Gothic Fables: A Foragers Guild Guide

A system-neutral horror-fantasy worldbuilding toolkit.

In a forsaken and shadow-shrouded realm, where eldritch secrets festered like festering wounds upon the land, a cursed village lay nestled amidst the haunted woods. An air of impending doom hung heavy over this accursed hamlet, where the moon's pale, heavenly light dared not penetrate the gnarled canopy. The villagers, mere pawns in a cosmic incantation, lived in perpetual dread, their souls tethered to a malevolent force lurking just beyond their comprehension. As the chilling winds whispered ancient incantations through the twisted branches, the unwitting inhabitants sought guidance from a solitary figure, a guide versed in the eldritch mysteries that promised salvation or damnation in equal measure. This is the tale of their descent into darkness, where no refuge from the supernatural terrors of the night could be found.

Gothic horror-fantasy is a captivating blend of the macabre and the mystical, where dark, atmospheric settings become canvases for supernatural tales of dread and wonder. This subgenre marries the eerie and unsettling elements of traditional Gothic horror with the imaginative realms of fantasy. Picture a world where ancient, crumbling castles stand as ominous monuments to forgotten nobility, and dense, foreboding forests conceal lurking eldritch horrors.

In roleplaying, this genre offers a treasure trove of storytelling possibilities. Imagine guiding a group of players through a cursed village trapped in a perpetual night, their characters confronting not just physical threats, but also their own inner demons. Characters in this setting may grapple with moral ambiguity as they navigate a world where malevolent forces blur the lines between good and evil.

The Gothic horror-fantasy setting is a playground for complex characters with tortured pasts, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. The guide weaves a tapestry of ancient secrets, curses, and supernatural mysteries, inviting players to unearth and confront these enigmas. As players delve deeper into this shadowy world, they'll experience an exhilarating blend of horror, fantasy, and psychological tension, making every roleplaying session a thrilling adventure into the unknown.

This Book Includes

• Worldbuilding: How to utilize and develop the setting elements you’ll need to successfully run Gothic horror-fantasy, including the genre, setting, theme, and tone.
• Characters: Information on the types of player characters, antagonists, and supporting characters most appropriate for Gothic horror-fantasy.
• Guilds: The central organizations for Gothic horror-fantasy, including their purpose, how they’re organized, and the types of resources at their disposal.
• Creatures: Advice on how to alter familiar creature types to better suit the specific needs of a Gothic horror-fantasy setting, with examples of possible abilities that suit the genre.
• Magic: How the various categories of magic can be affected by Gothic horror-fantasy, with examples of incantations tweaked to fit with the feel of the setting.
• Enchanted Objects: Thoughts on how each category of magical objects can be altered to fit the tropes of Gothic horror-fantasy, with a selection of enchanted objects of each type.
• Adventures: Elements you’ll to run Gothic horror-fantasy adventures. This chapter covers the premise, goals, obstacles, and stakes, and includes a selection of plot hooks to get you started.

Foragers Guild Guides

This book is part of our extensive collection of system-neutral sourcebooks, perfect for enhancing any fantasy roleplaying experience. Whether you're a guide, player, or creator, our books provide a wealth of information and inspiration that can be seamlessly integrated into any system. We believe in offering flexibility and creative freedom, allowing you to tailor your roleplaying experience to your preferences without limitations.

The Toolkit Approach

Roleplaying is a collaborative and imaginative endeavor, where the power lies in adding your unique ideas to the mix. Our approach is that of a toolkit rather than an intricately detailed sourcebook, granting you the space to unleash your imagination. We firmly believe that a manual should never confine or restrict you. Our objective is to provide you with the necessary tools to begin your adventure and then step back, empowering you to craft the roleplaying experience your group desires.

Content Warnings

When planning a roleplaying experience, it's crucial to consider the comfort levels and boundaries of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of providing content warnings for potentially distressing material. Here is a comprehensive list of content warnings that may arise while using this toolkit:

• Betrayal: Expect instances of betrayal, deceit, and treachery, where characters may question the loyalty of those around them.
• Dark Themes: Themes of death, decay, and moral ambiguity are prevalent, with characters facing difficult moral choices.
• Demonic Entities: Characters may confront demonic and hellish creatures, potentially leading to unsettling and demonic scenarios.
• Existential Dread: The scenario may hold existential themes, challenging beliefs and confronting characters with the unknown.
• Horror: Expect encounters with frightening and unsettling situations, including jump scares and psychological horror elements.
• Isolation: Characters may experience isolation and loneliness as they navigate the desolate landscapes and mysterious locales.
• Madness: The scenario may explore themes of madness, with characters struggling with deteriorating mental states.
• Occult Practices: Players may encounter occult rituals, dark magic, and supernatural entities tied to sinister practices.
• Sexual Content: The setting might include mature themes and situations, that should be handled with sensitivity and discretion.
• Violence: This setting may contain graphic depictions of physical harm, combat, and gore.

Lightspress Media

At Lightspress Media, we take a lo-fi approach to roleplaying. Our focus is on the utility and value of the content, rather than flashy production. Visual elements are employed strategically to amplify the message conveyed by the text. This aesthetic choice allows us to create powerful and affordable toolkits. Remember, the true essence of the roleplaying experience lies not within the pages of a book, but in the creativity and collaboration fostered around your tabletop.