After a Kickstarter campaign that gathered nearly $900,000 in pledges, Legend in the Mist is set for release in Summer 2025. Created by Son of Oak, the publisher of City of Mist, this upcoming fantasy tabletop RPG emphasizes storytelling and character development, aiming to offer an alternative to traditional, mechanics-heavy systems.
Polygon has referred to Legend in the Mist as a “counter-D&D,” designed with a focus on narrative and inspired by works like The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and Princess Mononoke. Rather than relying on detailed tables and extensive character abilities, Legend in the Mist allows players to engage in roleplaying using a tag-based system that highlights character traits and story elements.
Character creation and gameplay in Legend in the Mist revolve around descriptive tags that represent each character’s abilities, skills, and backgrounds. Players roll two six-sided dice and use relevant tags to approach challenges based on their characters’ unique qualities. This system aims to provide flexibility within the structure, allowing players to choose actions aligned with their characters’ narratives, with oversight from the master of ceremonies to maintain gameplay balance.
Characters in Legend in the Mist begin as ordinary individuals from varied backgrounds, rather than traditional adventurers. This structure supports the game’s focus on character progression, where players can develop their characters through in-game experiences, with the flexibility to adjust tags over time to reflect growth and change.
The game’s combat system also reflects its emphasis on narrative. Players can choose between more streamlined or complex encounters, tailoring the combat experience to their preferred playstyle, whether that involves fast-paced encounters or detailed strategy.
A demo of Legend in the Mist, the Tinderbox Demo, is currently available, and Son of Oak’s YouTube channel offers updates on the game’s development. The final release will include a core rulebook and a setting book, Hearts of Ravensdale.
Source: Tabletop Gaming News
