Briar Bound

Game Info

Briar Bound is a roleplay heavy, GMless game for 3-5 players inspired by the stories and legends of Br'er Rabbit. While Rabbit is the central figure in the game, each player and character has an important role to play in telling this story.

The goal of this game is to get Rabbit home to their Briar Patch in the quickest time possible within 5 acts traveling though random locations. Each act includes 3 parts. Rabbit will be accompanied by their friends who will help and hinder them in parts 1 and 2. In part 3 one friend will become the Big Bad that needs to be outwitted to travel to the next location. Your intrepid group of animal friends will make it to the Briar Patch, but where will your journey take you and how long will it take to get there?

Briar Bound is designed to be played as one shots or standalone sessions. Average play time is 2.5 hours. 

What you will need

• 40 Tokens
• A 6-sided die, 8-sided die, a 10-sided die, and a 12-sided die
• Notecards or the Google Sheet Supplement (File > Make a copy) 
• Safety Tools - we recommend the TTRPG Safety Toolkit curated by Kienna Shaw and Lauren Bryant-Monk

Br’er Rabbit Inspiration

The stories of Br’er Rabbit originate in African folklore. He is a trickster archetype that uses wits and creativity to get out of dangerous situations. Br’er Rabbit does not physically fight his opponents, but they may end up injured from his trickery or their own machinations gone wrong. Many myths from different cultures around the world also include tricksters and can be used for inspiration during roleplay.

Ashcan

This version of the game is the ashcan version which means it is still in development. I am working towards a full release through a publisher or crowdfunding sometime in 2025. The plan is to offer a discount on the final version for anyone who purchases the ashcan version. Reviews and feedback are appreciated.

Background image by guenterguni