Swords of the Serpentine⁚ A GUMSHOE RPG
Swords of the Serpentine is a 2022 urban sword-and-sorcery role-playing game by Kevin Kulp and Emily Dresner. Its rules are based on the Gumshoe System and it is published by Pelgrane Press. The game is set in the fantasy city of Eversink, a city inspired by Lankhmar and Ankh-Morpork, and features a customized combat system that opens the door for cinematic, heroic battles. The game also features social combat that targets your enemy’s morale, letting you defeat some foes through wit, guile, and threats. The PDF version of the game is available for purchase from Pelgrane Press and DriveThruRPG. The game was nominated for four Ennies this year ― Best Cover, Best Writing, Best Setting, and Product of the Year.
Overview
Swords of the Serpentine is a GUMSHOE roleplaying game of swords and sorcery, set in the fantasy city of Eversink. The game is published by Pelgrane Press and is available in both physical and PDF formats. The PDF version of the game is 396 pages long and includes map endpapers, a title page, a credits page, a two-page list of play testers and advisors, an eight-page table of contents, seven pages of quick references, a character sheet, and a sheet for tracking factions, characters, and locations. The game is inspired by the stories of Fritz Leiber, Terry Pratchett, Robert E. Howard, and others. Swords of the Serpentine is a game of daring heroism, sly politics, and bloody savagery, set in a fantasy city rife with skullduggery and death. The rules adapt the GUMSHOE investigative roleplaying system to create a fantasy RPG with a focus on high-action roleplaying and investigation.
Setting
Swords of the Serpentine is set in the fantasy city of Eversink, a city inspired by Lankhmar and Ankh-Morpork. Eversink is a sprawling city built on scores of islands across a sheltered bay. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with architecture from a dozen eras, grand plazas, and narrow canals. The city is also home to a variety of temples, mansions, and tenements. The city is slowly being swallowed by an endless bog, but it is still a vibrant and alive place. The city is full of danger and opportunity, and players will find themselves caught up in a world of daring heroism, sly politics, and bloody savagery. The game features a detailed setting, with a rich history, a variety of factions, and a complex social structure. The setting is designed to encourage players to create their own stories and adventures, and to explore the city’s many secrets.
Gameplay
Swords of the Serpentine is a GUMSHOE-powered fantasy roleplaying game. GUMSHOE is a game system that emphasizes investigation and discovery. In Swords of the Serpentine, players take on the roles of daring heroes, sly politicians, and bloody savages who are all caught up in the intrigues of Eversink. The game features a streamlined and engaging system for creating characters, with a variety of professions and backgrounds to choose from. Players will find themselves investigating crimes, uncovering secrets, and battling dangerous enemies. The game uses a unique system for social combat, which allows players to use wit, guile, and threats to defeat their opponents. The game also features a cinematic combat system that allows players to engage in thrilling and exciting battles. The game is designed to be fast-paced and engaging, with a focus on high-action roleplaying and investigation. Swords of the Serpentine is a great choice for players who enjoy fantasy games with a focus on investigation and exploration.
Character Creation
Swords of the Serpentine offers a streamlined and engaging system for creating characters. The character creation process begins by choosing a profession. The game features a variety of professions, each with its own unique skills and abilities. Players can choose from professions such as Rogue, Warrior, Sorcerer, or even a City Watchman. After choosing a profession, players can customize their character by selecting a background. Each background provides additional skills, abilities, and a unique backstory for the character. Players can choose from backgrounds such as street urchin, noble, scholar, or adventurer. The game also features a system for creating unique character quirks that make each character stand out. These quirks can be anything from a strange phobia to a peculiar habit. The character creation system in Swords of the Serpentine is designed to be quick and easy, allowing players to create unique and interesting characters in a short amount of time. The game also provides several pre-made character sheets to help players get started.
