(RPG PDF Spotlight) Black Jam

RPG PDF Spotlights is our daily look at a recent release for a new tabletop roleplaying game, supplement or scenario, or solo journaling game, that has caught my eye. This isn’t a review, although I hope we can start offering reviews in addition to our news coverage in the future, more of a “hey guys, check this out!” shoutout.

Black Jam

A Post-Apocalyptic Old-school Adventure RPG by ND Hobbies

A Post-Apocalyptic Adventure and Complete Roleplaying Game

The world ended when a goddess died.

Centuries later, humanity survives among rusted ruins, living storms of magic, ancient machines, and the black crystalline substance known as Black Jam. Corporations rule what remains of civilization, desperate scavengers roam the wastelands, and forgotten powers stir beneath the earth.

Black Jam is a complete tabletop roleplaying game and a three-act campaign inspired by old-school adventures, classic post-apocalyptic manga, and strange science-fantasy worlds.

Whether you're looking for a fast-to-learn RPG or a complete campaign that takes characters from desperate survivors to enemies of a world-spanning corporation, Black Jam provides everything you need in a single book.

A Complete RPG

Black Jam includes its own rules system, based on The Black Hack, redesigned for its post-apocalyptic setting. The rules are lightweight, easy to learn, and focused on fast play. Most groups can learn the core mechanics in minutes and begin playing immediately. The system is also flexible enough to run your own post-apocalyptic adventures beyond the campaign included in the book.

Inside the Rules

Fast character creation
Simple d20-based mechanics
Four playable classes
Crafting and scavenging systems
JamCraft technology powered by Black Jam
Equipment creation and survival rules
Lightweight combat and exploration

Character Sheets Included

Each of the four classes comes with its own dedicated character sheet included in the book.

These sheets contain:

Starting equipment
Class abilities
Advancement features
Level progression

Instead of constantly looking through the rulebook, players can keep nearly everything they need directly on their character sheet. Create a character in minutes and start playing.

A Three-Act Campaign

The heart of the book is a complete adventure divided into three escalating acts.

Act I: Explore the wastelands, uncover forgotten secrets, and survive against strange creatures and desperate scavengers.
Act II: Discover the plans of the powerful Skull Corporation and learn the terrible truth behind the coming Day of Abundance.
Act III: Travel into Skull's underground metropolis and decide the fate of the world itself.

Inspired by classic old-school adventures, the campaign emphasizes exploration, difficult choices, dangerous locations, and player-driven solutions.

Black Jam is available as: