A downloadable tabletop RPG book

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What is Eros System: Core Rules?

This is the core ruleset for the Eros RPG system. The rules contained in this book are the basis for any number of games that can be played using this 2d6 game mechanic. Specific background, rules, equipment, and other content for each game is released in a separate supplement.

Why is it called the “Eros System”?
It’s named after the flagship game setting using this game system: Eros 433, a science fiction setting named after an actual asteroid, fictionally turned into an interstellar colony ship. It’s not primarily intended for mature content...but you could go there if you really want to write your own supplement for it.


What’s so special about this system?
TL,DR: Fast game mechanic, complex character creation, crunchy combat rules


The basic game mechanic is simple, covers almost all dice rolls made in game, and only requires standard six-sided dice. At the same time, it has enough complexity to develop complicated characters. 


Combat complexity in the system finds the middle ground between being bogged down in number crunching using endless tables and being so quick and abstract that it isn’t really very descriptive.


There are several combat rule variants to choose from to suit your group’s preferred style of play, balancing speed of combat resolution with the “feel” of descriptive combat mechanics.

StatusReleased
CategoryBook
Rating
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
(4 total ratings)
Authorlandrygamestudio
GenreRole Playing
TagsFantasy, game-rules, landrygamestudio, Multiplayer, Sci-fi, Tabletop, Turn-Based Combat
Average sessionA few hours
InputsVoice control
MultiplayerLocal multiplayer
LinksTwitter, Homepage

Purchase

Buy Now$10.00 USD or more

In order to download this tabletop RPG book you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $10 USD. You will get access to the following files:

Eros System Core Rules.pdf 60 MB

Download demo

Download
Eros System Core Rules Character Sheet.pdf 210 kB

Development log

Comments

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(1 edit) (+1)

Eros is, despite its name, not an erotic roleplaying game. It's a pulpy, medium-crunch sci-fi core system that should appeal to people who like d20 or Unisystem.

Eros is 62 pages, with some really great illustrations against a somewhat bare-feeling layout, and everything is easy to read.

It's also really direct. Reading Eros doesn't feel like grappling with a college textbook. If it intends something, it outright says it, and this is a huge breath of fresh air as a reader.

Eros does use mature language and mention mature concepts, though, and it does so pretty routinely. It seems aimed at an older audience, and while the engine is theoretically runnable for groups of any age, a fair bit of the example text is pretty earthy and the tone is sometimes dark and/or irreverent. Mostly this doesn't spill over into the rules text, but there's at least one exception.

Mechanically, this is one of those games that gives you a lot of pools of points, and then you use them to buy your attributes, skills, special features, starting gear, etc. Everything's got a good, noticeable crunch on it, and there are some formulas for derived attributes, but you have plenty of freedom to build in any direction you like.

If you're used to games that only care about gameplay insofar as it serves the narrative, Eros' engine is probably going to feel complicated---but if you've played BESM, Traveler, D&D 3.5, GURPS or the like, this is more streamlined.

The core resolution mechanic is 2d6 + modifiers, roll over the target number, but it has a nice flourish in that the GM is encouraged not to roll for enemies and simply assume they got an average result. This speeds things up considerably, and leaves the RNG mostly on the players' end.

Combat is tactical, and should feel very familiar to anyone who's played any d20. Eros expects a lot of PCs to be using firearms, though, with melee as a backup or an intentional thing you built your character for. Also notably, there's vehicle-scale combat and mega-damage (a la Rifts.) This means you can change the scale of your encounters without needing to switch systems, but also that the party can run into things they simply do not have the dps to kill, and they'll have to either run away or get creative.

Overall, if you like crunchy, old-style adventure games where you might have to do a little bit of math, but moving the numbers around feels good, it's worth taking a look at Eros.

(+3)

Hey, just saw this now. I've been dealing with my day job and watching the world burn down around us.

I really appreciate the review. It's incredibly validating to see that someone other than the play testers sees the game rules, the tone, and the design elements the way that I intended them. This review reads almost like my original design concept work for the game.

Best,

Dave Landry