Anima: Beyond Fantasy - Unleash Your Inner Hero and Embark on an Epic Journey Through Mythological Realms!

Anima: Beyond Fantasy is a captivating tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) that transports players to a world brimming with magic, mythical creatures, and epic adventures. Created by the Italian gaming company Anima Publishing, this system has garnered acclaim for its intricate mechanics, rich lore, and emphasis on player agency. Unlike many TTRPGs that rely heavily on pre-defined character classes, Anima: Beyond Fantasy encourages customization and empowers players to craft unique heroes with a depth rarely seen in other systems.
At the heart of Anima: Beyond Fantasy lies its innovative “Ki Point” system, which governs both magical abilities and physical prowess. Players allocate Ki Points to various attributes, shaping their characters’ strengths and weaknesses. Want your hero to be a master swordsman with limited magical talent? Allocate more Ki Points to Strength and Agility, and fewer to Willpower or Intelligence. Conversely, a cunning mage who prefers manipulating the elements over brute force would prioritize Willpower and Intelligence. This system fosters diverse character builds, allowing players to truly embody their unique visions.
Delving into the Lore: A Tapestry of Ancient Myths and Intriguing Factions
Anima’s world is steeped in ancient myths and legends, drawing inspiration from various cultures and historical periods. The primary setting, known as “Gaia,” is a vibrant continent brimming with diverse landscapes, ranging from lush forests and towering mountains to arid deserts and treacherous swamps. Powerful kingdoms vie for control, while enigmatic organizations operate in the shadows, each with their own agendas.
The lore of Anima: Beyond Fantasy is incredibly rich and multifaceted. Players will encounter powerful deities who shape the destiny of nations, mythical creatures that roam the wilds, and ancient artifacts imbued with potent magic. Some key factions include:
Faction | Description |
---|---|
The Order of the Griffin | A chivalrous organization dedicated to protecting the innocent and upholding justice. |
The Crimson Hand | A shadowy cabal of mages who seek to control Gaia’s magic for their own gain. |
The Dragon Cult | Fanatical worshippers of ancient dragons, believing themselves to be chosen ones. |
The Nomads | Wandering tribes who live in harmony with nature and possess a deep understanding of Gaia’s secrets. |
Mastering the Mechanics: A System that Rewards Skill and Creativity
Anima: Beyond Fantasy’s mechanics are designed to be both challenging and rewarding, encouraging players to think strategically and utilize their character’s unique abilities. The system employs a d10 dice pool, where the number of dice rolled corresponds to the character’s relevant attribute or skill level. Success is determined by rolling at least a certain number of successes (usually 6+), with additional successes leading to greater outcomes.
Combat encounters are tactical and engaging, requiring players to consider their positioning, utilize special maneuvers, and manage their Ki Points effectively. Outside of combat, the system supports social interactions, intrigue, and exploration through skill checks and role-playing opportunities.
Embracing Customization: Creating Heroes as Unique as Their Stories
Anima: Beyond Fantasy empowers players to create truly unique characters, breaking free from traditional class restrictions. Instead of pre-defined archetypes, the game provides a vast array of options for customizing abilities, skills, and backgrounds.
- Ki Paths: These represent a character’s core magical or physical potential. Players choose from paths like Arcane Magic, Martial Arts, Divination, or evenShapeshifting.
- Skills: A comprehensive list of skills covers everything from combat maneuvers and social interactions to craftsmanship, stealth, and survival.
- Backgrounds: Characters can draw on diverse backgrounds, such as noble upbringing, street urchin life, scholarly pursuits, or military experience, shaping their personality, motivations, and connections within the world.
This level of customization allows for incredibly diverse characters, ensuring that each player’s hero stands out in the narrative.
Bringing Anima to Life: Resources and Community
Anima: Beyond Fantasy has a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share resources, adventures, and support. The game’s official website offers a wealth of information, including downloadable rules, character sheets, and pre-written adventures. Numerous online forums and social media groups connect players from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared creativity.
For those seeking further immersion, Anima Publishing has released several supplemental sourcebooks expanding on specific themes, regions, or Ki Paths. These supplements provide additional lore, rules options, and pre-made adventure modules, enriching the gameplay experience and offering endless possibilities for exploration.