Knave: Second Edition Rules Lite; Fantasy; Old-School Renaissance (OSR); Classless; Low Prep; Sandbox; Exploration-Driven; Resource Management; Quick-Play
At‑a‑glance: OSR/NSR lineage • Unified d20 tests • 3–5 + GM • Low prep • Rules‑lite • 2–3h sessions
Theme and Setting
Knave 2e is a classless fantasy toolkit tuned for exploration‑driven play. It assumes a gritty, treasure‑focused adventuring style that can slot into any old‑school setting—ruined dungeons, hostile wilderness, or strange, faction‑riven cities. The text leans toward tone‑agnostic fantasy so groups can dial it from whimsical to lethal as desired.
Core Mechanics and Rules
Mechanically, Knave 2e centers on a unified d20 resolution: roll against clear target numbers with ability scores, armor, and difficulties placed on a 0–10 scale. Characters are fully classless; any PC can cast spells, call down miracles, or wield any gear, with effectiveness driven by where they invest improvements and by what fits in limited inventory slots.
A slot‑based inventory makes equipment meaningful: wounds can fill slots, pushing hard choices to drop gear or treasure. The d6 Hazard Die condenses time, encounters, weather, torches, fatigue, and clues into a single cadence—accelerating procedures without complex tracking. Magic is practical and world‑bending: 100 level‑less spells encourage creative, utility‑first solutions, with optional chaotic spell generation for tables that want swingy results. Divine magic is relic‑driven and quest‑oriented, while alchemy lets PCs hunt creatures for special essences to refine into potions.
What Makes It Unique
Knave’s strength is its “control‑panel” usability: 75 d100 tables rapidly produce dungeons, regions, factions, monsters, items, and more. These tools support GMs and solo players alike, enabling a campaign to emerge from procedures rather than prep. Designer commentary clarifies intent behind rules, and optional mass‑battle and downtime subsystems round out campaign‑scale play without bloating the core loop.
The result is a flexible chassis that stays compatible with decades of OSR adventures while feeling modern: fast to learn, quick at the table, and biased toward rulings‑over‑rules.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Best for groups who want quick starts, high agency, and exploration‑first play. New players benefit from intuitive tests and fast character creation; veterans get a tight engine that spotlights choices, risk, and resource management. Expect swift turns, meaningful gear tradeoffs, and deadly consequences when luck and planning fall short.
