Neon & Shadow

A Roleplaying Game of Urban Mysticism and Hidden Truths.

The city whispers secrets to those who listen. Beneath the mundane world of glass towers and crowded streets lies a hidden reality—a world of vibrant magic, ancient spirits, and shadowy conspiracies. You are one of the few who can see this truth. A reluctant psychic, a streetwise protector, an arcane scholar in hiding. You've been pulled into the underbelly of urban fantasy, and now you must navigate a world that denies magic exists while fighting the threats that lurk just beyond the veil.

Will you protect the innocent from what they can't see? Will you uncover the forgotten truths of the city? Or will the shadows consume you?

Neon & Shadow is a tabletop roleplaying game for 2-5 players (one as the Game Master) that blends narrative-focused mechanics with consequence-driven action, perfect for gritty urban fantasy stories. Players take on the roles of modern-day heroes, investigators, and outcasts who must confront hidden threats, unravel mystical conspiracies, and strive to protect humanity from what lurks in the darkness.

This game is about street-level heroism, tough moral choices, and the enduring spirit of those who fight for truth. Victories are hard-won and often come at a personal cost.

Neon & Shadow is built on a rules-light, narrative-first engine inspired by modern TTRPGs like Fate Core System and Blades in the Dark. The focus is always on the story, with mechanics designed to create compelling choices and dramatic twists.

• Echoes: The Narrative Truths. Define your character and the world around you with Echoes—descriptive phrases like "Reluctant Psychic," "Owes a Favor to the Fae Court," or "Dense Urban Fog." These aren't just flavor; they are narrative truths you can invoke for a bonus or the GM can compel to create interesting complications.
• Anchor Points: Shaping the Story. Spend Anchor Points to take control of the narrative. Use them to invoke an Echo for a crucial re-roll, add a bonus die, or even declare a new story detail on the fly, like knowing the perfect escape route.
• Stress & Consequences: The Toll of Adventure. Every action has a cost. Push your limits by taking Stress to gain an edge, or resist a dire consequence by gritting your teeth and enduring the strain. But be careful—too much Stress can lead to permanent Trauma.
• Clocks: Tracking Progress and Peril. Visualize escalating danger and complex tasks with Clocks. Race against the "Security Patrol Arrives" clock, or work together to fill the "Unravel the Cult's Ritual" clock before it's too late.
• Position & Effect: Setting the Stakes. Before you roll, the GM establishes your Position (Controlled, Risky, or Desperate) and potential Effect (Limited, Standard, or Great). This transparent system ensures every roll is a calculated risk with clear stakes.

Key Features

• Fast, Flexible, Fiction-First Rules: A streamlined system that keeps the action moving and prioritizes player creativity.
• Deep Character Creation: Build a character with a rich history, strong motivations, and meaningful connections to the world and the other players.
• Dynamic Urban Fantasy: Guidelines and tools for the GM to create their own living city, complete with rival factions, supernatural hotspots, and impending threats.
• Ready-To-Play Setting: Includes The City of Veridia, a complete campaign setting with unique locations, factions, and adventure seeds to get you started immediately.
• Complete Digital Rulebook: A fully hyperlinked and bookmarked digital book with everything you need to play, including character creation, core mechanics, GM guidance, and appendices.
• Player & GM Resources: Features printable character sheets, clock templates, and NPC creation tools to support your game.

The shadow makes the neon glow brighter. What will be your light in the darkness?