"Folk horror without classes, levels, or nonsense."
A free, open, ultra-light system for dark folkloric fantasy. Built on Into the Odd and Knave. Rules — 20 pages. No classes, no levels. A character is their gear and their choices. Cairn 2e added travel procedures, slot-based inventory, and expanded wilderness exploration rules.
Inspired by Slavic and Celtic fairy tales. The forest here is alive, hungry, and unforgiving. Villages huddle at the tree line. Deep within — spirits, witches, and creatures that were here long before humans. The atmosphere — Brothers Grimm before the tales were sanitized for children.
No classes or levels
You are what you carry. Found a magic sword — you're a fighter. Found a spellbook — you're a wizard. Lost everything — you're a corpse.
Slot-based inventory
Every item takes a slot. Torches, food, weapons — everything competes for space. A tough choice every time.
Open license
Dozens of hacks: Liminal Horror, Block Dodge Parry, Runecairn. Cairn is a platform for an entire ecosystem of games.
Forest procedures
Tables for events, weather, encounters. The forest comes alive mechanically, not just in imagination.
Open in Session Zero to let every player vote and see the results.