How To Make A Shadowdark RPG Character

Follow along and make your own 1st-level Shadowdark RPG character!
🦇 The Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter is LIVE and FULLY funded! Jump in on the wild ride and pledge here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
You can download the free Shadowdark RPG Quickstart Set (with a form-fillable character sheet included) here: www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...

[@luther_pendragon]

I have played DnD since 1981. I am very proud of you for what you created here. It shows both respect for the past and courage to innovate and improve. You are one of my new heroes in a world where we have to escape to DnD to have heroes.

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

I really appreciate this! Respect and reverence for the past were a huge part of it, and I'm so glad that comes through (even though I also "modernized" stuff quite a bit with different systems and math)!

[@adrenalin7716]

I couldn't have said it better

[@risusrules]

I prefer random down the line for Stats and this character is why. I immediately thought of a "disadvantaged" former solder who was disabled in a war. Having recouped, as best he will, he would of been a Chaotic Wizard for me, put off by the inabilities of the Priests to heal him, and is now searching for the power to reverse time to change the past, or maybe revenge, or maybe regrowth, or maybe.... yeah, wouldn't have had all these thoughts with a bog standard type with average+ stats.

[@Metal_Horror]

Awesome take. I'll remember this.

[@theflyinggoat4503]

It would be great to see more "How To" videos, specifically things like building encounters using not only the monsters in the tomb but creating monsters with the monster generator and make it weird tables.

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Good call! That's the next set of videos I want to make! :)

[@seanhillman1016]

Comes with a form-fillable? That's fantastic.

[@simmonslucas]

It is crazy that a ff pdf isn't standard for all TTRPGs!

[@bensdecoypoondummy1189]

@Drunkard Farnham honestly they are a pain to make. Unless I'm just an idiot or missing something incredibly obvious, there doesn't seem to be a good way to make form fillable pdfs easily without paying for Adobe. I've tried free applications but none of them are simple

[@FlintFireforge]

I love that you brought titles back. I loved the titles of 1e and 2e, so much flavor.

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

11:03 This is why I love randomly generating characters. When making a character on a whim, one often goes with their gut: tropes, favorite characters, etc. When you randomly generate, however, you get fascinating results like a weakling wizard who was once soldier. Just as interesting could be a fighter who was once a wizard's apprentice! This sort of inspiration can create fantastic characters. Some people see this sort of thing as a limit to their creativity, but it's really a vessel for it. The character isn't made by the randomness, it's interpreted from them, and that's fantastic.

[@DM_DooM]

I have ran Shadowdark a couple times now, It is so utterly refreshing to play. Most of us long time DM's have been homebrewing a Frankenstein version of 5E and BX for a while, To finally have it codified in an official looking book is a God send!

[@august3777]

I’ll be backing the project next week. I NEED to have the zines and mini adventures not just the core rule book. But congrats on the kicker starter so far. It’s blowing up.

[@xxjj4082]

I also started playing DnD 1981/82. "I am very proud of you for what you created here. It shows both respect for the past and courage to innovate and improve" -this is an ABSOLUTE TRUE!! As soon as I read bout this game, I was in. THANK YOU!!!

[@guzimirHR]

Glad to se the ball rolling on Shadowdark- wish all the best to the project and here's hoping that everyone enjoys playing it. It seems you have done exceptional and wonderful job- congratulations! 🌹

[@JasonFuhrman]

Please, please, PLEASE make a Foundry module for one of the upcoming stretch goals. Congrats on the huge success!

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Thank you so much, Jason! :) Foundry is a big one, we're working on support for it!

[@corneelvandriel1286]

I don’t tend to comment on videos but I’ve been playing since 1996 and I love what you made. I can’t wait to get my limited edition book! I’m really excited for this, you’re on to something big!

[@duggygee6387]

Thank you for demonstrating how to make a PC. It was simple, fast, and intuitive. Love it!

[@estebanrodriguez5409]

After years of seeing the horrors of war, old Nat decided to follow a more safe carrer, dungeon delving. We are going to follow his progress with interest.

[@nosotrosloslobosestamosreg4115]

"After years of seeing the horrors of being a husband in current, old Nat decided to follow a more safe carrer, dungeon delving. We are going to follow his progress with interest." fixed for you.

