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I’m not sure if it falls under progression although I don’t recall them gaining levels rather just getting stronger with their abilities. However it is a great series that I really liked.
Anyone know what category it would fall under.
There is also a book series called "Spells, Swords, & Stealth" First book in the series called "NPCs"
I've only read the first so far but it was fantastic. Basically the same premise, except with Dungeons and Dragons.
Synopsis:
A group of adventurers die in a tavern because of some poisoned mushrooms that they ate. Several people in the tavern realize they have to take the adventurer's place in the quest they were given, or else the king will destroy their town. So a group of NPCs pretend to be a party of adventurers and go on a quest.
ninja edit:
Drew Hayes. He is just amazing. He writes his books in a sort of tongue-in-cheek-yet-serious kind of way.
One of his book series is called Super Powereds, and it's better than the title might make it sound. It's set in a world where some people are born with superhuman abilities, and then some are born with superhuman abilities that they can't control. There are also humans. It's a school for those wanting to be a hero. It's full of subplots and twists and the books are quite long as well. They're also cheap in Amazon Kindle. This book is awesome.
He also has another book series called
Probably all away reading NPCs (Spells, Swords, & Stealth Book 1)
I just read them last year as well, as an middle-aged adult. Being a late comer to D&D, I really enjoyed the setting and fantastical adventure, but seek something more sophisticated and for an older audience. Still searching, but in the meantime have been really enjoying the Spells,Swords and Stealth books.
A few that I’ve really enjoyed:
Drew Hayes Spells, Swords, and Stealth A 4 book series (so far) where the world of a game and our world begin to cross over. Mostly follows a good fantasy path with a bit of progression thrown in.
Super Powered by Drew Hayes. If you enjoy super hero progression. If you can’t tell I love Drew Hayes’ writing.
Epilogue by Etzoli. This is hands down one of the best written fantasy stories I have ever come across. What happens when 4 kids are taken through a portal to a realistic fantasy world only to return years later as if no time had passed? How would they readjust to the normal world.
monsters & legends by Ivan Kal. I know you said you don’t usually like Royal Road but this story was amazing. It’s up to 212 chapters and posts very regularly. A great combination of class and cultivation.
Hope that helps you
This? Is it any good?
NPCs by Drew Hayes is more like Pencil and Paper LitRPG (LitPnPRPG?)
Orcanomics: A Satire is, as advertised, a parody of P&P RPG tropes. Not LitRPG, though. Hilarious!
You might enjoy NPCs by Drew Hays.
NPCs by Drew Hayes comes to mind and is recommended.