Crime

Crime

Crime stories immerse you in the heart of the action. You might case the vault, work with an informant, or sit under glaring lights with a slim folder of evidence. Sessions can shift from a quiet setup to a frantic chase when the sirens wail. You weigh loyalty against self-interest, decide whom to trust, and feel the weight of each decision. Twists unfold, alibis crumble, and a single phone call can change the course of the entire night.

It clicks at the table because teamwork and social interaction give everyone a role. A planner charts the route, a face engages with security, a watcher observes patterns, and a fixer tidies up. Clear objectives assist newcomers, such as stealing an item or solving a case. Families can keep it light-hearted with minimal violence. Company teams enjoy collaborative puzzle-solving and bluffing scenarios. Veterans delve into intricate investigations, time pressures, and moral dilemmas.

Our Game Masters facilitate crime across various systems. Blades in the Dark for crew-based heists. GUMSHOE titles for detailed investigations. Fate Core or Savage Worlds for adaptable street action. City of Mist for stylish comic book noir. They can also integrate crime arcs into Dungeons & Dragons-style fantasy. The tone is yours to set, ranging from hardboiled to procedural to comedic mishaps, with content boundaries established from the outset. Check out popular options on our game systems page.

Common questions

How does a Crime game differ from a straightforward investigation?

Crime play centres on individuals deciding whether to break or uphold the law, along with the consequences that follow. You devise plans, bluff, and respond when situations take a turn for the worse. Investigation can be involved, but clues are aimed at larger goals such as robbing a vault, flipping an informant, or taking down a crew. Pure investigation games focus on the puzzle of evidence, timelines, and deduction. In Crime, relationships, loyalties, and territory are just as important as proof. Expect more negotiation, cover stories, getaways, and moral dilemmas, unless you request a forensics-heavy procedural.

Which RPG systems are best suited for heists or investigations?

For crew-focused heists, Blades in the Dark excels with teamwork roles, flashbacks, and a heat track that gauges attention from rivals and the authorities. For police or private investigator cases, GUMSHOE engines facilitate clue-first gameplay where clever choices, rather than fortunate rolls, uncover leads. If you seek adaptable street action, Fate Core or Savage Worlds effectively manage chases, fights, and social interactions. City of Mist introduces superpowered noir. A professional Game Master will align the rules with your objectives. Explore options on the game systems page: game systems.

Is Crime a suitable choice for beginners or children?

Yes. Clear objectives and defined roles help new players contribute straight away. A professional Game Master keeps preparation light, reveals clues as you interact, and explains options without slowing down the game. For families or younger players, the tone can be more caper-bright, featuring low or off-screen violence, more sneaking, gadgets, and comic chases. Content boundaries are agreed upon in advance, so there are no unpleasant surprises. If you have a preferred vibe, choose someone whose style aligns with it. See examples on GM playstyles.

What is a one-shot Crime session like?

A typical one-shot begins with a clear objective, such as stealing an item or solving a case. You choose your specialties, gather a few leads, outline a plan, and then execute the operation. Many systems allow you to flash back to earlier preparations to maintain momentum. When complications arise, you can negotiate, sneak around, or take a risk. The finale wraps up the tension you've created and the goal you've pursued, providing a conclusive ending in one session, whether that involves a getaway, an arrest, or a difficult decision.

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Game systems for Crime

  • Fiasco

    • Crime +6
    • 3 – 5 players
    • Simple rules

    Fiasco is a quick, GMless storytelling game about small-time capers that go horribly wrong. Imagine a blend of crime, comedy, and disaster like in Fargo. You and your friends create tangled relationships, set the scenes, and witness ambitious plans unravel into amusing, and at times, heart-wrenching outcomes.

    View system: Fiasco
  • Vampire: The Masquerade

    • Vampire +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Vampire: The Masquerade is a contemporary roleplaying game centred around hunger, power, and secrecy. Imagine Interview with the Vampire, but you’re in control. Plot, charm, and endure as a coterie while a skilled Game Master animates a city filled with dark politics.

    View system: Vampire: The Masquerade
  • Cyberpunk

    • Cyberpunk +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Take control of the neon sprawl with Cyberpunk RED, the near-future game featuring mercs, megacorps, and tough decisions from R. Talsorian Games. Experience fast, lethal action, cutting-edge technology, and high-stakes heists. If you're familiar with Cyberpunk 2077, you'll recognise the grit and flair.

    View system: Cyberpunk
  • Blades in the Dark

    • Heist +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Execute audacious jobs as a band of rogues in a haunted industrial city. Blades in the Dark combines high-stakes heists, harsh repercussions, and crew development, utilising flashbacks and stress to maintain a quick pace. Imagine Dishonoured, but you and your mates are the ones pulling the strings.

    View system: Blades in the Dark
  • Discworld Roleplaying Game

    • Comedy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • In-depth rules

    Step into Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, where wit and absurdity blend with genuine heart. Pursue clues with the City Watch, exchange quips with wizards, or get entangled with trolls and guilds. A professional Game Master orchestrates sharp, comedic escapades and cosy mysteries for 2 to 6 players.

    View system: Discworld Roleplaying Game
  • Shadowrun

    • Cyberpunk +7
    • 3 – 6 players
    • In-depth rules

    Neon streets, ruthless megacorps, and awakened magic collide. In Shadowrun, you play as professional criminals executing heists, hacking systems, and negotiating with spirits. Imagine Blade Runner with elves and spells, all guided by a skilled Game Master who ensures the chaos remains thrilling and enjoyable.

    View system: Shadowrun
  • Mutants & Masterminds

    • Superhero +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • In-depth rules

    Mutants & Masterminds allows you to create any superhero, from a street vigilante to a cosmic guardian, and then engage in daring rescues, uncover clues, and partake in high-flying battles. Imagine The Avengers, but with you as the star, tailored to your style by a professional Game Master.

    View system: Mutants & Masterminds
  • City of Mist

    • Urban Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    City of Mist is an urban fantasy noir where your crew investigates crimes while harnessing mythic powers. Imagine American Gods set in rain-soaked back alleys. A professional Game Master crafts mysteries, moral dilemmas, and cinematic action tailored to your group.

    View system: City of Mist
  • Root: The Roleplaying Game

    • Political Intrigue +6
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Skulk, scheme, and survive as vagabonds in the Woodland, caught between warring factions. Root: The Roleplaying Game brings the delightful edge of the Root board game to tense intrigue, heists, and diplomacy. Ideal for clever teams and story-driven play.

    View system: Root: The Roleplaying Game

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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