Rules Lite D&D 5e SRD Adaptation
Solo Adventures Club / Adapted by "The Beard"
Character Creation
Build Your Hero in 3 Steps:
- Concept: Decide who your character is - their personality, moral compass (alignment), and strengths/weaknesses.
- Race & Class: Choose from classic SRD options below. Your selections grant special narrative advantages.
- Abilities: Roll six ability scores (Strength to Charisma). The AI tracks these and applies ±1 modifiers for every 2 points above/below 10.
Races - Your Ancestral Legacy
Each race provides 2-3 narrative superpowers:
| Race | Special Traits |
|---|---|
| Dwarf | • Stonewise (Advantage underground) • Iron Stomach (Resist toxins) • Night Vision |
| Elf | • Eagle-eyed (Spot hidden things) • Shadow Walker (Better stealth) • Charm Resistant |
| Halfling | • Lucky Charm (Reroll 1s) • Courageous Heart (Resist fear) • Small Advantage (Hide in tight spaces) |
| Human | • Jack-of-All (Pick 1 skill specialty) • Second Wind (Reroll 1 failure/day) |
Classes - Your Hero's Profession
Shape your story with class features:
| Class | Signature Abilities |
|---|---|
| Barbarian | • Battle Fury (Strength advantage) • Wilderness Survivor |
| Fighter | • Combat Reflexes (Reroll attacks) • Team Leader (Boost allies) |
| Rogue | • Precision Strike (Advantage from stealth) • Skill Master (Excel at 2 tasks) |
| Wizard | • Arcane Scholar (Magic knowledge) • Flexible Casting (Adapt spells) |
| Cleric | • Divine Aid (Reroll 1 test/day) • Healing Hands (Mend wounds) |
Core Mechanics - How to Play
The Three Golden Rules:
- Narrative First: Describe actions, let the AI determine needed rolls
- 20-Sided Drama: All tests use d20 vs Difficulty Rating (DR)
- Fail Forward: Even failed rolls advance the story
Special Rolls:
- Advantage/Disadvantage: Roll 2d20, keep higher/lower
- Reroll Tokens: Get 1d3+1 daily do-overs (AI tracks usage)
- Critical Moments: Natural 20=Legendary Success, Natural 1=Dire Failure
Difficulty Ratings (DR):
| Easy (6): 75% success chance |
| Moderate (9): 60% success chance |
| Hard (12): 45% success chance |
| Epic (16): 25% success chance |
Combat Made Simple
Three-Roll Showdown System:
- AI sets DR and needed successes (1-3) based on threat level
- Describe your tactics - each roll represents a major turning point
- Resolve outcomes through narrative consequences
Critical Failure Table (Roll d6):
- 1. Tragic End - Character dies
- 2-3. Scarred - Gain story-based injury/curse
- 4-6. Battered - Minor temporary setbacks
Dynamic Outcomes:
Foes might flee, negotiate, or collapse environments.
Example Goblin Encounter:
1: Fight to death
2-5: Flee
6: Swear loyalty
Equipment & Gear
Your Adventuring Toolkit:
Start with 2-4 key items fitting your background
Armor Choices:
- Light: Silent movement
- Medium: Slightly restrictive
- Heavy: Clanky but tough (-stealth)
Smart Carrying:
- Pack light = Full mobility
- Overburdened = Disadvantage on physical tests
Magic & Mysticism
Spellcasting Simplified:
- Daily Magic: Cast 3 + Ability Modifier spells/day
- At-Will Cantrips: Minor magical tricks always available
Spell Tiers:
- Minor (DR6): Single-target effects
- Moderate (DR9-12): Group impacts
- Major (DR16): Reality-shaping power
Monsters & Challenges
Threat Levels:
| Category | DR | Successes Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Minion | 6 | 1 |
| Standard | 9 | 2 |
| Elite | 12 | 3 |
| Boss | 16 | 3+ Special Rules |
Living Worlds:
- Environments react dynamically (collapsing bridges, spreading fires)
- NPCs act based on motivations (greed, fear, duty)
- Weather/lighting impacts tests through narrative (torchlight flickering in storms)
Progression & Growth
Story-Based Advancement:
- Gain abilities after 3-5 major story beats
- Improve stats through heroic deeds
- Find better gear organically through exploration
Final Rule: These rules exist to serve the story - the AI will handle the math so you can focus on epic adventures!