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 are drawn to its atmospheric tension, stark moral dilemmas, 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 resists.

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. Combat is swift and perilous, and clever strategies are crucial. Ideal for inquisitive newcomers as well as seasoned players who appreciate grounded stakes. A professional Game Master assists with pre-generated characters and tone, and adjusts the challenge 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 employs a straightforward roll-under system. When you attempt something risky, you roll a d20 and aim to get a result that is equal to or below a relevant attribute after accounting for modifiers from gear, assistance, or the opponent. Players make the rolls, even when enemies are attacking. In combat, you select an action, roll to determine 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 fundamental roll governs travel, stealth, negotiation, and exploring ruins.

You only need a character concept, a readiness 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 concentrate 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 level of difficulty and grit, ranging from harsh survival to story-driven mystery, and select a style that suits your group 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.
Group of friends play Dungeons & Dragons, laughing and role-playing at the game table
Group of friends play Dungeons & Dragons, laughing and role-playing at the game table

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 brief overview of Ambria and the Davokar forest. You just 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 remaining untainted.

What sets Symbaroum apart from D&D?

The world is tougher and more realistic. Power comes at a cost, as magic breeds corruption that can mar or distort you. Exploration and faction politics are just as important as combat. The rules are simplified; you roll to take action while enemies seldom roll. Armour absorbs damage instead of increasing your chances of evasion. Healing is less frequent, making scouting and negotiation essential tools. Progression is steady rather than rapid. Victories feel deserved, and risky shortcuts can have lasting consequences.

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, employing light and stealth, and striking at the right moment. Retreat is a legitimate strategy. The GM signals threats and adjusts difficulty to suit your group. Smart preparation, inventive tactics, and effective use of equipment help you survive. When you do hold your ground, be prepared for tense rolls and significant consequences.

How do magic and corruption function?

Casting spells or dealing with tainted artefacts grants you temporary corruption that can become permanent if you overreach. Exceed certain thresholds and you may suffer marks or worse, ranging from eerie tells to mutations. Different traditions—such as theurgs, witches, and sorcerers—manage risk in their own ways, often through rituals, foci, or talents. Magic is powerful and rare, so you must plan your actions carefully. Your GM monitors limits, explains options, and assists you in weighing the costs before you cast.

What group size and session length are suitable?

Symbaroum works best with 2 to 6 players, with 3 to 5 being the ideal number for spotlight and survival. A typical session lasts between 180 and 240 minutes. A one-shot generally involves a focused delve, rescue, or court intrigue with a clear objective and a satisfying conclusion. A short arc or campaign allows your choices to influence factions, monitor escalating corruption, and build relationships, while ensuring each session remains purposeful and tense.

Which version are you using, 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, please 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 have to say

  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the kids and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The children asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • 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 an excellent 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 significant portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't fully understand 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 see it as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, 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 from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his deep 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 a brilliant experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was really engaging. I got a game as a present for my boyfriend, who is very keen on 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 an excellent GM who adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided, as they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. 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 the game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another session with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players fully 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 nice and clear first experience with D&D. Amber was able to explain and guide the game effectively, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack routes was an enjoyable activity and provided great 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.

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