Exploring Blades in the Dark: A Guide to the Ultimate Tabletop Experience
Blades in the Dark is a tabletop role-playing game where players lead a criminal gang in the dark fantasy city of Duskvol. Inspired by Game of Thrones and The Godfather, the game features political intrigue, heists, and empire-building. (This post contains affiliate links, I do make a small commission for each purchase.)
12/1/20244 min read
Blades in the Dark: A GoT & Godfather-Inspired RPG
In Blades in the Dark, players are part of an underground gang. They explore the dark steampunk city of Duskvol. This game is inspired by Game of Thrones, The Godfather, and classic novels like The Three Musketeers.
Players use the Forged in the Dark system. They roll d6 dice for actions like heists and building their network. They aim to grow their House's power in the city, facing challenges along the way



Key Takeaways
Blades in the Dark is a gritty urban fantasy RPG inspired by Game of Thrones, The Godfather, and classic adventure novels.
Players lead an underground gang in the haunted steampunk city of Duskvol, engaging in political intrigue, heists, and criminal empire-building.
The game uses the Forged in the Dark system, where players roll d6 dice to perform actions and advance their House's standing in the city.
Stress management and character relationships are crucial elements of the gameplay, adding depth to the narrative and strategic aspects.
Blades in the Dark offers a unique blend of dark fantasy, noir storytelling, and player-driven decision-making, providing an immersive and engaging gaming experience.
Understanding the Dark Fantasy World of Blades in the Dark
Blades in the Dark is a roleplaying game that takes you into a dark fantasy world. It's set in Duskvol, a city that mixes old Paris and Venice. This world is full of heists and scores, character-driven gameplay, and squad-based roleplaying.
The City of Duskvol: A Haunted Industrial Setting
Duskvol is a city full of mystery and darkness. It has tall spires and old buildings. The city is alive with the glow of electroplasmic lamps, making everything feel eerie.
Political Houses and Power Dynamics
Duskvol is split into powerful Houses that fight for control. Players start in the weakest House. They must deal with alliances, betrayals, and political intrigue to survive.
The Criminal Underworld System
Blades in the Dark focuses on the criminal underworld. Players lead a gang of scoundrels and thieves.
By pulling off heists and scores, players can get better, get resources, and grow their empire.
The game's character-driven and squad-based roleplaying makes exploring the city's underbelly exciting.
"Blades in the Dark seamlessly blends political intrigue and criminal activities, creating a thrilling and immersive experience for players."
Core Mechanics and Gameplay Systems
This game is set in a gritty urban fantasy world. It uses a d6 dice system for action. Players pick skills for their actions, and the game master decides the outcome.
The game has a special stress system. It lets players take risks for better results or prepare with flashbacks. Characters can also do downtime activities to recover stress and build relationships.
Dice-based action resolution system using d6 dice
Player skill selection and GM-determined position and effect
Stress system enabling player-driven risk and preparation
Downtime activities for character progression and relationship management
Emphasis on character development and heist planning
"Blades in the Dark seamlessly blends the gritty urban fantasy setting with a unique set of gameplay mechanics that encourage player agency and strategic decision-making."
The game's mechanics make for a thrilling experience. Players must deal with politics, crime, and relationships in Duskvol. It's a city full of danger and mystery.


This Game of Thrones and Godfather-inspired Blades in the Dark RPG
Blades in the Dark mixes Game of Thrones and The Godfather. It's a deep, character-focused game set in the dark world of crime. Players deal with the complex politics, like in Game of Thrones.
Political Intrigue Elements
At the core of Blades in the Dark is a complex web of politics. Players must navigate the power struggles of different groups. It's like fighting for the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones, but in Duskvol.
Criminal Empire Building
Building a crime empire is key in Blades in the Dark. Players do things like steal, extort, launder money, and sell drugs. This helps them grow their gang and gain power in the underworld. It's a team effort, making it a squad-based roleplaying game.
Character Relationships and Loyalty
How characters relate to each other is crucial in Blades in the Dark. Players can have romantic relationships, or paramours. These relationships add depth to the story and affect the game. They show how important loyalty and trust are in the criminal underworld.
"Blades in the Dark seamlessly blends elements from beloved franchises like Game of Thrones and The Godfather, creating a rich, character-driven experience that delves into the criminal underworld."


Blades in the Dark combines politics with crime for a unique game. Players must manage power, loyalty, and betrayal. They also build their crime empire and secure their spot in Duskvol.
Character Creation and Playbooks
Creating characters in Blades in the Dark is exciting. It's all about playbooks. These playbooks show what your character can do, like fight or sneak. They let you make characters for the game's dark world.
There are many playbooks to choose from. You can be a brave fighter or a sneaky thief. Each one gives special skills and powers. This way, you can make a character that fits the story.
Blades in the Dark lets you create unique characters. You can play in a world of crime and politics. With many playbooks, you can find one that matches your style. Whether you like fighting or sneaking, there's a character for you.
FAQ
What is Blades in the Dark?
Blades in the Dark is a tabletop RPG. It's inspired by Game of Thrones and The Godfather. Players use d6 dice to act out their roles.
What is the setting of Blades in the Dark?
The game takes place in Duskvol, a dark steampunk city. It's different from Ilrien in Court of Blades. Players lead gangs and do heists to gain power.
How does the gameplay system work?
Players roll d6 dice to do things. The game master decides how it works out. There's a stress system for more risk or prep.
What are the key elements of the game?
It's all about politics, building a criminal empire, and relationships. Players deal with factions and Houses. They also have romantic relationships for extra benefits.
How does character creation work?
Characters start with playbooks. These define their skills and what they can do. There are many types, like fighters and thieves, for heists.