If you play fantasy role-playing games you are probably not unfamiliar with this dilemma. In fact, some games are designed for characters to reach god-like levels and become indestructible. Although players may find this invulnerability enticing, referees are labored with the hassle of creating scenarios that are challenging and entertaining. Ever challenge a god? It is not as easy as it sounds.

Realism is lost in other areas besides character advancement. In most games armor, shields, and weapons are as invincible as the warriors that wield them, combat requires dozens of adversaries to provide entertainment, and wizards are just cookie-cutter replicas. Perhaps these discrepancies can be overlooked by those players and referees who are accustomed to older games. You may consider it easier to play in such unrealistic arenas than to learn a new set of game mechanics. Although such options may be easier, it is well worth your time to at least glance at Forge: Out of Chaos®.

Forge is different from other games. The system is designed around character development. From the selection of your character's race and beneficial and detrimental modifiers to the choosing of his or her skills, crafting the perfect hero or heroine is in your hands. Over the course of each adventure your character's skills can be improved through use, equipment can be purchased as wealth is attained, and magical items can be discovered. Although a character can gain fame, wealth, and power, he or she is still mortal and can be killed. This mortality is one of the finest aspects of the game. Keeping the fear of death in play forces players to contemplate their situations before rushing into battle.

So put down your immortal characters and take a chance on the dangerous side of role-playing. Journey through a world where monsters are dangerous, wizards are mysterious, and combat can be hazardous to your health. After all, you could die.

Written by Mark Kibbe of Basement Games, Co-Creator of the Forge: Out of Chaos RPG and World of Juravia, http://www.basementgames.com