SagaBorn D100 is built for immersive storytelling and cinematic adventure in the dark fantasy world of The Dark Return. Using a streamlined percentile skill system (based on Chaosium’s BRP), every action—from swordplay to spellcraft—is resolved with a simple D100 roll. If you roll your skill or lower, you succeed.

The rules are light, intuitive, and story-driven, allowing StoryGuides (GMs) to focus on drama, character, and worldbuilding instead of crunch. Players grow their heroes organically through use-based advancement, gaining experience by rolling their skills in tense moments. Combat is fast and tactical, with dodges, parries, and special results that make every battle cinematic.

SagaBorn D100 also embraces horror, heroism, and consequence. Magic tempts the soul, violence leaves scars, and characters must balance their sanity against the terrors of the Dark Return.

Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, defying empires, or delving into forbidden tomes, SagaBorn D100 gives you the tools to tell your story—your saga—together.

Ruleset:

Why use the SagaBorn BRP system?

The Basic Roleplaying Universal Game Engine is a widely known and easily understood Tabletop Roleplaying System featured in systems such as Call of Cthulhu or Stormbringer (the Elric Roleplaying game). There are many reasons why the BRP system is great for your table and for us as a small indie developer.

• A classless and levelless system allows for easy gameplay for both players and game masters.
• A d100 skill system is simple to understand. Roll your skill or below for a success.
• Skills level up as you use them, meaning players build their character by using them, not picking a random class at the start of a campaign.
• ORC license certified. Moving away from the broken OGL license, this system is safe for small developers to use without threat from the big Dragon.

The Differences between SagaBorn BRP and Standard BRP

SagaBorn BRP will use the base skill system of the Basic Roleplaying Game Engine, as well as many of the heroic fantasy optional rules. Character creation will be a blend of story driven choices to connect with the world of the Dark Return and lead people to their profession (page 22) and skills (page 37). The Basic Roleplaying Powers (page 53) and Power Point system will be easy to convert into the mana and elemental-based magic system of SagaBorn. The skills system and progression will also work well with the stronghold system of SagaBorn. Finally, the simple formula for enemies (easy, average, and hard) detailed in your recent blog post will make it easy for gamemasters new to the system to understand combat and player challenge. 

• Sagaborn BRP Edition will incorporate worldbuilding from the Dark Return setting and the fantastical art of the Brothers Bielaczyc.
• SagaBorn is a Heroic setting, and while it is still a struggle to survive, players should not be afraid to get into combat or go adventuring.
• The StoryGuide is a fan of the characters. Rulings should make the game more fun to play and never be adversarial.
• Hit Points are double the standard.
• Death comes at -10 Hit Points.
• All combat actions take place in the DEX phase.
• Weapons have more limited “classes” such as piercing or slashing.
• Talents are available to customize and refine your character.
• Saga Points allow characters to reroll dice. Players automatically get one at the start of any game session, and they can be purchased with Power Points or earned at Strongholds.
• The final game will focus on building a character’s connection with the world not only through adventuring, but also through allies and strongholds.

There are no classes in SagaBorn BRP, but there are Talents and some of those fall within a Path Matrix that allows you to mold your character into some different focused character paths.

In SagaBorn, the stakes are high, the wounds are real, and every decision could be your last.

This is a world where magic is rare, feared, and dangerous, requiring years of study or raw, reckless talent. Casting spells drains your essence, and tapping into more power can come at terrible cost. Fumble your casting, and you may not just fail—you could harm your allies, or worse, draw upon forbidden sources that corrupt your body and soul.

Heroes are not invincible. Health doesn’t regenerate overnight, and armor only goes so far. Even the lowest goblin can take you down if you’re careless. Combat is fast, deadly, and often unforgiving.

And the monsters? They are not cannon fodder. Every creature is dangerous—there are no “safe” encounters. Players are expected to use strategy, preparation, and caution, because charging headfirst into a fight may end with your character dead—or worse.

SagaBorn d100 is not for the faint of heart. It is a game where survival is earned, and power comes with a price. It is for players who want immersion, tension, and consequence woven into every roll of the dice. If you’re ready to walk the dangerous paths of the Dark Return, the world of Uteria awaits.

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SagaBorn d100 Resources

The Sagaborn D100 System Resource Website – All the rules, free and online!

Pre-Generated D100 Characters

Visit D100 Heroes to get all the pregenerated Sagaborn characters you need!

• Full Blank Character Sheets
• Link to our blank Digital Character Spreadsheet
• Pregenerated Characters (both starter characters with limited skills and links to full characters)

Character Sheet:

Tools

Character Creation Tools

1. Character Generation Video
2. SagaBorn D100 Characteristic Calculator
3. SagaBorn D100 Talent Card Generator
4. SagaBorn D100 Spell Card Generator
5. Sagaborn D100 Encounter Calculator

StoryGuide Resources

• StoryGuide’s Codex
• Creature Compendium
• Encounter CV Calculator
• Other Supplements on d100SRD

Adventures

• Sagaborn D100 Road West Solo Play Rules

• 
  Free Adventure – The Eyes Above
• 
  Free Adventure – Orlock Mushroom Farm

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More about SagaBorn d100:

Explore the SagaBorn D100 Roleplaying System – Powered by Basic Roleplaying

SagaBorn D100 is a gritty, narrative-focused tabletop RPG that uses a modified version of Chaosium’s acclaimed Basic Roleplaying (BRP) system. Built from the foundation of percentile dice mechanics, SagaBorn D100 offers a streamlined experience perfect for fantasy adventures in the dark and dangerous world of Uteria. Designed with ease of play in mind, this system removes complexity without sacrificing tactical depth or rich storytelling. Whether you’re a veteran of RuneQuest or Call of Cthulhu, or brand new to D100 systems, SagaBorn D100 is intuitive, fast-paced, and rewarding for players and Game Masters alike.

A System for Storytellers, Explorers, and Monster Hunters

At the heart of SagaBorn D100 is the philosophy of heroic storytelling. The system emphasizes open-world exploration, character progression through skill use, and intense, dangerous combat. It includes flexible rules for magic, corruption, sanity-like horror effects, and harvesting monsters—giving both players and SGs tools for crafting dynamic adventures. With support for downtime activities, allies, and strongholds, SagaBorn D100 also provides sandbox elements for long-term campaigns and West Marches-style play.

Custom Fantasy Rooted in Lore – More Than Just a Clone of BRP

While rooted in BRP traditions, SagaBorn D100 is entirely its own system. Set in the richly developed world of The Dark Return, with factions like the Uthgard Empire and magic systems shaped by ancient eldar ruins, SagaBorn merges system and setting seamlessly. The SRD site hosts not only the full ruleset and bestiary, but also spellbooks, encounter tools, and integration-ready XML for Fantasy Grounds Unity. Built by indie creator Michael Bielaczyc, SagaBorn D100 invites you to join a growing community of creators and explorers. Start your journey at D100SRD.com and discover a BRP-compatible system built for modern fantasy gaming.