Bastards.: Pearlescent Edition
Suitable for simple old-style roleplaying faire—my synthesis of “dragon games” into the one I want to play and run. This is not a complete system. There are gaps, though fewer than ever before. You can fill them. I believe in you.
The new version of Bastards. includes:
- An expanded bestiary
- More potions, magic wands, traps, tricks, and gear
- 36 extra classes
- And an example adventure, A Simple Dungeon
"bastards. killed my nonna and she fuckin loved it." - BFM
"One of the finest tabletop prole-playing games." - Vi Huntsman
"I consider it a devastating blow for my career that I was unable to edit this book." - Terence Walsh
"I like the adventure!" - Jared Sinclair
"Bastards. random spell table is probably one of the best overall elements of a game that is both distinctive and familiar." - Fiona Geist
"I despise it, wholly out of jealousy." - Nate Treme
"bastards. is the cleanest piece of filth I've enjoyed playing." - John Battle
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $5 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Exclusive content
Support this game at or above a special price point to receive something exclusive.
Community Copies
Development log
- Physical Copies Now AvailableJan 05, 2023
Comments
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Does Bastards have an open license? I couldn't find any information about it.
Yeah you can make whatever you want for it
just bought this but the character sheet is a blank pdf. Can you please send me the actual character sheet please
Hi, another person surprised that the previous version they paid for is no longer available.
The sale price of this one is the same as the price I paid for the original, so please can I have a copy to replace the one taken down?
I recently purchased this and the character sheet is a blank pdf. Viewing via Acrobat.
Yes, that's correct
Got the original in TTRPGs for Trans Rights in Texas bundle but saw that this version is out now. Would it be possible to snag a community copy? I can email you if needed?
Great for solo play too, highly recommend it. Thanks for the new community copies.
So people who bought the older edition no longer have access to it and have to pay again to download the newer edition? That seems very unfair.
Will you refund the 4.99 which people paid for the original version of bastards as you have revoked access to it?
I bought the older edition and it's still in my library. It's also viewable if you click on Micah's profile page. It's still accessible and available, it just isn't on the creator page because they want to put more focus on the newer edition.
it's not in my library, I tried clicking on his page and I don't see it there. A lot of people have the same issue and he refuses to acknowledge them.
I've said before in other comments and emails that file is no longer available. it got lost between computers and moves years ago, so I can't re-upload it. however, people have uploaded it to certain free websites, and I can 100% endorse finding a copy there.
I'd be more than happy to send you a coupon for this version of the game too
Regarding spellcasting, how do players acquire new spells? Couldn't find anything regarding this in the book. Is it just by DM discretion or is there a system for it?
its really up to you. i think in the original bastards i said you can find them, meditate for them, copy from a scroll, be gifted from a god, grind up wizard teeth and snort them, etc. just do whatever you feel like really
small question/potential error - for the Snake Fells hexmap, are A2 and C4 intended to not have descriptions?
yes, they're just fields/farmland
thanks!
This looks awesome! I was just wondering if you will be adding anymore community copies?
probably not, because i need the money
its currently on sale though
Delightfully surreal. Recommended.
Here is an actual play:
bastards. is meant to be enjoyed paired with dungeon synth like this:
Here is an interview about Bastards.:
More episodes of Batrachian Swamps in bastards.:
I've come by here twice now to buy this only to discover i have to set up a paypal account to do so. Bummer.
Please join us all in the 21st Century, and enjoy a plethora of purchasing methods that aren't tied directly to sharing your credit card info.
Very elegant rules! I wonder what the intent behind the LUCK mechanic is - it seems to me that the luck value is quite low. Why aren't saves thrown straight to stats? And why is it called luck for PCs while at the same time it's called save for NPCs and monsters?
luck is a save in the same way as odnd had saves vs wands or deathrays or what have you. the chance of avoiding damage from it is lower than if you had avoided getting into the situation in the first place. luck also reduces as you use it so you might run out
They're called saves for monsters to differentiate them from player luck and because it doesn't reduce
and Luck is quite low. if you dont look where youre going and step on a bear trap, you have a chance to react and avoid damage but not as much as if you had checked the hallway first
Thanks for the quick reply. My primary concern was why, for example in your bear trap case, not just use the agility save. Or is it possible to combine these rolls (i.e. I roll for agility and if I fail, I can still test my luck)?
youre walking down a hallway. you tell the gm youre on the lookout for anything weird. they say theres a giant bear trap in the middle. they have you test your dex to leap over it.
versus
youre walking down the hallway. you hear a click and look down just in time to see a giant bear trap slamming shut. test your luck to see if you can avoid any damage
Okay, I understand what you mean. So it's just a different mechanic to "3 out of 6 that the trap shut" - a bit tougher for me, because the chances for the player will usually be less than 50% and even lower during the game...
youre walking down a hallway. you tell the gm youre on the lookout for anything weird. they say theres a giant bear trap in the middle. they have you test your dex to leap over it.
versus
youre walking down the hallway. you hear a click and look down just in time to see a giant bear trap slamming shut. test your luck to see if you can avoid any damage
Is there a reason why Paypal is the only way to purchase Bastards?
I have the same question. I'm interested in the game, but I do not own a PayPal account and generally pay straight with a credit card when buying through Itch.
because i needed to switch payout methods from itch to get direct payment and paypal is what i use
Wobblies and Wizards episode:
https://player.fm/series/wobblies-wizards/bastards-with-micha-anderson
Interview with Logar the Barbarian: https://anchor.fm/wobbliesandwizards/episodes/Bastards--With-Micha-Anderson-e1p1...
what can I expect from bastards pearlescent edition?
bastards., but more stuff, and with a pearl paintjob
I haven't had the pleasure of playing the original bastards, so I'm tentatively curious about the system.
Actually turns out I did end up owning the original through a bundle, but I never got the chance to check it out. Ya learn something new everyday
I had it in a bundle too but never got around to downloading it. Looks like the original is available here if you want to pay for it again. :-)
a simple dungeon crawler, dynamic spell list, and a bunch of magic items, monsters, potions, etc
interesting
https://zeitghostgames.itch.io/province-of-taneran
i loved this game so much that i made a hexcrawl for it and you can get it here
this game is fantastic and i will play it until i am devoured by a beast or a creature
Hauntingly concise followed by the most confusing character sheet I've ever seen. Where do I write down all my skills scores?
Will there be a fancy pearlescent edition zine in print on EF (or elsewhere)?
is it okay to say that i'm in love with the character sheet? it's so good that i might just use it for all my games moving forward!
One of the best little dungeons!
bastards is freaking great! Buy it! Play it! Then play it more! Heck, make adventures for it! We need more bastards!