The Land Against, pt. 1 (a Trophy Dark incursion)

"Today, February 24, at 5:00 Kyiv time, the armed forces of the Russian Federation began intensive shelling of our units. [...] At the same time, the aggressor began shelling peaceful Ukrainian settlements along the border." © General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces  24.02.2022

"Why did it start?" Ugh, what a stupid question. If it happens, it’s necessary. Our leader isn't stupid, savvy? And he knows things. And now we're slowly moving inland. And everyone here is somewhat hostile. They're fighting for every little hut… Why on earth would they want to do that to us? And we want to go home, except a few maniacs, but it doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is orders — onward, charge, till the victory.  But…I have a strange feeling like the land is against us like we’re doomed here." — from a small notebook found by the road.

The Land Against, Part One is a short and gritty Trophy Dark incursion, settled in a modern war-horror setting. It’s a story about loss, doom, sadness, hopeless pursuit, dealing with the devil, and inevitable lonely death. Somehow it can be connected with the current historical events, but it’s only a matter of interpretation.

In this story, you'll enter the misty woods, hoping to take cover in it. But then you'll encounter something more frightening than enemy bullets. Water, air, soil, trees, and grasses will rise against you, and awaken the dark and angry spirits, seeking retribution for your invasion. And so as you set foot on their land, now you will have to play a cruel game, as ancient as the woods itself. And the stakes here are your flesh, blood, and immortal soul. 

Some feedback for our customer:

— "It's too sad, scary, and painful… I'm sorry, I don't want to finish the game." 

The second part of this story is here

A note: this Trophy incursion has no treasure. It’s only about the hopeless struggle to survive and your collective reflection about it.

If you liked this product - please leave a review here or write us in discord 
http://discord.exnihilum.info/

This 16-page incursion includes:

• New occupations, backgrounds, rituals, and motivations appropriate to the setting.
• Descriptions of terrors and temptations for five rings of Trophy Dark plot structure.
• A bunch of atmospheric moments and conditions.
• A simple ruleset for the tryouts in ring five.
• A few inspirational pictures.
• List of genre references.

Please give this game a rating you feel is fair. Even a negative review would mean a lot to us!

Content warnings: We politely ask you to pay attention to the fact that the game raises difficult topics for many people, such as war crimes, gritty violence, and other nightmarish things typical of wartime. Please, before reading and playing these incursions, make sure that it will be manageable for you.

This incursion was written in 2022, shortly after the Russians openly invaded Ukraine, and today, on the anniversary of the tragedy, we released it in English for all who care. With all due respect to all victims of the current ugly and horrific tragedy, but, of course, without any respect for all who start the wars, now and then.

The Land Against pt.1 is an incursion (adventure framework) for the game Trophy Dark by Jesse Ross. More information about Trophy Dark can be found at https://trophyrpg.com/. The basic rules of Trophy Dark are not included in this product.