Bloom

Bloom is an RPG system meant for running more narrative-focused games. It is rules-lite, genre-flexible and beginner-friendly, but can also be modified for further complexity. It is used for Swellbloom Kids and The Cicada-Song Solstice.

Bloom uses a 2d6 system, with roll results ranging from -5 to +5. It also runs on traits, short phrases representing truths about your character or the story. You could be a Skilled Chef, thus gaining +1 on cooking rolls, but in turn find difficulty in facing the Angry Crowd. All with a Dirty Uniform, no less.

Abilities are what give Bloom its flexibility. Running a spy campaign? Make spy abilities! They can generally be phrased like this:

• You gain +1 on rolls for specific tasks, like solving puzzles or making art.
• You can perform a specific action without rolling, such as detecting lies.
• You can change the environment or affect a target with a successful roll against theirs.
• Once per scene or for a limited time (such as 10 minutes), do something extraordinary, like hypnotize someone or teleport miles away.
• Others’ attempts to hurt or affect you in a certain way, such as intimidation or deception, suffer -1.
• You are immune to certain conditions, like losing balance or passing out.

Enjoy!