Symbaroum

Symbaroum TTRPG · Symbaroum Roleplaying Game

Symbaroum

Symbaroum immerses you in the radiant kingdom of Ambria and the shadowy depths of Davokar. Ruins whisper, factions plot, and every shortcut comes at a price. Players appreciate its atmospheric tension, stark morality, and the ongoing struggle between ambition and corruption. It is a realm where relics earn favour at court, elves uphold ancient taboos, and the forest itself fights back.

A session feels like a guided expedition. You scout, negotiate, and delve deeper until a choice must be made, then steel clashes with claw and the dice determine who returns home limping. Combat is swift and perilous, and clever strategies are essential. Ideal for inquisitive newcomers as well as seasoned players who appreciate grounded stakes. A professional Game Master assists with pre-generated characters and sets the tone, adjusting challenges to suit your group, whether for a moody birthday session or a focused team event. Browse our professional Game Masters to find the right match.

How to play Symbaroum

Symbaroum uses a straightforward roll-under system. When you attempt something risky, you roll a d20 and aim to get equal to or below a relevant attribute after considering modifiers from gear, assistance, or the opponent. Players make the rolls, even when enemies are attacking. In combat, you choose an action, roll to see if it succeeds, then roll your weapon’s damage while armour mitigates the impact. Magic is potent but incurs temporary and permanent corruption, so spellcasters must choose their moments wisely. Outside of combat, the same core roll governs travel, stealth, negotiation, and exploring ruins.

You only need a character concept, a willingness to make tough decisions, and perhaps a pencil and some dice. The Game Master provides the Davokar map, factions, encounters, and pre-made characters if you want to dive in quickly. One-shots focus on a single delve, rescue, or intrigue with clear objectives and a complete narrative. Campaigns track your growing reputation, long-term corruption, and connections to Ambrian and elven politics. Discuss your preferred difficulty and tone, from harsh survival to story-driven mystery, and select a style that suits your table using GM playstyles.

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.
Double-exposure portrait of a smiling person seated in front of bookshelves
Double-exposure portrait of a smiling person seated in front of bookshelves

Common questions

Do we need any rules or knowledge of the setting?

No. Your professional Game Master explains the rules at the table and provides a quick overview of Ambria and the Davokar forest. You only need a character concept. Pre-generated characters are available if you want to dive in quickly. The core mechanic is straightforward: you roll a d20 and aim to get equal to or below an attribute after modifiers. The GM takes care of the rest and maintains the atmosphere, allowing you to concentrate on decisions, teamwork, and staying untainted.

How is Symbaroum different from D&D?

The world is tougher and more realistic. Power comes at a cost, as magic breeds corruption that can scar or distort you. Exploration and faction politics are just as important as combat. Rules are simplified; you roll to act while enemies seldom roll. Armour absorbs damage instead of increasing your chances of being missed. Healing is rarer, making scouting and negotiation essential tools. Advancement is consistent, not sudden. Victories feel deserved, and risky shortcuts can come back to haunt you.

How perilous is combat, really?

Fights are quick and can hinge on a single poor decision. Armour reduces damage, but injuries accumulate and healing options are limited. You succeed by controlling the battlefield, utilising light and stealth, and striking at the right moment. Retreat is a valid strategy. The GM signals threats and adjusts difficulty to suit your group. Smart preparation, inventive tactics, and effective use of gear help you survive. When you do hold your ground, be prepared for tense rolls and genuine consequences.

How do magic and corruption function?

Casting spells or dealing with tainted artefacts gives you temporary corruption that can become permanent if you go too far. Exceed certain thresholds and you may suffer marks or worse, from unsettling tells to mutations. Different traditions—such as theurgs, witches, and sorcerers—manage risk in their own ways, often using rituals, foci, or talents. Magic is powerful and rare, so you need to plan your moments carefully. Your GM tracks limits, explains options, and helps you weigh the cost before you cast.

What group size and session length are suitable?

Symbaroum works best with 2 to 6 players, ideally 3 to 5 for a good balance of attention and survival. A typical session lasts between 180 to 240 minutes. A one-shot adventure generally involves a focused delve, a rescue mission, or court intrigue with a clear objective and a satisfying conclusion. A short arc or campaign allows your decisions to influence factions, monitor escalating corruption, and build relationships, all while ensuring each session remains engaging and tense.

Which version are you running, original or 5E?

Most sessions use the original Symbaroum rules with the d20 roll under mechanic. Some Game Masters can also run Ruins of Symbaroum for 5E groups. If you have a preference, please mention it in your request and the GM will confirm. You can browse available professionals and their system options here: find a professional Game Master.

Is it too dark for children or sensitive players?

Symbaroum embraces dark fantasy. Themes include corruption, moral compromise, and unsettling creatures. It is not suitable for children. For adult groups, the tone can be adjusted. Your GM can emphasise mystery and survival over body horror, fade to black on certain topics, and use clear lines and veils. If you have boundaries, share them upfront. Read about table tone and session styles here: GM playstyles.

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Genres you can play in Symbaroum

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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