From publisher blurb:
Separated from our known reality by the starways of old, through dimensional doorways which swing open with more ease than most realize, the ancient world of Abalesh lies in wait.
Abalesh, where, along the coast of the lands of Halum, nestled like a polished jewel in a rusting crown, lies the Crescent City of Ocarus.
Ocarus, whose densely-packed slums and massive manor houses rest upon cobbled streets, which separate the land beneath the sky from the cavernous network of tunnels and crypts that both honored dead and sites of profane rituals alike.
It is here, in this place of wonder and horror, of legacy and lore, that strange journeys begin…
Who Are The Blackguards?
In a city where status in high society is based on one's wealth and the ability to acquire what you want when you want it, those willing to get their hands (and oftentimes, blades) dirty in the pursuit of incredible items, artifacts, and oddities are paid quite handsomely. Of course, given the high risks to life and limb required to procure these goods from haunted crypts and well-guarded art galleries, they had better be.
The Blackguards are a vetted group of skilled individuals who have proven themselves (through wit, guile, sheer luck, or profound stupidity that appears to be sheer luck) to the handlers and coordinators known as the Brokers. These shadowy figures serve as go-betweens for "acquisition specialists," arranging the targets and payoffs on behalf of nobles and those with gold to spend. Much like a hot ham and cheese after a night of tavern-crawling, the Blackguards may not be the most flashy or high-end of options for collecting items of eldritch power. But, like said ham and cheese, they get the job done quickly and effectively and most of the time only leave you with a slightly greasy feeling.
The Blackguards come from all facets of society and bring with them skills that are as polished or unpolished as they are.
So, are you ready to join the team? Make new friends, see some really weird stuff, try to process the weird stuff you have seen! Convince yourself that the sword you've just stolen for some rich lord's 35th birthday present is not currently whispering to you that you should be the king of the city as it produces a cold flame that somehow does not burn you! Hopefully, end the day with a large bag of coins and hot ham and cheese!
If that sounds good, you may have what it takes to become a member of the Blackguards!
This 30+ page zine will be in dazzling black and white and contain new items, monsters, factions, lore, and heists for you and your table to enjoy. It can be consumed as part of a one-shot adventure or used as a staging ground for a whole campaign.
The contents within this Zine were designed to fit a low fantasy setting with the ruleset for the world's most popular role-playing game in mind, but it is not limited to a singular system. Storytellers and players are invited to pick their favorite system or create their own. We invite you to tweak and twist the math and metrics in ways that best fit your table; we just hope you enjoy the ideas presented and have a good time.