Fatebenders RPG Now Available: A Player-Driven Fantasy Adventure
A new fantasy tabletop RPG, Fatebenders, has launched today as a print-on-demand book on DriveThruRPG. Created by Estonian game designer Robert Peetsalu, this 78-page hardcover RPG shifts the focus from traditional narratives to a more player-driven experience. In Fatebenders, characters’ personal goals are at the heart of the story, with game progression built around achieving those aspirations.
The RPG aims to offer a streamlined approach, combining both the core rules and Game Master’s guide into a single, affordable book. For those who prefer digital formats, Fatebenders has been available as a free PDF for a few months. Peetsalu has also released the content into the public domain, meaning anyone can freely copy, modify, and republish the material, although the artwork remains under copyright protection. Notably, no AI-generated art was used in the game.
Fatebenders places a strong emphasis on reducing the workload for Game Masters. To assist with session preparation, the game includes online tools like a kingdom and settlement generator, an NPC generator, and templates for campaign notes. A deck of cards can also be purchased as a supplement to streamline gameplay, offering random items and abilities or serving as a quick rules reference.
The game’s focus on character goals allows players to shape the direction of the story. Instead of following a predetermined plot, Game Masters create encounters that challenge the players’ personal objectives. The scope and theme of the adventure are also defined by the players, who choose factions and relationships that set the tone, whether it’s a royal intrigue, a heist among thieves, or the life of street urchins. Player decisions not only steer the narrative but also affect the setting, with urban sandbox environments allowing for flexible and immersive storytelling.
In terms of gameplay, Fatebenders aims to streamline combat and magic systems. The combat is fast-paced, with players acting together rather than waiting for individual turns, and hits are immediately impactful—one hit equals one wound. Magic in Fatebenders operates without mana or spell slots, instead using a fatigue system where overexertion can have serious consequences.
