The fluorescent hum of the library’s overhead lights was the only sound in the world, or at least that was how it felt to Elias. He sat hunched in the back corner of the stacks, a fortress of forgotten encyclopedias built around his chair.
In his hands, he held the treasure. It wasn't gold, or a jewel-encrusted dagger, or a vial of pre-Collapse antibiotics. It was a document, thick as a brick, bound in a plastic sleeve that had turned yellow with age.
Printed in jagged, dot-matrix letters across the top were the words: RUIN MASTERS RPG - CORE RULEBOOK (V. 2.1).
"Found it," Elias whispered. His voice cracked; he hadn't spoken to another human in three days.
The internet had been gone for a decade, a victim of the Solar Flares and the subsequent Data Plague. Digital knowledge had become corrupt, inaccessible, or dangerous. If you wanted to know how to fix a generator, purify water, or navigate the Toxic Zones, you needed paper. You needed the old texts.
Elias opened the binder. The PDF had been printed out by some dedicated soul a lifetime ago, likely right before the world ended.
He flipped past the "Introduction" and the "Character Creation" stats. He didn't care about the Strength attribute of a Level 1 Scavenger. He cared about the maps.
The game designers of Ruin Masters, back in the bright, noisy 1990s, had been obsessed with realism. They had used actual topographical survey maps of the American Midwest as the basis for their fantasy kingdom of "Oakhaven." They had populated their dungeons with meticulous layouts of underground bunkers, subway tunnels, and military depots, lightly disguised as "Goblin Caves" and "Dragon Lairs."
Elias turned to Chapter 4: The Crypt of the Iron Duke.
To a gamer in 1998, it was a dungeon crawl. To Elias, it was a survival guide.
He traced his finger over the grid map. Room 3: The Hall of Traps. The game described pressure plates that triggered poison darts. But in the margin, the designer had scribbled a note to the Dungeon Master: “Based on the layout of the Greene County Munitions Bunker, access hatch hidden under the water tower.”
"Greene County," Elias muttered. He pulled a battered, hand-drawn map of the current wasteland from his satchel. He cross-referenced the 'Ruined Keep' icon from the RPG book with his own map. The coordinates matched a section of the Dead Zone just north of the Crater.
The book promised that the "Iron Duke" hoarded "a weapon of mass destruction."
Elias needed that weapon. The Rust Gang was moving south, burning settlements as they went. Elias’s village, Sanctuary, didn't have the firepower to stop them. But if the Ruin Masters guide was accurate—if the fantasy loot was a metaphor for pre-Collapse tech—then the Greene County bunker might hold an old-world auto-turret or a cache of military-grade rifles.
He packed the book into his waterproof bag, cinching it tight. This wasn't a game. There were no saving throws here. If he rolled a failure, he died.
The journey to Greene County took two days.
The landscape was a sprawling, gray ruin of what used to be the Midwest. The "Goblin Forest" described in the manual was actually a petrified wood of dead oaks, their branches clawing at the sky like skeletal fingers.
Elias moved with the stealth suggested in the Ranger Class Handbook section. “Move silently, stick to the shadows, always watch for ambushes.” The advice held up.
He found the water tower on the morning of the third day. It was leaning precariously, a rusted giant tipping toward the earth.
According to the PDF, the entrance was hidden under the foundation.
He cleared away the rubble and weeds, his heart hammering against his ribs. His fingers brushed against cold steel. A hatch. Just like the diagram.
He spun the wheel. It groaned, a sound of metal waking from a long sleep, and popped open. Stale, cold air rushed up to greet him.
Elias clicked on his flashlight and descended into the dark.
The tunnel below was exactly as described in Module 3: Descent into Darkness. The walls were concrete, sweating with condensation. He counted his steps. Forty paces to the intersection.
The book had warned of a "Guardian at the Gate." In the game, it was a Stone Golem with 50 Hit Points.
Elias reached the intersection and froze. A mechanical whirring echoed from the darkness ahead. Red sensors blinked to life in the gloom.
