The French tabletop role-playing game Shadows of Esteren has significantly exceeded its initial Kickstarter funding target. The campaign, which aimed to raise $10,000, has already collected over $79,933 from 748 backers, with three weeks remaining until its closure on May 17.
Shadows of Esteren is celebrated for its focus on deep narrative roleplaying with a simple system designed to enhance storytelling rather than complicate it. It has been described by Geek & Sundry as “the gothic fantasy RPG you’ve always wanted,” ideal for those who value story-driven gameplay.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Shadows of Esteren, and the Kickstarter campaign commemorates this milestone with new releases and the conclusion of its beloved campaign, Dearg. Early backers have the unique opportunity to receive the Black Crystal, a collector’s die exclusively available through this Kickstarter and selected events.
The campaign offers new players a chance to explore Shadows of Esteren with starter sets and the remaining printed books of the series, which include detailed worldbuilding and engaging scenarios. Returning players can delve into the second season of Dearg, the core campaign that is central to the RPG, focusing on mature themes of love, grief, and ethics.
Special editions being offered include a Kickstarter Special Edition of the Dearg volumes featuring unique cover art by Yoann Lossel, and a limited edition with an engraved black cover and numbered copies. Additionally, the campaign features unique collectibles such as a 78-card tarot deck illustrated by Loren Hontanilla, a set of 45 game tokens, and an artbook containing over 200 artworks that showcase the essence of Esteren’s world.
The creators of Shadows of Esteren describe the game as a tool to nurture human connections, providing a space to express and share emotions in a welcoming environment. With its emphasis on emotional depth and minimal combat mechanics, the game invites players to immerse themselves in personal narratives and thematic scenarios through its innovative mechanics.
