From Caernest

The Rules

Kaernest is a setting, however to work as a game, it needs rules to go along with it. It could be adapted to your favorite system, but it was written side-by-side with a rules system of it's own; the "d12 System". As would be expected from the name, the system is based on d12s. Not so obvious from the name is that it is a class-less and level-free system.

Dice System

The curve of 2 dice is less "graceful" as 3 dice (HERO or GURPS), but at least has a "curve" as compared to using only one die (d20 system). This gives dice a tendency to roll toward the center of the curve without making outliers as rare. This means its far more likely to roll a '13' (a 12 in 144 chance, or 1 in 12, 8%) than it is to roll a '2' or a '24' (a 1 in 144 chance for either, or .7%). Comparing this to the chance to roll a '19' with 3d12, where there is a 102 in 1768 chance (or 51 in 884, or 6%), compared to rolling '3' or an '36', where there is a 1 in 1768 chance (or .06%). There's less chance to roll the mean roll with 3 dice, and a MUCH less chance to roll the extremes. The desire for a less drastic curve was the reason for choosing 2 dice. The choice of d12s was for a wide range of possible rolls. Having rolls range from 2 to 24 was a little better than 2 to 20 (2d10), and not as drastic as 2 to 40 (2d20). The range also has an effect on the probability of rolling any one given number.
Using 2 dice also gives the ability to roll doubles, something the system takes advantage of in its own version of "astrology".

Class-less, Level-less System

Class based systems try to balance characters by giving each class different powers that can work on different mechanics. They can allow for characters that have a distinct feel to them. Sometimes you want to play something that doesn't fall into one of the classes so well though. This is where a system without classes shines. You can still make the same characters, but you're not pigeon-holed into something static.
Level based systems also tend to have unrealistic "power-ups" every so often, as a character levels and suddenly becomes more powerful. These systems also tend to constantly power up combat abilities, meaning higher level characters tend to drastically outstrip lower level characters in fighting abilities.

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