Domains of Shadow is Tabletop Roleplaying System that was specifically designed to create stories that would be streamed to a larger audience. It was based on some observations I had while playing in and watching actual plays for other TTRPSs, where I recognized potential in them to become a professional form of the theatre arts. Thus, Domains of Shadow is intended to avoid the need for excessively long amounts of time to tell a complex story, frequent out-of-character talk, and an awkward flow due to a focus on minute details, all of which have a tendency to show up in other systems and make them unenjoyable to a large audience. To serve these ends, Domains of Shadow has a focus on cinematic pacing, dramatic effect, player agency, and streamlined rules. As the name implies, the system is oriented towards the genres of traditional 19th Century Gothic Horror and Shakespearean Tragedy.
I do not plan on making a profit of off this system and will be giving everyone free access to it. Here is a link to the second draft of the Guidebook for Domains of Shadow (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1arZhhflTYp3zbkhvhTImJsIarZ-dhsqF9EGAksC9X5g/edit?usp=sharing) as well as a changelog (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KiWdlHqICA7QVw5KCkzUB_XGTYZbvZMSACpIXPY9ZUY/edit?usp=sharing). And here is the character sheet (https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1ahgguWQgIsN8hs-O7onris4KZ9MRlg-D1Qh1wpV7ECA/edit?usp=sharing).
The purpose of this thread is to discuss the flaws in this system and how it can be improved. Any kind of analysis or criticism you have are appreciated. I want this to be a well-made system that will serve its intended purpose, so negative criticisms and comments on what could be improved are especially valued. When giving analysis, please keep in mind that Domains of Shadow is meant to tell stories that would be streamed. Building a dramatic and interesting story is its main goal, and competition and strategy are barely a concern in this system at all.
The second version of the document has been released, and this one includes artwork, as well as a few other changes listed in the changelog.
Interesting, will have to add that to the to-read list.
Third draft of the Guidebook (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JC8q2CahmvZQaYeChNWe1WGOFtEptDe6/view?usp=sharing) is out! It has been reformatted as a PDF and includes some important language and rules clarifications.
The Fourth Draft of the Domains of Shadow Guidebook is ready! This one includes some sweeping changes in formatting, phrasing, combat, and the role of the game-master. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yqv5nO5buxOcw3zw_GU5Y5fvSgO8cBcE/view?usp=sharing. The Character Sheet linked above is now obsolete with the current rules, so here are the new character sheets: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1ahgguWQgIsN8hs-O7onris4KZ9MRlg-D1Qh1wpV7ECA/edit?usp=sharing