Welcome to KING
KING is a classless tabletop RPG system that gives you complete freedom to build your character exactly how you want.
Core Features
- Classless System: No rigid classes - build your character from 23 martial trees and 24 skill trees
- Stat Dice: Dynamic stats that use both dice (d4/d6/d8/d10/d12) and modifiers
- Tactical Combat: Declaration-based Tactical Phase system with meaningful choices
- Path System: 26 starting paths guiding character development
- 16 Thrones: Conviction and Hope system providing roleplay depth and mechanical benefits
Quick Start
- Choose a Race: Human, Elf, Dwarf, or Halfling
- Pick a Starting Path: Choose 1 path to define your character's background
- Choose Your Thrones: Select up to 2 Thrones from the Conviction & Hope system
- Spend Talent Points: 2 martial points + 3 skill points
- Starting Vitality: 5 HP (flat, no roll)
- Equipment: Gear from your path (no extra starting gold)
- Ready to Play: Start your adventure!
CORE PHILOSOPHY
Level Range: Characters advance from level 1 to level 10. Level 10 is the maximum.
KING is a classless RPG system based on Shadowdark RPG, where character identity comes from three modular pillars:
- PATH = Your background and origin story (provides equipment, legacy ability, titles)
- THRONE = Your chief virtue (provides stat bonuses and interpretive abilities)
- TALENTS = Your training (grants combat/non-combat capabilities)
THE SIX STATS
Characters have six core stats that represent fundamental essences:
- Body - Physical prowess, strength, endurance, athleticism
- Mind - Intellect, knowledge, perception, arcane magic
- Sense - Divine connection, faith, natural attunement, divine/druidic magic
- Heart - Willpower, conviction, social presence, leadership
- Cunning - Instinct, street smarts, quick thinking, improvisation
- Fate - Destiny, fortune, cosmic connection (also a spendable pool)
Stats range from 1-22 with modifiers from -5 to +6
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
This handbook is organized by your player journey:
- Part 2: Character Creation - Races, Paths, Thrones
- Part 3: Martial Trees - 23 martial trees (spellcasters + martial)
- Part 4: Mystic Trees - Spellcasting systems (Prophet, Wizard, Invoker)
- Part 5: Skill Trees - 24 skill trees
- Part 6: Core Rules - Game mechanics reference
- Part 7: Equipment - Weapons, armor, gear
- Part 8: Advancement - Leveling, examples, quick reference
This is the System Reference Document (SRD) for KING, a classless RPG system.