DIPER

Dynamic Interactive Pool-based Engine Roleplaying

System Reference Document

v 1.0
Core Rules............................................................................ 3
Character Creation.............................................................. 3
Progression...................................................................... 6
Tags.............................................................................................9
Action Resolution............................................................... 10
Dice Pool.................................................................................12
Success Counting........................................................ 13
Consequences...............................................................13
Guidelines for Creating Significant
Consequences.............................................................. 14
The Book of Tags.............................................................18
Tag Development and Customization...................... 18
Tag Discovery and Acquisition.....................................21
GM Guidelines for Tag Creation..................................24
Sample Characters and Example Tags.................... 27
Campaign Themes and Settings................................ 30

(CC) 2023 Roberto Bisceglie

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To
view a copy of this license, visit
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or
send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866,
Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Dice fire icon by Delapouite under CC BY 3.0 license.

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Core Rules
Character Creation
Character Creation is where you will bring your
playing character (PC) to life by defining their
unique traits and characteristics within the game's
framework. Character creation in this game
emphasizes the use of tags, which represent the core
identity, abilities, flaws, and other defining
characteristics of your character.

Characters are defined by Traits, specifically:

● High Concept: The high concept tag

represents the core identity or defining
aspect of the character. It should succinctly
capture the essence of who the character is,
their role, or their unique abilities. For
example:
○ "Cunning Mastermind with a Dark
Secret"
○ "Fearless Mercenary with a Heart of
Gold"
○ "Wandering Swordsman Seeking
Redemption"
● Edge: The edge tag represents advantageous
traits or abilities that set the character apart
from others. These tags can be used to
highlight the character's exceptional skills,
supernatural powers, or special equipment.

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 Some examples include:

○ "Master of Elemental Magic"

○ "Expert Marksman with Perfect Aim"
○ "Infiltration Specialist with Stealth
Implants"
● Flaws: The flaws tag represents weaknesses,
drawbacks, or challenges the character faces.
Flaws add depth and complexity to the
character, providing opportunities for
roleplaying and character development. Here
are a few examples:
○ "Haunted by a Tragic Past"
○ "Addicted to a Dangerous Substance"
○ "Cursed with Uncontrollable
Shapeshifting"
● Other Defining Characteristics: In addition
to the high concept, edge, and flaws, players
can create additional tags that further flesh
out their character's personality, background,
or motivations. These tags can be specific
skills, notable possessions, or important
relationships. Here are a few examples:
○ "Skilled Negotiator and Diplomat"
○ "Carries an Enchanted Blade Passed
Down Through Generations"
○ "Loyal Companion - A Talking Familiar"

Players can brainstorm and choose tags that reflect

their character's unique qualities, strengths,
weaknesses, and background. The tags serve as
narrative hooks that can be used to shape the story
and guide the character's actions and decisions
throughout the game.

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During character creation, players can start with one
tag for each of the following categories: high
concept, edge, flaws, and other defining
characteristics.

This provides a total of four tags to begin

with, allowing players to create characters
with a good balance of strengths,
weaknesses, and defining traits. The high
concept tag captures the core identity or
defining aspect of the character, while the
edge tag represents advantageous traits or
abilities. The flaws tag adds depth and
challenges, and the other defining
characteristics encompass additional details
such as specific skills, notable possessions, or
important relationships.

Starting with four tags provides enough room for

creativity and customization without overwhelming
players with too many choices right from the start.

As the game progresses, players can expand upon

these initial tags and develop their characters
further.

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Progression
Character progression in terms of tags can be a
dynamic and flexible process that allows characters
to evolve and grow throughout the game. Here's an
explanation of how characters can progress with
their tags:

1. Acquiring New Tags: As characters

undertake adventures and overcome
challenges, they can earn or discover new
tags that reflect their experiences and
accomplishments. These new tags might
represent newfound skills, acquired
knowledge, or significant events that shape
their development.
2. Developing Existing Tags: Characters can
also develop and refine their existing tags as
they gain more expertise and experience in
specific areas. This progression reflects the
character's growth and mastery within their
established traits. For example, an edge tag
like "Master of Elemental Magic" could evolve
into "Archmage of the Elements" or
"Unleasher of Cataclysmic Forces" as the
character's magical abilities advance.
3. Changing Tags: Throughout the game,
characters may find that certain tags no
longer reflect their current narrative or
character direction. In such cases, players can
work with the GM to modify or replace tags,
allowing characters to adapt and evolve over
time. This flexibility ensures that characters'
tags remain relevant and aligned with their
ongoing story arcs.

