Manual Opening

EldritchDark

A tabletop roleplaying game about investigators taking bad cases in the Weird Age: ask questions, risk too much, resolve uncertainty when it bites, suffer the consequences, and push the case forward.

Noir private investigator with a subtle pointed ear faces a scaled femme fatale by a rainy window with a nightmare behind the city.
SourceCover-art provenance details
Open docketPlayers describe intent and risk. The referee frames danger, calls for rules when needed, and follows through on consequences.

Start Here

Choose Your First Page

PlayerMake someone desperateStart with the character guide, then use the creator to choose the work, blood, debts, and tools you bring into the case.RefereePut the case under pressureStart with the referee guide, then use core play and references when a risky choice needs a rule or consequence.

First Pass

Use the Opening Like a Docket

This page is the quick intake sheet for the manual. It tells you what the game is about, where a new player should start, where the referee should start, and which live tools to open once the table needs mechanics.

  1. PremiseRead the opener for the game loop: ask questions, take risks, and let consequences move the case.
  2. First pageChoose the player or referee path before diving into the full manual docket.
  3. Table toolsUse the linked creator, rules, and appendix pages when play needs a number, item, spell, or ruling.

At the Table

Tools You Use During Play

Character CreatorBuild and validate an investigator before the first scene.Rules and ReferencesOpen the live index for guide pages, records, and tables.Appendix and TablesJump straight to the ledgers, lists, and back-room tables.

Table of Contents

The Manual Docket

How to Use This ManualFind the right guide, reference, or creator tool.What Is EldritchDark?Learn what the table investigates and why the case moves.The Weird AgeMeet the city, its bad habits, and the things it hides.Creating a CharacterChoose the work, blood, faith, gear, and debts you carry.Core PlayLearn the table loop from scene frame to consequence.Running EldritchDarkFrame danger, apply pressure, and hand consequences back.Example PlaySee the game move from question to consequence.Jobs of the Weird AgePick what pays the rent when the rent collector is worse.Bloodlines and AncestriesFind what left its mark on your family tree.Gear and Bad IdeasPack the tools, weapons, charms, and mistakes you can afford.Worship and CultsLearn who answers prayers and what they collect in return.Magic and Unnatural PowerHandle spells, baubles, and all the costs nobody advertises.Example CharactersMeet a few poor souls already dressed for trouble.Appendix and ReferencesFind the ledgers, lists, and back-room tables.

Word on the Street

When You Need the Rule

The manual gives you premise, role, pressure, and reading path. When a question turns on a number, item, spell, or table, the reference pages settle it without turning the opening page into a rules copy.