Games like Dungeons & Dragons draw upon legends and mythology for inspiration. Dungeon Masters often read these stories for plot ideas. Many of the creatures in the Monster Manual are drawn directly from tales told around the world.
One of the most popular legends remains the story of King Arthur. Mentioning his name conjures up images of chivalrous knights, strange sorcery and the magic sword known as Excalibur. While plenty of gamers have taken these ideas for their D&D characters and stories, there is a legendary game that puts players around Arthur’s table.
Pendragon was first published in 1985, created by renowned game designer Greg Stafford. Arthurian lore was a passion throughout his life until his death in 2018. Now, Chaosium, the original publishers of Pendragon, have released a 6th Edition Starter Set for the new edition to offer a glimpse into the ultimate version of Stafford’s vision.
What Makes Pendragon Unique?
One might expect rules for knightly weapons and massive battles in a game called Pendragon. But what helps this game stand apart are the virtues possessed by each knight that guide roleplay and make a chaacter famous for their actions. In many ways, these virtuous traits are a precursor to games like Mass Effect or The Walking Dead where a character’s reputation and actions might determine what choices are available in the future.
A character’s virtues are paired traits such as Merciful and Cruel or Chase and Lustful. Tapping into these virtues can help a character achieve their goals but they can shift during play. If a trait becomes too powerful it can cause the character to resist choices against it. A Merciful character might not be able to end the life of a rival knight, no matter what villainy that knight me have done to friends and family.
The game also encourages dynastic play in campaigns. Unlike other RPGs where characters gain power until the end of the game, characters in Pendragon age and must retire to pass on their legacy. Characters who survive to the end of Arthur’s reign have likely long since retired as active knights.
The Great Pendragon Campaign, which reflects a massive story from the time of Uther Pendragon to the end of Arthur’s life, provides a chance for fans to play through the entirety of Arthur’s legend. Players knights will die and they can take on the roles of sons and daughters to continue their story. This is one of many books that wll be updated for the new edition in the years to come.
What’s Inside The Pendragon Starter Set?
The 6th Edition Starter Set features everything a table needs to get started telling tales in Arthur’s kingdom. There are dice, battle cards, pre-generated characters, a solo rules tutorial and a three-story campaign that details the first few challenges Arthur faces as The Boy King.
The pre-generated knights offer a wide diversity of options. Not only are there classic European knights but there are also women and foreign knights includes as options. These options have been part of Pendragon for many years but being part of the first release illustrates this edition embracing the idea that tables should be free to create their own Arthurian mythology.
The first story puts the players at the tournament where Arthur draws the sword from the stone. The second story offers knightly intrigue as the players are sent to build allegiances with other lords to support the Boy King. The third story in the box sends everyone into an epic battle with an army led by knights unwilling to bend the knee to Arthur.
Pendragon 6th Edition Starter Set is available directly from Chaosium or your Friendly Local Game Store. A full core set of rules is due out soon.
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