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 4. Unlocking Hidden Potential: In some cases,
characters might possess hidden or dormant
abilities that can be unlocked through specific
events or character development. These
hidden potential tags can be introduced as
the story progresses, revealing new facets of
the character's abilities or heritage.
5. Evolving Flaws: Flaws can also evolve and
change over time as characters confront and
overcome their personal challenges. Through
character growth and development, flaws
might transform into character strengths or
become less pronounced as the character
gains mastery over them.
6. GM Collaboration: The progression of tags
should be a collaborative effort between
players and the GM. The GM can introduce
opportunities for characters to develop and
acquire new tags based on the narrative,
challenges faced, and achievements made
during gameplay. They can also provide
guidance and suggestions to players when it
comes to modifying or evolving tags.

By allowing characters to progress and evolve with

their tags, the game fosters a sense of character
development and personalization. It reflects the
growth and transformation of the characters'
abilities, skills, and personal journeys throughout the
course of the game.

The frequency of using progression rules for tags

can vary depending on the pacing and structure of
your game, as well as the desired rate of character
growth. Here are a few options to consider:

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1. Every Adventure: You can allow character
progression with tags to occur after every
adventure or significant story arc. This
approach provides regular opportunities for
characters to develop, change, and acquire
new tags. It keeps the game dynamic and
ensures that character growth remains an
ongoing part of the gameplay experience.
2. Milestone-Based: Alternatively, you can tie
character progression with tags to specific
milestones reached by the characters. This
could be completing a major quest, achieving
a significant goal, or reaching a certain level
of experience points. Using this approach,
characters have the chance to progress and
modify their tags after a defined number of
milestones have been achieved.
3. Narrative Significance: Character
progression with tags can be tied to narrative
moments of significance in the game. This
could be a critical story event, a turning point
in a character's personal arc, or a major
revelation about their abilities. By aligning
tag progression with these key narrative
beats, you ensure that it feels meaningful and
impactful within the story.
4. GM Discretion: The GM can exercise
discretion and decide when it's appropriate
for characters to progress with their tags. This
allows for more flexibility, allowing characters
to develop and change tags based on their
actions and achievements during the game.
The GM can consider factors such as the pace
of the story, the characters' growth, and the
impact of tag progression on the overall
balance and tone of the game.

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Ultimately, the choice of how often to use
progression rules for tags should be based on the
preferences of the players and the needs of the
game. You can experiment with different
approaches and see what works best for your group.
It's important to find a balance that allows for
character growth and progression while maintaining
a sense of challenge and meaningful choices within
the game.

Tags
The game is entirely based on Tags, which are to be
considered both as Traits in the playing characters
and Details of the game world. Both types of Tags
can take either Positive or Negative valence with
respect to the context of the situation at hand.

● Positive Tags: Certain tags can provide

bonuses or advantages to the dice pool,
enhancing the character's chances of success.
For example, a character with the tag "Master
of Swordplay" might gain an extra die when
attempting actions related to sword fighting.
● Negative Tags: Conversely, some tags can
introduce complications or hinder the
character's actions, resulting in penalties to
the dice pool. For instance, a character with
the tag "Afraid of Heights" might have one
fewer die when attempting actions involving
heights or acrobatics.
● Narrative Influence: Tags can also have a
narrative influence on the outcome of an
action. They can introduce story elements,
thematic connections, or additional
considerations when determining the result.

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 For example, a character with the tag
"Bloodline of the Ancient Dragons" might
have their actions impact the broader dragon
lore or attract the attention of dragon-related
factions.

Action Resolution
1. Only Playing Character Rolls: In action
resolution, only the playing character (PC)
makes the dice roll to determine the success
or failure of the action. This focuses the
outcome on the actions and abilities of the
PCs, allowing them to take the spotlight and
make meaningful contributions to the story.
2. Dice are Rolled Only if There's a Real Risk
or Possibility of Failure: Dice rolls are made
when the action involves a real risk or the
possibility of failure. This ensures that the
game maintains a balance between chance
and player agency, emphasizing meaningful
decision-making and tension in situations
where success is uncertain.
3. NPCs pose a risk and contribute to the Tag:
Non-player characters (NPCs) involved in the
action also play a role in determining the
outcome. NPCs pose a risk based on the
difficulty or danger of the situation and can
contribute tags that align with their abilities,
resources, or circumstances. These tags can
modify the difficulty or provide advantages
to the PC.

