SWARM
A downloadable game
SWARM is part hexcrawl, part “dungeon” delve, designed for solo play.
The Swarm savors flesh and circuit; it merges and couples and corrupts in a wetware nightmare where neurons and tissue become logic gates in its petahertz cycles. The Swarm is viral, and when it has consumed everything on planet Ramses, it will look for another host.
You will take the role of a colonist attempting to escape the planet Ramses. You must take your character to the only known zone of safety, where you can rendezvous with a rescue ship. It will not be easy. Like locusts to wheat, The Swarm is compelled towards machines — the very machines you will rely on to get out alive. And The Swarm and its manifestations are not the only hazards on Ramses.
The 21-page rulebook contains:
- Simple and fast three-stat character creation system
- Corruption mechanic to add pressure as you reach your destination
- Lightweight opposed d20 combat mechanic (major inspiration from Rangers of Shadow Deep on this)
- Macro- and mico-level exploration via hexcrawling and a complex but fast dungeon generation system
- Assorted random tables to build the world around you
Downloads includes spread, single-page, and print-ready versions as well as a printable hex map and character sheet.
Print copies available at Spear Witch
Awesome expansion from Ian Raze: Restroom Remains
"Expand your delves with 10 new restroom locations, plus additional restroom-related lore and references! "
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Download
Click download now to get access to the following files:
Development log
- Print copies available at Spear Witch!Sep 09, 2022
- Expansion available from Ian Raze: Toilets!Jul 26, 2022
- Print copies now available!Jul 24, 2022
Comments
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how can we get new print copies of this? Exalted Funeral said they're not restocking and it looks like the ones at Spear Witch aren't showing up. can we get a restock somewhere? 🖤
I’ve been thinking about doing another print run along with some supplemental material. It’d be at least a month or 2 out, but watch here for updates.
I really love this game! Like the mechanics - and love the descriptions i.e. in the random tables!
Curti demais, adoraria traduzir para o portugues brasileiro :D
Had an excellent evening playing a few games of this the other day.
In my first game, on my first hex (rolled 4 on explore, then 10 on elite table), i encountered "reanimated corpses of forlorn explorers". This creature cannot be evaded. I'm dead in the very beginning.
I do have a question:
When in combat with multi count creatures, is the HP multiplied for each one?
In other words: is this encounter against 64HP with 6 armor and starting out with +7 fight?
Just played thru my first time and died against the swarm behemoth ;_; Still, enjoyed it. Laughed at “mining magnate teen scum” and not being able to evade them. Stopped laughing when they killed my geologist npc hehe.
I had a couple of Qs.
Thanks! Enjoyed this. :)
Incredible game! You've captured a lot of what I want out of a hex crawl.
Love it! thx
Just done my first try. I’ve escape Ramses and kill the Behemoth ! I really love the simplicity of the gameplay and the way to generate the hexes and delves. So cool !
thanks!!
Hello, Colonists of Ramses!
I have published a free, unofficial expansion: RESTROOM REMAINS!
Expand your delves with 10 new restroom locations, plus additional restroom-related lore and references!
Inspired by iconic restrooms imagined by some of science-fiction's greatest authors, this expansion gives you more reasons to venture into delves as well as additional dramatic hooks for enhancing your own head-canon while adventuring.
Download includes a 13-page PDF appropriate for reading on the toilet, and a condensed single-page reference sheet.
https://ianraze.itch.io/restroom-remains-unofficial-expansion-for-swarm
A glorious expansion that brings to light the seedy and sometimes corn-y (depending on the freeze-dried ration most recently eaten) underbelly of Ramses.
very nice. played once for now as a naval guard and won beatting a behemot ^^.
i have a great moment trying it
we have written a review in this fanzine (In Spanish)
https://elrincondemisfrikadas.com/2022/07/03/vuelo-raso-no-5/
hi there, love this game, it’s so tight and evocative. Would you be ok with me (or anyone else) making a hack of this for other settings? No problem if not.
Absolutely! Just be sure to share it.
Will there be expansions and updates?
I hadn't originally intended on it, but this has gotten a bit more attention that I ever anticipated, so it's likely! I'd also absolutely love for others to release some stuff in this world. I'm working on a sci fi naval/strike force wargame at the moment, but once that is in playtesting shape, I'm intending on returning to this universe and the solo rpg style.
Good to know that the game isn't abandoned. It fills me with joy that new experiences will come.
This is amazing! Thanks so much for doing a playthrough.
Also, a big shout out for having a print ready version! This made it so easy to print and make a booklet!
Looks great! And yes, the loot modifiers are because loot is generally better the higher you go.
This looks super cool!
Is there a Print ready version for A4 paper?
Sorry, I've designed everything for US letter, but I will be print copies available for sale next month
Holy cow this game is really cool! I've downloaded quite a few now but this one is definitely a keeper!
Thanks for the kind words!
I saw your game on reddit a little bit ago. I am glad the OSR June Jam inspired you to publish on Itch!
My wife and I run solo games like Four Against Darkness cooperatively. Do you think that would work with this game?
Thanks!! I actually ran it coop with my wife last weekend and it works pretty decently. I did all the enemy rolls in combat and managed random tables on my own, hidden from her, with some playful elaboration to really set the scene.
That sounds really sweet. My kind of date night, haha!