Not a Stone Golem. A
Ruin Masters is a classic fantasy tabletop RPG from Swedish developer RiotMinds that blends old-school high-fantasy tropes with modern, streamlined mechanics. Available as a PDF, the game is designed for "retro-play," prioritizing fast-paced dungeon crawling, hexcrawling, and the thrill of treasure hunting in a post-apocalyptic world. Key Features of the Ruin Masters System
The game is built on a lineage of BRP (Basic Roleplaying) and D100 systems, emphasizing simple but lethal mechanics.
D100 Skill System: Characters are defined by six broad skills—Combat, Outdoor, Knowledge, Magic, Burgling, and Social—rather than restrictive classes.
Lethal Combat: Combat uses hit locations (head, torso, arms, legs) and armor that absorbs damage rather than making you harder to hit.
Exploding Dice: Damage can be "open-ended"; rolling a 10 on a d10 allows you to roll again and add the result, potentially dealing massive damage. Two Modes of Play:
RPG Mode: Standard narrative-driven roleplaying guided by the "Ruin Master".
Hex Mode: A detailed board-game style exploration mode focused on map navigation and random encounters. The World of Caldarox
The official setting included in the rulebook is Caldarox, a post-cataclysmic fantasy world where the secrets of magic have largely been lost.
The Premise: Heroes venture into forgotten ruins to reclaim artifacts and gold from past civilizations.
Inhabitants: Players can choose from classic races like Humans, Elves, and Dwarves, though the mechanical differences between them are minimal to keep play fast.
Bestiary: The core PDF includes stats for classic fantasy monsters such as minotaurs, dragons, and orcs, along with a "simple monster" table for quick encounters. Character Creation and Progression
Ruin Masters from RiotMinds - Basic Roleplaying - BRP Central
Ruin Masters is a classic fantasy role-playing game developed by the Swedish studio RiotMinds, known for its old-school "hex-crawl" and dungeon-crawling focus. It was originally released in Swedish in 2016 and later updated for an English release. Core System & Gameplay
Mechanics: The game uses a D100 roll-under system based on the Basic Role-Playing (BRP) lineage. It features classless character progression, armor that absorbs damage, and specific hit locations. Dual Playstyles:
Ruin Master Mode: A traditional narrative-driven experience directed by a Game Master (the "Ruin Master").
Classic Mode: A board game-inspired hex-crawl where dice and skill determine events as players explore the continent of Caldarox.
Magic: A notable departure from traditional fantasy, magic is often tied to items or containers rather than innate character power, allowing anyone with the right artifact to cast spells if they have the skill to use it. Visuals and Art
The game is highly regarded for its aesthetic, featuring "breathtaking" art by Johan Egerkrans and Alvaro Tapia, with covers by Adrian Smith. The visual style is often described as a dark, gritty, and flavorful take on classic fantasy. PDF Availability & Resources
Digital Access: Official PDF versions are typically distributed through DriveThruRPG.
Bestiary: A dedicated Ruin Masters Bestiary was released, adding over 50 monsters and expanded rules for dungeon crawling. Ruin Masters Rpg Pdf
Adventures: Supplemental PDF modules like The Isle of Wraiths and Whispers From The Oldmark offer ready-to-play scenarios.
Ruin Masters is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) that blends classic "old-school" dungeon crawling with modern, streamlined mechanics. Produced by RiotMinds, the same creators behind Trudvang Chronicles and LexOccultum, the game focuses on "hex-crawling," exploration, and the pursuit of treasure in a world reclaimed by nature and ruins. Core Gameplay and Mechanics
The system is built to be fast-paced and lethal, emphasizing player agency and tactical combat.
The Setting: Players take on the roles of adventurers in a world where great civilizations have fallen. The primary goal is often survival and wealth, venturing into dangerous "ruins" to recover artifacts and gold.
System Basics: It utilizes a D100 (percentile) system for skill checks and combat, making it intuitive for fans of games like Call of Cthulhu or RuneQuest.