[@Fhoulghoul]

Backed the Kickstarter yesterday! I gotta say I really appreciate how professional and well-thought out this game is. The synthesis of 5e style approach to intuitive rules with the setting/art/gameplay of OSR is really genius. Post-OGL drama my game group is really diving into these styles of games. We are currently running Shadow of the Demon Lord and then have a small Knives in the Dark game and now we have Shadowdark queued up after that!

[@phaedruslive]

As an OSR guy, some of the rules will have to be adjusted, like giving people +2 to their primary stat from talents is insane to me as a b/x guy. But if you tone down some of the bonuses and institute max hp limits (2xhd+totalcon+maxlevel) You end up with something that still has teeth and will kill characters quite easily. That said, the game is pretty good overall and I don't want to seem like I'm being super critical, but there are no super heroes at my table.

[@hadeseye2297]

Try original Warhammer Fantasy Role Play. It will need only few minor fixes - like naked dwarf syndrome - but you won't regret it. No classes, just professions. Peasant, baker, city guard, rat catcher, mercenary, exile, pick pocketer. It's totally different way of playing. And Warhammer world is a re-imagining of renaissance Europa. That sheyt is strong.

[@Judahdekerioth]

I love this, I would love to see all your modules merged into a long campaign suited for Shadowdark. I still run Masque of the Worms here and there and everyone loves it

[@PMandrekar]

As you roll the stats, this (old) 1980's D&D player can see the "hopeless characters" image from Gamma World, and can hear the "Here or lower, you can only be..." text from AD&D character builds.

[@TobiasPatrick]

Flawed characters are sometimes the most fun. Looking forward to playing your new system. 😀

[@itzybitzyspyder]

Just backed this. I saw some folks playing on KZbin then saw this video pop up. This is my kind of old school game. Can't wait to break it!

[@dizzyizzylizzie]

My husband is a veteran DnD player. I joined in at 5e 😅. When he showed the campaign for this, I was a bit nervous since I'm so used to the easy mode that is 5e. But after seeing how to build a character and your enthusiasm for your project, I think this will be a lot of fun!

[@morgandellamore5024]

Great walk-through on character creation. Shadowdark is amazing. I absolutely adore the simplicity and speed of play. Looking forward to finished product. Congrats on the Kickstarter success, Kelsey!

[@jcraigwilliams70]

I really like what I have seen so far. The only little nitpick for me personally is alignment, because I never felt that being Lawful automatically made you good (Demonic Pacts) or that breaking laws made you automatically evil (Robin Hood). So when there are only the 3 choices, I find that about 90% of the population should be neutral, with Lawful and Chaotic representing extremes My only issue aside from that minor quibble is preferring "skill" checks to roll under the attribute, because that provides a little more differentiation between characters, but I can live with it either way. I don't have a group anymore since I moved, so I'll sadly be playing solo but I'm definitely picking it up.

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

I agree with you on alignment, it's a bit more complex than I went into in the video! I ultimately left it a bit open to interpretation if GMs want to do so, depending on how cosmic they want to go.

[@JR-kw6sd]

I've never really thought about a roll under attribute mechanic for skill checks in D&D but it sounds simple and intuitive, which seems like a good fit for Shadowdark. Although, I imagine it just adds complication to have one set of checks (ability) roll low while other checks (atk, damage, etc.) roll high. But, I really like the simplicity of it. I guess the only thing you lose is a DM's ability to determine difficulty by setting a subjective DC? Though, you gain some of that back in Shadowdark just by the decision to call for a check or not.

[@jcraigwilliams70]

@JR-kw6sd well, the DM/GM can always use modifiers to the roll if they think the skill is in question would be particularly easy or difficult. I haven't played D&D since the BECMI days but I never understood people having difficulty with some things rolling high and others rolling low. It's not complicated in my view.

[@Rick-tt5hi]

This looks fantastic!! Great job. I backed on kickstarter and can't wait to get the rules in my hands!!

[@edwardmemwah1610]

Subscribed. Congrats on the Kickstarter!

[@fchrisb804]

This is great! Thanks for walking us through creating a character! I can point new players to this to create their character!

[@dadandjackplay]

Thanks for the walk-thru! Can't wait to get my hands on the book.

[@mitchellsink2584]

I was looking over the quick start rules last night. This game is amazing. You did a wonderful job.

