Quick Answer
Midnight in a Perfect World RPG is a story-driven indie tabletop roleplaying game about relationships and remembrance set on the anniversary of a nation's liberation. It focuses on the people who survived and those who didn't, not on combat or traditional adventuring.
What Makes This Game Different from a Typical RPG
Most roleplaying games center on characters overcoming obstacles through skills, combat, or magic. Midnight in a Perfect World RPG shifts the focus entirely to interpersonal dynamics. The central conflict is internal and relational: how do you honor the dead while living with the living? The game does not include a traditional bestiary, leveling system, or loot tables. Instead, it provides prompts and mechanics to explore grief, gratitude, and unresolved history among a group of people who share a traumatic past.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players do you need?
The game is designed for 3–5 players plus a facilitator. The facilitator role is less about controlling opposition and more about guiding the scenes and keeping the emotional tone focused.
How long does a session take?
A complete session of Midnight in a Perfect World RPG typically runs 3–4 hours. The game is structured around a single evening, from the dinner gathering to the midnight countdown, so it works well as a one-shot experience. Plan for a single evening session; the game is not designed for ongoing campaigns.
Do I need to prepare a lot as the facilitator?
Preparation is light. The book provides the setting, character archetypes, and scene prompts. The facilitator's main job is to read the material beforehand and be comfortable guiding emotional conversations. There are no complex rules to memorize. Read the book once, then trust the prompts to drive the session.
Is this game suitable for new players?
Yes, especially for players interested in narrative-heavy, collaborative storytelling. There are no tactical combat rules or character sheets with numbers to track. New players should be comfortable with improvisation and discussing emotional topics. Best for players who enjoy character-driven stories over mechanical challenges.
Can I run this game online?
Yes. The game relies on conversation and shared imagination, not maps or miniatures. A simple video call with shared digital notes works well. The facilitator may want to use a virtual whiteboard for tracking relationships or memories.
Product Snapshot
-
Midnight in a Perfect World RPG: It is the anniversary of your country's liberation. The struggle for independence was bloody, and left you bereft. You have a tradition of gathering for a dinner before heading to the public plaza to watch the countdown to the midnight hour of your freedom – so many years ago. This premise establishes the entire emotional and narrative framework: the game is not about what happens during the war, but about how the survivors relate to each other and their shared memory decades later.
Midnight in a Perfect World RPG
