Glen Cook’s dark fantasy The Black Company as Arc Dream Publishing is stepping up my to-read list.
The brilliant minds behind the thrilling Delta Green are about to bring it to life as a tabletop RPG, a game that is sure to captivate fans of dark fantasy literature and tabletop RPGs alike.
The game will use its own and brand news rules system and will be playtested via Patreon.
In the novels, the story follows a cynical group of mercenaries known as the Black Company. They’re not your typical heroes – they fight for whoever pays the most coin, regardless of morals.
The world is rich with complex history, magic, and political intrigue. Cook pits the Black Company into a large-scale conflict with powerful sorcerers, ancient entities, and rival military forces.
Green Ronin had the license in 2004 and produced their own RPG. Now, Arc Dream say they’ll focus on writing a game that brings to terrible life soliders’ experience of brutal bloodshed, dangerous sorceries and unpleasant odds.
Shane Ivey said in a press release.
I’ve been enthralled by The Black Company since the first books came out. This is the thrill of a career. We’re writing the fantasy game that we’ve always wanted to play.”
Dennis Detwiller added,
Shane and I have long considered creating a dark fantasy game, and Delta Green always wanted a twisted, crazed little brother. The Black Company is a perfect fit.
The Black Company RPG promises a deep dive into the world of Glen Cook’s novels. Players will begin by following the Black Company’s service to the Lady and her Empire, mirroring the events of “The Black Company” novel. Further adventures and sourcebooks will expand on this era. The RPG doesn’t stop there, though. Additional books will offer new campaigns set in different times and locations inspired by the series. These include the Empire’s expansion, the Company’s narrow escapes, a major rebellion, and the Empire’s changing landscape. Players can delve into epic conflicts, explore ancient mysteries, and even venture into entirely new worlds inspired by the later novels and even stories yet to be written.
Arc Dream has not published a timeline but has said it will spend a great deal of time playtesting and writing.
Quick Links
- The Black Company TTRPG: Playtest signup.
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