Anima: Beyond Fantasy

ABF · Anima: Beyond Fantasy · Anima RPG

Anima: Beyond Fantasy

Anima: Beyond Fantasy is high fantasy viewed through an anime lens. You’ll encounter vast empires, masked villains, secret orders, and blade-on-blade duels on sky bridges. The world evokes strong emotions and a distinct style. Players appreciate the ability to customise their characters, from mystical swordsman to court sorcerer to psychic agent. A professional Game Master channels that energy into vivid scenes, character drama, and set-piece battles that feel like a season premiere.

A session alternates between fast tactical clashes and story beats that reward clever choices. Newcomers can easily join in with prebuilt heroes, while detail enthusiasts can delve deeper between sessions. It’s perfect for birthdays and team events seeking cinematic action, as well as campaigns that relish politics and power growth. Ready to find the right guide for your table? Browse Game Masters who run Anima, either in person or online.

How to play Anima: Beyond Fantasy

At the table, you act in scenes. When the outcome is uncertain, you roll percentile dice, add your skill or combat bonuses, and try to beat a difficulty or an opponent’s roll. Combat is opposed, with your attack tested against a block or dodge, then damage and critical effects resolved. Exceptional success can push you higher, and mistakes can snowball, so fights feel dynamic and cinematic.

You bring a character concept and a flair for stylish action. Choose a fighting style, spell path, or psychic focus, then describe how you look and move. A professional Game Master provides prebuilt options, cheat sheets, and clear calls so the game never stalls. For remote tables, they set up online play with shared sheets and dice.

In a one-shot, expect a self-contained mission with two to three set pieces and time to showcase signature moves. Advancement is streamlined and characters may be provided. In a campaign, you develop techniques, unlock Ki abilities, research spells, craft gear, and engage with factions and rival champions. Political arcs and long rivalries shine over multiple sessions.

Close-up of a hand holding a painted tree creature miniature used in a tabletop fantasy game.
Close-up of a hand holding a painted tree creature miniature used in a tabletop fantasy game.
Close-up of a purple six-sided die with a gold number 5, used for tabletop role-playing games and dungeons and dragons games.
Close-up of a purple six-sided die with a gold number 5, used for tabletop role-playing games and dungeons and dragons games.

Common questions

Do I need to understand Anima’s rules before we play?

No. You bring a hero concept and some anime inspiration. A professional Game Master provides you with a simple starting sheet and the few actions you need to kick off. They call for rolls, interpret results, and maintain the pace. New players can use pre-generated characters or a quick-build template. You learn the rules as they become relevant, rather than all at once. If you enjoy the depth, your GM can introduce options between sessions, such as new techniques or spells, without slowing down the game.

Which edition do you run, Core Exxet or the 1st Edition?

Many Game Masters prefer Core Exxet, the Revised Core, as it streamlines skills and combat options. Some can run 1st Edition upon request. If you bring a 1e character, the conversion is typically minimal, involving adjustments to development costs, secondary abilities, or a technique’s prerequisites. Check a GM’s listing for their edition, or inquire during booking. You can browse available Game Masters here: find a GM for Anima.

How does Anima differ from D&D in gameplay?

Characters use point buy with professions instead of fixed classes, allowing for highly customised builds. You can mix martial techniques, magic, and psychic powers right from the beginning. Defence is an action, so deciding whether to parry or evade is significant. Armour reduces damage rather than just making you harder to hit. The tone leans towards anime, emphasising signature moves, rival duels, and secret orders. If you enjoy dramatic set pieces and personalised characters, Anima offers a unique take compared to traditional dungeon-focused fantasy.

What group size and session length are ideal for Anima?

Anima is designed for 2 to 6 players, with the ideal group size being 3 to 5 to ensure each hero gets their moment in the spotlight. A typical session lasts between 3 to 4 hours. The initial battle for a new group may take longer as everyone familiarises themselves with their options, but it tends to speed up thereafter. One-shots usually consist of two to three scenes, allowing time for players to showcase their signature moves. For groups of 5 or 6 players, using pregenerated characters can help the game flow more smoothly. Campaigns benefit from regular sessions lasting 3 to 4 hours.

Is Anima appropriate for children or teenagers?

Yes, with the right setup. The rules are detailed, so it works best for ages 12 and up who enjoy anime action and can manage a few options. A professional Game Master can simplify choices, provide pregens, and keep scenes clear. Content can be set to teen-friendly, with stylised combat and fade-to-black for sensitive topics. Safety tools and boundaries are used on request. For younger kids, consider a lighter system or plan a shorter Anima one-shot with streamlined choices.

What do I need to bring, and how do you run it online?

