Shadowrun — Cyberpunk + fantasy d6-pool — magic meets the Matrix

"Cyberware, magic, and dragons in a world of megacorps."

Free

Diced6 pool

Players3–6

Prep~25 min

Foundry VTTCommunity

Complexity

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What is this system

Shadowrun is a tabletop RPG from Catalyst Game Labs (6th Edition, 2019), a unique hybrid of cyberpunk and fantasy. Set in 2080 (the Sixth World) — magic has returned to Earth, metahumans (elves, orks, trolls, dwarves) coexist with cyberware and the Matrix. d6 pool system: roll Attribute + Skill, count hits on 5s and 6s. Shadowrunners are deniable assets who take illegal jobs from corporations.

Setting

The Sixth World, 2080 — megacorporations rule, magic has returned, metahumans are full citizens. Seattle is the primary setting. Three genres in one: cyberpunk (hacking, cyberware), fantasy (magic, dragons, elves), and heist (shadow operations).

What it looks like at the table

A shaman Shadowrunner summons a wind spirit. Five d6: 3, 5, 1, 6, 2 = two hits. A decker jacks into the Matrix — ICE locks him out. A street samurai with a katana carves through security. The dealer screams: 'Time's running out!' A dragon-megamogul watches from the Aztechnology tower. Welcome to the Sixth World.

Playstyle

Tactical Combat Narrative Cyberpunk Fantasy

Key mechanics

d6 Pool

Roll Attribute + Skill in d6s. Hits on 5s and 6s. Simple but elegant math. Crits on sixes in the pool.

Edge

A unique resource: luck, intuition, daring. Lets you reroll dice, add hits, or activate special abilities. Replenished through character backstory.

Four Layers

Physical world, Magic, Matrix (hacking), Rigging (mecha). Each layer is its own subsystem. Together — complex but rewarding mechanics.

Metahumans

Elves, orks, dwarves, trolls, humans — each with unique attribute modifiers and traits. Magic and cyberware clash through Essence.

What people say

With the cumulative improvements over the last three editions, the game has maintained its unique style while actually becoming accessible, not a small achievement if you consider where the game was for Third Edition.— Aaron Marks, Cannibal Halfling Gaming

Art & materials