The Black Hack (2nd Edition)
The Black Hack 2e is a rules‑lite OSR fantasy game with player‑facing, roll‑under ability tests. Classless and low‑prep, it emphasizes quick rulings, armor-as-soak, and usage dice for resources. Ideal for one‑shots, convention play, and fast-start sandbox campaigns where speed and table rulings matter more than build math.
Fantasy • Needs GM • 3/5 complexity • One-shot friendly • Low prep
The book includes classic monsters, traps, and tools that favor emergent play. Tests: Players roll a d20 under an ability score to succeed.
Theme and Setting
Opposition generally modifies the roll via Advantage/Disadvantage rather than piling on math. - Classless characters: Roles emerge from equipment and choices, not classes.
How Play Feels
- Armor-as-soak: Armor reduces incoming damage, streamlining resolution and making gear choices matter. - Usage dice: Resources (torches, rations, ammo) use a “deplete on check” die that steps down on a failure, keeping bookkeeping light yet tense.
What Makes It Distinct
You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support. You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support.
Where It May Not Fit
You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support.
What this game is about
A strong fit for groups that want fantasy adventure with a clear play identity, with rules Lite helping define the experience.
Structured data and an explicit decision profile JSON document are available for remote agents.