Synthesis

Role Playing Game

About

Synthesis is a tabletop RPG about soul-searching.

Many years ago I found myself frustrated looking for a tabletop system that would let me more deeply explore the type of character-driven moments that inspired my love for D&D, and for roleplaying in general. The result was a homebrewed campaign holding together a messy pile of experimental combat rules and improvised magic systems. The campaign didn't survive into my college years, but the mechanics did, slowly evolving into a standalone system that could be used for any setting.

Synthesis revolves around an elemental magic system guided by emotion. My goal was to combine my love of introspective characters placed very far outside their comfort zone, with the bombastic, emotionally charged transformation sequences that were a staple of late 90s Shonen anime. The result is a game that makes little distinction between godlike arcane power, and deep, subtle character development. If your favorite part of an RPG comes from the boundless potential of a character creation menu, Synthesis was made for you.

Where to start?

The Synthesis Core Rules Manual has everything needed to play Synthesis and is free to download.

You can also try the (prototype) Synthesis character sheet app, which makes keeping track of a character's proficiencies and abilities much easier!
Website art "Final Escape", "Echo", and "Obscure" are used with permission and belong to Martina Stipan (https://www.deviantart.com/t1na/gallery)