Blacklight

Blacklight is an intriguing modern twist on the classic Shadowdark ruleset. It combines the gritty realism of firearms, the supernatural's chilling presence, and the portals' mind-bending possibilities. The module was written in 2023 by The Scrying Dutchman, who also gave us The Modern Adventurer's Guide to Guns & Gear 5E, Modern Necessities for OSE, and Modern Necessities: Professional Edition for OSE, a successfully funded Kickstarter on the way. As a fan of Shadowdark, I found Blacklight to be a refreshing and innovative adaptation that stays true to its roots while forging new ground.

Blacklight is a worthy addition to the Shadowdark community, blending the familiar darkness and tension of its predecessor with the stark realism of a modern world filled with guns, supernatural forces, and mysterious portals. As a fan of both classic fantasy and contemporary horror, I found *Blacklight* to be an exciting evolution of the Shadowdark formula, retaining its core mechanics while expanding its thematic reach into the eerie and unknown.

A key element that sets Blacklight apart is its richly developed backstory, centered around the clandestine Blacklight Institute. Founded during the dark days of World War II, this secretive organization was formed by a coalition of brilliant minds, military strategists, and occult experts to combat the occult science employed by the Axis powers. The Germans, in particular, delved into forbidden rituals and arcane scientific experiments in an effort to harness the power of otherworldly entities, hoping to gain a decisive advantage in the war.

Throughout the conflict, the Blacklight Institute operated in the shadows, conducting covert missions across war-torn Europe. These missions involved infiltrating enemy strongholds, uncovering occult research facilities, and thwarting dangerous rituals designed to summon dark entities. The agents of the Institute faced not only the human adversaries of the Axis powers but also the terrifying paranormal threats unleashed by their occult experiments. In 1944, a particularly perilous mission revealed that the Axis was on the verge of a breakthrough that could have had catastrophic consequences for the entire world. The Institute's daring efforts to prevent this disaster set the stage for its continued operations.

Since that time, the Blacklight Institute has evolved into a global organization dedicated to monitoring and countering the supernatural threats that have emerged from the cracks between dimensions. Operating from the shadows and securing the cooperation of numerous nations, the Institute works tirelessly to protect humanity from the malevolent forces lurking at the edges of reality. This rich narrative backdrop provides players with a compelling context for their missions, blending historical intrigue with supernatural horror.

One of the game’s most innovative features is its reimagining of the torch mechanic, a staple of the Shadowdark ruleset. In Blacklight, this mechanic has been updated for the modern setting, allowing players to use battery-powered torches and other light sources. However, the game doesn’t make things easy; darkness still prevails within the ARC pocket dimensions, where much of the action takes place. These dimensions are inhabited by creatures that thrive in shadow and gloom, and any light sources used within these areas are dimmed, with flashlight beams only reaching a limited distance and ceiling lights flickering weakly, if they work at all. Additionally, the game introduces an increased power drain that affects all equipment, including portable light sources, adding another layer of challenge and tension to the experience.

The integration of firearms into the Shadowdark ruleset adds a fresh dynamic to combat, making encounters more intense and dangerous. Yet, despite the presence of modern weaponry, the supernatural elements remain at the forefront of the game’s appeal. The eerie combination of guns and ghouls, alongside the unpredictable nature of the portals, keeps players on edge, creating a world that feels both familiar and frighteningly alien.

Overall, Blacklight is a masterful addition to the Shadowdark system, merging modern elements with the haunting atmosphere of classic fantasy horror. The game's rich narrative, innovative mechanics, and chilling setting make it a must-play for fans of Shadowdark and those who enjoy exploring the darker corners of modern horror. Whether you're delving into the depths of a shadowy bunker with only a flickering flashlight to guide you or battling otherworldly creatures with weapons of modern warfare, Blacklight delivers an experience that is as thrilling as it is unnerving.

Buy it here: Blacklight