Combat: Combat is gritty and tactical. It features a unique "action point" or initiative system where every move—parrying, attacking, or moving—costs resources, forcing players to manage their stamina carefully. The Digital Experience: The Ruin Masters PDF
The PDF version of the rulebook is designed for high utility at the gaming table.
Visual Aesthetic: RiotMinds is renowned for high-quality production. The PDF retains the evocative, gritty art style of the physical book, featuring illustrations that lean into the "Grimdark" fantasy aesthetic.
Accessibility: Most digital versions include a fully bookmarked index, allowing Game Masters (GMs) to quickly jump between monster stats, loot tables, and combat rules during a session. Content: The core PDF typically includes: Full character creation rules. Magic and combat systems.
A comprehensive "Bestiary" of creatures inhabiting the ruins. Guidelines for GMs to generate random ruins and hex-maps. Why Play Ruin Masters ?
Old-School Feel, New-School Flow: It captures the "Gold and Glory" spirit of early RPGs without the clunky math of the 1970s.
Hex-Crawling Focus: The game provides robust tools for traveling across uncharted maps, dealing with weather, rations, and random encounters.
Lethality: Characters are not superheroes. Every encounter in a ruin could be their last, which heightens the tension and makes every piece of loot feel earned. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Ruin Masters is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) created by RiotMinds that delivers a classic, "old-school" fantasy experience centered on dungeon crawling, exploration, and hex-based adventuring. What is Ruin Masters?
Inspired by the "Drakar och Demoner" heritage, Ruin Masters is designed for fast-paced play where survival is never guaranteed. The game is set in the world of
, a land littered with ancient ruins, wandering monsters, and forgotten treasures waiting for bold (or desperate) adventurers. Key Components of the PDF Ruin Masters core rulebook typically spans approximately 150–200 pages and includes: Character Creation: Comprehensive rules for building your adventurer. Caldarox World Setting: Lore and background on the official game world. Dungeon Crawling Mechanics:
Dedicated systems for "drop lists," spawn lists, and environmental challenges. Monster Stats: Essential data for basic threats encountered in the wild. Starter Material:
Often bundled with character sheets and introductory maps of the world. BRP Central Expanded Content: The Bestiary For those looking to deepen their games, the Ruin Masters Bestiary is a massive expansion (over 250 pages) featuring: 50+ Monster Types:
Most creatures have up to five different versions, complete with ecology and combat stats. Updated Rules: Enhanced mechanics for both dungeon crawls hex crawls Loot & Rewards:
Detailed information on what players might gain from defeating specific terrors. Gameplay Style The Ruin Master (RM):
Much like a movie director, the RM orchestrates threats and action to create a high-stakes, exciting atmosphere. Mode-Based Play:
The game features distinct modes for travel and combat, allowing for structured yet flexible sessions. Survival Focus:
The environment is as much of a character as the monsters, with ruins and wilderness often being "rot-infested" or cursed. BRP Central If you're ready to start, check for Ruin Masters digital bundles on DriveThruRPG to get both the core rules and the Bestiary. or provide a short adventure prompt to get your first session moving?
Ruin Masters: A Deep Dive into Classic Fantasy Hex-Crawling Ruin Masters is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) developed by , the acclaimed creators of Trudvang Chronicles Lex Occultum
. Designed to capture the gritty feel of classic fantasy, the game emphasizes dungeon delving, hex-crawling, and the high-stakes survival of adventurers in a world of ancient mysteries. The World of Caldarox The official setting for Ruin Masters is
, a landscape dotted with long-forgotten ruins and wandering monsters. Key Locations : Major hubs include the cities of Kal’Kodora
, where adventurers frequent taverns to hear rumors of hidden wealth. Lore and Atmosphere
: The world is built on a "classic fantasy" foundation but lean heavily into the danger of the unknown. Notable adventures like The Isle of Wraiths
feature dark, cursed locales where players must race against time to avoid being transformed into supernatural beings themselves. Gameplay Mechanics Ruin Masters is largely inspired by the Basic Roleplaying (BRP) lineage, specifically the earlier iterations of System Type : It uses a d100 roll-under
system that is classless, allowing for flexible character development.