[@gmstoryteller7393]

Shadowdark is by far my most loved rpg. Nostalgic but also fresh.

[@kevinsolie2208]

Grats on the kickstarter. I'm excited for you and the community.

[@redd_Jack]

This is a hell of a rollout. Congratulations on the amazing launch

[@mateofantasma]

Backed this project and happy to see it going strong!

[@GrinningAries]

Checked out the free quickstart guide just last night and this has some of the more elegant character rules I've seen, definitely on my wishlist.

[@shaunhall960]

I think we've entered a renaissance is table top gaming. ❤

[@davidnorthcutt]

Really nice, clear walk-through that can be sent right to the players before a session. I wish more games put out such good character creation instructions.

[@barbarian_bunny]

Just backed the project and looking forward to getting this in my grubby paws! This looks great!

[@mikec6111]

Been looking for a while, just backed it tonight. Looking forward to it!

[@mattturner9875]

Happily Backed the Kickstarter and looking forward to it!

[@BolofromAvlis]

I never thought I'd be checking out a 5E adjacent system again, but this looks really simple and elegant. The best of some of my favorite old school systems and the new. Love it! Checking out the quick start rules now. And backed as well.

[@HouseDM]

Excellent walkthrough Kelsey! You’ll be at 1 million in no time 🎉

[@agilemonk6305]

Great job, Kelsey, and team. 😊

[@pez5767]

Just backed the Kickstarter. I've been writing my own rule set; however, Shadowdark looks very similar to what I've been working on, so I'll put my system on hold for now. Thank you for saving me the work! Very excited to start using this system at the table. Congratulations!

[@johnbyrne4256]

Shadowdark really snuck up on me. But I am so glad that it did! Congrats on the awesome response on Kickstarter! I'm looking forward to getting my copy soon!

[@johnharrison2086]

I really like how character creation shapes who your character will be. I have backed this and am looking forward to playing Shadowdark

[@simmonslucas]

Congrats on your super successful kickstarter

[@slusc30]

I've backed this project on Kickstarter. The appeal for me was the simplicity of the system and how it combines the OSR sensibilities with the new school quality of life improvements. Congratulations on your success!

[@TheSlappicus]

Backed the project. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@ordinarydm3676]

Love how well the effectively rules invoke and support the theme of the game itself. Really looking forward to running games with this system!

[@gstaff1234]

Backed your product and SO EXCITED to hear directly from you and your intents

[@jameszawislak436]

Woooo! Glad to see this video!

[@tonybanana6118]

Amazing! I played DD for 40 years. This is the perfect combo of "old school" play and modern concepts. I already ordered my copy in Kickstarter.

[@GothridgeManor]

I've recently discovered you and the Arcane Library through your Kickstarter. I'm catching up with your content. I'm headed over to back your Kickstarter. Well done.

[@ceranko]

Just heard about shadowdark! Looks awesome! I love your products and ideas! So glad your a creator!

[@zwoq6779]

Backed the project as soon as I heard it was by Arcane Library. Your work is great. Can't wait to play.

[@twentysides]

Awesome video. As someone who loved old basic and played 2e through 4e (before life got in the way), I love what I've seen of this game. This whole project exudes a strong love for different editions of the game and the more recent attempts to recreate or reconceptualize what those older versions did. I just late-backed the book and I can't wait to find an opportunity to play this.

[@radusing8410]

Backed yesterday. Looking forward to playing. I have a ton of friends who want to break in to the TTRPG world and I believe this is a great place for them to start.

[@jooke86]

Nice work, Kelsey!

[@Khaldryn]

Can't wait to order my Shadowdark Complete Print and PDF on payday! Looks awesome! Great work. Heard about it over on Dungeoncraft and Questing Beast.

[@spaceflows]

Backed this! This is the perfect game to introduce my daughter to fantasy RPGs. Can't wait for our Premium Complete Shadow Dark this summer!

[@Mankcam]

Great simple characcter sheet, I love it! I would love to see another form-fillable version of it with 'tattered scroll" aesthetic (similar to the old 'Fighting Fantasy' character sheets) Shadowdark looks absolutely great, just how I want to play D&D. Instantly backed !!!

[@stevefugatt7075]

I've read/heard much about this system and it has all been good. 😊 I wish you much good luck in this project.

