Blades in the Dark! A Gritty Victorian Fantasy RPG Where Shadows Hold Secrets and Fortunes Favor the Bold

Delve into the gaslit streets of Doskvol, a city choking on industry and rife with opportunity – if you’re daring enough to seize it. Blades in the Dark is not your typical dungeon-crawling fantasy RPG. Forget noble knights and gleaming dragons; this game throws you headfirst into a world of scoundrels, smugglers, and supernatural horrors lurking in the shadows.

Developed by Evil Hat Productions and designed by John Harper, Blades in the Dark utilizes a unique dice-pool system powered by Fate Core, offering a narrative-driven experience with high stakes and dramatic twists. Players take on the roles of “crews” - gangs of cunning rogues, each wielding specialized skills like burglary, subterfuge, and manipulation.

A World Steeped in Shadows and Intrigue:

Doskvol, the game’s setting, is a sprawling industrial metropolis ruled by a ruthless council known as the Elect. The city teems with desperate souls seeking fortune amidst the grimy alleyways and opulent mansions.

• Industrial Revolution: Imagine Victorian London crossed with steampunk aesthetics - towering factories belch smoke into the oppressive sky, while clockwork contraptions hum with arcane energy. This isn’t your grandfather’s fantasy setting!
• Supernatural Elements: Beneath Doskvol’s gritty façade lurks a world of whispers and shadows. Ghosts haunt the cobblestone streets, and monstrous entities from the “Spirit World” threaten to spill over into reality.

The Thrill of the Heist (and Everything Else)

Blades in the Dark encourages players to think outside the box. Forget simply rolling dice and hoping for the best. This game rewards clever planning, risky gambits, and embracing the unexpected.

• Score: The heart of Blades in the Dark revolves around “Scores” – elaborate heists, daring escapes, and schemes to manipulate Doskvol’s underworld. Each Score is a carefully orchestrated operation requiring teamwork, cunning, and a dash of luck.
• Downtime Activities: Beyond Scores, players can engage in downtime activities that shape their characters and build connections within Doskvol’s underworld. These activities include carousing, acquiring new gear, recruiting allies, and even confronting personal demons.

The Fate Dice System: A Game Changer

Blades in the Dark utilizes a unique dice system based on Fate Core. Instead of rolling a set number of six-sided dice, players roll a pool of d6s based on their character’s skills and attributes.

• Success with Style:

Achieving success isn’t simply about rolling high numbers; it’s about the quality of your success.

• Complications and Consequences: Blades in the Dark embraces chaos and unforeseen consequences. Even successful actions can come with a price – a jealous rival, a missed clue, or an unexpected intervention from supernatural forces.

Why Blades in the Dark Stands Out:

This isn’t your average fantasy RPG. Blades in the Dark offers:

• Gritty Realism: Forget idealized heroes; this game embraces the flaws and complexities of its characters.

• Narrative-Driven Gameplay: Storytelling takes center stage, with players actively shaping the narrative through their choices and actions.

• High Stakes: Every decision carries weight, with consequences that ripple through Doskvol’s underworld.

• Unique Setting: Doskvol is a captivating city ripe with intrigue, opportunity, and danger – a perfect playground for daring adventurers.

Ready to Embrace the Shadows?

Blades in the Dark isn’t for everyone; it requires a willingness to embrace chaos, roleplay complex characters, and think strategically. But for those seeking a unique RPG experience, filled with thrilling heists, gritty realism, and an unforgettable setting, Blades in the Dark is a must-try. So gather your crew, sharpen your blades, and prepare to carve your legend into the heart of Doskvol!