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4. NPC Risk and Tags Determine
Consequences: The NPC's risk and tags
influence the consequences of the action.

The severity of the consequences may

depend on how well the PC performs in
relation to the NPC's risk and the tags
introduced by both parties. This encourages
the use of tags in a strategic manner, as they
can affect the outcome and shape the
narrative.
Example: If a PC attempts to persuade an
NPC to reveal vital information, the NPC's risk
could be their reluctance to share the
information, and the tags they contribute
might be "suspicious" or "guarded." The
consequences of the action would be
influenced by the PC's roll in relation to the
NPC's risk and tags. A successful roll might
result in the NPC cautiously sharing some
information, while a failure could lead to
increased suspicion or the NPC withholding
crucial details.

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Dice Pool
When they have to resolve an action, players gather
a pool of six-sided dice (d6) based on their
character's relevant skills, abilities, and contextual
tags.

● The number of dice in the pool is determined

by the character's skill or ability rating, as well
as any relevant tags that apply to the action
being attempted.
● Each relevant skill or ability contributes a
specific number of dice to the pool, and
additional contextual tags might grant extra
dice or modify the pool size.
● Since the more dice that come into play, the
more severe the risk of serious consequences,
it is up to the player to decide which and how
many positive tags come into play. A pool can
never be less than 1 and never more than 6
dice.
● Negative tags, on the other hand, are always
determined by the GM and should always be
considered as deducted from the pool

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Success Counting
Each die resulting in a score of 5 or 6 is a Hit.
Conversely, each die resulting in a score of 4 or less
is a Miss. The outcome of the action is determined by
counting the number of hits rolled.

● 0 Hits = Failure: the action fails to achieve the

desired outcome.
● 1 Hit = Minor Success: the action succeeds but
comes with a cost or consequence. The
severity of the cost can be determined by the
number of successes rolled, with a specific
threshold required to trigger this outcome.
● 2+ Hits = Full Success: the action is a full
success, achieving the desired outcome
without any major complications or costs.

Consequences
When an action results in a Minor Success or Failure,
the severity of the cost can be determined based on
the number of Misses.

● 1 Miss: The cost is minor or manageable. It

introduces a complication or setback, but it is
not overly significant or detrimental to the
character's overall situation.
● 2 Misses: The cost is moderate. It presents a
more substantial challenge or obstacle for the
character, potentially requiring additional
effort or resources to overcome.

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 ● 3 Misses: The cost is significant. It poses a
major setback or consequence, potentially
altering the character's situation or creating a
long-lasting impact that will require
significant effort to address or overcome.
● 4+ Misses: The cost is severe. It represents a
major turning point or crisis, with far-reaching
consequences that significantly affect the
character and the broader narrative. It might
introduce major conflicts, losses, or changes
that will require extensive effort and planning
to resolve.

The specific consequences should be determined by

the GM based on the narrative context, the action
being attempted, and the severity of the cost. The
consequences could include physical injuries,
depletion of resources, damaged relationships,
negative reputation, unforeseen complications, or
other appropriate outcomes that add depth and
challenges to the story.

Guidelines for Creating Significant

Consequences
1. Consider the Narrative Context: When
determining the consequences of an action,
take into account the broader narrative
context. Consider the current story arc, the
character's goals and motivations, and the
overall tone of the campaign. The
consequences should be meaningful and
relevant to the story, enhancing the drama
and tension.

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 Example: In a fantasy campaign where the
main objective is to retrieve a powerful
artifact, a minor failure might result in the
artifact being damaged or contaminated,
leading to unforeseen complications in later
quests.

2. Tailor Consequences to the Action: The

severity of the consequences should be
proportional to the action taken. More
significant actions should carry a higher risk
and potentially lead to more severe
consequences. Align the consequences with
the nature of the action, ensuring they make
logical sense within the game world.
Example: If a character attempts a risky
maneuver during a heist to steal valuable
information, a moderate failure could result in
the character being caught, leading to
imprisonment or being marked as a wanted
criminal.
3. Create Complications and Setbacks: Minor
failures should introduce complications or
setbacks that add depth to the story and
challenge the characters. These consequences
should create interesting opportunities for
role-playing and problem-solving, rather than
being outright punishments.
Example: A minor failure while negotiating
with a powerful faction might result in
strained diplomatic relations, requiring the
characters to work harder to gain their trust
or find alternative ways to achieve their
goals.

