Forbidden Lands! A Sandbox RPG Where You Forge Your Destiny (and Probably Die Trying)

Prepare yourselves, intrepid adventurers! Today, we delve into the dark and dangerous world of Forbidden Lands, a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) unlike any other. Forget pre-determined storylines and railroaded quests; in Forbidden Lands, you’re not just playing a hero – you’re shaping a legend amidst crumbling ruins and monstrous threats.

Forbidden Lands is the brainchild of Free League Publishing, renowned for their immersive and narrative-driven games like Mutant: Year Zero and Tales from the Loop. But this time, they’ve cranked the grimdark dial to eleven, crafting an unforgiving world where survival is a daily struggle and every decision carries weight.

Unleashing the Blight:

Imagine a once-great kingdom shattered by a cataclysmic event known as the “Blight.” Ancient magic warped the land, spawning monstrous creatures and corrupting even the bravest hearts. The sun shines less brightly, casting long shadows across desolate landscapes riddled with the ruins of fallen cities. This is the setting for Forbidden Lands – a world on the brink of collapse, begging for heroes to rise from the ashes.

Building Your Legacy:

Forbidden Lands ditches the traditional Dungeon Master (DM) approach. Instead, players collaboratively weave their own destinies through a combination of character creation and shared storytelling. Each player crafts their unique hero, choosing a background, skills, and motivations.

Beyond these mechanical aspects, Forbidden Lands encourages deep character development. Your hero’s past experiences, traumas, and ambitions influence their choices and interactions within the world. Will you seek revenge against those who wronged you? Will you strive to rebuild civilization or succumb to the allure of power? The choice is yours – and the consequences are real.

Crafting a Chronicle:

Forbidden Lands utilizes a unique “Chronicle” system to track your party’s progress and shape their legend. Think of it as a living history book detailing your exploits, triumphs, and tragedies. As you overcome challenges and face formidable foes, your chronicle grows, reflecting the ever-changing tapestry of your story.

This system allows for dynamic storytelling. The game encourages improvisation and unexpected twists, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike.

Facing the Shadows:

But be warned – Forbidden Lands is not for the faint of heart. It’s a brutal world where death lurks around every corner. Encounters with monstrous creatures, treacherous environments, and ruthless bandits can quickly turn deadly. The game utilizes a dice-pool system where success depends on rolling a certain number of sixes.

But unlike other systems, failure doesn’t mean instant defeat. Instead, it often leads to complications and setbacks, forcing you to adapt and think creatively. This creates a sense of tension and urgency, pushing players to their limits while rewarding clever tactics and strategic planning.

Beyond the Game:

Forbidden Lands isn’t just a tabletop RPG – it’s a vibrant community. Free League Publishing actively supports the game with supplemental materials, adventures, and online resources.

The passionate fanbase creates their own content, sharing custom scenarios, lore expansions, and even 3D printable miniatures. This collaborative spirit ensures that Forbidden Lands remains fresh and exciting for years to come.

Ready to Embark on a Heroic Journey?

Forbidden Lands is an exceptional choice for players seeking a truly immersive and challenging RPG experience. Its sandbox nature encourages player agency and fosters a sense of shared storytelling, while its brutal world and unforgiving combat system deliver adrenaline-pumping excitement. So gather your companions, sharpen your blades, and prepare to forge your legend in the dark and dangerous lands that await.

Just remember – death is but a stepping stone on the path to greatness (or at least a hilarious anecdote for future campaigns).