Ink Blade Publishing
Ink Blade Publishing
Is a "mostly" solo part time project (I say part time, it's most of my time at this point!) to create a dark fantasy RPG system full of horror and sickness. The overall theme of Gothica is the survival of a fictional humanity, with an extensive storyline which will allow players to jump in to games throughout the history of the world. From the introduction of the first plagues, to the calamity and destruction of the known civilisations.
Features of Gothica
Some of the major features I am attempting to achieve through the development of this game are:
- A World of Mutations and Diseases.
One of the 'beautiful' things about Gothica's mutation system, is that it allows players to genetically craft their characters. Players may choose multiple traits to customise their ultimate being from bloodline and mutation traits. Although mutations are very rarely chosen, unfortunately those will be left in the hands of fate... or dice. (Don't worry, not ALL mutations are bad!)
- Beginner Friendly, Veteran Intriguing
Following a simple 5e compatible structure allows for players to swiftly transition to a Gothica playstyle. Additions and some minor changes are made to the original 5e system, however, the basic gameplay mechanics will be very familiar!
- GM Creature Plague Tools
Possibly my favourite feature of Gothica is the ability to give any monster the "plagued creature" trait. Infecting your monster with one of the many plagues available in Gothica will allow your creature access to entirely new actions (while keeping their original actions). This feature will allow GM's to pull out surprises at any level, new players finding it too easy, throw in a CR2 plagued creature with additional attacks and effects to scare them! Your veteran group has already learned every creatures move sets and can predict their next turn? Well not anymore with the meta-gaming buster of plagued creature actions that can appear at any time!
- New Classes, Sub-Classes and Class Branches
A range of new dark fantasy inspired sub-classes will be available, each with their very own branch path. Each sub-class will have a further sub division that will distinguish your character into a unique individual. The branching paths will not only alter your abilities but also your playstyle, perhaps your Plague Knight (fighter) has decided to surrender to the power of the plagues, becoming a Plague Dreadknight. Or perhaps they stay true to their cause and become a humanity's defender as a Plague Champion.
Small Team
The team behind Gothica is currently very small, including myself (Elliott!) two freelance artists (Rio and Chris) and a handful of friends to playtest new mechanics and games. I have personally loved working and playing with this small group, and I hope we can someday become a fully functional publishing team. One downside to a smaller team is the lengthy process of development. With that in mind, community assistance is most certainly welcome, please feel free to interact with me and the development through any social media linked.
The Gothica Series
The Gothica series will expand into multiple editions. The aim is to build a dark fantasy world that set in multiple time periods, featuring different levels of technology and magics. At the heart of Gothica will be the Plagueworlds guide.
Gothica: Plagueworlds - Death, Disease and Decay! (Under Development)
A goal in mind during development is to have each edition collaborate with each other. This will allow players to mix and match genres and let them create a truly unique world of their own.
