The warrior queen Korinthia, called Nightbane, has led her refugees from the Great War to the shadow of Davokar. The site of the long-lost empire of Symbaroum, Davokar is now an immense and ancient forest inhabited by barbarians, elves, and darker things -- a rich and mysterious world, full of horror, beauty, and marvels. Through military might Korinthia's newfound kingdom of Ambria has subjugated Davokar's barbarian clans, and now moves to exploit the forest's wealth. But the elves of the Iron Pact have sworn not to let humans disturb a slumbering age-old evil. The wardens of the forest have issued a warning: Tread carefully and do not disturb the ruins of old, for the dark deep of Davokar is about to awaken.
Symbaroum is the dark-fantasy RPG from the Swedish game company Free League Publishing, known for the ALIEN RPG, Tales From the Loop, and the arabesque space opera Coriolis. Published in Swedish in July 2014, Symbaroum's Core Rulebook appeared in English translation in November 2015 to immediate success. The rules use a straightforward roll-under system to resolve both combat and problem solving. Unwise use of magic can corrupt you, temporarily or permanently. The players handle all dice rolls, so the Game Master may focus on interpretation and narration. Symbaroum's influences include Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, White Wolf's Storyteller system, Apocalypse World, and several editions of D&D, as well as the films Princess Mononoke and Pan's Labyrinth and the Witcher computer games.
The setting is tightly focused and fully realized, an ideal sandbox for years of adventure. Explore the vast forest of Davokar in search of treasures, lost wisdom, and fame. Visit the 11 barbarian clans to trade, plunder their treasuries, or help them preserve Davokar. Establish a base of power in the capital city of Yndaros among princes, guilds, or rebellious refugees. Or battle against famished Arch Trolls, dark-minded Blight Beasts, and undead warlords. Whatever you do, Symbaroum will treat you to unnerving hikes through ancient ruins, journeys on pitch-black waters under starless skies, and confrontations with barbarian chieftains and raging abominations.
Watch Dave Thaumavore's YouTube video review.
Symbaroum Map Set (retail price $3): This .PDF Map Set includes two premium-quality high-resolution maps by Tobias Tranell. One map shows Symbaroum's game world -- the same map from page 19 of the Core Rulebook, but much larger. The second map, the town of Thistle Hold, includes street names and important establishments.
Symbaroum copyright © 2015 and Symbaroum Map Set copyright © 2016 Fria Ligan AB.
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