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4. Build Gradual Escalation: The consequences
can escalate in severity as the number of
misses increases. This allows for a gradual
progression of challenges and keeps the
players engaged as they face the
repercussions of their actions.
Example: If a character attempts to decipher
an ancient curse and rolls three misses, the
significant consequences could involve the
curse affecting not only the character but
also their allies or even the entire region,
necessitating a quest to find a cure.
5. Consider Long-Term Impact: Significant
consequences should have a lasting impact
on the character and the overall narrative.
They should create opportunities for
character development, growth, and new
storylines. These consequences can shape the
future direction of the campaign and provide
memorable moments for the players.
Example: A severe consequence resulting
from a critical failure during a climactic battle
might involve the character losing a limb or a
vital ability, leading to a personal quest for
redemption or acquiring a prosthetic
replacement.
6. Use Consequences to Drive Plot: Significant
consequences can serve as catalysts for new
plotlines and conflicts. They can introduce
unexpected twists, create new alliances or
enemies, and challenge the characters in
unique ways. Leverage these consequences to
deepen the story and keep the players
invested.

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 Example: A severe consequence from a
critical failure during a crucial negotiation
could lead to the faction declaring war,
forcing the characters to rally allies,
strategize, and fight a major conflict.
7. Maintain Fairness and Balance: While
significant consequences add depth and
challenges to the story, ensure that they are
fair and balanced. Avoid overly punishing the
players and provide opportunities for
redemption or resolution. The consequences
should be meaningful but not insurmountable,
allowing the players to overcome them with
effort and resourcefulness.
Example: If a character fails to disarm a trap
and rolls a moderate failure, the consequence
might be getting injured but still being able to
proceed, albeit with a penalty, rather than
outright incapacitation or death.

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The Book of Tags
In DIPER, players have the opportunity to develop
and customize their own tags during character
progression. This feature allows for greater
creativity, personalization, and agency in shaping
their characters' traits and abilities.

This section presents a set of guidelines and

suggestions for shaping useful tags for your game.

Tag Development and

Customization
Here are some guidelines to facilitate tag
development and customization:

1. Narrative Relevance: Encourage players to

create tags that are relevant to their
character's story, background, or current arc.
Tags should reflect the character's strengths,
weaknesses, unique abilities, and defining
aspects.
2. Player-GM Collaboration: Tag development
should be a collaborative process between
players and the Game Master (GM). Players
can propose new tags based on their
character's growth, experiences, or narrative
developments, while the GM provides
feedback and helps ensure balance within the
game world.

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3. Tag Themes and Categories: Establish
thematic categories or themes for tags that
align with the game setting. For example, in a
fantasy game, themes might include magical
abilities, combat styles, social connections, or
supernatural traits. This provides a framework
for players to create tags that fit within the
established world.
4. Tag Naming and Description: Encourage
players to provide descriptive names and
brief descriptions for their custom tags. This
helps establish the purpose and role of the
tag within the game world, making it easier
for the GM and other players to understand
and interact with.
5. Tag Balance and Limitations: While
customization is important, ensure that the
custom tags remain balanced within the
game system. Collaborate with players to
ensure that custom tags don't become
overpowered or disruptive to the overall
gameplay experience. Consider setting limits
on the number of custom tags or establishing
guidelines for their power level.
6. Tag Progression and Growth: Allow tags to
evolve and grow alongside the character.
Characters can develop their existing tags,
unlocking new aspects or enhancements
based on their experiences and
accomplishments. This progression adds
depth to the character's development and
provides a sense of continuity and
advancement throughout the game.

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7. GM Approval: Establish a process for GM
approval of custom tags. This ensures that the
tags align with the game's tone, setting, and
balance. The GM can review proposed custom
tags, offer suggestions or modifications if
needed, and ultimately approve them for use
within the game.
8. In-Game Acquisition: Create opportunities
for characters to acquire new tags during
gameplay. This can be through completing
specific quests, training with mentors,
uncovering ancient knowledge, or other
narrative-driven events. This adds excitement
and rewards character growth and
exploration.
9. Tag Interaction and Synergies: Explore how
custom tags can interact with existing tags or
other players' tags. Encourage players to
think about how their custom tags can
complement or synergize with their existing
traits or those of their allies. This fosters
teamwork, strategic planning, and
cooperative storytelling.
10. Player Feedback and Iteration:
Continuously seek feedback from players
regarding the effectiveness and enjoyment of
tag development and customization. Use their
input to iterate and refine the guidelines,
ensuring that the system meets their
expectations and provides a satisfying
character customization experience.