Combat
Swords of the Serpentine features a fast-paced and cinematic combat system. Combat is resolved through a series of dice rolls, with the player’s skills and abilities determining their success or failure. The game encourages players to be creative and use their skills in unique ways. The combat system is designed to be engaging and rewarding, allowing players to experience the thrill of battle without bogging down the game with complex rules. The game features a variety of combat options, including melee combat, ranged combat, and magical combat. The game also features a unique system for resolving social combat, allowing players to use their skills and abilities to influence the actions of others. Social combat can be used to sway people to your side, intimidate opponents, or even start a brawl. Swords of the Serpentine’s combat system is designed to be both challenging and rewarding, allowing players to experience the excitement of a sword-and-sorcery game.
Magic
Swords of the Serpentine features a unique and flexible magic system. Magic is not a separate class or ability, but rather a skill that can be learned and developed by any character. The magic system is based on the concept of “morale,” which represents the character’s confidence and belief in their abilities. The higher a character’s morale, the more powerful their magical abilities become. The magic system is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing players to create and use spells without having to memorize complex rules. The game features a wide variety of spells, from simple cantrips to powerful enchantments. Players can use magic to heal wounds, cast illusions, control elements, or even summon creatures; The magic system in Swords of the Serpentine is a powerful tool that can be used to create unique and memorable roleplaying experiences.
Factions
Swords of the Serpentine features a vibrant and intricate network of factions that players can interact with. These factions are not simply pre-defined groups, but rather living entities with their own goals, motivations, and histories. Some factions are openly hostile, while others operate in the shadows. Players can choose to align themselves with a faction, or they can remain independent and play their own game. The factions in Swords of the Serpentine are not merely plot devices, but rather integral parts of the game’s setting and lore. They provide players with opportunities for roleplaying, intrigue, and conflict. The game features a system for tracking faction relationships, allowing players to see how their actions affect the balance of power in Eversink. This system adds depth and complexity to the game, encouraging players to think strategically about their choices and their interactions with the city’s various factions.
Resources
Swords of the Serpentine offers a wealth of resources for players and game masters alike. One of the most notable resources is the “Swords of the Serpentine Hero Generator,” a web-based tool created by Matthew Breen. This generator allows players to create characters from scratch or randomly generate starting templates for inspiration. The generator is a valuable tool for both new and experienced players, providing a quick and easy way to create compelling characters. Beyond the Hero Generator, Swords of the Serpentine also includes a number of other resources, such as pre-made heroes, a quickstart guide, and a character sheet. These resources are readily available on Pelgrane Press’s website, making it easy for players to access the information they need to get started with the game. The availability of these resources reflects the dedication of the game’s creators to providing players with a comprehensive and enjoyable gaming experience.
Reviews
Swords of the Serpentine has garnered positive reviews from both critics and players. Reviewers have praised the game’s unique setting, its focus on high-action roleplaying and investigation, and its adaptation of the GUMSHOE investigative roleplaying system. The game’s cinematic combat system has been particularly well-received, with reviewers noting its ability to create exciting and memorable battles. Many reviewers have also praised the game’s social combat system, which allows players to defeat opponents through wit, guile, and threats. Overall, the reviews of Swords of the Serpentine suggest that it is a well-designed and enjoyable game that offers a unique and engaging gaming experience. The game’s positive reception is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its creators.
Swords of the Serpentine is a unique and exciting game that blends the best elements of sword-and-sorcery and investigative roleplaying. With its vibrant setting, engaging gameplay, and focus on character-driven storytelling, the game offers a fresh and compelling experience that is sure to appeal to both experienced and new roleplayers. The game’s GUMSHOE system ensures that players will always have leads to follow, while its cinematic combat and social combat systems provide exciting opportunities for players to engage in thrilling and dynamic encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, Swords of the Serpentine is a must-have for any fan of fantasy roleplaying. So grab your sword, prepare your spells, and prepare to dive into the dangerous and intriguing world of Eversink.