How does a d6 RPG work?

Answer 1

D6 RPG is an simple and elegant game, with a straight forward mechanic. The game makes use of standard 6-sided dice, instead of the array of odd-shaped dice found in some other tabletop RPG. That means, amongst other things, that you can open an old board game box to scavenge a few dices and be ready to play in no time!

Each individual characters is defined by a set of attributes that serve as the basic characteristics for that characters. The number of attributes varies from version to version, but it usually comprises 3 attributes deemed 'physical' (usually strength, dexterity and attributes that defines your ability to handle other large physical objects), 3 'mental' attributes (like perception, acumen, knowledge, intelligence and technical abilities ), and 1 (or more) additional attribute that describe your character's affinity with 'supernatural' things in general, skills that can hardly be defined in terms of real life experience.

Each individual's attributes are further divided into 'skills'. Skills define how good your character is at certain activities. Each skill is related to a relevant attribute, something that has a somewhat obvious connection to the task at hand. For example lifting is a 'strength' skill (or physical), law is a 'knowledge' (or intelligence) skill, first aid is a technical skill. Many skills are already defined in the d6 system gamebooks, but you can always add new skills by figuring out how the skill should be used (is it a physical or mental activity, does it required dexterity or knowledge for example) and add it under the appropriate attribute.

Each attribute and skill is represented by a number of 'dice', with sometimes a number added to it. At the character creation, you are given a certain number of dices to spread between attributes, and some additional dices to improve your skills further. The starting value of a skill is always the value of the relevant attribute. For example, if you have a dexterity score of 4D, your 'melee' skill starts at 4D. You can add additional dice to that skill in the relevant step of the character creation, or later as the game goes on. If no dice are added to a skill, the skill value is always the linked attribute value.

As the game progress, the Game Master awards the players 'points' which can be used to increase your character's attributes and skills. Some d6 system make use of a character points system for both the creation and improvement of character. D6 system usually offers both alternative when creating character.

When the players are faced with a task, the first step is to determine the skill to use. For example, a skill like 'first aid' could be used to help an injured character, a skill like 'Archery' would be used if a character was attacking an opponent with a bow, or 'lifting' would be used if the character had to lift something or someone. The game master also determines a number (using the guidelines provided in the sourcebook used) representing how difficult the task is. To succeed at the task, the player simply roll a number of 6-sided dices which correspond to the die code of the relevant skill, and add the results of the dices together; if the total is equal or higher than the difficulty number set by the GM (game master), than the player's character succeeded. If you do not have the skill or if you have no additional dice in the skill, than you use the die code of the attribute that is linked to the skill instead. For example, if a character wants to lift an heavy object, he either uses his lifting skills if he added dice to that skill during character creation or through experience, or his strength if no dice were added.

Characters have a number of points ususally called 'character points' which can be used to improve skills or to improve the result of dice throw when resolving a task. Character points are usually gained through games by succeeding at task given by the GM and for good roleplaying.

Another system of points is also used. There are called differently in different version of the game, but they usually refers to an amount of luck, heroism and ispiration for the character. Usually, only the player character receive those points. They can be called 'fate' points, 'hero' points, 'force' points, etc. When using these points character can get a number of additional dice to throw when resolving a task or use the point to get out of dangerous situation. These points are usually harder to come by, but under certain circumstance, the players will be awarded those type of points.

Unlike many other RPG, the d6 system does not have a system of 'class' or 'job' defining the characters growth. The characters roles are defined by their knowledge (skills) rather than having their knowledge defined by their role.

The rest of the game is very much left in the open. Game masters and players cooperates to invent spells and abilities, define roles, add rules, etc. The system can satisfy pretty much any kind of gamer, from the power-gamers to the dressed-up roleplaying freak. The system is extremely flexible and can reproduce any kind of fantasy, adventure or sci-fi settings you can come up with.