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Tag Discovery and Acquisition
Here are some mechanics and suggestions for how
characters can discover or acquire new tags:

1. Quest Rewards: Characters can earn new

tags as rewards for completing specific
quests or missions. These tags could represent
skills learned, knowledge gained, or unique
experiences obtained during the quest. The
GM can tailor the rewards to match the nature
and difficulty of the quest, ensuring a sense
of progression and satisfaction.
2. Training and Mentorship: Characters may
acquire new tags by seeking out training or
mentorship from skilled individuals within the
game world. Training with a master
swordsman might result in a new
combat-related tag, while studying under a
wise mage could lead to a new magical ability
tag. This mechanic allows characters to grow
through deliberate practice and guidance.
3. Unique Artifacts or Equipment: Characters
can discover or acquire new tags by finding
and utilizing unique artifacts or equipment
within the game world. These items might
grant temporary or permanent tags related to
enhanced abilities, unique powers, or
specialized skills. The GM can introduce
opportunities for characters to stumble upon
these powerful items during their adventures.

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4. Encountering Extraordinary Beings:
Characters may come across extraordinary
beings, such as ancient creatures, mythical
beings, or enigmatic entities. Interacting with
these beings might lead to the characters
gaining new tags that reflect the beings'
influence or blessings. This mechanic adds a
touch of mysticism and allows characters to
tap into hidden or supernatural abilities.
5. Uncovering Hidden Knowledge: Characters
can acquire new tags by uncovering hidden
knowledge or uncovering secrets during their
investigations or explorations. This could
involve deciphering ancient texts, solving
riddles, or delving into forgotten archives. The
acquired tags could represent specialized
knowledge, unique insights, or newfound
understanding of the game world's mysteries.
6. Character Milestones: Characters can earn
new tags upon reaching significant
milestones in their personal arcs or storylines.
These milestones could be tied to character
development, overcoming personal
challenges, or achieving important goals. The
GM can work with the players to identify
appropriate milestones and provide
corresponding tags that reflect the
character's growth and achievements.
7. NPC Interaction and Influence: Characters
can acquire new tags through meaningful
interactions with non-player characters
(NPCs). These interactions might involve
establishing strong alliances, gaining the
favor of powerful figures, or earning the
respect of influential groups.

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 The tags acquired could represent
connections, resources, or unique
opportunities provided by these NPCs.

8. Exploration and Discovery: Characters can

acquire new tags by exploring uncharted
territories, uncovering hidden locations, or
delving into ancient ruins. The act of
exploration itself can be rewarding, leading to
the discovery of new tags that reflect the
character's interaction with the game world's
mysteries and wonders.
9. Epic Achievements and Events: Characters
can earn new tags as a result of their
involvement in epic achievements or
significant events within the game world.
These achievements might involve saving the
world, defeating powerful foes, or resolving
major conflicts. The acquired tags serve as a
testament to the character's heroic deeds and
the impact they have had on the game world.
10. Player Creativity and Collaboration:
Encourage players to come up with their own
ideas for tag acquisition during gameplay.
Collaborate with them to incorporate their
creative suggestions into the game world and
provide appropriate tags as rewards. This
approach fosters player agency and
engagement, as they actively contribute to
the development of their characters' abilities
and traits.

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GM Guidelines for Tag Creation
As a GM, it's essential to create and introduce tags
for non-player characters (NPCs) and the game
world itself in a consistent and balanced manner.
Here are some guidelines to help you in the process:

1. Consider the Narrative and Theme: When

creating tags, consider the narrative and
theme of your game. Tags should align with
the overall tone and setting, enhancing the
immersion and storytelling experience.
Whether it's a gritty urban fantasy or a
high-fantasy epic, ensure that the tags you
introduce resonate with the game's world and
atmosphere.
2. Reflect NPC Abilities and Traits: When
designing tags for NPCs, think about their
unique abilities, skills, and traits. NPCs should
have tags that reflect their role, strengths,
weaknesses, and their purpose within the
story. Consider what makes each NPC distinct
and memorable, and use tags to highlight
those qualities.
3. Balance Positive and Negative Tags:
Maintain a balance between positive and
negative tags for NPCs. NPCs should have
both strengths and weaknesses, allowing for
challenges and opportunities during
encounters. A mix of positive and negative
tags adds depth and complexity to NPCs,
making them more realistic and interesting.

