Back in December I received the ShadowDark RPG from the fine folks at The Arcane Library. This game looks wonderful, so far, and the production values are second to none. Thick, durable paper; library-sewn binding; clear, readable font selections with good white space. All these little things make for a better user experience.

I’ve had the pleasure of playing this game with its creator, Kelsey Dionne, whom I consider to be a wonderful creative force in the TTRPG (tabletop role playing game) industry. She has carved out her own niche in the hobby, presenting a dark, forbidding, action-packed experience.

ShadowDark RPG (The Arcane Library, 2023)

In the words of the game’s creator,

ShadowDark RPG is a fantasy adventure game where you and your companions delve into buried ruins, lost cities, spider-infested forests, and even dragon lairs in search of gold and glory.

The Shadowdark is any place where danger and darkness hold sway. It clutches ancient secrets and dusty treasures in its rotting claws, daring fortune seekers to tempt their fates.

With your adventuring companions at your side, you confront the Shadowdark’s sinister traps, formidable magics, and ruthless monsters.
If you survive, you’ll bring back untold riches plucked from the jaws of death itself. And before long, you’ll hear the Shadowdark’s call once again!

 

Oh, and one last thing. I got a kick out of the monster called “crabstrocity,” which is clearly a tip of the hat to Stephen King’s lobstrocities from The Dark Tower series.

I had the opportunity to review the incredible adventure module The Slumbering City by my friend, Thom Wilson, at GameHole Con, last October, and I was inspired.

It had intrigue, plots within plots, action, and exploration — all the hallmarks of a true sword-and-sorcery adventure.

I highly recommend it. It is written for the excellent Shadowdark system by Kelsey Dionne.

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Jeffrey P. Talanian’s last article for Black Gate was EC Comics is back. He is the creator and publisher of the Hyperborea sword-and-sorcery and weird science-fantasy RPG from North Wind Adventures. He was the co-author, with E. Gary Gygax, of the Castle Zagyg releases, including several Yggsburgh city supplements, Castle Zagyg: The East Mark Gazetteer, and Castle Zagyg: The Upper Works. Read Gabe Gybing’s interview with Jeffrey here, and follow his latest projects on Facebook and at www.hyperborea.tv.