Active Exploits

Active Exploits is a diceless set of role-playing game rules by Precis Intermedia Gaming. The core rules (which contain no setting) are distributed for free as a PDF file, or for a fee as a printed book. There are a number of published game settings and official game conversions which use these rules.

Active Exploits

Active Exploits diceless roleplaying
Designers	Brett M. Bernstein
Publishers	Precis Intermedia Gaming
Publication	2002-2003
Genres	Universal
Systems	Diceless

The system is considered innovative, but more in common with GURPS and Unisystem, rather than other diceless games such as Amber and Nobilis^[1]

The game has options for freeform and live action role-playing, as well as for converting the game to other systems. Ample conversion rules allow the adaptation of the engine to a number of commercial systems.

Published Settings and Official Conversions

Active Exploit has converted other published RPGs into diceless versions.

• Sengoku: Chanbara, a role-playing game based in Feudal Japan.^[2]
• Dreamwalker, a setting taking place in others' dreams.^[3]
• Blood Island Diceless, swashbuckling adventures on the high seas.^[4]
• CORPS Diceless, based on CORPS, a conspiracy themed RPG about UFOs, vampires, secret societies, etc.^[5]
• Bloodshadows (3rd Edition) core book has Active Exploits conversion rules.

Awards

The game won an Indie RPG award in 2003 for free game of the year and best support.^[6]

Modes of Play

Basic Exploits

This is an introductory version of the rules, intended for those who are new to the system or prefer something less involved.^[7]

Advanced Exploits

This presents both advanced and optional rules which players can selectively use. Some examples of advanced elements are:

• Flairs: These zoom in on character's abilities.
• Fields of Expertise: These replace the need for skills by generalizing occupational knowledge.
• Convictions: These expand on the basic concept of Principles (in Basic Exploits) by utilizing Revelation and Dementia.
• Threads: These define group dynamics and help encourage more character-oriented roleplaying.
• Vehicles: Rules for using vehicles, from motorcycles to starships.^[7]

Live Exploits

These are guidelines from the Basic and Advanced Exploits sections which are optimized for live action role-playing.^[7]

Adaptive Exploits (Special Edition Softcover only)

A framework for converting characters from other game systems for use with Active Exploits, and adapting other ability/skill-based systems for diceless play.^[7]

Other features

Setting Specifics, which add new rules for magic and the occult, and martial arts.^[7]