: Combat is visceral, featuring armor that absorbs damage and specific rolled hit locations Dungeon & Hex Crawling
: The rules are optimized for exploration, providing comprehensive tools for "drop lists," spawn lists, and random encounter tables to keep the environment unpredictable. Available Digital Resources
For players looking to dive in, Ruin Masters is available in various PDF formats: Core Rulebook
: A roughly 150–200 page document covering character creation, the world setting, and the primary mechanics.
: Includes over 50 monsters, often with multiple variants per creature, alongside detailed ecology and combat stats. Adventure Guides : Digital modules like Whispers From the Oldmark The Isle of Wraiths provide ready-made scenarios for immediate play. Where to Find It
Ruin Masters from RiotMinds - Basic Roleplaying - BRP Central
Ruin Masters is a fantasy tabletop RPG designed by RiotMinds that focuses on classic dungeon-crawling with a streamlined, "old-school" feel. Originally launched via Kickstarter, the game emphasizes exploration and tactical combat within the ruins of a post-cataclysmic world. Core Gameplay and System
The game uses a D100 roll-under system derived from the Basic Roleplaying (BRP) lineage, making it classless and skill-based. Key mechanical features include:
Minimalist Design: It utilizes only 4 characteristics and 6 core skills, keeping the barrier to entry low for new players.
Tactical Combat: Combat involves rolled hit locations and armor that absorbs damage.
Hexcrawling Focus: The system includes extensive tables for random exploration and is designed for both outdoor hexcrawling and dungeon crawling using hex maps. The World of Caldarox
The default setting is Caldarox, a "post-cataclysmic" fantasy world.
Lore: In this setting, a past cataclysm wiped out traditional magic users (like clerics and wizards), leaving a world filled with the ruins of a lost civilization.
Antagonists: Heroes face classic monsters like minotaurs, dragons, and orcs, alongside mysterious knights and evil mages who have emerged in the ruins. Digital Availability (PDFs)
Ruin Masters was released in both physical and PDF formats. While the original publisher RiotMinds sold the rights to CMON, making official digital storefronts for the PDF harder to find recently, several digital resources exist:
Core Rulebook: A roughly 240-page document covering all essential rules and the Caldarox setting. The fluorescent hum of the library’s overhead lights
Bestiary: A supplement containing over 60 monsters with five levels of difficulty each, plus random encounter and treasure tables.
Adventures: Official scenarios like The Isle of Wraiths (an introductory quest) and Whispers from the Oldmark are available to help GMs start campaigns quickly. Game Master (Ruin Master) Role
Ruin Masters is finally out, so what do you think? - RPG PUB
Ruin Masters is a classic fantasy role-playing game developed by
that blends traditional tabletop RPG elements with tactical hex-based dungeon crawling. BRP Central Core Gameplay & Mechanics The system is heavily inspired by the Basic Roleplaying (BRP) lineage and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (WHFRP) BRP Central System Engine : It uses a d100 roll-under Character Creation
: The game is classless, allowing players full control over their characters by choosing from three races—humans, elves, and dwarves. Attributes
: Characters have four primary attributes: Physique, Psyche, Intelligence, and Charisma, determined by rolling
: A unique aspect of the game is its "container-based" magic system, where characters use items to cast spells rather than innate magical ability.
: It is specifically designed for hexcrawling and dungeon crawling, featuring extensive tables for random exploration. BRP Central PDF Availability Official PDFs were released as part of the original Kickstarter campaign and subsequent bestiary projects. Kickstarter Main Rulebook
: Contains rules for character creation, the world setting of Caldarox, and monster stats. Adventures : Several adventure modules exist in PDF format, such as Whispers from the Oldmark The Isle of Wraiths Where to Find
: While initially distributed to backers, digital versions have been hosted on platforms like for late pledges and for item cataloging.
