They Feed On Fear is a modern supernatural horror TTRPG---about playing as the monster.
The PDF is 92 pages, with a sleek retro horror novel aesthetic and some absolutely incredible illustrations. There's a distinct Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark vibe to several pieces, but that's far from the only recognizable influence. If you dig modern horror illustrations, Feed On Fear is worth it as a coffee table book alone.
Gameplay-wise, you're basically taking on the role of the It from It. You're an alien shapeshifter that feeds on humans, and you're harvesting as much as you can from the nearby area. You do this by stalking and terrorizing locals, which gives you Essence. Essence is your HP and your ability pool and your exp and your way of winning the game---all of Feed On Fear orbits around it.
Somewhat oddly, you don't feel very in control as a monster. You can whiff some rolls and lose a ton of Essence to the wrong prey---even dying if things go completely lopsided. Moreover, as you hunt, the local community gets stressed out and militarizes. The gamefeel is a bit like an edgier Aaah! Real Monsters! crossed with a less social White Wolf's Vampire.
Accordingly, there *is* pvp. Technically, Feed On Fear has only one winner---the first player to max out their character. This means that there's an incentive for players to cooperate and also to interfere with each other depending on circumstances.
The game does lean on the GM a lot, but it also provides a lot of support and guidance. The GM is responsible for building the nearby community, adjudicating encounters, adding flavor to setpieces, and interpreting dice rolls, and GMs that like to think on their feet will have an easier time here, but there are plenty of roll tables to fall back on as well. There's also variant rules for playing solo, if you just want to produce a very spooky journal.
Overall, this is a really clever concept that I think has incredible potential for oneshots and play-by-post, and should really shine for groups it clicks with. If the idea of turning into a giant spider and eating children isn't for you, probably give this game a miss. But if you want to explore a horror story from the monster's side of the camera, definitely check it out. Also, again, the art is stunningly gorgeous.
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They Feed On Fear is a modern supernatural horror TTRPG---about playing as the monster.
The PDF is 92 pages, with a sleek retro horror novel aesthetic and some absolutely incredible illustrations. There's a distinct Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark vibe to several pieces, but that's far from the only recognizable influence. If you dig modern horror illustrations, Feed On Fear is worth it as a coffee table book alone.
Gameplay-wise, you're basically taking on the role of the It from It. You're an alien shapeshifter that feeds on humans, and you're harvesting as much as you can from the nearby area. You do this by stalking and terrorizing locals, which gives you Essence. Essence is your HP and your ability pool and your exp and your way of winning the game---all of Feed On Fear orbits around it.
Somewhat oddly, you don't feel very in control as a monster. You can whiff some rolls and lose a ton of Essence to the wrong prey---even dying if things go completely lopsided. Moreover, as you hunt, the local community gets stressed out and militarizes. The gamefeel is a bit like an edgier Aaah! Real Monsters! crossed with a less social White Wolf's Vampire.
Accordingly, there *is* pvp. Technically, Feed On Fear has only one winner---the first player to max out their character. This means that there's an incentive for players to cooperate and also to interfere with each other depending on circumstances.
The game does lean on the GM a lot, but it also provides a lot of support and guidance. The GM is responsible for building the nearby community, adjudicating encounters, adding flavor to setpieces, and interpreting dice rolls, and GMs that like to think on their feet will have an easier time here, but there are plenty of roll tables to fall back on as well. There's also variant rules for playing solo, if you just want to produce a very spooky journal.
Overall, this is a really clever concept that I think has incredible potential for oneshots and play-by-post, and should really shine for groups it clicks with. If the idea of turning into a giant spider and eating children isn't for you, probably give this game a miss. But if you want to explore a horror story from the monster's side of the camera, definitely check it out. Also, again, the art is stunningly gorgeous.
Ordered the physical version. How long does it take to recieve the PDF? Looking forward to diving in!
Where? Store Envy?
That is correct
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