Sleepy Hollow: A Tabletop Roleplaying Game of Early 19th Century Folk Horror

Year Zero Engine RPG by Kids in the Attic

Wilkum: Dear Travelers

It is the early 19th Century in the new country of The United States of America, and the Village of Sleepy Hollow is shrouded in mystery and superstition. Twenty years have passed since the fateful night when Ichabod Crane vanished, leaving only whispers of the Headless Horseman and other sinister forces lurking in the shadows. But the darkness never truly left Sleepy Hollow…

Sleepy Hollow delves into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the village of Sleepy Hollow and surrounding area in 1810, where the boundary between the Natural and the Supernatural is thin. The small, isolated village is steeped in traditions, haunted by tales of spectral riders, witches, and dark pacts made in the Dead of Night. The residents are deeply superstitious, their lives intertwined with the land, the ancient woods, and the unseen forces that dwell within.

In a game of Sleepy Hollow, the Players take on the roles of Characters navigating this world, uncovering the mysteries that have plagued the village for generations. They will encounter haunted woods, cursed artifacts, and malevolent spirits, each with their own stories to tell. As they investigate, they must make difficult choices, balancing their survival with the need to protect Sleepy Hollow and its residents from the ever-encroaching darkness, and possibly themselves.

The Sleepy Hollow core rulebook is a complete and immersive folk horror role-playing game, fully equipped to transport players to the eerie world of 19th-century Sleepy Hollow. Utilizing the Year Zero Engine from Free League Publishing, this system is known for its intuitive mechanics and narrative-driven approach, allowing for a seamless and engaging gameplay experience. The game offers a rich blend of history, folklore, and horror, meticulously crafted to provide both depth and flexibility.

What’s Inside Sleepy Hollow?

Sleepy Hollow is a complete RPG experience, meticulously crafted with everything you need to immerse yourself in its chilling world. The corebook includes:

• Introduction Sets the stage for your adventures, introducing the themes and atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow.
• Basic Rules Provides the foundational mechanics of the D6-based dice pool version of the Year Zero Engine, ensuring a smooth and engaging gameplay experience.
• Character Creation Guides you through building characters with rich backgrounds and unique traits, using thematic archetypes.
• Archetypes Details various roles such as the Wandering Minstrel, Hunter, and Village Youth, each with distinct abilities and stories.
• Skills & Talents Outlines the skills and special talents your characters can develop, enhancing their capabilities in the dark world of Sleepy Hollow.
• Gear & Weapons Describes the essential equipment, from everyday tools to food and lodging, that your characters will need to navigate their eerie encounters.
• Conflict, Injury, & Combat Covers the mechanics for handling combat, injuries, and other conflicts that arise during gameplay.
• The Village Explore the haunted village, its landmarks, notable residents, and hidden secrets, providing a rich context for your adventures.
• Travel & Wilderness Offers rules and guidance for traveling outside the village, including camping, hunting, and fishing in the treacherous wilderness.
• Threats & Encounters Details the various creatures and adversaries that lurk in Sleepy Hollow, from supernatural horrors to mundane threats.
• Starting Scenario Includes a ready-to-play adventure to kickstart your campaign, featuring a cult’s sinister plans during the Headless Horsemen festival.

Sleepy Hollow: A Tabletop Roleplaying Game of Early 19th Century Folk Horror is available through DriveThruRPG in PDF.

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