After venturing into the dark with only a torch to guide their way, the Campaigns & Coffee crew talks about their experiences playing the ShadowDark RPG (where they ARE very likely to be eaten by a grue).
They discuss the dungeon-delving, old-school-inspired game’s real-time torch mechanics, its focus on fast-paced and high-stakes decision-making. They also look at encumbrance (no, you can not bring a golf club bag's worth of weapons), spell mechanics, and the game's relentless tension.
Chapters
0:00 – Welcome1:00 – First Impressions of Shadowdark RPG3:05 – Torch Timer: Exciting or Stressful?5:36 – How Shadowdark Brings Back Old-School D&D8:11 – Minimal Planning, Maximum Action12:30 – Encumbrance: You Can’t Carry Everything!16:25 – Spells, Failures, and Magical Chaos18:00 – Fun (and Bad) Player Choices20:46 – The Overlord’s Healthcare Question22:06 – Outro and Final Thoughts
Listen to the Episode
Watch to the Episode
Watch Shadowdark Impressions (Campaigns & Coffee) on YouTube.
Show Notes
David’s Sunday RPG Sessions
Running Shattered Ark and diving into Shadowdark with friends.
First Impressions of Shadowdark
A game that balances intensity and relaxation, depending on playstyle.
Real-Time Mechanics
The torch timer creates urgency, making every decision count.
Roleplaying vs. Action
Less focus on deep character backstories, more on immediate problem-solving.
Using Foundry VTT
Learning the system while displaying maps on the big screen.
Dungeon Delving Emphasis
Shadowdark restores a classic Dungeons & Dragons dungeon-crawling feel.
Comparing to Older D&D Editions
Discussing how early D&D had more encounters and rest limitations.
Encumbrance Matters!
Inventory slots limit loot-hoarding, forcing strategic choices.
Spell System
Spells don’t disappear, but failed rolls can make them unusable or go awry.
Player Stories
Highlights of decision-making, torch anxiety, and unexpected survival.
Featured Image Meta
Cover art from the ShadowDark core rule book. Credit: The Arcane Library.
