Magpie Games makes tabletop roleplaying games, games where you sit around a table with some friends, some pencils and paper, and maybe some dice, and create stories together.
Each person takes on the role of one of these characters in this tale, speaking as they speak and deciding what actions they take, a conversation that can push people to interesting emotional places. These characters might be lovers, friends, enemies, or allies, but they are inextricably involved with each other, like the cast of a TV show. You sometimes get to feel what your characters feel—if you’re lucky—but other times you point the characters toward disaster and delight in the fallout from a safe emotional distance.
You can play a range of identities and create varied stories from our games. You might be a rage-filled werewolf prowling a city full of monsters whose best friend is a human cursed with visions of the future, or you might be a young dragon obsessed with legends of heroes past whose clutchmate thrives on ever more daring stunts in the skies over Dragonia. You may be the innocent part of a young bride’s mind struggling not to drown in the tides of horror you encounter in your husband’s manse, or a teenager struggling to figure out how your softer side fits in with your desire to punch the bad guys threatening Halcyon City. You may be the hero who wields the Angelbone blade in an effort to save the world, or an undead adventurer searching the cold mists for a hint of who you were, before death claimed you for its own.
System
Most of our games are Powered By The Apocalypse. This is the same system used in Apocalypse World, Monsterhearts, and more.It’s a simple system; when a character takes an action that fits one of the system’s moves, the player will roll two six-sided dice, add in a stat, and look back to them move for a result. On a 10+, the character will find success. On a 7-9, the character will have success, but with some kind of price tag attached. On a 6 or less, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) will say what happens next… and it probably won’t be so good for the character.
A few of our games are diceless or GMless. This means that you and the rest of the players follow rules to find out what happens in the story, although this may require negotiation rather than chance. Everyone gets to contribute, and the story belongs to everyone. You will have to make some tough choices about where the story goes, but they’re your choices to make.
Ratings
Some of our games, such as Bluebeard’s Bride, contain mature content and are best suited for a group in the mood for horror, while Epyllion is for all ages, and creates fun, interesting fiction.
To make this easier, we’ve given each game a rating, along with a note on how long a session runs, whether the game works best in a one shot or campaign format, and how many players we recommend. Our rating system is only a suggestion – many of our games can have the content dialed back or intensified depending on your group’s comfort level. We recommend using the X-card or other safety measures to help modulate content, particularly in a horror game.
Rating System
- Adults Only: May contain explicit violence & sexual violence. Suggested for 18+.
- Mature: May contain graphic violence & sexual content. Suggested for 17+.
- Teen: May contain violence & mild sexual content. Suggested for 13+.
- Everyone: Content is suitable for all ages.
Our Games
Bluebeard’s Bride
Explore room after room in Bluebeard’s manse as his new bride. Horror and wonders lurk within, but do they tell the truth about your new husband…or is it all in your head? Learn more.
Epyllion
Dragonia is a peaceful land for all of dragonkind, but could the Darkness be encroaching again? You may not have the most power as baby dragons, but you have something better – friendship. Learn more.
Masks: A New Generation
With its gleaming spires and countless cultures, Metropolis City has known more than its share of superheroes – generations of them, in fact. It’s tough for a teen hero to figure out who they are, but you’re up to the challenge, right? Learn more.
Undying
The ages pass, but you and your vampire brethren remain, plotting and scheming against each other. That is, when you’re not out on the hunt, drawn by the scent of human blood. Learn more.
Urban Shadows
The city pulses around you, alive with disparate peoples, cultures, languages, and even species. Struggle against other supernatural creatures and the mortals who know of them for power, and try not to give in to corruption. Learn more.
