Broken Shores
Broken Shores is a rules-lite dark fantasy survival RPG using d100 resolution. Classless and exploration-driven, it emphasizes scavenging, crafting, and desperate survival in a drowned world. Ideal for solo or group play, hex-crawl exploration, and fans of brutal post-apocalyptic settings.
Dark Fantasy/OSR • d100 • 1-4 + optional GM • Low prep • Rules-lite • 2-4h sessions
Broken Shores plunges players into Zephrous, a world drowned by an ancient cataclysm where only scattered islands and floating derelicts remain. You play as Drifters—survivors who sail the One Sea scavenging for resources, ancient relics, and Godshards (crystallized divine essence that fuels magic).
Theme and Setting
The gods are dead, fresh water is worth more than blood, and humanity clings to existence in a cruel, watery hellscape. The setting blends dark fantasy with post-apocalyptic survival, where magic is dangerous, often forbidden, and the key to ultimate power.
How Play Feels
The game uses a streamlined d100 system that is quick to learn and deadly in execution. Character creation is classless—your abilities emerge from your background, skills, and equipment.
What Makes It Distinct
The rules cover spell-casting with unpredictable magical effects, brutal critical hits and wound systems, ocean exploration via hexcrawl procedures, crafting from scavenged materials, and survival mechanics including thirst, hunger, and exposure. Combat is lethal and to be avoided when possible; smart Drifters talk, sneak, or sail away from fights they cannot win.
Where It May Not Fit
You want a very light rules load You mainly want short standalone sessions with minimal carryover.
What this game is about
A strong fit for groups that want fantasy with more danger, grime, or moral pressure, with exploration-Driven helping define the experience.
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