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4. Use Tags as Narrative Hooks: Introduce
tags that serve as narrative hooks, providing
opportunities for character interaction and
story development. Tags can create conflicts,
establish connections, or unveil hidden
agendas, encouraging player engagement
and investment in the game world.
5. Scale Tags with NPC Importance: Adjust the
power level and significance of tags based on
the importance of the NPC. Major characters
or adversaries may have more potent tags
that reflect their status, while minor
characters might possess tags that are more
situational or specific to their role.
6. Ensure Consistency in Tag Application:
Apply tags consistently during gameplay.
NPCs should demonstrate the effects of their
tags when relevant to the story or encounters.
Consistency helps maintain game balance
and allows players to make informed
decisions based on their understanding of the
NPCs' capabilities.
7. Consider Tag Interaction: Be mindful of how
tags interact with player characters' tags.
Ensure that NPCs' tags can create interesting
dynamics and challenges for the player
characters. A mix of complementary and
opposing tags can lead to engaging
encounters and strategic decision-making.
8. Gradual Introduction of Tags: Introduce
tags gradually, especially for major NPCs or
significant aspects of the game world.
Overloading players with too many tags at
once can be overwhelming.

25
 Instead, reveal tags over time as players
progress, allowing them to discover and
adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

9. Use Tags to Create Variety: Use tags to

create variety in encounters and challenges.
NPCs with diverse tags offer different types
of obstacles, requiring players to strategize
and adapt their approach. This variety keeps
gameplay fresh and engaging.
10. Allow Player Interaction with Tags: Provide
opportunities for player characters to interact
with NPCs' tags. Allow players to exploit
weaknesses, overcome obstacles, or find
creative solutions based on the information
provided by the tags. This empowers players
and encourages their engagement with the
game world.

Remember, the purpose of tag creation is to

enhance gameplay, create meaningful encounters,
and maintain balance within the game world. Use
these guidelines as a starting point, but also trust
your creativity and adapt them to suit the specific
needs and style of your game.

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Sample Characters and Example
Tags
To inspire players during character creation and
encourage them to think outside the box, here are
some sample characters and example tags. These
characters utilize the rules for character creation,
including the high concept, edge, flaws, and other
defining characteristics. Use them as inspiration and
adapt them to suit your game's setting and
mechanics.

1. Elena, the Cunning Arcane Mastermind

○ High Concept: "Cunning Mastermind
with a Dark Secret"
○ Edge: "Master of Elemental Magic"
○ Flaws: "Haunted by a Tragic Past"
○ Other Defining Characteristics: "Skilled
Negotiator and Diplomat"
2. Elena is a brilliant mastermind of arcane
magic, known for her cunning strategies and
manipulation of the elements. Her past is
shrouded in tragedy, fueling her relentless
pursuit of knowledge and power. Elena excels
in negotiation and diplomacy, utilizing her wit
and charm to navigate intricate political
landscapes.

27
3. Gareth, the Fearless Mercenary
○ High Concept: "Fearless Mercenary
with a Heart of Gold"
○ Edge: "Expert Marksman with Perfect
Aim"
○ Flaws: "Addicted to a Dangerous
Substance"
○ Other Defining Characteristics: "Carries
an Enchanted Blade Passed Down
Through Generations"
4. Gareth is a skilled and fearless mercenary,
renowned for his exceptional marksmanship
and unwavering sense of justice. Despite his
heroic deeds, Gareth battles a dangerous
addiction that threatens to consume him. He
wields an enchanted blade, a family heirloom
that has seen generations of valor and
heroism.
5. Lyra, the Wandering Swordsman
○ High Concept: "Wandering Swordsman
Seeking Redemption"
○ Edge: "Infiltration Specialist with
Stealth Implants"
○ Flaws: "Cursed with Uncontrollable
Shapeshifting"
○ Other Defining Characteristics: "Loyal
Companion - A Talking Familiar"
6. Lyra is a wandering swordsman haunted by a
dark past and driven by a relentless quest for
redemption. She possesses exceptional
infiltration skills, thanks to cutting-edge
stealth implants that enhance her natural
abilities. However, Lyra carries a curse that
causes her to involuntarily shift into different
forms. Her loyal companion, a talking familiar,

