# 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.

## At a Glance

Dark Fantasy/OSR • d100 • 1-4 + optional GM • Low prep • Rules-lite • 2-4h sessions

## Why It Fits

A strong fit for groups that want fantasy with more danger, grime, or moral pressure, with exploration-Driven helping define the experience.

## Fit Facts

- Players: 1-1 players
- Session length: 120-240 minutes
- Prep: Low

## Facets

- Genres: Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
- Systems: Old-School Renaissance (OSR)
- Mechanics: Exploration-Driven, Classless, Rules Lite, Survival

## Scores

- Complexity: 4/5
- New GM Fit: 2/5
- Roleplay Focus: 3/5
- Combat Focus: 4/5
- Tactical Depth: 2/5
- Campaign Depth: 5/5

## Best For

- Groups that want fantasy with more danger, grime, or moral pressure
- Groups that want place, travel, and discovery to stay central
- Players who enjoy danger, discovery, and player-driven problem-solving

## Avoid If

- You want a very light rules load
- You mainly want short standalone sessions with minimal carryover
- You want a lighter or more openly heroic tone

## Directory Notes

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.

## Links

- Directory page: https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/broken-shores
- Agent JSON: https://www.ttrpg-games.com/api/games/broken-shores.json
- Publisher or official site: https://blackoathgames.com/brokenshores
- Reviews or retailer page: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/424299/broken-shores?affiliate_id=1659151