Swords of the Serpentine
Summary
The Ludonarrative Dissidents review *Swords of the Serpentine*, a Gumshoe-based RPG blending investigative mechanics with swashbuckling fantasy. Hosts praise its robust system for heroic intrigue, unique setting of the sinking city Eversink, and extensive designer notes. While they note a lack of recurring NPCs, they commend its focus on narrative structure and cinematic action over traditional dungeon crawling.
Topics discussed
Intro: Sponsor, hosts, and game overview
Genre analysis: Gumshoe system in swords and sorcery
Setting details: Eversink, sinking city, and dungeons
Party dynamics and online play advice
Designer notes and investigative mechanics
Narrative structure: Delta Green vs. Brindlewood Bay
Combat, stunts, and resource management
NPCs, recurring characters, and plot hooks
Adventure example and D&D comparisons
Magic system: Cost, corruption, and mystery
Chase mechanics and pulp intrigue emulation
World-building limits and setting flexibility
Final thoughts and genre high points
Outro: Future episodes and actual plays
Listen ad-free on Castria