A TTRPG ABOUT REVENGE & THE SECRET WAR TO CLAIM IT

This page is for the PDF Quickstart rules. An expanded playtest is forthcoming.

Bellum Arcana is a TTRPG about fighting and embracing combat as a narrative storytelling device instead of an obligation. Every combat is a conversation; both between players and Director, as well as between the characters and the world they inhabit.

It’s a game about being on that last job, being forced out of retirement for the sake of revenge, being the meanest bastard in the room and knowing that you’re only one walking out. This isn’t a game about found family or the joys of friendship. This is a game about fundamentally broken people fighting because it’s the only option available to them (or at least they might think so). It's also a game about replicating the fast-paced, strategic combat that you see unfold between skilled martial artists through card and conversation. It’s about the inherent joy that can be found in the rhythm of collaboratively designing the coolest damn fight scene possible.

In summary: Talk shit, get hit.

Just, y’know, collaboratively.

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This Quickstart includes everything you and your table require to try out this  tarot-powered diceless ttrpg, including:

• The Core Rules
• Four pre-built characters 
• The First Chapter of a Pre-Written Breakdown (Scenario)
• Assets for Online Play

As listed, and in the interest of making this game as accessible as possible to online play,  a resource for online play is included with the game. Please check the readme file for further information.

Absolutely no generative AI was utilized at any level of this project. All art within is adapted and modified from public domain works. My intent is to eventually use funds raised from this project to commission a multitude or artists to further elevate the full version, and so your support will have a material effect on the final product.

Finally, as this project is still in development, I greatly appreciate any input or insight that reads and players might have. Please don't be afraid to  share your experience, as I guarantee that I'm excited to hear about it!

Now go take the fight to them, as only you can.