Ruin Masters from RiotMinds - Basic Roleplaying - BRP Central
The heavy rain didn't wash away the stench of the "Dead-End" district; it only made the grime slicker. Elara, a Delver whose luck had run as dry as a desert well, clutched a water-damaged folio to her chest. This wasn't just any scrap of parchment—it was a digital-age relic printed on synth-vellum, a rare physical manifestation of what the old texts called the Ruin Masters RPG PDF.
In the flickering neon light of an alleyway, she risked a glance at the pages. The art was haunting—hyper-detailed sketches of rusted colossi and dungeons that looked like the intestines of a giant machine. "Looking for the math of the gods?" a voice rasped.
Elara didn't jump; her hand just drifted to the hilt of her scrap-sword. A hooded figure emerged from the steam. "That's a 'Classic Fantasy' edition, isn't it? D100 system. Brutal. Unforgiving."
"It's a map," Elara countered. "The 'Ruins of the Iron Hegemony' module. It says the dungeon doesn't just have traps; it has a soul that hates intruders."
The stranger chuckled, a sound like gravel in a blender. "That's the 'Ruin Master' for you. Most games let you be a hero. This one just lets you try to survive the night. Did you find the tables for 'Critical Fumbles' yet? Page 42. It’s where most Delvers meet their end—tripping over their own hubris."
Elara flipped the page. The PDF-turned-book detailed a "Hex-crawl" through the Blighted Lands. It wasn't about gold; it was about "Glory Points" and the desperate hope that your character's "Corruption" level didn't hit the breaking point before you reached the surface.
"I'm heading to the Sunken Vault," Elara said, her voice steadying. "The PDF says there's a relic there that can restart the city's filters."
"The PDF also says the encounter table for the Vault is 90% 'Lethal,'" the stranger warned.
Elara tucked the book back into her waterproof satchel. "Then I'll just have to be the 10%."
She stepped out into the downpour. In a world that felt like a dying game, she was the only player left who still believed the Ruin Master could be beaten. To continue the story, specify:
The dungeon Elara will enter, such as The Clockwork Crypts or The Bone-Spires.
A character class for her to meet, such as a cynical Bard or a mutated Guard.
A rule from the PDF to include, like the encumbrance system or magical mishaps.
Diving into the Depths: A Guide to the Ruin Masters RPG If you are a fan of old-school dungeon crawling and the grit of 1980s tabletop gaming, Ruin Masters
by RiotMinds is a title you need to know. Originally a Swedish classic known as Drakar och Demoner, this reimagined English version offers a sleek, lethal, and visually stunning gateway into the post-apocalyptic fantasy world of Caldarox.
Whether you are looking for the Ruin Masters RPG PDF to jump-start a session tonight or want to know if its d100 system is right for your table, here is everything you need to know. What is Ruin Masters?
Ruin Masters is a "d100-lite" system that strips away the bloat of modern RPGs to focus on one thing: exploration. It serves as an answer to titles like Forbidden Lands, prioritizing hex-based travel and high-stakes dungeon bashing. The game is famous for its breathtaking art by renown artists like Johan Egerkrans and Alvaro Tapia, which gives the setting of Caldarox a dark, evocative feel. Key Gameplay Mechanics
The system is built on a lineage of Basic Roleplaying (BRP) but has been streamlined for faster play.
Classless Progression: There are no fixed classes. Players choose from three races—Humans, Elves, or Dwarves—and build their "adventurer" by allocating points into four primary attributes (Physique, Mind, Intelligence, Charisma) and six broad skills.
Lethal Combat: Death is a frequent visitor. Combat uses a percentile system with "stances" (Offensive, Defensive, or Neutral) that modify your initiative and success rates.
Dungeon & Hex Modes: The game features two distinct playstyles. RPG-mode focuses on standard narrative play, while Hex-mode provides detailed, board-game-like rules for traversing wilderness and clearing procedurally generated ruins.
Open-Ended Damage: High-tier weapons feature "explosive" d10s—if you roll a 10, you roll again and add it, potentially dealing massive damage to one of seven hit locations. Where to Find the Ruin Masters RPG PDF
Digital versions of the game are the most convenient way to access the rules, especially since physical copies can be rare.
