The Sapio System is a roleplaying game ruleset that utilizes Spiral Dice. It is a lightweight, setting-agnostic, flexible framework for telling stories. The “Spiral” name reflects the mechanics embedded in the dice, which inject complications or drama into scenes as the characters move through the shared imaginative space.
Sapio leverages the dice to create a dynamic story from a few simple elements. Character descriptors are quick to craft and are the primary influence on how likely a character is to succeed at a given task. Actions taken by the characters are not confined to skill lists, so characters are free to “try anything” in response to challenges they may encounter. Finally, Action Sequences provide a cinematic framework for tense group moments like combat or chases, with constantly evolving action aided by the complications from rolling Spiral Dice.
The rules are 52 pages, with illustrations and examples. Included in the downloads are a character sheet and the digital "dice bag" that can be imported into the Roll My Dice app. If you would like to use the dice in a browser, you can roll them using the Togetherness Table.
If you want a quick and fun adventure to run with Sapio, try NYC&D.
About Sapio...
Sapio is the system that I run for my friends. It started over ten years ago as a rules-lite system based on freeform Profession descriptions, and has gone through several major rewrites to become what it is today. I know that generic RPGs are daunting to get into, but I've used this base system to run a bunch of different genres, and I think you'll be surprised at how malleable it is if you try it out. I think it has some interesting ideas (try the Action Sequences!), most of which are made possible by working with Spiral Dice, but I don't know exactly how to "classify" it among other systems. It's a little bit traditional and a little bit story game, a little bit PbtA and a little bit OSR. If the dice are a little like that other system with dice, the system itself certainly is not, and I made these dice because this system needed them.
When Jack offered to illustrate it and Arthur offered to do the layouts, I decided that I could actually publish it along with releasing the dice. I don't claim to be a world-class game designer, but this system is personal for me, so I hope that you like it.
The licensing is open. You can't copy the art, but you can copy the rules word for word and make supplements to your hearts' content. Bend it, break it, play with it, and let me know what you think of it. You can also find the rules for free at spiraldice.com/sapio.
In order to download this RPG system you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $7 USD. You will get access to the following files:
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If you can't afford to pay full price right now, please take a free community copy.
Every 5 paid copies, or every additional tip of $5, will add a copy to the pool.
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