Risus

Overview

Risus: The Anything RPG is a universal, rules-light tabletop role-playing game designed by S. John Ross and published by Cumberland Games & Diversions. Originally released in 1993, with its definitive version 2.0 published in 2013, the system was created as a high-velocity framework to run casual, humorous, or completely impromptu gaming sessions across any narrative genre.

Description

Risus prioritizes improvisational storytelling and minimalist mechanics over granular simulation or tactical grid combat. Instead of tracking traditional numeric attributes, skills, or rigid character classes, characters are defined entirely by broad cultural or narrative tropes called "Clichés." The game operates on a high degree of system abstraction, utilizing a completely unified conflict engine where physical combat, intense debates, artistic competitions, and legal battles are resolved using the exact same mathematical pipeline. While frequently utilized for comedic play due to its loose restrictions, the system's structural logic allows it to be scaled for serious or dramatic campaigns.

Links

drivethrurpg.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/170294/risus-the-anything-rpg - DriveThruRPG store page (Free) risusiverse.com https://www.risusiverse.com/ - Risusverse, a community wiki

Active games and players

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VtM
Vampire: The Masquerade
Homebrew
Homebrew
...
Online
Rhiannon Miller
I have been playing TTRPGs since 2009 and have played a great many games over the past 17 years. I am a Transgender Woman, and I tend to enjoy adventure-focused scenarios where the cozy elements are contextual rather than every session being focused on the mundane. I enjoy combat occasionally, but it's not my favorite. By far, I think I enjoy GMing more than playing, but I am happy to join and play the part in your group if you want me.
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DND5E
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
...
Pittsburgh
Online
Curt
43 yr old male from Pittsburgh PA. I have been playing tabletop roleplaying games off and on since 2014. I started out in Rules Lite systems such as Risus and Dread before moving more into heavier games such as D&D3.5, 5e, 5.5. I have also dabbled a bit in other games such as Cyberpunk Red/2020, Call of Cthulhu, Star Wars AEG, etc. I do prefer to play games in more rules lite one shots or campaigns as I don't always have the time now to read a bunch of rulebooks or spend hours crafting a character. I am also a Solo Indie RPG designer of a game called GATEWAY RPG - https://gatewayrpg.itch.io/.  GATEWAY RPG is a free, rules-lite d20 framework engineered for speed, simplicity, and total creative freedom. Built upon the familiar chassis of 5th Edition mechanics, it serves as the ultimate bridge to the world of tabletop gaming. Whether you are introducing friends to their first session or running a high-octane one-shot for seasoned veterans, GATEWAY gets you playing in minutes, not hours. From neon-soaked Cyberpunk streets to grit-filled Noir alleys, if you can imagine it, GATEWAY can run it. I look forward to meeting new people on here and diving into a game or two. And possibly GM-ing a bit along the way in GATEWAY RPG to introduce it to newbies.
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DND5E
Dungeons & Dragons 5E
PATH2E
Pathfinder 2E
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Online
antonioGUAK
Hi, I am Antonio. I am looking to play some games. I prefer pathfiner 2e, lancer or drawstell  or ishanekon world shapers (if you GM it) but I am flexible. I am more of a optimizer. like to build and combat. my time zone is GMT+1 so if the game is in europe the better. and I can only play friday night, saturday and sunday. I am currenly studing. and another thing. I am not interested in paid games. I dont have the money.
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