Pendragon

No. A professional Game Master provides a quick overview of chivalry, court customs, and the major figures, then teaches the rules as you play. Pendragon uses a straightforward d20-under-skill roll, allowing you to concentrate on choices and roleplay. Your knight’s personality Traits and Passions help guide decisions and can offer bonuses when oaths and ideals are significant. If you know the legends, that's great, but it's not necessary. The group will collectively experience the essence of Arthurian tales through play.

You play as knights whose honour, ideals, and loyalties are as important as swordplay. There are no classes or spell lists. Skills encompass both combat and courtly life, and your knight’s Traits and Passions can lead you to make brave or conflicted choices. Magic exists, but it is rare and unsettling, not a common tool. Advancement is through Glory, earned by deeds and reputation. Campaigns often progress year by year, with winters where households are managed and families grow, creating a saga across generations.

Pendragon is designed for knights at the heart of the narrative, and your Game Master will offer pre-generated knights or assist you in creating your own. Tables can also feature squires, ladies, courtiers, or other noble roles if you favour intrigue over combat. Knights of any gender are welcome if that fits your group’s tone. Both historically grounded and more contemporary interpretations are supported. Your GM will customise the cast to align with the story you wish to tell.

Most sessions use the 6th Edition, released in 2023, as it is current and easy to learn. If your group prefers 5.2 or an earlier edition, please mention it when you book. The core experience, featuring Traits, Passions, and opposed combat, is consistent across editions, and adventures can be adapted. Pre-generated characters are available for each. You can browse and message available GMs to confirm edition preferences here: our Game Masters.

Battles are perilous. Even armoured knights can sustain serious injuries from just a few hard blows, and recovery can take time. Your GM can adjust the level of risk by emphasising jousts and tournaments, which are less lethal than battlefield melees. Matters of love and marriage are classic Pendragon themes, but they are always up to the table's discretion. Courtship can be sweet and fade to black, or toned down for a family-friendly game. Lines, veils, and other safety tools are available and can be used upon request.

Pendragon runs well for 2 to 6 players. The ideal number is 3 to 5, as duels, hunts, and court scenes often focus on one or two knights at a time. With 6 players, the GM streamlines tournaments and large combats to keep everyone involved. Two-player games excel when played as a sworn pair, such as siblings or companions, with strong personal arcs. Your GM will craft scenes so each character has distinct moments to act and earn Glory.

A single session typically revolves around a focused quest, a high-stakes hunt, a rescue, or a tournament accompanied by a feast and courtly encounters. For campaigns, the calendar progresses between adventures, and the Winter Phase allows you to manage your manor, forge alliances, marry, and raise heirs. Over time, you may pass the mantle to the next generation. Whether you prefer courtly drama, battlefield action, or a blend of both, you can select a GM whose style aligns with your preferences: GM playstyles.