Pathfinder 2nd Edition (2019)

Released in 2014 by Chaosium, Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition is the latest version of the cult-classic cosmic eldritch horror role-playing system originally launched in 1981. The story is based off of the  literary works of H.P. Lovecraft and lovecraftian works. Instead of setting the players up as heroes, the characters are regular investigators who are exploring cults, forbidden knowledge and various eldritch-cosmic entitites and threats. Description Occupations in the game for the characters include academics, reporters, and private investigators. The gameplay loop revolves around uncovering information, analyzing clues, and evading dangers. As the supernatural elements in the game are considered more powerful than the investigators, they have are not expected to actually confront most of the threats head on. Instead they usually have to resort to avoiding or escaping any situation that may arise. Combat is lethal and usually leads to characters getting permanently killed or pushed to insanity (which eventually is the same).  System Overview & Key Features Percentile Framework (d100) Every action is resolved by rolling two ten-sided (d10) dice to get a result from 1 to 100. If you roll is equal to or under your skill rating, the action is deemed a success. This approach simplifies the mechanical process of the game, as there are no complex tables to keep track of and compare to decypher whether it is a success or failure. Pushed Rolls If a character fails a skill check, they may attempt to "push" the roll, allowing for a second attempt. This requires the player to come up with a new, more desperate approach to performing the task. If this subsequent pushed roll also fails, the Keeper describes a severe and immediate negative consequence. Sanity and Madness A core mechanic of the system is the tracking of mental stability. Investigators lose points from their Sanity gauge when exposed to anomalous creatures or disturbing truths. Drops in Sanity result in the character experiencing temporary or permanent forms of madness, which can manifest as new phobias, delusions, or a temporary loss of player agency over the character. Bonus and Penalty Dice To account for situational advantages or disadvantages, the game employs a system of bonus and penalty dice. If a character possesses a distinct advantage when performing a task, an extra d10 is rolled and taking the higher result. A disadvantage means rolling an extra d10 and taking the lower result. Combat Lethality Physical altercations are inherently dangerous by design. Investigators possess limited hit points, and the damage output of both conventional firearms and anomalous entities is high. Recovery mechanics are slow, simulating realistic healing times. This structural lethality serves to discourage combat and incentivize stealth and investigation. Expendable Luck Players can spend points from their character's Luck pool to retroactively lower a dice roll. The points are subtracted on a one-to-one basis until the dice result qualifies as a success. This ensures that the Luck pool is a limited resource which should be used and utilized in the most critical situations. Additional links chaosium.com - Official publisher website and digital storefront drivethrurpg.com - Digital repository for official scenarios and sourcebooks

Owlbear Rodeo is a "no-frills," browser-based virtual tabletop that prioritizes speed and ease of use above all else. Originally launched in 2020 as a simple image-sharing tool, it evolved into version 2.0 (and the 2024/2025 "Warp Core" engine updates), transitioning to a cloud-based subscription model while maintaining its "pick-up-and-play" spirit. It is the premier choice for GMs who prefer theater-of-the-mind play or quick tactical skirmishes without the heavy automation of larger platforms. Description Owlbear Rodeo is the digital equivalent of a dry-erase battle mat. It does not try to be a video game; instead, it provides a shared canvas where you can drop a map, throw down some tokens, and start rolling dice in under a minute. It is famous for requiring no player accounts—the GM simply creates a room and sends a link. While it has added advanced features like dynamic fog and extension support, it remains the most lightweight and mobile-friendly VTT on the market. System Overview & Key Features Zero-Friction Access Players do not need to register or sign in to join a game. By simply clicking a URL, they are instantly transported to the map with full access to their tokens. This makes it the undisputed king for one-shots, convention games, and introducing new players to the hobby. The Warp Core Engine The 2024/2026 "Warp Core" update introduced high-performance GPU rendering. This allows the browser to handle massive 144-megapixel maps and animated backgrounds with zero lag, even on older laptops or mobile devices. Modular Extension System Rather than bloating the base software with features, Owlbear uses "Plug-and-Play" extensions. You can toggle on a 5e Initiative Tracker, a Dice Roller, or a Clock tool only when you need them, keeping the interface clean and distraction-free. Pixel-Accurate Dynamic Fog The "Fog of War" tool allows GMs to hide sections of the map with incredible precision. You can use brushes to reveal specific corridors or use "Cut-out" shapes to simulate light sources, all of which syncs across every player's screen in real-time. Multi-Device Syncing Owlbear is built from the ground up for touchscreens. It is the only major VTT that feels natural on a tablet or phone, making it a popular choice for "hybrid" games where players use their devices at a physical table. Persistent Custom Rooms Paid tiers allow GMs to claim a unique, permanent URL (e.g., owlbear.rodeo/your-campaign). This room stays open 24/7, allowing players to check the map or move their tokens between sessions without the GM needing to be online. Additional links owlbear.rodeo - Official website and application blog.owlbear.rodeo - Development logs and patch notes kenku.fm - The sister app for high-quality audio streaming via Discord

Kenku FM is a specialized high fidelity audio sharing application designed specifically for tabletop gaming over Discord. Created by the developers of Owlbear Rodeo, it was released in 2022 to provide a reliable, high quality alternative to traditional Discord music bots. It functions as a standalone virtual browser and media player that acts as a bridge, streaming audio directly from a user's computer into a Discord voice channel with minimal latency and superior sound quality. Description Kenku FM solves the common problem of sharing immersive music and sound effects during online TTRPG sessions. Instead of relying on buggy cloud bots that often face copyright shutdowns, Kenku FM runs locally on the Game Master's computer. It allows the GM to log in as a "Bot" on their own Discord server, giving them total control over the audio stream. It is a lightweight, open source tool that treats audio as a vital part of the storytelling toolkit rather than an afterthought. System Overview & Key Features Integrated Web Browser Kenku FM features a built in browser designed specifically for audio. You can open tabs for YouTube, Spotify, Tabletop Audio, or Syrinscape and stream the audio directly into your Discord call without needing to share your screen or lose audio quality. Local File Playback The app acts as a robust media player for your personal sound library. You can create playlists from your own MP3 and WAV files, allowing for instant playback of specific combat themes or environmental ambiance stored on your hard drive. Soundboard Functionality Users can set up a custom soundboard within the interface. This allows a Game Master to trigger one shot sound effects like sword clashing, explosions, or monster growls at the perfect narrative moment with a single click. Stream Deck Integration For power users, Kenku FM offers a dedicated plugin for the Elgato Stream Deck. This allows the GM to control volume, skip tracks, and trigger soundboard effects using physical buttons, keeping their hands free to manage the game and maps. High Quality Audio Engine By using a dedicated bot connection rather than standard screen sharing, Kenku FM maintains high bitrate stereo audio. This ensures that orchestral scores and subtle environmental textures sound exactly as intended for every player in the voice channel. Open Source and Privacy The software is open source and runs locally, meaning it does not track your data or rely on external servers that can be shut down. You own the software and have total control over the bot account you create to facilitate the stream. Additional links kenku.fm - Official Kenku FM website github.com/owlbear-rodeo - Official Open Source Repository