The Sagas.

An illustration of Odin's farewell to Baldr by W.G. Collingwood, 1908

Here is a game that is playable but that you can also think of as an argument.  Rolling stats that you immediately discard in favor of labels comes from the excellent Sam Doebler: https://dreamingdragonslayer.com/2020/04/13/the-darkening-of-mirkwood-a-landshut-hack/

There are two kinds of storytellers in this game: the Singer and their Heroes.

Here are the things these rules can tell you about the Heroes,

Their Strength.

Roll 2d6.

If you roll 10 or higher, write down “strong.”

If you roll 6 or lower, write down “weak.”

If you roll 7-9, write nothing down.

Or, write down whatever you like.  I am not your master.

Their Speed.

Roll 2d6.

If you roll 10 or higher, write down “fast.”

If you roll 6 or lower, write down “slow.”

If you roll 7-9, write nothing down.

Or, write down whatever you like.  I am not your master.

Their Cunning.

Roll 2d6.

If you roll 10 or higher, write down “cunning.”

If you roll 6 or lower, write down “dull.”

If you roll 7-9, write nothing down.

Or, write down whatever you like.  I am not your master.

Lastly, choose whether the Hero is skilled at

Swords

Axes

or Bows

Taking action.

When the Hero acts and the outcome is uncertain and dangerous, roll a d6.  If a four or higher is rolled, the Hero succeeds at what they are trying to do.  If a 3 or lower is rolled, they fail and the circumstances change.

When a roll is called for, the Singer will tell the Hero the consequences of failure, including death when their life or another’s is at stake.  The Hero must then decide whether to take the action or choose a different approach.

Increase the die size by a step for each thing about the Hero or their situation that will help them.

For example: if they are striking down a foe with a sword and they are skilled in swords, or they are deceiving someone and the Hero is cunning, or their enemy in combat is injured.  You cannot roll higher than a d12.

Decrease the die size by a step for each thing about the Hero or their situation that will hinder their efforts.

For example: if they are wounded in combat, or if they are trying to escape danger and are slow.  You cannot roll lower than a d4.

Oaths.

When a Hero makes an oath, whether to themselves or another, they must write it down.  If they ever break an oath, they must write “Oathbreaker” next to their name.

Historical accuracy.

Do not worry too much about this.  If it feels like a great and awful saga, that is well enough. If you are using this game to fulfill some sort of white supremacist fantasy, go die.

For the Singer.

It is for the Singer to tell the Heroes of beautiful and terrible places.  Ask them what they do.  Respond in kind.  Be fair.  Be mindful of the other players’ needs.  Be kind to the other players.  Enjoy the Heroes, but you do not need to be kind to them.  Only ask for a roll when it really matters.  Discard me when you have a better idea.