Ruin Masters from RiotMinds - Basic Roleplaying - BRP Central
Ruin Masters RPG is a tabletop experience that blends modern accessibility with the ruthless, "kill the monsters and take their stuff" ethos of 1980s gaming. Developed by the Swedish studio RiotMinds (creators of Trudvang Chronicles), it updates the classic Drakar och Demoner system for an English-speaking audience. Core Philosophy: The Retro Revived
The game is a "gentle nod" to the first generation of RPGs, prioritizing survival and exploration over complex character arcs. It intentionally leans into old-school tropes—every adventure begins at an inn, and characters are more likely to find a quick death in a dungeon than a long life of peace. Its primary setting, Caldarox, is a post-cataclysmic world where civilization has collapsed, leaving the landscape dotted with ruins ripe for looting. Mechanics and Playability Review of Ruin Masters - RPGnet RPG Game Index
Exploring the World of Ruin Masters RPG PDF: A Comprehensive Guide
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) created by Scott H. Gingrich and published by 13th Age Books. The game takes place in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of powerful sorcerers, known as Ruin Masters, who seek to claim dominion over the land. In this article, we'll delve into the game's mechanics, setting, and themes, and explore what makes the Ruin Masters RPG PDF a unique and captivating experience for gamers.
Setting: The Shattered Realm
The world of Ruin Masters is a dark, gothic-inspired realm, scarred by a cataclysmic event known as the "Great Shattering." The land is broken, and the skies are filled with eerie, magical energies known as "Echoes." The remnants of ancient civilizations lie in ruins, and the survivors eke out a precarious existence in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
Game Mechanics
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF uses a d20-based system, similar to other popular RPGs. However, the game's mechanics are designed to focus on exploration, magic, and strategy, rather than combat. Here are some key features:
Themes
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF explores several themes that set it apart from other fantasy RPGs: The journey to Greene County took two days
Why Play Ruin Masters RPG PDF?
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF offers a unique gaming experience for fans of dark fantasy and strategic gameplay. Here are some reasons to consider:
Conclusion
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF is a captivating tabletop RPG that offers a unique blend of exploration, magic, and strategy. With its immersive setting, engaging mechanics, and thematic resonance, it's an excellent choice for fans of dark fantasy and gamers looking for a new challenge. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of tabletop RPGs, the Ruin Masters RPG PDF is definitely worth checking out.
Resources
Ruin Masters RPG PDF: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
The Ruin Masters RPG is a tabletop role-playing game designed for 1-5 players, created by Paul Kidd and published by Pelgrane Press. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of treasure hunters, exploring the ruins of a lost civilization. In this report, we'll dive into the world of Ruin Masters, its mechanics, and what makes it a unique and exciting game.
Game Overview
In Ruin Masters, players take on the roles of treasure hunters, seeking fortune and glory in the ruins of a lost civilization. The game is designed to be played with a single player or up to five players, making it an excellent option for solo gamers or groups. The game mechanics are based on a simple, rules-light system that focuses on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.
Core Mechanics
The game mechanics in Ruin Masters are based on a straightforward system that uses a combination of attribute scores, skills, and dice rolls to resolve challenges. Here are the core mechanics:
Gameplay
A typical game of Ruin Masters involves:
Setting
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where a catastrophic event has destroyed a civilization, leaving behind ruins and artifacts. The setting is rich in lore, with a deep history and mysterious technology.
Components
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF includes:
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF is an excellent option for players looking for a simple, rules-light game that focuses on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The game setting is rich in lore, and the mechanics are easy to learn, making it accessible to new players. While the game may lack depth and artwork, it provides a unique and exciting experience for players.
