Cairn
2nd EditionCore Mechanic
Roll d20 equal to or under an attribute (STR, DEX, WIL) to avoid risky outcomes. No to-hit rolls — attacks always deal damage directly, minus armor. When HP reaches 0, damage goes to STR and triggers a Critical Damage save. Classless — 20 backgrounds and inventory define your character. Spellbooks are found treasures that occupy inventory slots and cause Fatigue when cast. Structured procedures for dungeon and wilderness exploration with watches, weather, and event tables.
Best For
Groups who want ultralight, classless fantasy adventure where equipment defines your character and every expedition into the Wood is tense and dangerous.
Highlights
Completely free under CC BY-SA 4.0, character creation takes minutes, classless design lets equipment define the character, combat is lethal but telegraphed, detailed dungeon and wilderness exploration procedures, large third-party community
Considerations
Very swingy d20 rolls at low ability scores, GM needs to be comfortable improvising without detailed rules support, limited guidance for mysteries or social encounters, sparse bestiary in core rules