[@PossumMedic]

Great vid thanks! Makes it a lot easier to get into an RPG when they have character creation vids! 😃🙌‍

[@jasonlasica7651]

Not sure how I missed this went live a few days ago, though been busy, but just backed this! When I first started DMing 5e as someone who was also a brand new player 3 years ago, your modules were a fantastic learning material before I jumped into a campaign, and I'm pleased as punch to be able to support this effort and eager to run this with my players in the near future! This looks great!

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Thank you so much, Jason! :) I really appreciate you coming along from 5E over into Shadowdark -- lots to love in both!

[@ContrastIT]

Thanks for this! This is definitely doing to be useful for all my new players to watch before a session zero!!!!

[@Toddalotapodamus]

LIKED AND SUBBED! Keep up the excellent work! I'm very excited about this book.

[@nemooh]

Cant get enough of this game. Keep going, young lady!

[@couchchannel]

I ❤ the clean and minimalistic character sheet 🤓

[@bensdecoypoondummy1189]

Backing tomorrow. The more I look into it the happier I get... it's like all the best parts of OSE and DCC mixed with the ideas of keeping it simple like Knave and a splash some modern mechanics.. but staying true to the core identity of OS play with your own flare. Congrats!

[@jllav8214]

Great idea to make this video. "How do I make my character" is like the #1 thing asked by players when entering a new system.

[@OnlineSarcasmFails]

One thing I felt was missing from other systems I was trying to learn that I would be super thankful for is if you as the creator ran an example session using the system. So you show us: 1 combat scenario 1 social / skill-based scenario 1 dungeon exploration scenario 1 overland exploration scenario 1 downtime scenario

[@najowhit]

I think she's planning on doing that, if the calendar on Kickstarter is anything to go off of.

[@Metal_Horror]

She has at least one entire one-shot on KZbin. Her wife even plays in it.

[@michaelkeith7991]

Man this takes me back to the basic and expert box sets gygax era. Very cool

[@BradDaeda]

Nice video! Easy peasy character creation!

[@jacoblindberg8915]

Backed just a few hours ago. Been plaiyng 5e for a few years now and have added more and more osr-style house rules over time. Since alot of how we already play right now is in Shadowdark, this feels like the right next step!

[@bensdecoypoondummy1189]

Very excited for this

[@MarkCMG]

Thanks for the video! Nifty process!

[@argoknot6006]

When you rolled the stats, the first thing that came to mind was Rastlin (sp?) from the Dragon Lance books! Looking forward to playing this with my kids!

[@edwardromero3580]

I was fortunate enough to read the beta version of Shadowdark. It's really solid. The rules are a lot like my own home brew, with WAY better charts and art, so of course, I dig it. I just backed the official Kickstarter, because I'm a sucker for indie rpgs. Congrats and Cheers!

[@samuelteare8160]

Looking forward to getting the physical book in my hands, but I really appreciate the quickstart.

[@ShannonFerguson]

Just started making Shadowdark characters with my high school RPG club.

[@Dungeoncraft01..]

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ Thank you👍 for watching and leaving a comment, Kindly message the TELEGRAM to acknowledge your Prize. 🏆

[@michaelwest4325]

Being informed from several other channels, not being or ever playing 5e, I think you did what WotC should have built and deserve great success! As Runehammer said, yours will be the new game! Thimbs up!

[@ogre3202]

I love it! I made the Shadowdark RPG Quickstart Set download, and i intent to play with my friends this weekend! Very dark, very dangerous, and deadly. And the best no dark vision. ;) Soon i will aquire the full main books. Congratulations and thanks for your great job!!!

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Thank you so much for giving it a read! Very glad you like what you see. :)

[@jasonhudson7697]

Just backed the project. It's blowing up!!

[@robnecronomicon1570]

I really like the blend between nu and old school.

[@mrgunn2726]

Hi Ms. Kelsey, I signed up for the Kickstarter on Day 1, looking forward to this awesome product!

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Thank you so much for backing it! :D

[@nosotrosloslobosestamosreg4115]

I love the wholsome creativity that D&D 0e Core Rules has sparked during these decades. My nephews and nieces, ranging from 12 to 17, are now full OSR and left the D&D5e dumpfire.

