, Roleplay-Heavy, Atmospheric, Low-Fantasy, Investigation, Corruption, Lore-Heavy, Licensed Setting, Random Character Creation, Roll to Cast, Grimdark
Core MechanicSkill checks require rolling a d20 three times, each against a different linked attribute (roll under). A pool of Skill Points can be spent to reduce individual rolls that exceed their target attribute. Remaining Skill Points after all three rolls determine the Quality Level of the success. Combat uses d20 roll-under for attacks, with separate Parry and Dodge defense rolls. Spellcasting costs Arcane Energy points and uses the same triple-check system.Roll d100 under skill or characteristic. Success Levels measure degree of success by comparing the tens digits of the target and the roll. Advantage accumulates during combat, adding +10 per point to attack tests.
Diced20d100
ComplexityHighMedium
AccessibilityMediumMedium
CommunityLowMedium
LicenseScriptorium Aventuris (community content program)No open license
Cost$$$$$
PublisherUlisses SpieleCubicle 7
Year20172018
Best ForGroups who want a detailed, skill-rich fantasy RPG with a deeply developed setting and mechanics that model character competence through point-based skill management rather than binary pass/fail.Groups who want dark, gritty fantasy where ordinary people face extraordinary dangers in a richly detailed setting. The career system creates unique character arcs from rat catcher to witch hunter.
HighlightsTriple d20 skill check system rewards investment in both attributes and skills, Aventuria is one of the most extensively detailed published RPG settings, free quickstart rules available, Scriptorium Aventuris community content program supports third-party publishingDetailed grimdark setting, career system creates varied character arcs, combat carries real consequences
ConsiderationsEight attributes and dozens of skills make character creation lengthy, triple d20 check resolution is slower than single-roll systems, English-language community is much smaller than the German-language base, core rulebook is dense and requires significant reading before playTightly bound to the Old World setting, Success Level math can slow play, expensive supplement line