Handbook · Core rules

The Game

Four chapters on how a night at Dramatrix sounds, feels and unfolds.

Chapter I

Narrative theatre

We don't just tell what happens – we stage it.

Music and sound effects run live at the table and follow the story: quiet during negotiations, urgent when the guards draw near, loud when the door bursts open. Light, voice and pauses are as much part of the game as the dice.

The result is a night that feels more like a radio play or a stage performance you take part in – an experience to lose yourself in.

Hands playing an analogue synthesizer with many knobs
Fig. 3 – Sound is made at the table, not canned.

Chapter II

Dramatrix – our own rules

As many rules as needed, as few as possible.

Dramatrix is our self-made, lean rules system. It gives the story just enough framework so that decisions carry weight and rolls stay exciting – and steps back as soon as the scene carries itself.

Newcomers learn it along the way. Veterans of many systems will notice: this is about characters and moments, not tables.

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Three principles at the table

First
The story comes first.
Second
Every character gets their scene.
Third
Roll when it gets exciting.
Chapter III

The world: Aventuria

Trading cities, temples, misty moors and schemes at noble courts.

Our stories take place in Aventuria, one of the best-known fantasy worlds in German-language role-playing. It is rich in cultures, gods and secrets – a stage with room for heroism as well as doubt.

No prior knowledge needed: whatever your character must know, you'll learn in play.

Several gaming dice lying on a hand-drawn fantasy map
Fig. 4 – Where the journey leads is up to the group.
Chapter IV

The two circles

At most seven players sit at each table – so every character gets their turn.

1

Circle 1 – the weekly circle

Rhythm
every week
Day
Wednesday or Thursday
Seats
7 at most

For everyone who wants a fixed evening each week and to spin the story on piece by piece.

2

Circle 2 – the weekend circle

Rhythm
about every 3 weeks
Days
Friday and Saturday
Seats
7 at most

For everyone who'd rather dive in less often, but long and deep – whole chapters in one weekend.