THEY FEED ON FEAR (1E)
A downloadable REVERSE HORROR TTRPG!
THEY FEED ON FEAR: A Horror RPG (1E) is a stand-alone RPG system that allows the players to create and take control of Fear-Eaters, horrific inter-dimensional beings that sustain themselves by devouring the Fear/Essence of their victims. Players name their Fear-Eater and create their appearance, behaviour, background, and mythology. The players must then stalk their way through the world outlined by the game master, called the Provider. The Fear-Eater's goal is to sow discord, fear, and horror while avoiding the feeble attempts to end their rampaging, unquenchable feast.
THEY FEED ON FEAR: A Horror RPG (1E) is a semi-cooperative narrative-driven role-playing game in which all but one of the players takes on the role of Fear-Eaters. The Fear-Eater's goal is to be the first to accumulate enough Essence to hibernate, mutate, or ascend, depending on the Fear-Eater's constructed mythology.
The final player assumes the role of the game master, known as the Provider, and is in charge of describing the town's inhabitants and the surrounding environment.
Mechanically, Fear-Eaters are described by two pairs of Attributes, a pool of Essence, and a list of Abilities. During the game, players may specialize their Fear-Eaters by adding and upgrading Abilities and modifying Attributes as their legend unfolds.
What Is Needed To Play?
Players will need a writing utensil, a character sheet, a D12, a pad of paper (or similar), their twisted imaginations, and this rulebook, of course.
THEY FEED ON FEAR: A Horror RPG (1E) features the artwork of Alexei Vella, Trevor Henderson, Enoch Duncan, Shane Hunt, David Romero, Daniel Vega, Carlos Sánchez Polo, Aeron Alfrey, Watchful, Katya Reynoso, John R. Green, Leovincible, Jenyce Garay, Wipor Mont, Omega Black, and François Launet.
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Physicals of THEY FEED ON FEAR: A Horror RPG (1E) is available HERE!
Physicals of THEY FEED ON FEAR: A Horror RPG (2E) is available HERE!
Purchase
In order to download this REVERSE HORROR TTRPG! you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $6.66 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Development log
- Community Creations.Aug 05, 2023
- Interactive Version [Table of Contents/Bookmarks/Page REFS]Jul 29, 2023
- Join the DISCORD Server!Sep 25, 2022
- Sticker has been added!May 27, 2022
- Collector Card Added!May 27, 2022
Comments
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An expansion is actually in the works as well.
What is the difference between 1E and 2E?
Some rules clarifications, flowcharts making the game structure more understandable, some new abilities, more art, hardcover.
Since I've purchased the printed book from the Exalted Funeral Website, where can I download the Character Sheet? I've received only the book pdf. Thanks!
It is at the back of the book; either photocopy it or print it from the PDF.
I mean the pdf file, like the one given with the purchase here on itch. Would't be just fair to provide it to those who purchased the actual book?
This pdf is the first edition, it’s different.
You can easily rip the QRS and the character sheet from the PDF.
Your purchase from EF included the physical and the pdf, no extras were included. Take it up with EF. I am not responsible for the Second edition.
Join the Discord if you have issues with ripping the PDF. I can help.
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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