First Impressions - Twilight Sword RPG, some quick thoughts

https://youtu.be/H6mmGjGmhu0?si=g5wupYDt2CkXxWyn

I'm not planning to write a detailed review on Twilight Sword. That's not because I don't like it, but rather because it would take a chunk of time and much of what I would write has already been covered by Patchwork Paladin's blog post. I encourage you to read that.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ncqUjeZFH6I?si=6T_HQJCq2SUVUivW

I've finished reading through the Twilight Sword Core Rules, the Lands of Radia campaign book and the mini-campaign in the starter set. I didn't read the starter rules (a shortened version of the core book but on a quick flick through, they looked good.

Things I like:

• It's a medium crunch system using D12 roll-under mechanics.
• It's beautifully clean and well written, which makes the crunch feel simple.
• The format and illustrations are top notch.
• The physical quality is superb and begs to be run at the table.
• There are elements of the design that are clearly intended to evoke video game sources (eg Zelda) and are quite cute - expect foes to dissolve away when slain, boss monsters and patterns of attack you can learn.
• The Lands of Radia campaign book is a well constructed sandbox adventure that leads towards a good climax.
• The starter set is superb, and has a nice prequel mini-campaign.

Things that could better:

• Neither the Core Book or Lands of Radia has a short starter encounter or adventure detailed out to use immediately. You need the starter set for that. I'm with Patchwork Paladin that there should have been at least one example and perhaps Lands of Radia should have had some more guidance on fleshing out locations or have had maps of them.
• I think that the Card Chest would have benefited from the addition of some dividers to sort the cards out.

Overall, this is one I want to run. Starter set mini campaign, anyone? Or maybe next Furnace?

29 October 2026