The HD System

The HD system (HDs for short, pronounced “heads”) is a system for use in role-playing games. It follows suit of the classical style, otherwise known as old-school, but might find application in trad, narrative or lyric style of game play with enough curiosity. The basic framework of the HD system is the fluctuation of the Hit Dice, a general measure of the capability of a character. This measure can go up or down many times within a given campaign, session, or scenario. 

The HD system can be supplemented with mechanics for any number of stats or abilities. The straightforward resolution being roll 2d6 added to an ability number over a result of 20 to pass, but this can be swapped with the dice of your choice or all together replaced or removed. It doesn’t really matter all that much.

Rules (combat, social, downtime, fishing, marriage, divorce, etc) can be peppered in. Play to taste.

Free Resolution

Choose a Lucky Number between 1 and 12.

For Resolutions, roll 2d12, and note the difference between the two results.

A simple matter is solved on a difference of 2+.

A more difficult matter solved on a difference of 4+.

A very difficult matter is solved on a difference of 8+.

Raise or deplete either die's result by 1 for every friend you've known who has died.

Using this option turns a failure into a partial success; one step closer to achieving your goal or survival where death was otherwise certain.

A result of the same number is a silly failure. However, your Lucky Number is always a serendipitous success.