28
 provides her with guidance and
companionship along her journey.
7. Thoran, the Noble Champion
○ High Concept: "Champion of Justice"
○ Edge: "Master of Swordplay"
○ Flaws: "Haunted by a Tragic Past"
○ Other Defining Characteristics: "Bearer
of the King's Crest"
8. Thoran is a noble knight and a tireless
champion of justice, driven by a burning
desire to protect the innocent. He is a master
swordsman, wielding his blade with
unmatched skill and precision. Haunted by a
tragic past, Thoran carries the weight of his
past failures while seeking redemption. As a
symbol of his honor and loyalty, he proudly
bears the King's Crest, a symbol of his
allegiance to the royal family.
9. Sylvia, the Nature Guardian
○ High Concept: "Whisperer of the
Forest"
○ Edge: "Blessed with Nature's Gifts"
○ Flaws: "Haunted by a Tragic Past"
○ Other Defining Characteristics:
"Guardian of the Ancient Grove"
10. Sylvia is a nature guardian, deeply connected
to the natural world and its creatures. She
possesses the rare ability to communicate
with the forest, allowing her to understand its
secrets and harness its power. Haunted by a
tragic past, Sylvia seeks solace and purpose
in her role as the guardian of an ancient
grove, defending it from those who would
harm it.

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These sample characters and example tags
demonstrate the possibilities for character creation
using the high concept, edge, flaws, and other
defining characteristics. Players can use these
examples as a starting point to create unique and
compelling characters that fit within your game's
setting and mechanics. Encourage your players to
think creatively and develop their own tags that
capture the essence of their characters.

Campaign Themes and Settings

The DIPER framework can be adapted and
integrated into a wide range of campaign themes
and settings, allowing for immersive and engaging
gameplay experiences. Here are some suggestions
and guidelines for incorporating the DIPER
framework into different themes:

1. Fantasy Worlds: In a fantasy setting, players

can create characters with high concepts
related to their races, classes, or magical
abilities. Edge tags can represent unique
spells, combat techniques, or mythical
artifacts. Flaws can encompass curses,
phobias, or rivalries with other magical
beings. Other defining characteristics can
include affiliations with guilds, noble houses,
or ancient prophecies.
2. Sci-Fi Dystopias: In a dystopian future, high
concepts can revolve around rebellion
leaders, rogue hackers, or survivors in a
post-apocalyptic world. Edge tags can
represent advanced technology implants,
expert knowledge in cyber warfare, or
enhanced physical abilities. Flaws can include

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 surveillance tracking, addiction to synthetic
substances, or loss of loved ones due to
oppressive regimes. Other defining
characteristics can involve resistance
networks, hidden underground cities, or
ancient alien artifacts.
3. Historical Eras: In historical campaigns, high
concepts can be based on famous historical
figures, legendary warriors, or influential
political figures. Edge tags can represent
exceptional skills in diplomacy, military
strategy, or mastery of a specific weapon
style. Flaws can include historical conflicts,
personal scandals, or rivalries with other
prominent figures. Other defining
characteristics can encompass connections to
secret societies, historical artifacts, or pivotal
events of the era.
4. Horror: In horror-themed campaigns, high
concepts can reflect characters with haunted
pasts, paranormal abilities, or a connection to
supernatural entities. Edge tags can represent
expertise in occult rituals, psychic powers, or
knowledge of dark magic. Flaws can include
phobias, vulnerability to supernatural threats,
or a history of being possessed by malevolent
forces. Other defining characteristics can
involve cursed objects, haunted locations, or
encounters with ancient evils.
5. Mystery: For mystery-focused campaigns,
high concepts can be centered around
detectives, investigative journalists, or
amateur sleuths. Edge tags can represent
exceptional observation skills, deductive
reasoning, or proficiency in forensic analysis.
Flaws can include personal traumas,

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 addiction to solving puzzles, or being
targeted by dangerous criminal
organizations. Other defining characteristics
can encompass informants, hidden clues, or
unsolved cases with far-reaching
consequences.

When tailoring the DIPER framework to different

themes and settings, encourage players to think
creatively and align their character tags with the
unique aspects of the chosen world. As a GM, you
can introduce tags for NPCs that complement the
theme and create interesting challenges for the
players. These tags can include powerful enemies,
enigmatic allies, or influential factions with their own
agendas.

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