Blades in the Dark: A Heist RPG Where Every Shadow Holds a Secret!

Step into the gritty, gaslit streets of Duskvol, a city choked by fog and ruled by ruthless gangs. “Blades in the Dark” isn’t your typical fantasy RPG where you slay dragons and rescue princesses. This is a game about cunning criminals, daring heists, and navigating the treacherous underworld with a mix of brutal violence and clever subterfuge. Published by Evil Hat Productions, it utilizes a unique narrative system that puts player agency front and center, allowing them to shape the fate of their crew and leave an indelible mark on Duskvol’s criminal landscape.

A City Steeped in Shadows and Intrigue:

Duskvol is more than just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing entity with its own history, factions, and hidden agendas. Ruled by a shadowy council known as the “Grand Elect,” Duskvol is a city where power corrupts and survival depends on who you know – or what dirt you have on them.

The game encourages players to explore this complex world through:

Factions: From the ruthless Skovlan mafia to the arcane cults lurking in the shadows, Duskvol is teeming with powerful organizations vying for control. Players can choose to align themselves with one faction, manipulate multiple sides against each other, or forge their own path entirely.
Locations: From seedy taverns and underground gambling dens to opulent mansions and abandoned industrial districts, Duskvol offers a diverse array of settings ripe for adventure and intrigue.
Secrets:

Duskvol is a city shrouded in secrets. Ancient relics, forgotten rituals, and whispered rumors hold the potential for untold power and wealth – but uncovering them comes at a price.

Creating Your Crew: The Heart of “Blades in the Dark”:

Instead of playing solitary heroes, “Blades in the Dark” emphasizes the concept of a criminal crew working together to pull off daring heists.

Players choose from a roster of unique archetypes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses:

Archetype	Description	Notable Abilities
The Hound	A ruthless hunter and tracker, skilled in pursuit and interrogation.	“Bloodhound,” “Unseen Eye,” “Relentless Pursuit.”
The Leech	An expert manipulator and information broker with a knack for getting what they want.	“Sweet Talker,” “Connections,” “Hidden Agenda.”

The Cutter: A master of blades and stealth, adept at infiltration and assassination.

| “Whispered Blades,” “Ghostly Step,” “Deadly Aim.” | | The Whisper | An elusive infiltrator and spy with uncanny abilities to blend into the shadows. | “Shadow Step,” “Mimicry,” “Secrets Unveiled.” |

The Spider: A cunning planner and strategist, responsible for orchestrating heists and anticipating every angle.

| “Mastermind,” “Calculated Risk,” “Plan Within a Plan.” |

Your crew’s history, motivations, and relationships are crucial elements of the game. You might be a band of childhood friends seeking vengeance against a corrupt noble, or a ragtag group of misfits united by their desperation for wealth. The game encourages players to flesh out these backstories and forge compelling bonds between their characters, adding depth and emotional resonance to their adventures.

A Dice-Driven Narrative System: Embracing the Uncertainty:

“Blades in the Dark” uses a unique dice system that reflects the unpredictable nature of criminal endeavors. Unlike traditional RPGs with static success chances, “Blades” utilizes a pool of six-sided dice (d6) based on your character’s skills and attributes. The more dice you roll, the higher your chance of success – but even then, failure is always a possibility, adding a layer of tension and uncertainty to every action.

When attempting an action, players roll a predetermined number of dice and count successes (results of 4, 5, or 6). If they reach enough successes, their action succeeds. However, complications can arise if they don’t meet the target number – leading to unexpected twists and turns that keep the players on their toes.

Beyond Heists: A World Ripe for Exploration:

While heists are a central element of “Blades in the Dark,” the game encourages exploration beyond simply robbing banks and stealing artifacts. Players can delve into political intrigue, forge alliances with powerful factions, unravel ancient mysteries, or even embark on daring expeditions to explore the uncharted territories surrounding Duskvol.

“Blades in the Dark” is a game about taking risks, forging your own destiny, and carving out a place for yourself in a city steeped in shadows and intrigue. It’s a game that rewards creativity, improvisation, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. So gather your crew, sharpen your blades, and prepare to plunge into the heart of Duskvol – where danger lurks around every corner and fortune favors the bold.