Conspiracy of Shadows
Where role-playing and board games meet
What is Conspiracy of Shadows?
Conspiracy of Shadows is a series of games that merge the structure of board games with the story generation of role-playing games. Set in a fictional world analogous to our own 13th century, each game in the series explores a different theme.
The games create complex results from some very simple mechanics. Each player gets a turn to drive the story pushing towards a conclusion, and in the process a story formed and a physical artifact of play is created.
Conspiracy of Shadows: Apprentice is the first in a series of planned games that is centered around the conflict between the Master and his Apprentice. Strongly influenced by Norse mythology, the game pits these two forces against each other, driving towards a final confrontation. The system is designed to build a narrative over time and leverages Futhark Rune stones to resolve conflicts.
What's in the Hopper
Currently I am working on the next game in the series as well as an updated base set of mechanics. The base mechanics, titled Conspiracy of Shadows will be released free online with a digest print option for sale. In this I am drawing my inspiration from the classic Dungeon & Dragons boxed set. As of right now this will include four short books (16 to 32 pages), The Rules, The Tapestry, Duels, & Magic & Monsters.
The next actual game in the series is called Conspiracy of Shadows: The Heir. The game will center on a conspiracy to replace the Duque Primero of the Empire. Players will pick a side in the conflict and see what happens. There will be three short books and a map used to play the game.
Make Your Own Kit
The Conspiracy of Shadows series of games utilize some semi-custom components to play. If you were a part of the Apprentice Kickstarter you had the opportunity to get your hands on some custom made rune stones. If not, you can source some from several locations around the internet or download the label sheet below and print as many sets as you would like.
This template uses the Avery label number 5293 as it's template. You can order a huge number of them from Avery direct or just run to your local office supply store. I find the labels work really well on poker chips.
Download The KitTell Me More
One of the driving factors for Conspiracy of Shadows is my desire to create things that interest me. To that end I am always experimenting and working on something new. Sometimes it is art, sometimes it is the fictitious history of the setting, and sometimes it is a new game. Below are links to the places where I share those things.
Whom to Blame
The list of people who I have to thank over the years is really, really long. Here is a short list of people I need to thank regarding this project for a myriad of reasons. If I missed anyone, I apologize.
Juan Brachich III, Luke Crane, Paul Czege, Drozdal, Ron Edwards, Neil Goodrich, Kevin Herbon, Timothy Kleinert, The Handsome Tim Koppang, Pat Loboyko, Ralph Mazza, Matt McElroy, Jim Milak, Alexander Newman, Joshua A.C. Newman, Jacob Norwood, Thor Olavsrud, Nathan Paoletta, George Pontikis, Oscar Rodriguez, Jennifer Senkowski, Ellie Senkowski, Rich Senkowski, Mary Senkowski, Neil Senkowski, Linda Senkowski, Joan Sladaritz, Moe Sladaritz, Pete Sideris, Mark Stasiorowski, Matt Synder, Brennan Taylor, Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Monica Valentinelli, Phil Wedel, Matt Wilson.