# Universalis tags: #game/rpg/universalis ![[Universalis (cover).jpg|400]] **Universalis** is a unique roleplaying game that turns traditional RPG structures on their head. In this indie darling, there's no game master, no pre-written plot, and no character sheets. Instead, players collaboratively create the world, characters, and story as they go, using a system of bidding and negotiation. At its core, **Universalis** uses coins as both currency and resolution mechanic. Players spend coins to establish facts about the world, create characters, or introduce complications. The more coins spent, the more weight that element carries in the narrative. The game's signature mechanic is the "complication" - a conflict or challenge that arises during play. When a complication occurs, players bid coins to determine the outcome. The highest bidder gets to narrate the result, but must incorporate elements introduced by other players' bids. **Universalis** encourages creativity and player agency, but its freeform nature can be overwhelming for those used to more structured RPGs. It's a game that asks, "What if everyone at the table had godlike narrative powers?" The answer is either a chaotic mess or a brilliant tapestry of collaborative storytelling, depending on your group's dynamic. Since its initial release in 2002, **Universalis** has seen minor revisions but no major edition changes. The core mechanics have remained largely the same, with tweaks focusing on clarifying rules and providing more examples of play. While **Universalis** might not be for everyone, it's undeniably influential in the indie RPG scene. It's the game design equivalent of free jazz - challenging, sometimes frustrating, but capable of producing moments of pure improvisational brilliance. ## References - [**Universalis** - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universalis) - [**Universalis** (2006) - Vintage RPG](https://www.vintagerpg.com/2018/12/universalis-2006/) - [RPGnet Review: **Universalis**](https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/10/10384.phtml) - [Buy **Universalis** at Indie Press Revolution](https://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Universalis-PDF.html)