JAGS stands for Just Another Game System and is described as a “rules heavy” universal RPG system. It’s gotten some notice around the ‘net and is available for free as a pdf or you can pay to get a print version.
universal
Savage Worlds Showdown Alpha Rules
PEG has released the latest version of Savage Worlds Showdown, their universal skirmish rules. It’s available for a free download.
A Cast of Thousands Miniatures Rules
A Cast of Thousands is not so much a set of miniatures rules as a rules mechanic. It’s designed to allow you to play “cinematic games” where you set your own level of risk-and-reward.
RISUS RPG Lite
Risus is a free RPG from S. John Ross. He writes:
Risus is a complete Role Playing Game (RPG) designed to provide an “RPG Lite” for those nights when the brain is too tired for exacting detail. Risus is especially valuable to GMs assembling a quick convention game, or any late-night beer-and-pretzels outing. While it is essentially a Universal Comedy System, it works just as well for serious play (if you insist!). Best of all, a Risus character takes about 20 seconds to create!
CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE
Inspiration for the nature of this game comes largely from the sadly out-of-print classic, Ghostbusters, from West End Games, sparked against an idea (Clich�s) from DC Heroes. The final shape and form of the game was inspired by Over the Edge, from Atlas Games. Other RPGs (most notably GURPS, FUDGE and Tunnels and Trolls), have also provided valuable inspiration …
Crimson Dusk Universal Rules
Crimson Dusk is a new set of science fiction wargames rules. The author writes:
Welcome to Crimson Dusk. Crimson Dusk is a wargames ruleset for tabletop games. These exciting rules cover actions from skirmish level to platoon level. Command your troops onwards as you confront enemy forces, design your armies, and equip them with a miriad of weapons.
Crimson Dusk is a ruleset that allows you to take whatever models you have in your collection, in any scale and use them in wargames. The rules contain full listings for how to design your troops and set points cost to them so you can compete against your friends for mastery of the tabletop. And the great news is that the rules are entirely free to downlaod and share.
The rules are still under development, but on the Rules page you can see how far we’ve come. The current version is not yet the 1st edition, but a working copy, much more will be added to and developed before it is finally released, but take a look and tell us what you think in the forum. This could be your chance to influence how a rulesset is developed.