About this project

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

The Shroud of the Ancients™ D5 Role Playing Game is Dark Tavern Press™' first game. Created by Randy Miller and Roderick Edwards, it is the product more than 50 years of combined RPG tabletop gaming and over 15 years of combined adventure writing and game design. Dark Tavern’s goal is to continually create the best quality RPGs and gaming accessories possible. It is our aspiration to entice tabletop top gamers looking for an alternative to the status quo with this project and to help us raise enough money to bring the Shroud of the Ancients™ D5 Role Playing Game to tabletop enthusiasts everywhere.

Our Kickstarter goal is set at only $5,000 and this covers mostly artwork, design, layout, editing and production costs for the Adventurer's Guide to Terrath. The total funding goal is comprised of 10% Kickstarter and Amazon fees, 50% artist, layout, design, editing, and development costs, 10% promotional costs, and 30% printing costs. In the event that we raise money beyond the $5,000 target, several things will happen:

At $10,000, Creative Designer (and primary artist on the project), Albert Debnam, and most of the freelancer artists, will receive a well-deserved raise.

At $20,000, we double the number of signed hardcover copies of The Shroud of the Ancients™: Adventurer’s Guide to Terrath that are sent out to the backers at the $60 Seasoned Adventurer level or higher. So if the project raises $20,000 or more and you back the SOTA project at $60, you receive two copies instead of one, at the $150 Bearer of Aegis level, you will receive four copies instead of two and at the $250 Champion of Destiny level, you will receive six copies instead of three.  

At $30,000, we will ship (1) one 24" x 36" full color poster world map of Terrath with every single pledge $60 and above.

ABOUT THE WORLD OF TERRATH

Ages ago, Terrath’s second moon shattered and fire fell from the heavens. Ancient Empires whose kingdoms had stretched across the known world were no more. A select few of the races and creatures chosen by the gods had been shepherded into sanctuaries and protected by the druidic Order of the Sacred Stone. When the Time of Twilight lifted, those who survived set out to rebuild Terrath, but they soon discovered that its face was forever altered and the tides of Manna had drastically changed, making magic more accessible to those who desired its power. With help and guidance from the Order, they brought the world back from near extinction. New kingdoms and continents forged alliances with old enemies and the survival of mortal kind seemed assured. But soon, the people began to forget that dark time in their past when all hope was nearly lost. And once more, the druids returned to their silent sanctuaries, where they casted their wary eyes towards the heavens and prayed.

As an adventurer, the skills and distinctions you possess seem to draw you closer to the deadly conflict at the nation’s borders. But beware, the political and religious internal struggles, deep in the heart of Aegis, can be just as perilous. And as always, there is no shortages of patrons who may need you to lead an expedition into Terrath's lost cities and forgotten temples on the outskirts of civilization. But as it quoted in the Book of the Exalted Word, “Death awaits those who are unworthy to face the challenge”.

No matter where fate takes you, limitless opportunities lie ahead. Perhaps, with aid from the gods, you may choose to stand against the brutal nature of Low Men or the sinister plans of forbidden cults such as Aden's Brood and The Disciples of Merrath. Perhaps, you will seek to unlock the hidden mysteries of the Drachanis Stone or attempt to amass fortunes beyond that of the Seven Princes of E'binet. Whichever path you choose, your destiny awaits!

THE D5 RPG™ SYSTEM

The Shroud of the Ancients™ Role Playing Game is powered by the D5 RPG™ system. The game uses 5 five-sided dice (5D5) for every determination. Whether its skill checks or damage, it’s all you’ll ever need. One of those patented D5s, known as the Destiny Die™, is an exploding die (in RPG lingo), which opens up a realm of possibilities. What it means is that whenever you roll a “5” on that die, you continue to roll it until you stop getting “5”s. This means that heroic deeds, that some other game systems might tell you are impossible, have the potential to be realized.

It’s also worth noting that, as in real life, there are no character levels or classes in the D5 system. Unlike many other game systems that force you down a certain career path with little or no opportunity for creativity, the D5 RPG™ skill based system allows you to improve the skills and abilities (called distinctions) that you wish to improve. You may ask,”Well, without classes, what do I call myself?” Our answer is simple. While there are certain organizations and groups that bestow titles, you may call yourself whatever you wish, but unless you want to be labeled as a charlatan, you had better be able to back it up.

Magic in the Shroud of the Ancients™ (SOTA) is also very unique. Mana, the energy force which flows over the surface of Terrath and exists inside every living creature, is the source of all magical power. The ability to weave mana (cast spells) is a coveted skill that is never shared lightly, for magic in the wrong hands can be destructive or even deadly. However, with the proper training, magic can be wielded by anyone who possesses the spirit and the determination to do so. So you may decide to devote your entire life to the pursuit of arcanum or simply learn enough to heal your injuries or hide yourself from sight. The choice is yours.

ONE FINAL WORD

All the pledges you make will help us achieve our goal of getting the best possible book we can produce into your hands very soon. With that in mind, all shipping fees are included within your pledge. So we won’t ask you for another penny. However, your item(s) can only be shipped to a U.S. address. Any international shipping fees must be absorbed by you.