A HISTORICALLY BASED INTERACTIVE ROLEPLAYING EXPERIENCE
Create a journal found in the ashes remaining from our past

THE

SYSTEM

The Racked System

is a rules-light / prep-heavy system that simulates the darkest stories never told. Where most systems allow players to become heroes, this system places them in the shoes of victims.
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THE

PLAYER ROLES

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Narrator

The Narrator runs the experience. They are responsible for keeping the storyline as accurate to history as possible, but also for making sure the other participants are comfortable with the tone of the table.

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Journal Keeper

The Journal Keeper controls the lense the story is told through. They are responsible for building the story with the Narrator.

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Cast

The Cast reacts with the Journal Keeper to the events the Narrator places them in. They are the people that would be included in the Journal.

The unique player roles are just one of the ways The Racked System has been designed to create a safe place where participants can grow and learn through historically inspired events.

THE

Stages of Play

1

Narrator
ESTABLISHES EVENT

The Narrator explains what is occurring and introduces the setting, including how it has affected the players and bringing the entire experience into focus. Through this initial establishment, enough tools will be provided that all of the players can visualize the atmosphere.



2

Journal Keeper
ESTABLISHES EVENT

The Journal Keeper takes in what the Narrator has shared and begins to draw a scene. The Journal Keeper may choose to include details such as the location of the players, the time of day, or the smells wafting through the air.



3

Everyone
ESTABLISHES EVENT

The Narrator builds upon the scene with additional details. Everyone else acts based on the scene setting and details. This can include what they do, how they are feeling, and how this alters their environment.



4

Narrator
ESTABLISHES EVENT

The Narrator takes the actions, builds encounters around them, and explains how the players are changing the setting. With these changes, the Cast and Journal Keeper have a new set of items to interact with and new actions they will want to take.

THE

ZINES

Our System Documents

Cover of The Racked System Rule Book

The Racked

Rule Set

The core rule set. It is a rules-light, prep-heavy system. Players can enter with almost no effort, but Narrators will need to thoroughly know the events they are presenting.

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Cover of the Reccang Guidelines

Reccan

Guidelines

A visual system to build the materials. If you would like to make a setting using The Racked System feel free to use this guide so your materials fit aesthetically.

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Cover of the setting, Chosen

The Chosen People

A sample setting based in 1930s Berlin. It is not a finished setting document, but was created as an example of how to utilize the other two zines and show how to build encounters.

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The Racked System is currently made up of three zines that provide rules, visual guidelines, and a sample setting created to show how the first two zines are to be used. I say there are currently three zines, because The Racked System was created to enable those with a knowledge of the past to share those stories and grow the system. One person can't share all of the stories, nor should they try. If you have a story, download the documents and if needed reach out for help.