BESM (Big Eyes, Small Mouth)

BESM (Big Eyes, Small Mouth) is a versatile tabletop RPG that allows players to create and play characters from any anime or manga setting. Renowned for its Tri-Stat system, BESM provides a flexible framework for a wide range of stories, from high school romance to epic fantasy battles. The system is designed to be accessible to new players while offering detailed customization options for more experienced gamers.

At-a-glance

Comedy • Needs GM • 5/5 complexity • Medium prep

BESM (Big Eyes, Small Mouth)

BESM (Big Eyes, Small Mouth) is a versatile tabletop roleplaying game designed to emulate the diverse genres of anime and manga. It emphasizes character customization and narrative-driven gameplay, making it suitable for various settings from fantasy to science fiction.

Theme and Setting

The game's core mechanics revolve around a point-based system and the Tri-Stat System, which allows for flexible character creation and collaborative worldbuilding. BESM aims to provide a rules-light experience that encourages player creativity and storytelling.

How Play Feels

BESM is designed to be a multi-genre role-playing game, allowing players to explore a vast array of settings reminiscent of anime and manga. The game supports everything from high fantasy and science fiction to modern-day and historical settings.

What Makes It Distinct

The core concept is to provide a framework that enables players to create stories in any imaginable world, with a focus on character-driven narratives and imaginative scenarios. The 'Anime Multiverse' offers a multitude of worlds that can be explored, each with its unique theme and feel.

Where It May Not Fit

You want a very light rules load You want a strongly authored default world instead of a flexible framework.

Decision guide

What this game is about

Key facts
Players
2-5 players + GM
Session
120-240 minutes
Prep
Medium
Play profile
Complexity
5/5
New GM Fit
1/5
Roleplay Focus
5/5
Combat Focus
3/5
Tactical Depth
3/5
Campaign Depth
3/5
Who it suits
Best for
Groups that want tone, absurdity, and momentum rather than solemn genre playTables that enjoy tuning characters and expressing concepts mechanically
Avoid if
You want a very light rules loadYou want a strongly authored default world instead of a flexible frameworkYou want the system to stay almost invisible at the table

A strong fit for groups that want tone, absurdity, and momentum rather than solemn genre play, with character Customization helping define the experience.

Agent data

Structured data and an explicit decision profile JSON document are available for remote agents.

Open agent JSON