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Microscope

Core
Build epic histories — an RPG where you create civilizations, not characters
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universal
NarrativeWorldbuildingGM-LessRules-LightOne-Shot FriendlyFiction-FirstCollaborative
Languages: English
DiceDiceless
System FamilyStandalone
Cost$
LicenseProprietary
PublisherLame Mage Productions
Year2011
Complexity Very Low
Accessibility High
Community Low

Core Mechanic

No dice, no GM. Players take turns adding Periods (eras), Events, and Scenes to a shared timeline. A rotating Lens player picks a thematic Focus each round. A Palette of Yes/No elements sets boundaries. Scenes are role-played to answer a specific question about the history. Play jumps freely across time.

Best For

Groups who want to collaboratively create vast histories spanning centuries or millennia — perfect for worldbuilding sessions, one-shots, or as a campaign-creation tool for other RPGs.

Highlights

Flexible across any setting and genre, zero prep required, no GM needed, useful as a worldbuilding tool for other campaigns, simple rules anyone can learn in minutes, generates unexpected creative results

Considerations

Can produce incoherent timelines without group alignment, one player can dominate if others are less assertive, no mechanism to resolve creative disagreements, sessions can stall without a facilitator