Fanrulebooks

Fanrulebooks are user-created rulebooks and supplements for existing games, produced by fans rather than by official publishers. They aim to extend, modify, or reinterpret a game's mechanics, settings, or scope, and are commonly found in tabletop role-playing games and, to a lesser extent, board games and digital tabletop scenes. Unlike official rulebooks, fanrulebooks are informal contributions that reflect community ideas and playstyles.

Content typically includes new character options, alternative class or faction rules, revised combat or magic systems, setting lore, and ready-to-play adventures. They often address perceived gaps, balance concerns, or accessibility needs, and are circulated via wikis, forums, and fan sites.

Creation and management involve collaborative editing, playtesting, and feedback cycles. Some projects use open licenses or versioned releases; others rely on ad-hoc posting and community voting on rules changes. Many creators provide installation notes and disclaimers to distinguish them from official products.

Legal and ethical considerations include respecting intellectual property, avoiding copyright infringement, and clarifying that the work is fan-made. Publishers vary in policy; some tolerate or encourage fan content, while others restrict it. To avoid confusion, fanrulebooks typically omit official branding and rely on clear attribution.

Impact and reception: Fanrulebooks can extend a game's longevity, diversify play, and help new players learn by example. Critics warn that inconsistent rule quality or unbalanced mechanics can fragment a community.