Court of Blades

Court of Blades is a tabletop roleplaying game built upon the Forged in the Dark system, focusing on political intrigue, social maneuvering, and personal drama within a vibrant, fantasy renaissance setting. Players take on the roles of retainers to noble houses in the city-state of Ilrien, navigating a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and arcane secrets.

Theme and Setting

While sharing core mechanics with Blades in the Dark, Court of Blades distinguishes itself through its emphasis on romance, social conflicts, and the advancement of a noble house, offering a different centered on flair, panache, and the pursuit of influence rather than criminal enterprise. Court of Blades is set in Ilrien, a vibrant city-state reminiscent of the Renaissance, steeped in political intrigue and arcane secrets.

How Play Feels

The game draws inspiration from historical warring families like the Medicis and fictional houses such as the Montagues and Capulets or the Starks and Lannisters. Players are noble retainers of a newly risen House in the Esultare, the most powerful families.

What Makes It Distinct

The game emphasizes social conflicts, elaborate balls, manipulation, and the uncovering of rival plots. Ilrien is not presented as a dark and oppressive city like Doskvol in Blades in the Dark .

Where It May Not Fit

You want a very light rules load You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table.