False Idols is a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) about tearing down corrupt governors, slaying despot sorcerers, and unmasking pretend gods. It has Old School vibes with New School rules.

In this game, you will overcome wounds, starvation, or other adversities. It is the kind of game where your character will get run through with a spear. Instead of recoiling in pain, your character pushes further onto the spear, grips the assailant by the throat, and snaps their neck. 

Combat is brutal, with each side striving for any and every advantage. Magical powers are difficult to obtain and a hassle to manage, but change outcome of a battle in the blink of an eye. Your players will face horrible enemies with lasting impact on your characters.

 The ability and health mechanics ride the line between gritty heroism and dark fantasy. They are intricately linked together in an easy to manage wound system. This joins all aspects of the game from social interactions, exploration, time management, and bloody combat.

Gameplay

As a player you will;

• Discover False Idols, evil men who would use their positions of privilege to harm others.
• Meet the people who need your help.
• Pick apart the pillars holding a False Idol up.
• Fight or talk your way through situations! Your life depends on it!
• Cast chaotic magic that can easily overpower adversaries, or even its own caster.
• Travers land, both mapped and unmapped.
• Manage resources such as food
• Overcome personal dilemmas and grow as a character
• Become stronger and face greater evils.

What’s in the PDF?

• 45 pages
• Rules of play
• Player Character creation rules 
• Guide to making and running a False Idols style adventure.
• Five ready to use, 10 page adventures. Coming Soon™
• A GM toolbox

Experienced with TTRPGs?

If you are experienced with TTRPGs, here’s a quick breakdown of what is in store;

• Easy to remember rules that focus on usability and simplicity.
• Ability scores based on die sizes. 
• An easy to use wound system that you won’t forget.
• A combat system that prioritizes movement and positioning.
• Magic that invites creativity, but can create unexpected results.
• A narrative structure (Pillars of Power) that incentivises players to act.
• Action based Hexcrawl rules.

Setting and Genre

The mechanics of False Idols aims to replicate the feeling of classic sword and sorcery movies, comics, and books. The setting provided is designed to put players in this style of situations as frequently as possible.

The setting draws inspirations from some of the classics of the sword and sorcery genre such as;

• Conan the Barbarian
• Solomon Kane
• Elric of Melniboné
• Red Sonja
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wuxia)
• Gladiator 
• Lankhmar Series
• C.L. Moore "Jirel of Jhoiry" 
• Mad Max

Along side this, this setting has a stubborn optimism. The problems we face can be made by man, god, or beast, but the solution is always a human one. 

The setting provided in this book are split up into smaller regions that can be expanded upon, dropped into an existing setting, or ignored entirely. Feel free to play in your own fantastical worlds that fit your own themes!

License

False Idols Beta Edition is released under Creative Commons, specifically CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

FAQ

Q: Where can I learn more, provide feedback, or find a group?

A: Join the discord https://discord.gg/TuwZM8xZUu We have places to find play groups, as well as discuss the design. Play-testers who provide substantial feedback may receive credit in the official 1.0 release. 

Q: Is there going to be a physical release?

A: Yes, we are in the playtesting phase right now. I am hoping to have a release by the end of 2025 or some time in 2026.

Q: How can I support this project?

A: You can donate a few bucks through here, or join the discord above and provide feedback!