Welcome to Defined Gaming

Defined Gaming is a tabletop RPG system built around giving players extensive control over how their characters function without abandoning structure in the process. Characters are assembled from progressions, definitions, abilities, feats, skills, spells, and other options rather than being confined to a traditional class.

The system grew out of a problem found at both ends of character design. Traditional class systems provide strong mechanical identity, but often require a character concept to be bent around the assumptions of a class. Completely open systems provide enormous freedom, but can struggle to give characters meaningful mechanical structure or distinct identities. Defined Gaming attempts to occupy the space between those approaches.

A character begins with a concept. The rules then provide a framework for determining how that concept fights, uses magic, develops skills, and grows over time. A warrior with a small amount of magic, a heavily armored caster, a thief who specializes in healing, or something considerably stranger should be possible without requiring the character's history or identity to be dictated by a predefined class.

Rule Zero

Defined Gaming assumes that one person, the Definition Master, is responsible for running the campaign, interpreting the rules, and adjudicating situations the written system cannot reasonably anticipate.

Examples throughout the rules use the Island Republic of Estrella as a reference setting, but the rules are not dependent upon it. Groups are encouraged to modify, replace, or ignore rules when doing so better serves their campaign. The system is intended to provide a strong mechanical framework, not dictate how every table must play.

Defined Gaming contains deliberate mechanical tradeoffs and attempts to keep different character concepts operating within broadly comparable limits. It does not, however, assume that mechanical balance can replace communication between players. A legal character can still be disruptive, excessively optimized for a particular campaign, or simply unpleasant for the rest of the group to play alongside.

When that happens, the problem should be addressed by the people at the table rather than by searching for increasingly elaborate rules to prevent bad behavior. The Definition Master has the final authority when a ruling is necessary, but discussion with the group should normally come first.

Where to Begin

For most players, the best introduction to Defined Gaming is to learn the system while building a character. Character creation introduces the major parts of the rules in the order they become relevant and demonstrates how a character concept is translated into mechanics.