To PDF or Not To PDF?
Sometimes collecting physical copies of TRPG rulebooks is not always possible. This may be because previous editions of games are out of print or games from small publishers may only be available online in PDF format.
Librarians are faced with a dilemma:
The consensus is that librarians should assume that purchasable PDFs are licensed for single users, rather than for mass use (and should not be circulated).
Librarians may make an exception to the rule and allow purchased PDFs to be used by the librarian running the library’s TRPG program.
"Quick-Start" RPGs
"Quick-Start" RPGs feature rules and settings that are slimmed down: perfect for starting a new TRPG collection and testing out new games before investing in the full system.
Often, "Quick-Start" RPGs also contain files for pre-generated characters: useful for new GMs and players.
- Wizards of the Coast offers a free Basic Rules PDF download for Dungeons & Dragons. This is a scaled back version of the fifth edition Player’s Handbook and details the basics of the game.
Unpossible Journeys is a website dedicated to tabletop role-playing games and contains a selection of free quick-start games.
- Play as a vampire in Vampire: The Masquerade.
- Enjoyed The Princess Bride? Play within the world of the popular film and novel.
- Ever dream of attending the Starfleet Academy and exploring the galaxy, there's a quick-start for Star Trek Adventures.
- Learn to play City of Mist, a new comic book/film noir RPG.
DriveThruRPG
DriveThruRPG is an online store that sells watermarked PDFs and print-on-demand copies of many RPG games on the market.
DriveThruRPG has a section of its website dedicated to free and pay-what-you-can games, as well as “Quick-Start” downloads of popular games.
Supplementary Materials
To supplement rulebooks and create a world rich in lore, game publishers will often make free adventures and scenarios available for download, but the purchase of TRPG rulebooks is required.