Exclusive First Look: Pendragon 6E Core Books Revealed

King Arthur Pendragon is back after nearly 20 years. This epic fantasy game is now in its first full new edition. Pendragon 6E brings back the magic of Arthurian legends for both old fans and new players.

The first books, the Player's Handbook and The Grey Knight, will come out in April. These books start a new chapter for Pendragon. The game now has separate rulebooks for players and Gamemasters, making it easier and more fun.

The journey to this new chapter was amazing. After Greg Stafford passed away in 2018, Chaosium got the rights to Pendragon. Pendragon 6E will bring Stafford's dream to life with new rules and beautiful full-color pictures.

Key Takeaways

• Pendragon 6E is the first major revision of the tabletop RPG since 2005's fifth edition.

• The core rulebooks are now divided into separate tomes, including a Player's Handbook, Gamemaster's Handbook, and Noble's Handbook.

• The Player's Handbook and a revised version of the classic adventure The Grey Knight will be released in April 2023.

• Pendragon 6E is set to realize creator Greg Stafford's "Ultimate" vision for the RPG, featuring revised rules and stunning full-color illustrations.

• Chaosium acquired the rights to Pendragon after Stafford's passing in 2018, paving the way for this new edition.

Pendragon's Return: A New Era for Arthurian Gaming

The King Arthur Pendragon RPG was first published in 1985. It's a big deal in tabletop roleplaying. Greg Stafford, a famous game designer, made it. It focuses on character personality and the story of Arthurian legend.

History of King Arthur Pendragon RPG

The game covers from King Arthur's coronation to Camelot's fall. It's from 510 to 566 AD. Chaosium, Green Knight, White Wolf, and Nocturnal Media published it before Chaosium got it back in 2018. The Pendragon 6E is the first big update since 2005.

Legacy of Greg Stafford's Masterpiece

Greg Stafford's King Arthur Pendragon game was new. It had cool rules like personality traits and generational play. These ideas have made the game special, changing how we play with Arthurian legend.

Transition to Chaosium Publishing

Pendragon is back with Chaosium. This change brings a new start. The Pendragon 6E will update the game for today's players.

"Pendragon has always been about the interplay of heroic deeds, personal passions, and the fate of Camelot. The sixth edition takes this core experience and refines it for a new generation of players."

Exclusive First Look at Pendragon 6E's Player's Handbook and The Grey Knight

The Pendragon 6E Core Rulebook is here. It brings the first Player's Handbook for players. This guide explores the world of Arthurian legend. It helps players create their own knights and go on exciting quests.

The Pendragon team also released The Grey Knight, the first 6th edition adventure module. It's perfect for both new and seasoned players. The Grey Knight takes you on a journey through the legendary Arthurian world. You'll meet famous characters like Arthur, Guenevere, Merlin, and Morgan le Fay.

The Grey Knight includes two prequel scenarios from the Pendragon Starter Set. It also has a full campaign and a map of Britain. This makes the adventure even more real. You can find it on DriveThruRPG.

The Pendragon 6E Player's Handbook costs $49.99. The Grey Knight campaign book is $24.99. Fans of Pendragon RPG have a lot to look forward to. The Player's Handbook helps with character creation and has six pre-made characters. The Grey Knight campaign offers a thrilling Arthurian adventure.

Core Rulebook Components and System Changes

The new Pendragon RPG sourcebooks bring exciting updates. They focus on making the game more fun and immersive. This combines the classic King Arthur's Pendragon with new systems.

Updated Game Mechanics

In Pendragon 6E, players roll a d20 to solve problems. The game now uses Size, Dexterity, Strength, Constitution, and Appeal. These traits affect how characters heal, move, and fight.

Character Creation Innovations

The new character creation focuses on player choice and history. Skills like Folklore and Literacy have changed. This makes characters more unique and flexible in fights.

Combat and Battle Systems

Pendragon 6E has new rules for battles and sieges. It also includes more types of knights and characters. This makes the game's fights more realistic and stories more diverse.

"Pendragon 6E's updated mechanics and character creation process capture the essence of Arthurian legend, empowering players to forge their own heroic tales within this timeless setting."

Revolutionary Trait and Passion System

The new Pendragon 6E core rulebook has a new trait and passion system. It's at the heart of the roleplaying experience. This new way of doing things changes the story and feelings of the game.

In Pendragon 6E, RPG character traits come in pairs, adding up to 20 points. You have pairs like Chaste/Lustful and Forgiving/Vengeful. Players must balance their personality mechanics with these traits. They decide actions and give bonuses.

Passions are also key, showing what drives characters. They are in four Courts - Fidelitas, Fervor, Adoratio, and Civilitas. You can have up to 40 passions. They help in certain situations but can lead to Madness if you fail.

The trait and passion system in Pendragon 6E makes the game more real. Characters grow as they seek Glory and fight for what they believe in. Their traits and passions shape the story and feelings of the game.

"Pendragon's trait and passion system is a masterful blend of mechanics and storytelling, empowering players to craft deeply nuanced characters that drive the narrative forward with authenticity and emotional resonance."

Visual Design and Artistic Direction

The Pendragon 6E core rulebooks have a new look. They mix medieval style with today's book design. Chaosium worked hard to make the layout and pictures feel like Camelot.

Medieval-Inspired Layout

The rulebooks look like old medieval books. They have columns and pages that look worn. This makes the game feel more real and fun.

Interior Artwork and Illustrations

The rulebooks now have full-color pictures inside. They show the beauty of Arthurian stories. The art looks like it's from old times, adding to the game's magic.

Heraldry and Coat of Arms Generator

The rulebooks also have a Coat of Arms maker. Players can make special symbols for their characters. This adds to the game's RPG artwork and medieval-inspired design and heraldry.

FAQ

When is the Pendragon 6E Player's Handbook and The Grey Knight adventure module being released?

The Pendragon 6E Player's Handbook and The Grey Knight will come out in April.

What are the core rulebooks for Pendragon 6E?

Pendragon 6E has three main rulebooks. They are the Player's Handbook, Gamemaster's Handbook, and Noble's Handbook.

Who regained the rights to publish Pendragon after the passing of Greg Stafford?

Chaosium got the rights back after Stafford passed away in 2018.

What is unique about the Pendragon RPG system?

Pendragon is special because of its personality traits and generational play. It covers from Arthur's coronation to Camelot's end (510-566 AD).

What are the key changes in the Pendragon 6E Player's Handbook?

The 6E Player's Handbook has new rules. It uses a d20 roll under characteristic or skill score. It also has reorganized skills and new battle rules.

How does the trait and passion system work in Pendragon?

Traits and passions are key in Pendragon. Traits are in pairs and passions drive character actions. They help characters gain Glory and fight for what they believe in.

What are the visual design and artistic elements of the Pendragon 6E core rulebooks?

The rulebooks have a medieval look. They have full-color pictures and a Coat of Arms generator. This makes creating unique heraldry easy.