Bandai Namco
FromSoftware
FromSoftware
Year
2022
Disciplines
- Concepting
- Art Direction
- Layout Design
- Packaging Design
Dark Souls: The Roleplaying Game is a series of rulebooks and supplements that bring the world of FromSoftware’s Dark Souls video game franchise to the tabletop.
The creative brief called for a visual language that closely mirrored the aesthetic of the original series. This led to a design approach informed by European gothic and classical Renaissance influences, combined with the structure and typography of prayer books and religious manuscripts, reinforcing the bleak and oppressive tone of the Dark Souls universe.
The final product was designed to feel like a tome found within the world itself. Artwork sourced from FromSoftware’s Design Works library was integrated throughout, further grounding the content in a setting inhabited by Hollows and monsters.
After the Core Rulebook was released, it was followed by several series of miniatures, expanded into a trilogy of books, a Dungeon Master’s screen and Dice Set.
A Collector’s Edition was also produced, featuring an embossed and foiled hardback cover with gilded page edges, creating a distinctive statement piece for dedicated fans of the series.
Tomes for the Unkindled
The Dark Souls: The Roleplaying Game book series equips Game Masters with the rules, monsters, and locations needed to build immersive tabletop campaigns.
The Core Rulebook (left) provides everything required to run a complete 5E-compatible campaign. The Tome of Strange Beings (middle) expands the bestiary, introducing additional creatures and enemies drawn from the world of Dark Souls. The Tome of Strange Journeys (right) focuses on environments and exploration, and includes two full campaigns for players to experience.
