Have some young people you would like to take adventuring, but aren’t sure what system would suit them? Talespinner might be just what you are looking for. Aimed at young people between the ages of 5 and 15, Talespinner offers classic roleplay mechanics (like stats and dice rolling) blended with real-world activities and visual character management elements.
Still in development, the games designer Kevin Hayes is currently offering people a chance to experience the game first hand. By offering a free downloadable ruleset and module. Called Sickness at Daraton, it gives players a chance to take on the role of a Warden and follow the story above and below ground.
It includes some really neat ideas. Maps are constructed from overlapping circular tiles which gives the play area a very organic look. Features, like tree tops, can be added as needed and allow for some very interesting variance in gameplay and tactics.
Player characters don’t have health or hit points. Instead a system called Conditions applies modifiers to characters, which whittles away at the options open to the player. Condition effects can vary, and it looks like it adds an interesting management element to the roleplay experience.
When those hectic roleplay situations arise players can opt to not roll dice, and choose to perform a Challenge. These are tasks, such as balancing or spelling, which the player themself can attempt. The speed or accuracy in which the task is performed affects the result generated.
If you decide to download the module, and give it a try on the tabletop, be advised. There is a bit of printing and assembly involved.
Talespinner seems like a unique interpretation of roleplay, skewed towards a younger audience. Take a look at the free test module, and if you have any thoughts on it get in touch with the Talespinner team.
You can download Sickness at Daraton from the Talespinner website.
