Sisu TTRPG

Ability Checks

1. Roll your stat die for the relevant attribute, plus any equipment die that logically applies.
2. Choose the single highest result among all dice rolled.
3. Apply any modifiers (skills, conditions, assistance).
4. Meet or exceed the GM's target number to succeed. The margin above or below affects the outcome quality.

• Advantage: Roll two of the same stat die — choose the highest result.
• Disadvantage: Roll two of the same stat die — choose the lowest result.
• Equipment dice are still rolled alongside as normal in both cases.
• Assisting (non-combat): another player helps, granting +1 or +2 bonus (GM discretion).
• Hindering (non-combat): another player interferes, imposing −1 or −2 penalty (GM discretion).

The Four Stats

At creation: assign d8d6d6d4 across stats, then boost one stat up one die level. (Non-skilled characters start at d4d4d4d4.)

A Turn

• Take your move, action, and bonus action in any order.
• Combat round = 5 seconds (12 rounds per minute). Everyone gets 1 turn per round.
• Initiative: roll SISU die — highest goes first. (Some skills override this.)
• Bonus actions are quick things: short phrase, hand signal, drop/switch weapon.
• Full actions include healing and standing from prone.
• Outside combat, players act when they describe their action. Multiple turns in a row are fine if nobody else wants to go.

Health Points (HP) & Fatigue Points (FP)

Attacking & Damage

1. Attacker rolls stat die + weapon die, takes the highest result (plus modifiers) = damage value.
2. Defender rolls BODY die + armor value + modifiers = defense value.
3. HP damage taken = Damage − Defense. (Minimum 0.)

• Natural 1 on ALL dice (attacker): weapon is damaged — drops one die level.
• Max on ALL dice (attacker): target's armor takes −1 AND target may gain a lasting wound.
• Unarmed melee is always at disadvantage unless you have Brawler or Martial Arts skill.

• Armor value is added to defense rolls. Max armor value: 5.
• Armor can break and become ineffective. Some armor reduces Speed.

• Default 6 spaces per move. One space = 5×5 ft / 1×1 m.
• Medium armor: −1 space. Heavy armor: −2 spaces. Encumbered: speed halved.

Difficulty

Roll Results

Inventory & Encumbrance

• Carry up to 9 items freely. The 10th item makes you Encumbered.
• Bulky items take 2 inventory slots (GM decides what counts as Bulky).
• Encumbered: speed halved + disadvantage on attack and ability checks.
• Very small items may take no slot (GM discretion).

Weapons

Conditions

All self-recovery ability checks are made at the start of each subsequent turn (unless otherwise stated by the GM).

Skills

Start with 2 skills and 1 flaw. Using a skill costs 1 FP unless stated otherwise. You can apply one skill benefit per ability check if it logically applies. Max 10 skills. Custom skills require GM approval.

Character Advancement

The GM grants upgrades at milestones or adventure completions. Each upgrade consists of at least one of the following:

• Raise any stat die one level (max d12).
• Gain a new skill (max 10 total skills).
• Improve an existing skill (subject to GM approval).
• Optionally, change or add a flaw if the story supports it.

Lasting Wounds & Character Creation

• Awarded by the GM after major events or in place of death.
• Represent permanent or long-lasting injuries.
• The GM determines if and when they can be recovered.
• Triggered when an attacker rolls max on all dice during a damage check.

1. Assign d8d6d6d4 across BODY / MIND / SENSE / SISU.
2. Boost one stat up one die level.
3. Set Armor (0–5), Speed (default 6), Max HP & FP (default 10).
4. Choose 2 skills and 1 flaw.
5. Buy starting equipment or take 1 weapon + 1 tool (GM decides starting cash).