Runecairn: Core Rules is a 44-page, black and white tabletop RPG zine, which includes a Norse fantasy setting, a full game system, and character creation rules for adventures set after Ragnarok destroyed most of the Nine Realms of Norse mythology.
Strap on your bearded axe and linden wood shield, delve into the forsaken barrow and cleanse the draugr within.
They will overhwhelm you so prepare to die. When you awaken at the bonfire, you'll be ready for your next attempt.
Defeat the mad jotunn within and claim the soul remnant they protect.
Death is not the end.
Features:
- Play designed for two players, one Warden and one Adventurer.
- Full rules for play, based on the streamlined Cairn system and with mechanics inspired by the Dark Souls game series.
- Dynamic combat filled with devastating weapons, reactive magic, and reactive abilities.
Illustrated throughout with evocative black and white line-art. Printed in black and white with colour covers.
What Others Have Said
Chris McDowall (@Bastionland), designer and creator of Into the Odd and Electric Bastionland:
I absolutely love Runecairn! As soon as I read it I wanted to steal its ideas. It changed the way I think about the type of games that the Into the Odd system can run.
Rich August (@RpgAugust), designer and writer at Steamforged Games (Dark Souls: The Roleplaying Game):
Thank you for such an awesome game - I loved reading Runecairn and it’s on my list of 2022 games to get to the table. And the layout is lovely too.
Richard Kelly (@SprintingOwl), designer:
If you're looking for a moderately crunchy duo TRPG, or if you're a fan of Souls games, or if you want to see a stellar adaptation of video game mechanics to tabletop, I would strongly recommend giving Beneath the Broken Sword (and Runecairn) a shot.
Sebrina Calkins (@EntwifeXP), reviewer:
This is a quality game, adapting Cairn to an apocalyptic Norse setting with a greater emphasis on arms, armour and combat without losing the deadly and considered tone of its forebear.
Also now available:
- Runecairn Collection Bundle, including Runecairn Core Rules (this book), Beneath the Broken Sword, and Runecairn Advanced Rules
- Runecairn t-shirt, featuring the Core Rules cover art
- Thematic runic dice in different colours
- Runecairn character sheets available in packs of 10
Includes the digital PDF!