Nightbringer

NO AI WAS USED IN ANY OF THE WRITING OR ART OF THIS ZINE. IT IS 100% HUMAN MADE!

Are you ready for wizard combat as you’ve never seen it before?

Nightbringer is an all-wizard TTRPG/Zine where we focus on the fact that wizards are squishy and vulnerable and the amount of strategy that it takes to stay alive in a battlefield of magic.

This zine is brutal, (it's called dark fantasy for a reason) but to complement that we have an incredibly fast character creation system so you should be back on your feet in no time!

We take pride in Nightbringer being: rules light, easy to learn, and fast paced while still keeping an immense amount of strategy.

Mechanics

Our system contains these (and more) unique mechanics! 

Feature #1: Dice!

Dice are what ttrpgs are all about, so they are very important. We chose a 3d4 system for our game to elevate the probability curve while still allowing for unexpected outcomes (plus if there's another satanic panic and people try to shut down TTRPGs/Zines you can use them as caltrops to defend yourself).

Feature #2: A new initiative system.

In Nightbringer we handle initiative in a unique way with our cycle system. Using the cycle system, a wizard’s place in initiative is determined by how powerful of a spell they are planning on casting. The later you go, the more potential there is, but the greater the chance of your concentration being broken.

Feature #3: Tethering

Tethering is a unique mechanic that measures how connected you are to the physical world. You start in the middle and can move left and right for buffs and debuffs, but reaching either side can lead to drastic consequences!

Feature #4: Arcana

Arcana is a new skill set designed to be used both inside and outside of combat. Make rolls with your occultism, might, awareness, and cunning to determine outcomes in-game.

Lore and setting

The realm of Eldranthar is mired with divine conflict, arcane dominance, and an unending battle against darkness. Eons ago, reality was shaken by a war between gods and the Nightbringer, a god whose ambition has no equal. The gods triumphed, but at great loss, sealing the Nightbringer within Eldranthar’s core. Bound within the planet, he slumbers, creating earthquakes and dark rifts.

Ten mortals were chosen by the gods to ensure the seals remained intact. These Councilors are the apex of their generations, wielding immense power. Some fear the cults that worship the Nightbringer are growing, but only time may reveal the course the realm may take.

Reviews

"Nightbringer has some fun ideas on how to make arcane combat distinct, quick, and risky. How fast you cast your spell limits its potency—a toothy trade-off—and your mage is constantly caught in a tug-of-war between the extremes of exploding from magic overload or losing their magic to the demands of reality. I'll be interested to see where Hartly takes this design!" - Fred Hicks, President of Evil Hat Productions

"A clever, focused game of sorcerous combat." - Lyme, Creator of Dawn of the Orcs

"Nightbringer introduces an innovative d4-based system that revitalizes tabletop role-playing mechanics. Its streamlined rules facilitate quick learning and foster dynamic gameplay, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned players. The focus on highly customized magical combat makes playing this system a true delight. Overall, Nightbringer delivers an engaging and imaginative experience for fans of wizard-centric adventures." - Leroy, Lead Game Dev at Let's Roll Press

"Nightbringer is a phenomenal take on an all-magic, all-wizards, all-the-time TTRPG. The rule difficulty is low to moderate so it's a very accessible TTRPG for new players, while still offering plenty of exciting, explorable mechanics for those that want to delve deep into the game." - Skyler, Host of Session Zero Heroes

About the author

Hartly LLosa is a young autistic game dev based in Washington DC. He has been in the TTRPGs/Zines space for 7+ years and has been working on Nightbringer for the majority of the past year.