Working on Sorcerous Nomad

Art by Edna www.fotosearch.com

One of my main current projects is Sorcerous Nomad. This is a new fantasy TTRPG ruleset based on my Faster Than Light: Nomad sci-fi rules and fully compatible with them. It is slated for a mid-late 2026 release and should be available both in PDF format and A4 softcover print format.

What is it all about?

• Streamlined 2d6 core mechanic with "dice pool" components, just like FTL: Nomad. You roll a bunch of dice, and choose the lowest or highest two, then add them together and add the skill modifier. 8+ is a success.

• Fast but deeply customizable classless, level-less character generation. Distribute 5 points among 8 skills (3 points max in any single skill), choose an Archetype, choose a Talent and optionally a Species, and gain a starting equipment package based on your Archetype. That's it. But this means that an extremely wide range of combinations are possible!

• Streamlined combat, with only 4 "range bands"; a "FRENZY!" mechanic for multiple attacks if you "drop" an enemy; and a simple wound system for minimal book-keeping.

• Parrying rules for dynamic combat. Parry and riposte your enemies' attacks with a swingy dice roll! (look HERE for their predecessor).

• Optional Hero Points, to make your heroes more heroic and survivable - and your villains more villainous and recurring!

• All the sword & sorcery gear you need, from swords to longships!

• Long-term character advancement. Develop your character's Skills and Talents as they adventure - or (optionally) as they loot wondrous treasures!

• Intuitive but risky skill-based magic. Compared to The Sword of Cepheus, magic is safer and faster to cast in this system, though dangerous mishaps can still occur, and Dark Magic can corrupt its user as in folklore and classic sword & sorcery tales.

• Nautical exploration, travel, and combat rules! Shiver me timbers! Pirate-loving players: rejoice!

• Faction rules, inspired by the ones presented in the Faster Than Light Companion! The Referee can easily manage multiple factions and conspiracies in the campaign area - and the PCs can establish their own factions from thieves' guilds to fiefs!

• 100 fearsome monsters! From dragons and grand apes to things from the Outer Dark!

• Procedural fantasy monster generation rules, to create the next eldritch horror with a few die rolls. All included monsters could be created by these rules - and you can create legions of terrors yourself to surprise your players!

• Social and monster encounter generation rules, to easily vary the NPCs your players meet!

• At least 72 original magical artifacts. No more generic +1 Swords!

• 100% compatible with Faster Than Light: Nomad! Arm your barbarians with lasers and have your hapless spacers face sorcerous cults and arcane monstrosities!

• Reference document released under a Creative Commons license, available for download in an editable file for anyone who purchases Sorcerous Nomad! No OGL!