Below, we will cover standard creation, but note that some settings and supplements add extras, so be sure to check with your Storyteller (GM) in case additional rules apply.
So you’re ready to start playing D&D. Or more accurately, you want to be ready to start playing D&D. The only problem is… you don’t know where to start. Or what to start with. Or what you might need.
So, when making a Pirate Borg character, you’ve got one of two options: letting fate decide everything for you, aka rolling on each table and letting the dice decide, or when asked to either roll or choose, read every option and pick what fits best!
Fortunately for players interested in Shadowdark RPG, there is a vibrant digital community of players and Game Masters eager to share their passion for this wonderful game.
In March 2025, the Arcane Library Kickstarted an expansion to the OSR-style Shadowdark RPG which reached $1 million in 12 hours. As of this writing, the project has reached $1.7 million with 15 days remaining. This astounding success follows another $1 million Kickstarter campaign and a sweep of the 2024 Ennie Awards, when Shadowdark RPG won four awards including: Best Game, Best Design, Best Rules, and Best Layout.