Nightcrawlers
About Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers Overview
What is Nightcrawlers?
Nightcrawlers is an immersive and gritty tabletop role-playing game that plunges players into a shadowy world where supernatural beings live secretly among humans. Set in a dark, urban environment, players assume the roles of kindred—punk-inspired monsters such as vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and demons—who must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with threats from monster hunters, government agents, street gangs, and rival factions. The game blends elements of urban fantasy, horror, and punk culture, offering an intense and action-packed experience.
Nightcrawlers stands out with its unique game mechanics and setting, providing a rich and detailed world for players to explore. Its rules are accessible, yet deep enough to offer a range of strategic options and supernatural powers. The game’s design emphasizes creativity and freedom, allowing players to craft their own dark stories while confronting the dangers lurking in the night.
How to Play Nightcrawlers
- Gather Your Group:
To start playing Nightcrawlers, assemble a group of friends who are interested in exploring the game’s dark and supernatural setting. Each player will create a character, choosing from ten different kindred types, such as vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and demons.
- Understand the rules:
The game uses a streamlined set of rules based on The Black Hack by David Black, which are designed to be easy to understand and quick to implement. Familiarize yourself with the core mechanics, including how to resolve actions, manage resources, and handle supernatural powers.
- Create Your Kindred:
Each player will choose a kindred type and develop their character. You’ll select from a range of supernatural powers and abilities to customize your character's skills and attributes. The game features fifty different supernatural powers, providing plenty of options to suit various playstyles.
- Embrace Humanity Mechanics:
Nightcrawlers introduces human mechanics that are designed to reward players rather than punish them. Your character’s humanity will be influenced by their actions and decisions throughout the game. Strive to balance your kindred’s dark tendencies with their quest to survive and thrive in the night.
- Explore the Dark City:
The game features a richly detailed dark city, populated using a dozen random tables to generate various locations, NPCs, and events. Use these tables to create a dynamic and ever-changing environment full of intrigue and danger.
- Engage in Freeform Magick:
For players interested in ritualistic magic, Nightcrawlers offers freeform magick mechanics. Create and perform rituals to gain supernatural advantages or manipulate the world around you. The flexibility of the magic system allows for creative and strategic uses of magical powers.
- Face the Night’s Challenges:
Navigate the dangers posed by monster hunters, government agents, and rival factions. Each session will present new challenges and conflicts that require teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking. Use your kindred’s powers and the environment to outwit and overcome these threats.
- Use Your Supernatural Abilities:
Leverage your character’s unique supernatural abilities to gain an edge over opponents. Whether it's shapeshifting, manipulating shadows, or casting spells, make the most of your powers to achieve your goals and survive the night.
- Play to the music:
To fully immerse yourself in the game’s punk-inspired atmosphere, consider playing your favorite grunge album or punk music during sessions. The soundtrack will enhance the mood and energy of your gaming experience.
- Keep the game dynamic:
As you play, keep the game dynamic and engaging by adapting to the evolving story and character interactions. Encourage creativity and spontaneity in your role-playing to make each session memorable and exciting.
Nightcrawlers offers an exhilarating dive into a hidden world of supernatural intrigue and urban decay. With its accessible rules, diverse kindred options, and rich setting, the game invites players to experience the thrill of living as punk monsters in a city teeming with danger. Gather your friends, roll some dice, and prepare to navigate the perilous and exhilarating world of Nightcrawlers—where every night is a fight for survival and a chance to uncover the mysteries lurking in the darkness.
