Slay the Dragon! Save the Day! Die Trying!

I’ve decided to release Death or Glory today. You can find a download link in the “Downloads” page on the right, or get it directly right here (or as a zip).

If you give it a read and want to talk about the rules with me and others, go to the forums here.

What is Death or Glory?

In a typical tabletop role-playing game, you take on the role of a larger-than-life hero who battles impossible odds and manages, through luck and skill, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Well, in most RPGs, anyway. Death or Glory is… a bit different. Rather than a brave hero, you take on the role of a largely expendable soldier serving under a callous, aristocratic high command—though the odds are just as impossible. You might not survive. In fact, you probably won't—but you’ll go down heroically, and that’s really what counts.
This game is highly streamlined and largely combat-centric (thus the “Action” in “Action-RPG”), blending elements from both traditional RPGs and tabletop wargames. It is designed to be playable with a minimum of preparation and accessible both to players who have never touched an RPG before and to long-time veterans. If you find black humour and glorious (but ultimately avoidable) last stands at all appealing, this is the game for you. If you prefer a more contemplative, slower RPG, well, maybe give Death or Glory a shot regardless—a full Mission can be played in just a few hours, so it’s not a huge time investment. Who knows? You might like it.

Why should you play Death or Glory?

-Ever want to simulate the fun of dying horribly and meaninglessly? This is the game for you! Survival is neither guaranteed nor recommended.
-Want to play a tabletop RPG but have too many friends? This is the game for you! Death or Glory has been tested with up to 8 players and a GM, and still moves at a brisk pace!
-Want to play an RPG, but hate all the homework that comes with it? This is the game for you! Death or Glory comes with a fully functional narrative Mission generator, with built-in plot arcs, rising and falling tension, and climaxes!
-Do you enjoy the scale of tabletop skirmish wargaming? This is the game for you! Death or Glory will routinely involve combats with 30 or more members with vehicle support without slowing to a crawl!
-Ever want to slay a dragon with a tank? This is the game for you! Death or Glory features a unique mix of modern and fantastical elements to create truly entertaining scenarios, like fixing bayonets against charging demons, mowing down zombies with submachine guns, slinging spells out of the top hatch of an APC, and challenging enemy generals to single combat.

Enjoy!