Bludgeon TTRPG

Core Rulebook by Tactics N Chai

Tactical. Thematic. Indian.

Bludgeon is a D20 system with modular sub-mechanics to enhance class combat roleplay in a high fantasy world. The mechanics were built to push general, & especially, combat roleplay as much as possible. We want your rules to enhance the flavour of your character, not dictate it.

What this Book Contains:

• 350+ Pages of Rules, Ability Options, & more.
• 15 Races with 10 Adaptations each
• 5 Playable Power Sources with different mechanics & multiple sub-class options.
• Tips on how to Homebrew & expand on rules

Tactical – We’re all Min-Maxxers here:

•  Modular Builds:  A modular approach to progression ensures that there are no bad choices. Do you want to be a muscle wizard or a clever barbarian or a charismatic assassin? It’s all possible here & viable with traditional combinations.
• Individualistic Combat– Each major Power Source uses its own combat mechanic. Every sub-class interacts with the mechanic in its own unique way. All of this is to allow players to fulfil their power fantasy
  • Arcane – Craft & Sculpt Spells on the fly. Choose its Shape & what Elemental Effects it applies. Amplify power in different ways based on your Sub-Class.
  • Chakra – Swing between emotive states in combat, gaining bonuses as you do. Reaching Perfect Balance, however, allows you to unleash devastation as your chakras align in a moment of clarity before beginning the cycle anew.
  • Divine – Pray & enact the will of your chosen Deity around you. Gain divine favour through acts of devotion that then allows you to call upon your God’s power when up against the odds.
  • Martial – Mix & match different fighting styles to create your own unique blend of combat.
  • Primal – Build power over time until you become an unstoppable force of nature. Gain ‘Basic’ abilities that can be Evolved into more powerful forms or Metamorph them into game changing spells.
• Each system has been designed to seamlessly fit together, making it possible to mix options across different classes & races.

Thematic – Intention Based Design:

• Contextual Stats & Checks – Our 3×3 grid of stats is meant to help players focus on what their character is doing & opens up the GM to call for rolls based on the action described. It’s all the difference between sneaking past guards by being quick vs. having memorized their movement patterns.
• Natural Evolution – Bludgeon’s Races feature ‘Adaptations’ – physical changes to their bodies that are a result of their environment & who they are within the context of the world. Make unique characters & have their pasts create unique story-telling opportunities.
• Options over Power – Personal growth is about having the tools in your arsenal to deal with a wider variety of situations. Sure, your numbers do go up, but more importantly, levelling up gives you a broader toolset with which to tackle obstacles & defeat enemies.
• Legacy – Forge your weapons & gear through your actions. They gain traits contextual to how they were used when you overcame a challenge. Named items aren’t found, their legacies are built through your deeds.

Indian:

• Bludgeon is the result of the efforts of a group of Indian creators who love tactical games & wanted to see flavours of their own upbringing in the games they play.
• This book draws inspiration from the stories & folk tales we were told as kids. It pulls from the movies & shows we watched growing up. It is a vibrant amalgamation, much like our country, of a variety of different people, lives, & outlooks.
• Most importantly, it’s the type of epic Indian High Fantasy that we, as creators, want to see.

About the Project

Bludgeon is a passion project between its various creators. We intend to update the rules when we can with more lore, monsters, & art. When we get feedback, we also update with balance tweaks.

We’re dedicated to the game & will stick with it for a while.

Art Disclaimer

Bludgeon has worked exclusively with Indian artists. We have not & will not use AI art or any kind of AI in its production.

Bludgeon TTRPG is available through DriveThruRPG in PDF.

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