Durance

On a remote prison planet, convicts and guards struggle to survive in a brutal hierarchy. This fast-paced, collaborative game emphasizes hard choices and conflicting codes of conduct as everyone fights for limited resources and power.

At-a-glance

Prison planet survival • Fiasco-inspired • 3-5 players • Low prep • 2-3 hour sessions • Sci-fi

Mechanics:
Decision Tags:
CollaborativeLow Prep
Durance

On a remote planet far from civilization, the worst criminal scum from a dozen star systems have been dumped, charged with building new lives under the watchful eye of Authority. Within a brutal hierarchy of savagery and servility, convicts and guards alike must make hard choices.

Theme and Setting

Durance uses a modified version of the Fiasco system adapted for survival storytelling. Players establish relationships, needs, and locations through collaborative setup, then play out scenes that escalate tensions.

How Play Feels

The game includes specific mechanics for the brutal prison environment and shifting power dynamics. The prison planet setting creates natural tension between survival and morality.

What Makes It Distinct

Every colonist has their own code of conduct and aspirations that come at the expense of others. The game forces players to navigate impossible choices in a world too small for everyone to succeed.

Where It May Not Fit

You want a very light rules load You mainly want short standalone sessions with minimal carryover.

Decision guide

What this game is about

Key facts
Players
3-5 players + GM
Session
120-180 minutes
Prep
Low
Play profile
Complexity
4/5
New GM Fit
4/5
Roleplay Focus
3/5
Combat Focus
2/5
Tactical Depth
3/5
Campaign Depth
4/5
Who it suits
Best for
Players who want science-fiction ideas to shape the actual play experienceLong-form campaigns with room for the table to build momentum
Avoid if
You want a very light rules loadYou mainly want short standalone sessions with minimal carryoverYou want the system to stay almost invisible at the table

A strong fit for groups that want science-fiction ideas to shape the actual play experience, with survival helping define the experience.

Agent data

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

Open agent JSON