Recommendations
Final Rating
Appendix
Ruin Masters RPG is a classic-inspired tabletop role-playing game from RiotMinds, known for its focus on lethal dungeon crawling and "hex-mode" exploration. If you are looking for an essay-style guide to the system, it is best understood through its core philosophy: a streamlined, "classless" take on the D100 mechanics found in games like Basic Roleplaying (BRP). Core Gameplay Mechanics The "Ruin Master":
Unlike a standard Dungeon Master, the Ruin Master (RM) is framed as a "director" who orchestrates threats and narrative tension specifically around the theme of decaying ruins. Classless Progression:
Characters are defined by four primary attributes (Physique, Mind, Intelligence, Charisma) and just six core skills : Burgling, Knowledge, Magic, Melee, Social, and Survival. Lethality & Stances:
Combat is highly dangerous, featuring hit locations and a "stance" system (Offensive, Defensive, or Neutral) that forces tactical trade-offs between initiative, attack bonuses, and parrying. Accessible Magic:
Anyone can use magic if they invest in the skill, though the system is often described as item-reliant or "container-based," meaning magic is often channeled through found objects rather than innate power. Why It Stands Out Ruin Masters is frequently praised for its beautiful production design
and evocative art. It bridges the gap between modern "sandbox" design and Old School Renaissance (OSR) sensibilities by providing robust rules for hex-crawling
and procedural dungeon generation. Critics often note that while the rules are "lightweight" and easy to learn, the game relies heavily on the RM’s ability to improvise, as there is a limited amount of official supplemental material beyond the core bestiary. BRP Central Finding the PDF & Resources Review of Ruin Masters - RPGnet RPG Game Index
The first thing you will notice when you open the Ruin Masters RPG PDF is that HP is not your primary concern. Everything is a resource.
The last ten pages of the PDF are designed to be printed and handed out:
Ruin Masters is not a game for those who want a narrative that holds their hand. It is a game for players who miss the danger, the mystery, and the tactile joy of dungeon crawling. It is a system that rewards cunning over stats and imagination over optimization.
For the price of a PDF, you are getting a complete toolkit for high-stakes fantasy adventure. Whether you are a veteran looking for a nostalgia trip or a new player curious about where the hobby came from, Ruin Masters is a download worth every megabyte.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars — A gritty, gorgeous return to form for the dungeon crawl genre.
Ruin Masters is a tabletop RPG by that channels the "old-school" spirit of 80s fantasy dungeon crawling. It features a percentile (d100) system set in the dangerous world of Caldarox. Kickstarter Core Rulebook Features Classic Gameplay
: Focuses on survival, treasure hunting, and dungeon crawling, utilizing a "Detailed Hex Mode" for tactical exploration where every step can bring fortune or peril. System Mechanics
: Uses a classless, d100 roll-under system with four primary attributes—Physique, Mind, Intelligence, and Charisma—generated with 2d10+10. Combat & Survival
: Armor absorbs damage, and the game uses hit locations for tracking health on specific body parts.
: Includes the official world of Caldarox, complete with dungeon crawling rules, spawn lists, and monster statistics. BRP Central Available Digital Resources The following PDF materials are typically included in the Ruin Masters digital bundle Ruin Masters by RiotMinds — Kickstarter 20 Mar 2019 —
First, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. Ruin Masters is not to be mistaken for the similarly named RuneQuest or Shadow of the Demon Lord. Instead, it is a standalone, indie-developed TTRPG that focuses on a world that has already ended—multiple times.
The setting, often referred to as "The Layered Tomb," is a planet where ancient empires (magical, technological, and alien) have collapsed on top of one another. Players take on the role of Scavengers, Occultists, and Muties who dig through the strata of broken realities to find enough food, fuel, and forgotten magic to survive another week.
There are no wizards, clerics, or fighters in Ruin Masters. Instead, you choose a Background (Tunnel-Rat, Ruin-Touched, Ex-Cultist, Last-Watch Soldier) and a Calling (Hunter, Hoarder, Guide, Martyr).
Your abilities are defined by Talents and Afflictions. You must take one Affliction at character creation. Examples include:
The Ruin Masters RPG PDF includes a fantastic 20-page chapter on "Scrounging & Crafting." You do not buy potions; you find "Moldy Fungi" and brew a "Stimm Poultice" that heals you but gives you 1D4 Ruin.
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