Urban Fantasy TTRPG Systems: A Mechanical Overview

Comparative Reference by System

This document presents a mechanical overview of prominent urban fantasy tabletop role-playing games.

Each system is described using the same criteria:

• Mechanical identity

• Player quality-of-life considerations

• GM quality-of-life considerations

• Typical use cases

The intent is reference and comparison, not recommendation.

World of Darkness

Dice-pool system centered on supernatural identity, personal horror, and social tension. Includes multiple game lines (e.g., vampires, werewolves, mages) with shared mechanical foundations.

Player QoL

• Strong thematic character identities

• Clear supernatural niches

• Social mechanics central to play

GM QoL

• Extensive setting and faction material

• Mood and theme reinforced mechanically

• Requires management of social and moral pressure systems

Common Use

Character-focused urban fantasy with emphasis on secrecy, power, and consequence.

Chronicles of Darkness

Revised iteration of World of Darkness mechanics with streamlined resolution and modular supernatural templates.

Player QoL

• Cleaner core mechanics

• Flexible character concepts

• Supernatural options scale cleanly

GM QoL

• Improved rules consistency

• Modular splat integration

• Easier cross-template play

Common Use

Urban supernatural campaigns with mixed character types and flexible tone.

City of Mist

Tag-based narrative system blending noir investigation with mythic urban fantasy. Uses status effects instead of traditional hit points.

Player QoL

• Characters defined by narrative tags

• Mechanics reinforce identity conflict

• Minimal numeric tracking

GM QoL

• Fiction-first resolution

• Clue-driven investigation tools

• Flexible scene framing

Common Use

Investigation-focused campaigns emphasizing identity, mystery, and myth.

Dresden Files RPG

FATE-based urban fantasy system modeling supernatural politics, investigation, and escalating threats.

Player QoL

• Aspect-driven character definition

• Strong narrative control tools

• Flexible power scaling

GM QoL

• Collaborative city creation

• Conflict resolution abstracts scale differences

• Requires comfort with narrative arbitration

Common Use

Urban fantasy campaigns centered on investigation and supernatural politics.

Rivers of London RPG

Urban fantasy police procedural using a percentile-based system derived from Basic Roleplaying traditions.

Player QoL

• Skill-driven character differentiation

• Clear investigative procedures

• Grounded mechanical tone

GM QoL

• Structured investigation framework

• Clear skill adjudication

• Strong genre reinforcement

Common Use

Modern magical investigation with institutional structure and procedural focus.

Monster of the Week

Powered by the Apocalypse system focused on episodic monster-hunting and genre emulation.

Player QoL

• Fast character creation via playbooks

• Moves align with genre actions

• Low mechanical overhead

GM QoL

• Minimal prep

• Mystery structure supports episodic play

• Fiction drives escalation

Common Use

Episodic urban fantasy with clear threats and rotating investigations.

Comparative Snapshot

System	Rules Weight	Narrative Emphasis	Tactical Detail	GM Prep Load
World of Darkness	Medium	Medium–High	Low	Medium
Chronicles of Darkness	Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
City of Mist	Low–Medium	High	Low	Low
Dresden Files RPG	Medium	High	Low	Low–Medium
Rivers of London RPG	Medium	Medium	Low–Medium	Medium
Monster of the Week	Low	High	Low	Low