(Crowdfund Quest) Blades of Power

Crowdfund Quest is a daily column that takes us on an expedition into tabletop crowdfunding with a look at a current project in the tabletop gaming world.

Blades of Power by Barrel Rider Games is a game that wears it’s influences very proudly. Calling itself ‘Synth and Sorcery Roleplaying’ the Blades of Power is inspired by the classic adventure cartoons of the 1980’s… and is perfect timing given that one of those cartoons has been turned in to a live-action movie and is currently entertaining fans old and new on big screens everywhere.

Blades of Power is a stand-alone fantasy game, with a dash of sci-fi swashbuckling, that is fully compatible with Old-School Essentials and other classic rules sets based around the old Basic Dungeons & Dragons game from the 80’s.

It’s neon sunsets across apocalyptic landscapes. It’s larger-than-life heroes with fabulous magical powers. It’s your power blade in one hand and a laser-blazer in the other as you face off against the time traveling Draconis Maximus, the vile Serpentmen of Venom Spire, and the brain-bending Denizens of the Dream-City, for the fate of the universe!

With the seven classic core classes reimagined the game promotes larger-than-life heroes. The game also includes all the classic B/X spells and over 225 monsters that range from classic staples like ogres, hydras and giants to those inspired by pulp comics and Saturday morning cartoons like the Martian Cosmic Conquerors, strange and mystical Saruians, time-traveling Temporal Barbarians, and the neon-and-chrome Draconis Maximus.

Magic items in the game will often find themselves with a hint of sci-fi, so your character may very well find themselves wearing a Cloak of Elvenkind whilst taking aim with a Laser-Blazer, or wearing a suit of Power Armour whilst facing odd against storm giants. Bades of Power includes over 250 magical items.

While Blades of Power can be used without any modification to run any classic B/X-based adventure,. it also introduces the World of Ultimos. From the Kingdom of Ultaria, Queen Taris and her Knights fight off the machinations of the Serpentmen of Venom Spire. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers of the Blackwave Sea multiply almost as fast as the strange, inky miasma that spreads across its waves. But those who dare aid the Queen in her efforts will find new allies in the form of seven unique Optional Classes:
The libertine Bucca rules the slopes and mountainsides, punching and drinking their way to glory all while laughing in the face of danger.
Fey-Kin, caught between worlds, dazzle and charm their foes with sharp blades, charming words, and just a touch of magic… when they can get their hands on it.
Masters of the martial arts, Mystics have come down from their secret monasteries to perfect themselves - both mind and body - in the war against Venom Spire.
Rugged Rangers fear neither the wastelands of the Venom Spire nor the natural dangers of the beautiful Kingdom of Ultaria. They are masters of all the natural wonders of Ultimos.
Cowering Ratlings, tired of slinking in the shadows and beaten mocked by bigger, stronger creatures, have taken up arms to prove they too have a place of glory and honor in the annals of history - even if they have to earn it with a well-placed and unseen dagger.
Noble Saurians, who silently swear by sword and shield, take up arms to protect those who cannot protect themselves as they wander the world. Never lost, they always seem to appear right when and where they are needed.
Neither living, nor dead, the Skeletarians have turned on their necromantic masters and now use their fell gifts to show those who would defile Ultimos what it means to truly fear the night.