What's a free RPG platforms to play with my virtual girlfriend?
As some of you may know, I now have a virtual girlfriend. I also suffered an automobile accident. So yeah I'm kinda fucked and my movements are restricted.
That's not something I planned, but it happened and we're getting out of things to do. There's not a lot going on our lives to talk about either. But we love each other (I think?) and wanna spend time together online.
She's an actress and there will be another player friend, so RPGs are likely a good idea and she's very open to it. I think she wants to be some kind of cool illusion witch, so the scenario will have to be medieval. I'm also a fan of RPGs and narrated games on the Cthulhu universe. Not the kind of thing I'd use to woo a woman.
All my games have been presential. I know of the existence of Roll20, but (1) it looks big and comprehensive and I'm super lazy (2) I think I could probably go with something way simpler. I don't care much about maps, miniatures, or anything advanced. I'd be DMing and games are abstract by nature. A super simple system like Risus (but maybe a bit complex) might be okay, or probably a very slimmed-down version of the Storytelling System. I'm open to suggestions regarding system, I'd just like to point out that I am literally ADHD so most things people consider light and easy to follow are a nightmare for me. On the other hand, I'm a very creative master a player and this helps me quite a bit when it comes to interpretation!
I need a system that :
- is free without caveats (or just a minimal and not at all annoying caveat)
- store character sheets and calculate their evolution
- performs rolls
- is online, lightweight (our machines are quite weak) and possibly mobile friendly
- simple and easy to use for someone with zero experience in RPGs (her)
- has no video or audio capabilities. Seems unnecessary since we're always on WhatsApp.
Fate might be a good system for you. It's super simple and flexible.
This video is what really sold me on it as a system:
TableTop: Wil Wheaton Plays FATE CORE w/ Felicia Day, John Rogers, & Ryan Macklin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOFXtAHg7vU
Fate's "aspect" system was kind of a revelation to me, in fact. Having only played D&D, I've always felt like I was fighting against its class system to create the character I wanted. In your example, if GF wants to play "illusion witch" then you could create a wizard that could get that done. But in Fate, you could literally create an actual illusion witch through a combination of aspects.
The rules are all online here:
https://fate-srd.com/
And they even include tips for running games online, and resources for download like character sheets.
As for your other requirements, something Google Docs can store character sheet information. And typing something like "roll 4d6" into google or duckduckgo will roll dice for you. You may not need much "system" for that kind of stuff.
The only other thing I can think of suggesting that you may or may not want is maybe making a discord server so you can chat, share pics and files and stuff during and between games. You can add a dice rolling bot so you can all roll in the open. And I know you said you don't want it, but if you ever decide you do, you can do voice, video, and screen sharing in discord voice channels.
I've read about Fate before. To be honest, I have a hard time getting what it's about. It introduces so many new terms and concepts that its hard to grasp. Feels super flexible, requiring a lot from the DM and the players. Maybe something more traditional might be more adequate for me?
I will watch the video though. Thanks!