This page gathers the quickest way into the current published draft of One Hero Engine.
What is One Hero Engine?
One Hero Engine (OHE) is a solo tabletop roleplaying system where you take the role of a single hero facing challenges, enemies, and unknown fates in a dynamic, mythic world.
Key Points:
- No game master required
- Oracle tools resolve uncertainty
- Lightweight but expressive mechanics
- Milestone-based leveling
- Character-first design
What is required to play
- A character sheet: One Hero Engine character sheet
- A way to track HP, MP, Tags, Traits, and Twist Points
- A d20 for checks, saves, and combat
- 2d6 for the Oracle
- Damage dice using the Step system
Immediate play loop
The current draft supports this broad loop:
- Create your hero.
- Ask a yes or no question about the opening situation.
- Use the Oracle when the answer is uncertain.
- Begin the first scene.
- Resolve actions with checks, saves, attacks, spells, and traits as needed.
- Track Twist Points and introduce a dramatic twist when they reach 3.
Rules review required: This procedure is not fully defined in the current published draft.
Create or select your hero
Use the character creation sequence below, then continue to the detailed rules in One Hero Engine: Character Creation.
- Assign Stats: Use 14, 13, 12, 11, 11, 11. You may redistribute up to 2 points between any scores.
- Choose a Race: Provides +1 to any stat, a saving throw specialization, and 1 of 5 racial Traits.
- Choose a Class: Grants a saving throw specialization and 1 of 5 class Traits.
- Pick 3 Tags: Narrative keywords that describe your background and skills.
- Choose a Casting Path (optional): For spellcasting, refer to One Hero Engine: Magic.
- Finalize Derived Stats: Calculate stat bonuses, Soak, MP (if applicable), and record traits and tags.
Establish the opening situation
The draft clearly supports asking Oracle questions about uncertain situations, but it does not give a formal step-by-step procedure for framing the opening scene, choosing an initial threat, or setting a starting objective.
Rules review required: This procedure is not fully defined in the current published draft.
Use the Oracle
The Oracle resolves yes/no questions and generates narrative twists.
How It Works:
- Ask a yes/no question.
- Roll 2d6:
- Chance Die represents hope/fortune.
- Risk Die represents danger/chaos.
- Add an extra chance or risk die as needed based on Tags or circumstances.
Die Interpretation:
| Die Range | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Low |
| 4-6 | High |
Result Table:
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Chance > Risk | Yes |
| Risk > Chance | No |
| Both dice 1-3 | Yes/No, but… (drawback) |
| Both dice 4-6 | Yes/No, and… (extra benefit) |
| Equal values | Yes, but… + gain 1 Twist Point |
Twist Points:
- You gain 1 Twist Point when dice are equal, a Trait or Spell grants it, or a major failure is narratively impactful.
- At 3 Twist Points, you must introduce a dramatic twist (e.g., an unexpected NPC, reality warps, or a new threat emerges).
- You may also spend a Twist Point before reaching 3 to add a complication, alter a scene, or foreshadow danger.
Begin the first scene
Once the question framing is set, begin play by describing the scene, taking actions, and resolving uncertainty through the core mechanics. The current draft’s turn structure is:
- Start of Turn: Apply Fray and resolve ongoing effects.
- Actions (2): Options include moving, attacking, casting, interacting, etc.
- Use 1 Trait: Activate a trait if desired.
- Resolve Rolls: Perform all necessary dice rolls.
- Narrate Results: Describe the action outcomes.
- Enemy Turn or Oracle Twist: Advance the encounter or invoke Oracle twists.
End a session
The current published draft does not define a formal session-closing procedure, campaign bookkeeping loop, or end-of-session move.
Rules review required: This procedure is not fully defined in the current published draft.