Discworld Roleplaying Game

GURPS Discworld · Discworld TTRPG

Discworld Roleplaying Game

Discworld Roleplaying Game places you in Terry Pratchett’s sideways fantasy, where satire, folklore, and heartfelt comedy coexist. You might patrol Ankh-Morpork with the Watch, outsmart guild politics, learn hedge witchcraft in Lancre, or navigate the Unseen University bureaucracy. People enjoy it because it rewards clever ideas, wordplay, and unlikely heroics. A professional Game Master adjusts the tone to suit your group, from madcap farce to warm small-town stories, always allowing for character moments.

At the table, it feels like a quick-witted ensemble comedy. Scenes shift from banter to clue-chasing to harebrained plans, with the GM creating opportunities for satire and heart. Beginners are welcome, including kids and mixed-experience groups, while longtime fans will catch extra jokes. Ideal for birthday groups, teams, or veterans looking for a lighter experience between heavier campaigns. Browse available Game Masters to find a voice that matches your sense of humour.

How to play Discworld Roleplaying Game

Powered by GURPS, the core is straightforward. Roll three six-sided dice, add them up, and try to meet or come in under a target number from your skill or attribute. Lower is better, and the margin by which you succeed or fail shapes what happens. On your turn, you say what you want, the GM sets any situational modifiers, you roll, and together you describe the result in Discworld flavour.

You bring a clear character idea, like a Watch recruit, small-town witch, guild fixer, or wizard’s apprentice. No setting homework needed. The GM provides guidance, colourful NPCs, clues, and pacing, plus prebuilt characters for one-shots if you prefer. Expect safety tools, gentle rules coaching, and props such as simple maps or handouts so kids and first-timers are comfortable, while veterans can lean into tactics and investigation.

In a one-shot, your group tackles a focused caper or mystery in 3 to 4 hours with a strong opening, a middle full of twists, and a satisfying payoff. A campaign builds a recurring cast and running jokes, with growth in skills, contacts, and reputation, and consequences that return later. Play in person or online, with a GM who can run on popular virtual tabletops. See options in online play.

A detailed painted game miniature of a tabaxi character leaping with a knife, designed for role-playing game adventures.
A detailed painted game miniature of a tabaxi character leaping with a knife, designed for role-playing game adventures.
Two people sitting at a table playing a role-playing game, one examining a 3d-printed dnd ogre miniature figurine closely.
Two people sitting at a table playing a role-playing game, one examining a 3d-printed dnd ogre miniature figurine closely.

Common questions

Can newcomers join longtime Discworld fans?

Yes. You don’t need to know the novels. A professional Game Master provides a quick overview of the city, the guilds, and how witches and wizards act. Jokes still land even if you miss the references. Fans will find layers to enjoy. Rules are explained at the table. You focus on describing what your character attempts, engaging with people, and following clues. The GM maintains a light pace so that both veterans and newcomers get their moment in the spotlight without anyone feeling lost.

Which edition will our Game Master be using?

By default, our Game Masters run the Discworld Roleplaying Game published in 2016 by Steve Jackson Games. It is built on GURPS Fourth Edition under the hood. If you prefer the older GURPS Discworld or GURPS Discworld Also material, please mention it when you book. Most differences are on the GM side, such as character templates and spells. For players, the feel remains the same, with familiar locations, careers, and tone. The GM will tailor options to your group’s experience and the story you wish to tell.

How is this different from D&D?

Discworld games focus on wit, investigation, and social intricacies rather than dungeon maps and lengthy battles. Your decisions regarding contacts, reputation, and clever strategies usually hold more weight than the size of your sword. Conflicts do occur, but they are quick, risky, and often settled with a clever remark or a poor plan. Magic is less common and more unpredictable, with outcomes that can become part of the humour or the storyline. Progress involves acquiring skills, forging alliances, and building a reputation in the city, the coven, or the guild.

What types of characters and species can we play?

Choose roles that are unmistakably Discworld. City Watch recruits and veterans. Witches from the hills. Wizards and apprentices. Guild fixers, thieves, assassins with codes of conduct, or seamstresses with sharp wits. Journalists at The Times, alchemists, or clerks who are well-versed in the paperwork. Species are flexible too, including humans, dwarfs, trolls, werewolves, or diet-conscious vampires. The GM can utilise templates to help you build quickly while remaining true to the setting’s tone. You can also opt for a shared concept, such as a Watch patrol, a Lancre coven, or a guild crew.

How does magic and witchcraft function in gameplay?

Witchcraft revolves around headology, common sense, and small charms. You change minds, mend hurts, and keep the village running, often with tea and a glance. Wizardry is formal and academic. Spells exist, but preparation, research, and side effects are important. Big, flashy magic is rare and story-shaping, not a regular combat tool. You can also delve into alchemy, devices, or religious elements when it suits your character. A professional Game Master assists you in selecting tools that align with the tone you desire, from gentle folk magic to university chaos.

How serious or light-hearted can our session be?

You set the tone. Some groups prefer a cosy mystery with dry humour and positive outcomes. Others enjoy frantic capers, wordplay, and bureaucratic mishaps. A professional Game Master will check in with you about the tone before play and guide scenes accordingly, using safety tools to ensure everyone feels comfortable. If you have a specific vibe in mind, choose a GM whose style aligns with it, whether that's investigative, comedic, or character-driven. You can compare options on GM playstyles and then book the person who best suits your group.

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Genres you can play in Discworld Roleplaying Game

  • Comedy

    Light-hearted adventures where the punchline is just as important as the plot. Imagine the energy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the…

    View genre: Comedy
  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, build timelines, and catch the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, piecing together alibis and secrets…

    View genre: Mystery
  • Crime

    Pull off a slick heist, track down a killer, or navigate the mob's code. Crime games balance planning, pressure, and morally ambiguous…

    View genre: Crime
  • Heist

    Gather the team, scout the target, and execute the heist. Picture Ocean's Eleven, filled with clever strategies, skilled roles, narrow…

    View genre: Heist
  • Folklore

    Fireside stories brought to life, featuring village gossip, fey deals, river spirits, and twilight paths, reminiscent of The Witcher…

    View genre: Folklore
  • Whimsical

    A whimsical fantasy where logic takes a breather and kindness is the key to solving dilemmas. Imagine Alice in Wonderland, filled with…

    View genre: Whimsical

What players are saying

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed for our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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