{"slug":"shadowdark","title":"ShadowDark","url":"https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/shadowdark","agentUrl":"https://www.ttrpg-games.com/api/games/shadowdark.json","summary":{"blurb":"Shadowdark RPG rejuvenates traditional tabletop RPGs by blending old-school elements with modern mechanics for a fast-paced and intuitive gameplay experience. The game emphasizes real-time mechanics, with torches that burn out after an hour of game time, adding urgency to exploration and combat. Character development is dynamic, with randomized abilities and a simple yet strategic system for tracking distances, initiative, and spell-casting. The absence of darkvision and the use of treasure for experience points encourage deep engagement with the game's dungeon-crawling adventures.","atAGlance":"Dark Fantasy • 1-1 players • Needs GM • 5/5 complexity • Medium prep","whyItFits":"A strong fit for groups that want fantasy with more danger, grime, or moral pressure, with exploration-Driven helping define the experience."},"constraints":{"playerRange":"1-1 players + GM","sessionRange":"120-240 minutes","setupMinutes":null,"characterCreationMinutes":null,"prepLevel":"Medium","priceModel":null},"fit":{"beginnerFriendly":0,"newGmFriendly":1,"oneShotFriendly":0,"campaignFriendly":0,"soloFriendly":0,"improvBurden":null,"structureLevel":null,"contentIntensity":null},"scores":[{"key":"complexity","label":"Complexity","value":5},{"key":"new_gm","label":"New GM Fit","value":1},{"key":"roleplay","label":"Roleplay Focus","value":3},{"key":"combat","label":"Combat Focus","value":5},{"key":"tactical","label":"Tactical Depth","value":5},{"key":"campaign","label":"Campaign Depth","value":4}],"availability":{"quickstartAvailable":null,"pdfAvailable":null,"physicalBookAvailable":null,"vttReady":null},"recommendations":{"bestFor":["Groups that want fantasy with more danger, grime, or moral pressure","Groups that want place, travel, and discovery to stay central","Players who enjoy danger, discovery, and player-driven problem-solving"],"avoidIf":["You want a very light rules load","You dislike tactical combat or heavier encounter procedure","You mainly want short standalone sessions with minimal carryover"]},"facets":{"genres":["Dark Fantasy"],"systems":["Old-School Renaissance (OSR)"],"mechanics":["Exploration-Driven","Real-Time Mechanics","Resource Management","Tactical Combat","Survival"],"themes":["Dark"],"decisionTags":[]},"links":{"websiteUrl":"https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark","reviewsUrl":"https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/413713/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set?affiliate_id=1659151"}}