# FU RPG tags: #game/rpg/furpg ![[Free Universal RPG (cover).jpg]] Ah, **Freeform Universal**, or **FU** as it's affectionately known. This isn't your typical role-playing game weighed down by arcane charts and endless statistics. No, this is a game for those who find the idea of meticulously tracking encumbrance a tedious affair. **FU** is a rules-light, narrative-focused game where the story, thankfully, takes precedence over rigid mechanics. It's a system designed for quick setup and adaptable to any genre you can conjure from the depths of your imagination, from a high-fantasy epic to a gritty cyberpunk dystopia. The game encourages a "fly by the seat of your pants" style of play, perfect for those of us who can't be bothered with extensive preparation. The core of this minimalist marvel is its dice resolution mechanic. When a character attempts an action with an uncertain outcome, the player poses a yes/no question to the Narrator—"Do I leap the chasm?" or "Can I convince the guard I'm his long-lost cousin?"—and rolls a single six-sided die. The result is interpreted on a simple scale: even numbers signify success, and odd numbers mean failure, with the degree of success or failure determined by how high or low the number is. A roll of 6 is a "Yes, and…" delivering success with a bonus, while a 1 is a "No, and…" indicating failure with an added complication. Character descriptors, gear, and situational factors grant bonus dice, allowing the player to roll multiple dice and choose the most favorable outcome. Conversely, hindrances add penalty dice, forcing the player to take the worst result. It's a straightforward system that keeps the story moving, for better or worse. **Freeform Universal** has seen a few iterations. The **Classic** rules, the first edition, laid the groundwork for this narrative-driven system. It's a lean and mean 24-page document that gets straight to the point. The second edition, currently in a beta version, expands upon the original, adding more detailed explanations and optional rules for those who crave a bit more structure. This includes the introduction of "Danger Dice" to represent obstacles, a more nuanced system for character advancement, and rules for powers and magic. While the core "yes/no, and/but" mechanic remains, the second edition offers a more robust framework for those who found the original a tad too freeform for their liking. ## References - [Freeform Universal RPG Official Website - Peril Planet](https://www.perilplanet.com/freeform-universal/) - [FU: The Freeform Universal RPG (Classic rules) on DriveThruRPG - Peril Planet](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/89534/FU-The-Freeform-Universal-RPG-Classic-rules) - [FU: The Freeform Universal RPG (Classic) on Itch.io - Peril Planet Game Studio](https://perilplanet.itch.io/fu-classic) - [TTRPG Talk - Freeform Universal RPG - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8F0J2sqaLg) - [Review of Freeform Universal 2E and PUSH SRD - Reddit r/Solo_Roleplaying](https://www.reddit.com/r/Solo_Roleplaying/comments/13wlha8/torn_between_freeform_universal_2e_and_push_srd/) > [!note] Editor's Note > > That's pretty much it on the nose, though I think it's worth adding that FU RPG (fun for the name alone) is just next door to being able to be played solo or co-op. Since only players roll dice and incur consequence, including harm, throw in an Oracle from almost anywhere, in almost any genre, and you're off to the races.