Play
How To Play
Loner is built on a simple cycle: describe what happens, ask questions when the outcome is uncertain, and let the story surprise you. Everything comes down to tags and the Oracle.
The Basics
01
Build a Character with Tags
Define your protagonist with a few descriptive tags: a Concept, two Skills, a Frailty, some Gear, and a Goal. Tags aren't numbers, just words that matter in play.
02
Ask the Oracle Questions
Whenever you're unsure what happens, ask the Oracle a Yes/No question and roll two dice against each other. One die represents Chance, the other Risk. The result gives you not only an answer, but often a twist.
03
Let the Story Emerge
Each scene flows naturally into the next. Tags provide context, the Oracle introduces surprises, and together they build a story that could never have been written ahead of time.
SkillConcept
SkillSkill
FrailtyFrailty
GearGear
DetailGoal
Try It
Ask the Oracle
Phrase a yes/no question, then roll the Chance Die against the Risk Die.
–
Chance
vs
–
Risk
Yes
Learn More
Once you've played a session or two, you may want to dig deeper. These guides expand the core experience without adding complexity:
Character Builder's Guide
Tools for evolving identity, weaving lifepaths, and shaping relationships with allies, rivals, and nemeses.
World Builder's Guide
Frameworks for building reactive settings, factions, and story hooks that push back against your protagonist.