[@LyreRPGMusic]

Great - love how fast and easy character creation is! Can't wait for the other videos - especially the DMing one! One suggestion though: Could you upload these videos with a higher resolution? I can only go up to 720p and that makes it quite hard to read the text (especially of the rulebook). Thank you so much :)

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Fudge, I thought I did! So sorry! I’ll check into that more closely next time!

[@LyreRPGMusic]

@@TheArcaneLibrary No worries :D Has happenend to me multiple times :D

[@wyrmfeast]

Cannot wait to stream a campaign in this system. So cool, simple, elegant, and deliciously themed.

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Thank you so much! :) I'd love to see you stream a game for it!

[@crunchydragontreats6692]

I’ve been gathering information for a West Marches style game at my local gaming shop. This looks like it will fit well as a system for those adventures. Grab your ketchup and crunch away my friends.

[@TheClassicalSauce]

Natais was a foot soldier in the military. Always quick and clever, he excelled in training, only to be mangled by a chariot wheel in his first battle, permanently disabling him. Living on the street as a beggar, he stopped a thief from stealing the carriage of a group of men by his quick wit. Unbeknownst to Natias, the carriage was owned by a powerful arch mage, who upon meeting natias was impressed with his resourcefulness. As a reward, he took the young man under his wing, sheltering him and teaching him the basics of magic.

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

BRILLIANT. 😎

[@Dantrag01]

Can't wait for the full rules now that your Kickstarter has racked up it's win in record time!

[@BrianTheBeardedNerd]

This is awesome!!!

[@Heritage367]

I'm imagining this Wizard was almost crippled back when he was a soldier, and therefore abandoned all armor and weapons as he started over as a spellcaster.

[@Emanemoston]

Thanks for the video.

[@pauldimitrievich9726]

Yay, Team Nattias! Love your work Kelsey (Arcane Library)

[@nschoenwald]

10:16 "we have our hit points" more like hit point singular 😅

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Hahahahaaa so true!! 😂

[@timhaldane7588]

🎶 That's why I'm always the first to die 🎶

[@NolanKellar]

Amazing!!

[@christophseel8757]

Reading through the D&D5e rulebooks always felt overwhelming to me. Reading through the Shadowdark Quickstart felt like Zen Meditation 😌 It was this kind of accessibility that I always expected from a million dollar company! Thank you so much Kelsey! 👍🏻

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Aw shucks! This is high praise, thank you! :)

[@sleepinggiant4062]

5th edition is not geared towards beginners. Beginners should start with the Starter Set, or the basic rules.

[@WolfHreda]

So, I love making characters in D&D, and I thought I wouldn't like Shadowdark quite so much because of how simplified the process is. But I've rolled up four of them now, and I can't wait for every single one to die a grisly, ignominious death. Maybe my favorite is Glursnar, the Half-Orc Thief with a whopping 1 HP. He's going places, I can tell. 🤣

[@VosperCDN]

After watching those stat rolls, Nattias definitely has the crippled soldier now wizard feel.

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

This is why I stand so strongly behind random character generation! At first it can be kind of scary, but it ends up making these fascinating characters that are so fun to run with. :)

[@markhill3858]

hey .. I just wanted to say .. its truly inspiring to see someone who had devoted thier ENTIRE LIFE to an obscure flavour of TTRPGs to get so rewarded in real practical terms :) Congratulations! And id add "may all your rolls be 20s" .. but ofc, sometimes one is attempting to roll low :) So Ill try "Excelsior!" instead :)

[@TheArcaneLibrary]

Thank you, Mark! Hahahaha, my hope is I can help it be just a bit less obscure, one person at a time! :)

[@markhill3858]

@@TheArcaneLibrary I think its fair to say at this point youve "made it" :) everyone who is even OSR adjacent will remember your name for all time like Achilles .. well ok maybe like Gygax lol

[@guzimirHR]

I know it's a little while to your AMA but I just wanted to tell you that I believe in your vision, I believe in your DMing (I might try to envisage my game around a bit different principles, but I really, really like your vision, anda superb effort you have put into governing the game) ... looking forward to the AMA, but might I be a bit creepy? I respect your vision, your expirience and your GMing and might say I do not like the way this is shaping up, but I trust her to get it done. So, yes- I'm confident you'll knock it out off the park.