In person, two ten-sided dice for percentile rolls are useful, along with a pencil and your character sheet. Miniatures are optional. Your Game Master can provide sheets, reference cards, and maps or tokens. Online play is seamless with shared sheets, integrated dice, and voice or video. Many GMs run Anima on popular virtual tabletops. See what online setups they use here: how online play works.

Booking Form


Click to select dates

0/1500
Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from LOTR.

Sent!

Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from LOTR.

Nat 1, give it another go!

Please try again or email info@storyforgers.nz

Genres you can play in Anima: Beyond Fantasy

  • by Amber

    Anime

    Big emotions, striking archetypes, and dynamic battles. Assemble your team, exchange witty banter, and advance in narratives that resonate…

    View genre: Anime
  • Heroic

    Stand tall, make the right choice, and triumph in the end. Heroic games evoke the spirit of The Lord of the Rings, featuring brave oaths…

    View genre: Heroic
  • Epic

    Grand tales of world-altering stakes and legendary heroes, from the initial spark to the ultimate showdown. Imagine the scale of The Lord…

    View genre: Epic
  • Occult

    Candlelit rituals, cryptic symbols, and whispered conspiracies. Imagine The X-Files as you pursue clues through secret lodges and concealed…

    View genre: Occult
  • Pirate

    Salt spray, creaking decks, and cutlass duels as you pursue treasure and rivals across treacherous waters. Swashbuckling adventure…

    View genre: Pirate

What players think

  • It was an amazing experience for the girls! Thank you, Marie! You were incredibly well prepared, the girls were captivated by your every word, and it felt like you had been playing together for years! Looking forward to seeing you next time!

    Annick

  • Tom was fantastic! He was really great with the kids and patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The children asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but see it as honest criticism. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed from our less experienced players while also keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was really engaging. I got a game as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very keen on it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us move forward in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided, as they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach allowed the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

Similar gaming systems

  • Fabula Ultima

    • Anime +5
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Fabula Ultima brings classic JRPG drama to your table. Join forces for epic battles, daring magic, and deep connections in a narrative reminiscent of Final Fantasy. Ideal for those seeking vibrant heroes, intense emotions, and high fantasy stakes with an anime flair.

    View system: Fabula Ultima
  • Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game

    • Martial Arts +5
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Immerse yourself in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender with dynamic martial arts, bold bending, and meaningful choices. The PbtA-inspired rules emphasise balance, growth, and relationships. A professional Game Master delivers cinematic action and heartfelt, humorous team moments that capture the essence of the show.

    View system: Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game
  • Daggerheart

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Daggerheart is a high-fantasy RPG where every roll uses Hope and Fear d12s. Grand heroics meet significant consequences in quick, story-driven play.

    View system: Daggerheart
  • 13th Age

    • High Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    13th Age is a fast-paced, story-driven fantasy game based on the classic d20 system. You play as daring heroes connected to influential Icons, whose rivalries influence your adventures, politics, and conflicts. Imagine The Lord of the Rings with grander actions and cinematic battles, ideal for groups seeking excitement and intrigue.

    View system: 13th Age
  • Exalted

    • Mythological +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Comprehensive rules

    Play as legendary heroes and demigods in a fantastical realm of ancient empires, ravenous spirits, and fiery martial arts. Imagine Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon intertwined with myth. Make daring decisions, overthrow tyrants, and alter the landscape with swordplay, sorcery, and miracles.

    View system: Exalted
  • Cosmere Roleplaying Game

    • High Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Experience Brandon Sanderson's worlds with the official Cosmere Roleplaying Game. Assemble a crew, pledge oaths, and harness unique powers as you pursue mysteries and alter a planet's destiny. If you're a fan of The Stormlight Archive, this captures that grand essence for your gaming table.

    View system: Cosmere Roleplaying Game
  • The Dark Eye

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    The Dark Eye is a classic European fantasy featuring rich cultures, living deities, and careful magic. Imagine The Lord of the Rings infused with more folklore and local intrigue. Discover Aventuria, track down legendary creatures, and tackle challenges with steel, cleverness, and courage under the guidance of a professional Game Master.

    View system: The Dark Eye
  • The One Ring

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Traverse the paths of Middle-earth in The One Ring, the official tabletop RPG inspired by Tolkien. With low magic, deep lore, and hard-won hope, every journey is shaped uniquely. Assemble a Company and face the wilderness, councils, and battles in tales that resonate with The Lord of the Rings.

    View system: The One Ring
  • Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Stand as legendary heroes entwined by destiny in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound. Embark on quests across the Mortal Realms, confronting Chaos, creatures, and deranged deities. If you appreciate the epic scale of God of War, you'll relish this swift, heroic team play with a skilled Game Master.

    View system: Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound
Black diagonal cross icon, commonly used to close popups or dismiss notifications on websites.

We’re Looking for Game Masters!

StoryForgers is seeking enthusiastic and imaginative Dungeon Masters to become part of our team.
Are you keen?