GrimBlade by Josh Beckelhimer is a role playing game supplement published by The Lone Bards. This is a rules light RPG system.
The supplement is available from itch for $6 but was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. There are three PDFs in the set. Two are for printing, with one having a single page being for the front and back covers and the other, at six pages, being the interior. The third PDF is designed for digital use and is 13 pages, with one being the front cover and one the front matter.
GrimBlade explains that this is a light and fast game set in an implied Grim world. This supplement contains the bones of a system, with users expected to add, remove, create and hack the game.
The Rules explain that when a PC takes an action that could be considered dangerous, risky or with an uncertain outcome, they may make a die roll. A d6 is used and skills may add bonuses. The GM opposes this with a Grim roll. Grim comes in four different degrees; Light, Twilight, Dusk and Dark. The dice used for these are in sequence d4, d6, d8 and d10; the Grimmer the setting, the more difficult the roll.
Advantage and Disadvantage can add or subtract d4 from a roll.
Hope and Glum are respectively characters and NPCs’ or monsters’ lifeforce. If a PC loses Hope, they succumb to Grim Darkness. When Glum is lost, the other is defeated.
Skills explains that these can give bonuses, up to +4.
XP and Advancement explains that XP can be gained by attempting an action with no bonuses or advantages, varying amounts of XP are awarded depending on the Grim level. 1 additional XP is awarded for doing this under disadvantage. XP can be spent to increase Hope or skills or gain a new skill.
Character Creation starts with a list then a 2d6 table for Character Type. Background and Skills are then determined by rolling two d6s.
Monsters and Other Threats has several example monsters.
Combat happens after determining who can act first.
Restoring Hope explains this can be regained by winning initiative or by resting.
Treasure and Magical Items briefly covers these.
Finally, there are two sets of tables, again using two d6s, for inspiration.
GrimBlade in Review
The PDF lacks bookmarks and, though short, these would have been appreciated. The text maintains a single column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are a number of black and white illustrations that appear to be custom. Presentation is decent.
This is what it sets out to be; a bare bones RPG system that can be easily changed, expanded or altered without too much difficulty. There are very few mechanical options which should make the game easy enough to play. At full price, though, it is rather expensive. GrimBlade can be found on itch by clicking here.
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