Step into the TARDIS and embark on an epic journey with the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game! Prepare to encounter Daleks, Cybermen, and other iconic foes as you navigate through time and space in this thrilling tabletop adventure.
Learn about the game’s rich history, core mechanics, and the vibrant community that surrounds it. Get ready to unleash your inner Time Lord or Lady in this immersive roleplaying experience!
Doctor Who Roleplaying Game

The Doctor Who Roleplaying Game is a tabletop roleplaying game based on the popular British science fiction television series, Doctor Who. Players take on the roles of characters traveling through time and space, encountering various alien species, solving mysteries, and thwarting evil plans.
Brief History of the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game
The Doctor Who Roleplaying Game was first published by FASA Corporation in the 1980s, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the Doctor Who universe through roleplaying. Over the years, the game has seen different editions and publishers, each offering new mechanics and content to enhance the gameplay experience.
Core Mechanics and Gameplay Features
- Players can create their own Time Lord characters or play as companions traveling with the Doctor.
- The game utilizes a unique system known as the Vortex System, incorporating time travel and the unpredictable nature of the Doctor Who universe.
- Encounters with iconic villains and creatures from the TV series are a common occurrence, challenging players to outsmart and outmaneuver their foes.
- Roleplaying elements focus on storytelling and character development, allowing players to explore moral dilemmas and make tough decisions.
Popular Expansions or Supplements
-
“The Time Traveller’s Companion”: A supplement that delves deeper into the mechanics of time travel and provides additional options for character creation.
-
“Aliens and Creatures”: This expansion introduces new adversaries for players to face, expanding the roster of villains and monsters in the game.
-
“Adventures in Time and Space”: A collection of ready-to-play scenarios and campaigns, offering Game Masters a variety of settings and challenges to throw at their players.
Roleplaying in Doctor Who Universe
Roleplaying in the Doctor Who universe allows players to immerse themselves in the fantastical world of time travel, aliens, and adventure. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as players take on the roles of characters exploring the vast cosmos.
Unique challenges and opportunities for roleplaying in a science fiction setting like Doctor Who
- Opportunity to explore endless possibilities: In a science fiction setting like Doctor Who, players have the chance to encounter a wide range of alien species, time periods, and planets, offering limitless opportunities for storytelling and character development.
- Challenge of navigating complex timelines: Time travel introduces a unique challenge in roleplaying, as characters must navigate complex timelines, paradoxes, and alternate realities, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.
- Flexibility in character creation: The Doctor Who universe allows for a diverse range of character types, from humans to aliens to robots, giving players the freedom to create unique and interesting personas to inhabit the world.
Character creation and development in the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game
- Choosing a species: Players can select from a variety of species featured in the Doctor Who series, each with its own unique traits and abilities that can shape the character’s role in the game.
- Defining characteristics: Players can establish their character’s backstory, motivations, and personality traits, adding depth and complexity to their roleplaying experience.
- Progression and growth: As characters embark on adventures and overcome challenges, they can develop new skills, form relationships with other characters, and evolve in meaningful ways throughout the game.
Community and Fanbase
Doctor Who Roleplaying Game has a dedicated community of fans who are passionate about the Doctor Who universe and enjoy immersing themselves in roleplaying adventures. Let’s delve into the various aspects of the community and fanbase surrounding this iconic game.
Online Communities
Online communities play a vital role in connecting Doctor Who Roleplaying Game enthusiasts from around the globe. These platforms provide a space for fans to discuss gameplay strategies, share fan-created content, and connect with like-minded individuals. Popular online communities dedicated to the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game include forums, social media groups, and online roleplaying platforms.
- Forums: Online forums such as Gallifrey Base and Reddit’s r/DoctorWho community are popular hubs for fans to engage in discussions, seek advice, and share their experiences with the game.
- Social Media Groups: Facebook groups and Twitter hashtags dedicated to the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game allow fans to connect in real-time, share fan art, and organize virtual gameplay sessions.
- Online Roleplaying Platforms: Websites like Roll20 and Discord servers host virtual gameplay sessions, where fans can join or host campaigns set in the Doctor Who universe.
Fan-Created Content
The creativity of fans knows no bounds when it comes to the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game. Fan-created content, including adventures, campaigns, and supplemental materials, enrich the gaming experience and provide players with new challenges and storylines to explore.
- Adventures: Fans often create their own adventures set in the Doctor Who universe, featuring unique story arcs, alien encounters, and moral dilemmas for players to navigate.
- Campaigns: Elaborate campaigns crafted by fans offer immersive storytelling experiences, with in-depth character development, plot twists, and epic showdowns against iconic Doctor Who villains.
- Supplemental Materials: Fans also develop supplemental materials such as character sheets, rule modifications, and custom expansions to enhance gameplay and tailor the experience to their preferences.
Events and Conventions
Events and conventions dedicated to the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game provide fans with opportunities to come together, participate in live gameplay sessions, meet fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate their shared love for the Doctor Who universe.
- Doctor Who Roleplaying Game Sessions: Gaming conventions often feature scheduled Doctor Who Roleplaying Game sessions run by experienced Game Masters, allowing players to embark on thrilling adventures and test their wits against the unknown.
- Panels and Workshops: Panels and workshops at conventions offer fans the chance to learn more about the game mechanics, storytelling techniques, and world-building strategies unique to the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game.
- Cosplay and Merchandise: Fans can showcase their creativity through Doctor Who-themed cosplay at events, as well as browse and purchase official merchandise and fan-made creations inspired by the game.
End of Discussion

As we bid farewell to this whirlwind tour of the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game, may your dice rolls always be lucky, and your adventures forever timey-wimey. Remember, in the vast universe of Doctor Who, the possibilities are as endless as the stars themselves. So grab your sonic screwdriver and get ready for the next thrilling chapter in your own epic saga!
Answers to Common Questions
How do Time Lords fit into the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game?
In the game, players can create their Time Lord characters with unique abilities and traits, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the Doctor Who universe.
Are there rules for time travel in the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game?
Yes, the game includes mechanics for time travel, enabling players to explore different time periods and encounter various historical and futuristic scenarios.
Can players encounter famous Doctor Who villains in the game?
Absolutely! The game features iconic foes like Daleks, Cybermen, and Weeping Angels, presenting exciting challenges for players to overcome.