polymorph is an RPG platform – it's not a universal rules engine, or even a game in and of itself. polymorph is a tool kit and a set of development assets that gives a game designer the ability to create easy to use and learn TABLETOP ROLEPLAYING GAMES (TTRPGs). As a framework, it eliminates complex systems and esoteric rules mastery in favor of an elegantly simple yet satisfying core mechanic: ROLL YOUR DIE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
In a polymorph game, each player only ever uses a specific polyhedral die – a d4, a d6, a d8, or a d10. Each die represents a different “way to play” or a different “role” that they have in the group. Whenever a player asks “can I do something?” they roll their die and with a quick glance at a resolution matrix, know if they succeed.
There is NEVER any math involved (no modifiers, no masters). Depending on the game world and what kind of character that you are playing – you may roll with advantage or disadvantage (or not need to roll at all); and the MC (the person running the game) never rolls dice.
polymorph can run games as varied as traditional dungeon-ing and dragon-ing; feel good cartoon princesses; or an experimental group game where you share control of a living algae colony in a tank. From superheroes to gods, to talking animals to inanimate objects, polymorph can handle it. In fact polymorph won BEST RULES 2020 from the IGDN and has been nominated for ENnie Awards for both Best Rules and Product of the Year (Mazes and The Excellents).
At its core, polymorph provides a framework for resolving actions, creating interesting characters that have mechanical differences, and providing a structure for building up and emulating group stories. RPGs powered by polymorph are modern, rules-lite games designed to allow for strong, narrative game play – but still having the same core crunch and fun of the dice rolling roleplaying game experience. Since each polymorph game is built using the same “you always roll your die” mechanic – but with a specific game world built to emulate and deliver the experience for that game – you can easily pick up and play any polymorph game and focus on the play, not learning the rules.