Here you will find rules, card layout explanations, and Campaign Frameworks. Rules are separated between Player rules and Narrator rules. It is advised that Narrators read both sets, whereas Players should avoid reading the Narrator rules and Campaign Frameworks, as to avoid spoilers during your gaming experience.
Rules Catalog
How to get started…
Dark Days is designed for one person to take on the role of the Narrator, guiding the story, while 1 to 4 Players make decisions that shape the narrative. Players have the flexibility to either create their own characters using the templates provided in the Character Creation section or choose from the default Mercenary characters available in the Cards section.
As for what you’ll need to play, it’s pretty straightforward: a handful of dice (at least a D20, D12, and D6), access to the cards (the Scenario Framework section will detail which cards and how many you’ll need), and a pen and paper. You can right-click on any card to save it, then print it out or order a physical set from a printing website. I’ve ensured the cards are formatted with the proper blacked-out borders, so they’re print-ready and meet the bleed requirements most printing companies expect.
When printing these cards, one thing to keep in mind is the dimensions. I’ve intentionally made the cards larger to preserve all the details without pixelation. Some printing companies might ask you to shrink the cards down to fit their specific dimensions. However, most will let you upload the cards as they are without any adjustments.
If you're unsure, you can always download the template provided by the printing company, place the cards into it, and resize them as needed. While this might take a bit of time, the process is pretty straightforward. Just follow the template's guidelines, and you should be good to go!
The first step in Dark Days is to create your character, and the possibilities are endless. With your Narrator's guidance, you’ll craft a basic backstory, choose your class, and even add a visual representation of your character. To make the process easier, templates and guides are provided in this section to help you create a card that’s structured consistently with those already in the game.
Now that you’ve created your character, it’s time to dive into the foundations of the game. Wondering where your cards go, how you level up, or how the role-playing mechanics work? All these questions and more will be answered in this section, giving you everything you need to start your adventure in Dark Days.
You're about to get into your first scrap! Now’s the time to learn how to use your cards to your advantage. This section covers everything you need to know about party formation, turn order, equipment, and skill usage. Whether you're a bare-knuckle brawler, a master fencer, or a Meletian Vvitch, this guide will help you maximize your abilities and come out on top.
This section is for the Narrator's eyes only and delves into the overarching story of Dark Days. Here, Narrators can explore the upcoming story beats and learn about the key NPCs who will play significant roles in shaping the future of the game. Use this section to guide your players through the narrative and keep the world dynamic and engaging.