Tension in the Shadows: Heist Rules

Tension in the Shadows: Heist Rules for Shadowdark

“A perfect heist isn’t always about speed—it’s about leaving behind nothing but doubt and locked doors.” — Rennick the Whisper, infamous burglar of Anchor’s Reach

“Tension in the Shadows” is a streamlined, high-stakes supplement designed to bring daring heists to life in the world of Shadowdark RPG. These lightweight, intuitive rules allow every class—not just thieves—to play a critical role in planning, executing, and escaping from the perfect score.

What’s Inside:

• Dynamic Tension Pool System. Every action matters—build suspense with every roll as tension escalates and mistakes raise the stakes.
• Adaptive Alarm Score. Guards grow more alert with every slip-up, while clever players can ease suspicion through quick thinking and lucky breaks.
• Roles for Every Adventurer. Whether you’re the Muscle, the Face, the Lookout, or the Specialist, every player has a chance to shine.
• Persistent Threat Mode. For the boldest players—escalating risk, no second chances, and the relentless march toward discovery.
• Sample Heist. The Sapphire Masquerade — A fully outlined scenario with narrative hooks, tension tables, and challenges to craft your own high-stakes infiltration in a noble’s heavily guarded manor.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Seamlessly integrates with Shadowdark’s fast-paced, OSR-inspired gameplay.
• Easy for GMs to pick up, quick for players to learn, and flexible for any campaign setting.
• Built for tension, teamwork, and thrilling moments of narrow escapes—or crushing failures.

Will your crew escape with the prize, or vanish into the shadows forever?

Get ready to plan the perfect score. Tension in the Shadows awaits.

Designed for Shadowdark, compatible with OSR—rules that fit any old-school table.