{"slug":"swords-of-the-serpentine","title":"Swords of the Serpentine","url":"https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/swords-of-the-serpentine","agentUrl":"https://www.ttrpg-games.com/api/games/swords-of-the-serpentine.json","summary":{"blurb":"Swords of the Serpentine is a GUMSHOE sword-and-sorcery TTRPG by Kevin Kulp and Emily Dresner that turns clues, faction politics, social combat, and dangerous sorcery into the engine of urban fantasy adventure in the sinking city of Eversink.","atAGlance":"Sword-and-sorcery intrigue in Eversink • GUMSHOE clue engine • 2-6 players + GM • Paid core book with free quick-start support • Best for campaigns where investigation, politics, and daring action all matter","whyItFits":"Swords of the Serpentine fits tables that want daring fantasy action without sacrificing clue flow, political leverage, or campaign consequences. It is one of the strongest choices when your group wants a city to generate mysteries, grudges, allies, and fresh trouble every session instead of functioning as background wallpaper."},"constraints":{"playerRange":"2-6 players + GM","sessionRange":"150-240 minutes","setupMinutes":20,"characterCreationMinutes":30,"prepLevel":"Medium","priceModel":"Paid"},"fit":{"beginnerFriendly":0,"newGmFriendly":2,"oneShotFriendly":1,"campaignFriendly":1,"soloFriendly":0,"improvBurden":"Medium","structureLevel":"Balanced","contentIntensity":"Medium"},"scores":[{"key":"complexity","label":"Complexity","value":4},{"key":"new_gm","label":"New GM Fit","value":2},{"key":"roleplay","label":"Roleplay Focus","value":5},{"key":"combat","label":"Combat Focus","value":3},{"key":"tactical","label":"Tactical Depth","value":2},{"key":"campaign","label":"Campaign Depth","value":4}],"availability":{"quickstartAvailable":1,"pdfAvailable":1,"physicalBookAvailable":1,"vttReady":1},"recommendations":{"bestFor":["Groups that want sword-and-sorcery adventure with clues, factions, and city politics shaping every session","Players who like social leverage, dangerous sorcery, and heroes who solve problems with information as often as steel","Campaigns that need a strong urban setting and a mystery engine that does not stall on failed rolls"],"avoidIf":["You want a very light OSR or rules-lite fantasy game with minimal subsystem overhead","You want tactical combat to dominate play more than investigation, negotiation, or faction consequences","Your group wants bright heroic fantasy with clean victories instead of corruption, compromise, and urban intrigue"]},"facets":{"genres":["Fantasy","Mystery","Sword-and-Sorcery"],"systems":[],"mechanics":["Investigation"],"themes":["Political","Social Intrigue"],"decisionTags":[]},"links":{"websiteUrl":"https://pelgranepress.com/product/swords-of-the-serpentine/","reviewsUrl":"https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/408716/swords-of-the-serpentine?affiliate_id=1659151"}}