Blades in the Dark! A Gloomy Victorian Fantasy RPG Where Every Heist Is a Story Waiting to Be Told

Blades in the Dark is not your typical fantasy role-playing game. Forget rolling for initiative and slaying dragons – this is a gritty, dieselpunk world where gangs rule the shadowy streets of Doskvol, a sprawling industrial city perpetually cloaked in fog and shrouded in secrets. Inspired by games like Dungeon World and Powered by the Apocalypse, Blades in the Dark takes a unique approach to storytelling, placing emphasis on collaborative narrative and player agency.

A City Steeped in Shadows: Unveiling the Grimy Charm of Doskvol

Doskvol is the beating heart of Blades in the Dark, a city teetering on the edge of chaos. Ruled by a ruthless council known as the “Immortal Emperor,” Doskvol’s skyline is dominated by towering smokestacks belching black smog into an ever-present twilight. The streets below are teeming with life – or rather, struggling to survive.

Beneath the veneer of industrial progress lies a world riddled with poverty, inequality, and simmering rebellion. Powerful gangs like the Crows, the Red Sashes, and the Skovlander Syndicate vie for control of the city’s underworld, their shadowy machinations fueling Doskvol’s volatile atmosphere. Magic, too, plays a role in this grim tableau, albeit with a dark twist. It is a volatile force, often unpredictable and prone to corrupting those who wield it.

Playing the Shadows: Becoming a Crew of Scoundrels and Rogues

In Blades in the Dark, players step into the roles of scoundrels, rogues, and outcasts – the downtrodden denizens who scrape by on the fringes of society. These are not noble heroes destined for glory; they are driven by necessity, ambition, or a thirst for vengeance. They band together as crews, each with their own unique identity and goals, navigating Doskvol’s treacherous underbelly.

Character creation in Blades in the Dark is refreshingly straightforward. Players choose from archetypes like the cunning Cutthroat, the arcane Whisper, the brute Muscle, or the resourceful Ghost – each equipped with specific abilities and expertise. The game emphasizes player customization through “playbooks” which outline a character’s skills, motivations, and backstory connections within Doskvol.

The Heist Cycle: Where Planning Meets Perilous Execution

Blades in the Dark revolves around the “heist cycle,” a structured framework that guides the narrative experience. Each heist is a mini-adventure unto itself, requiring careful planning, daring execution, and improvisation when things inevitably go awry.

The game utilizes a unique system of “stress” and “harm.” Stress tracks the characters’ mental and emotional fortitude as they face challenges, while harm reflects physical injury. When stress reaches its limit, characters suffer negative consequences like losing access to crucial abilities or even becoming incapacitated.

Roll Under, Not Over: Embracing Fateful Outcomes

Unlike traditional RPGs that rely on dice rolls to determine success or failure, Blades in the Dark utilizes a “roll under” system. Players roll two six-sided dice (2d6) and aim to roll equal to or lower than their character’s relevant skill rating.

This system encourages risk-taking and acknowledges that even the most skilled characters can make mistakes. Successes often come with complications – unexpected twists that add intrigue and complexity to the narrative. Failure, on the other hand, results in setbacks and consequences that force players to adapt and think on their feet.

The Power of Fiction First: Collaborative Storytelling Takes Center Stage

Blades in the Dark champions a “fiction first” approach to storytelling. The game master (GM), often referred to as the “Mastermind,” presents situations and challenges, but ultimately, it is the players who drive the narrative forward through their actions and decisions.

The GM describes the scene, sets the stakes, and then asks the players what they want to do. Players respond with descriptions of their actions, weaving their character’s motivations and backstory into the unfolding narrative.

Beyond Heists: Exploring Doskvol’s Rich Tapestry

While heists are a cornerstone of Blades in the Dark, the game offers opportunities for exploration beyond the confines of criminal enterprise. Crews can engage in intrigue, politics, social climbing, or even delve into the city’s arcane mysteries. The GM has the freedom to weave storylines that cater to players’ interests and explore the diverse facets of Doskvol’s vibrant world.

Table: A Glimpse Into Doskvol’s Factions

Embracing the Darkness: Is Blades in the Dark Right for You?

Blades in the Dark is a game that rewards creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace its dark and gritty world. If you’re looking for an RPG experience that prioritizes narrative storytelling over traditional dungeon crawling, then this game might be right up your alley.

Just be prepared – Doskvol has a way of corrupting even the purest hearts.