SHIVER Classified: A Conspiracy TTRPG from Parable Games has successfully surpassed its £10,000 funding goal on Backerkit, more than doubling the target amount with 25 days remaining in its campaign. Remarkably, the project was fully funded within just four hours.

From Torchwood to Table

If you’ve ever pondered the truth behind conspiracies — like the existence of aliens, the Hollow Earth theory, or whether birds are real — SHIVER Classified offers a chance to explore these mysteries. In this TTRPG, players assume the role of agents from L.A.N.C.E., an ancient secret organization dedicated to safeguarding the world from various threats, ranging from Cthulhu to chemtrails.

As an agent, your mission is to uncover secrets and ensure that conspiracies remain secure and hidden from public knowledge. Tasks can vary from investigating mysteries in remote towns to executing precise military strikes against clandestine cults. The ultimate challenge? Keeping these secrets under wraps.

SHIVER is designed as a scary movie tabletop RPG that brings to life tales of the mysterious and strange. Inspired by classic horror, pulp novels, films, and TV shows, SHIVER allows you to set your stories in any time and place, featuring any characters you desire. Whether you prefer modern-day soldiers in the Arctic or sword-wielding knights in an ancient crypt, the possibilities are endless.

The game boasts an easy-to-learn system that prioritizes fast-paced storytelling, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned roleplayers. With its narrative-focused rules, SHIVER is perfect for both one-shots and longer campaigns.

What is L.A.N.C.E.?

L.A.N.C.E., or The Legion Against Nefarious Clandestine Evils, was formally established in Albion in the 1800s. However, its origins trace back much further. The organization’s history includes legendary figures such as the Arthurian knights and the Van Helsing family, all of whom fought against various monsters and threats. Initially operating independently, these diverse entities united under L.A.N.C.E. to combat the dark forces that lurk in the shadows.

Players will choose from various character Archetypes to make their agents. These roles include the fierce Warrior, fueled by sheer athleticism and brute force; the wily Maverick, wielding an array of specialist skills; the charismatic Socialite, masters of guile and wit; the intelligent Scholar, capable of answering any question; the lovable Fool, powered by nothing but luck; the enigmatic Weird, changed by their experiences with the strange; and the steadfast Survivor, the jack of all trades against otherworldly forces. Each Archetype is linked to a specific Core Skill—Grit, Wit, Smarts, Heart, Luck, or Strange—offering unique abilities and backgrounds that enrich character development.

What Are We Getting?

For SHIVER Classified’s Backerkit campaign, two new books will be released, brimming with conspiracies and secrets to explore. These volumes will provide everything players need to create L.A.N.C.E. agents suited for various missions. However, players will need the SHIVER core rulebook or one of the SHIVER Starter Boxes to participate. Both of these are available as add-ons and in pledge bundles.

The first book in the Backerkit, SHIVER Classified: Agents of L.A.N.C.E., focuses on the mysteries and horrors that agents face in their line of work. They document conspiracies as they are revealed, before they’re swiftly concealed. This book contains everything you need to create your characters, as well as a selection of stories from L.A.N.C.E.’s archives for players to delve into.

The second book, SHIVER Classified: The Unseen War, takes a deeper look at L.A.N.C.E.’s historical operations. It provides additional tools and rules for agents in combat situations while recounting the agency’s storied past. Players will encounter a range of conflicts, from battling rogue Nazi A.I.s to confronting sentient Soviet plastics, all carefully hidden from public knowledge.

The SHIVER Universe Unleashed

The SHIVER Core Rulebook equips players with the flexibility to create any world they desire, creating broad brushstrokes of horror. It is necessary for playing any campaign, and optional as an add-on. For those interested in specific themes, SHIVER Genre Expansions serves as detailed explorations of particular story categories, complete with new rules, items, enemies, and narratives. SHIVER Classified is the fourth of these expansions, focusing specifically on conspiracies and mysteries.

In addition to SHIVER Classified, previous Genre Expansions include SHIVER Gothic, which dives into classic horror themes with settings featuring werewolves and vampires; SHIVER Slasher, which brings the thrill of slasher films to the table; and SHIVER Blockbuster, which captures the action-packed essence of blockbuster cinema. Each expansion is available as part of pledge tiers or as add-ons.

How Does One Play?

The game employs the award-winning Archetype system, simplifying gameplay by using symbolic dice instead of traditional number calculations. For example, when attempting to kick open a door, players will look for Grit symbols, while picking a lock would require Smarts symbols. The outcome of rolls can lead to unexpected paths, allowing for creative solutions beyond straightforward success or failure.

Additionally, the game introduces the Doom Clock, a mechanic that heightens tension as players encounter setbacks. As the clock ticks up due to failed rolls or poor decisions, the Director may unleash Doom Events. These events drive the narrative forward, adding suspenseful challenges for the players to navigate.

Overall, SHIVER Classified promises an engaging blend of conspiratorial intrigue, thrilling adventures, and innovative gameplay for fans of tabletop roleplaying. This Backerkit is the perfect chance to get in on a major expansion to the SHIVER universe.

Shiver Classified: A Conspiracy TTRPG Backerkit campaign ends November 29th, 2024.