Dark and Darker How to Play

Dark and Darker is a role-playing game that takes place in a dark and twisted world. In this game, players take on the roles of characters who are struggling to survive in a world that is full of danger and uncertainty. The game is designed to be challenging and immersive, and it requires players to use their wits and creativity to succeed.

In this guide, we will explore the world of Dark and Darker and provide tips and strategies for playing the game. We will cover everything from character creation to combat, and we will provide detailed explanations of the game mechanics. So if you are ready to enter the dark and dangerous world of Dark and Darker, let’s get started.

Character Creation

The first step in playing Dark and Darker is to create your character. The game allows players to create a wide variety of characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. When creating your character, you will need to choose a race, a class, and a set of skills.

Races

There are four races to choose from in Dark and Darker:

1. Humans – Humans are versatile and adaptable. They can excel in a wide range of roles, from warriors to mages.
2. Elves – Elves are nimble and agile. They are well-suited for roles that require speed and precision.
3. Dwarves – Dwarves are tough and resilient. They excel in roles that require endurance and strength.
4. Orcs – Orcs are fierce and powerful. They are well-suited for roles that require brute force.

Classes

There are six classes to choose from in Dark and Darker:

1. Warrior – Warriors are skilled in combat. They excel in melee combat and can wear heavy armor.
2. Ranger – Rangers are skilled in ranged combat. They are experts in archery and can move stealthily through the wilderness.
3. Mage – Mages are skilled in magic. They can cast spells that deal damage, heal allies, or provide buffs.
4. Priest – Priests are skilled in healing magic. They can heal allies, remove negative effects, and provide buffs.
5. Rogue – Rogues are skilled in stealth and deception. They can pick locks, disarm traps, and move silently.
6. Bard – Bards are skilled in music and performance. They can provide buffs to allies and debuffs to enemies.

Skills

Each character in Dark and Darker has a set of skills that they can use to navigate the world and overcome challenges. These skills include:

1. Athletics – Athletics allows characters to climb, swim, and run faster.
2. Acrobatics – Acrobatics allows characters to dodge attacks and move through difficult terrain.
3. Perception – Perception allows characters to notice hidden objects and detect traps.
4. Investigation – Investigation allows characters to gather information and solve puzzles.
5. Survival – Survival allows characters to track animals, find food and water, and navigate through the wilderness.
6. Medicine – Medicine allows characters to heal injuries and treat illnesses.
7. Intimidation – Intimidation allows characters to intimidate and frighten their enemies.
8. Persuasion – Persuasion allows characters to convince NPCs to do what they want.
9. Deception – Deception allows characters to lie and deceive others.
10. Performance – Performance allows characters to entertain others and gain favors.

Game Mechanics

Dark and Darker uses a dice-based system for resolving actions. When a player attempts an action, they roll a d20 (a twenty-sided die) and add their relevant skill bonus. If the result is equal to or greater than the target number (set by the GM), the action succeeds. If the result is lower than the target number, the action fails.

Combat

During combat, each character has a set of actions they can take, including attacking, casting spells, and using special abilities. Characters can also move during their turn, but the amount they can move is determined by their speed and any obstacles in their way.

When a character attacks, they roll a d20 and add their attack bonus. If the result is equal to or greater than the target’s Armor Class (AC), the attack hits and deals damage. The amount of damage is determined by the weapon or spell being used.

Characters also have hit points (HP), which represent how much damage they can take before they are knocked unconscious or killed. If a character’s HP drops to 0, they fall unconscious and must make death saving throws to avoid dying.

Magic

Magic is an integral part of Dark and Darker. Mages and priests can cast spells to deal damage, heal allies, or provide buffs. Spells require mana, which is a finite resource that must be managed carefully.

Spells are divided into schools of magic, such as evocation, abjuration, and divination. Each school has its own strengths and weaknesses, and some schools are more powerful than others.

In addition to spells, characters can also use magical items to aid them in their adventures. These items can provide bonuses to stats, grant special abilities, or even allow the user to cast spells.

Exploration

Exploration is a key part of Dark and Darker. Characters must navigate through dangerous environments, explore abandoned ruins, and gather information from NPCs. Exploration requires a combination of skills, such as Perception, Investigation, and Survival.

During exploration, characters may encounter traps, puzzles, and other obstacles that must be overcome. Characters may also encounter NPCs who can provide information, quests, or other forms of assistance.

Equipment

Equipment is an important part of Dark and Darker. Characters must have the right gear to survive in the harsh world of the game. Weapons, armor, and other equipment can be bought or found throughout the game.

Characters can also craft their own equipment using materials found in the world. Crafting requires a combination of skills and materials, and the resulting equipment can be customized to suit the character’s needs.

FAQs

1. Is Dark and Darker suitable for beginners?

Dark and Darker can be challenging for beginners, but it is also a rewarding game to play. The game mechanics are easy to understand, and the GM can provide guidance for new players.

2. How long does a typical game session last?

Game sessions can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, depending on the preferences of the players and the GM.

3. Can I play Dark and Darker online?

Yes, Dark and Darker can be played online using platforms like Roll20 or Discord.

4. Do I need a GM to play Dark and Darker?

Yes, Dark and Darker requires a GM to run the game.

5. How many players can play Dark and Darker?

Dark and Darker can be played with any number of players, but it is best played with a group of four to six players.

6. Can I create my own races and classes in Dark and Darker?

Yes, the game allows players to create their own races and classes, as long as they are balanced and approved by the GM.

7. Is Dark and Darker a violent game?

Dark and Darker can be violent, but the level of violence is determined by the GM and the players.

8. Can characters die in Dark and Darker?

9. Is there a limit to the number of spells a mage can cast?

Mages have a limited amount of mana, which they use to cast spells. Once their mana is depleted, they cannot cast any more spells until they rest or replenish their mana in some other way.

10. Can characters change their skills and abilities as they level up?

Characters can gain new skills and abilities as they level up, but they cannot change their existing skills and abilities without the approval of the GM.