Hellboy: The Roleplaying Game Kickstarter Edition

In 1944, the forces of Project Ragna Rok unleashed the apocalypse in the form of a small demonic child. Rescued by the Allies, this being, which would come to be dubbed Hellboy, was instrumental in thwarting all manner of occult threats for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). Whether Fae, demon, dragon, or diety, Hellboy approaches each challenge as just another day on the job.

This is the Kickstarter Exclusive edition, not the general retail release.

But this ain’t his story. It’s yours. Hellboy: The RPG invites you to craft unique agents with which to take the battle to the occult. Whether built in line with the many and varied characters of the Mignolaverse or forged from your own fevered imaginings. This is your chance to bump back! And Game Masters, we got your back too. With occult foes, artefacts, and full write-ups of Hellboy’s classic enemies, you’ll be able to take your players through a variety of Case Files, whether classic Hellboy stories or modern retellings of myths from around the world. Based on the 5E ruleset, Hellboy: The RPG is a complete and standalone game built to mirror the experience of the Hellboy comics.

Created by Mantic Games, the board game publisher behind Hellboy: The Board Game, and the team at Red Scar Publishing, Hellboy: The Roleplaying Game is a totally new way to experience the inspirational work of Mike Mignola.

In this standalone game, you become a member of the B.P.R.D. and build your character from the ground up. Will you be a researcher skilled in the study of the occult, a hard-nosed B.P.R.D. security agent, a rookie with hidden supernatural powers and more… the choice is yours.

Based on the hugely popular 5th Edition, Hellboy: The Roleplaying Game truly captures the experience of the graphic novels. There are new mechanics – such as Doom and Ingenuity – along with unique classes and feats that drive the agents of the B.P.R.D. in their mission to wipe out supernatural threats. When creating your agent, you’ll have a range of skills to choose from. Will you specialize in science, technology, investigations, or become an expert in the study of the occult? Making the most of your special skills will be key in piecing together the clues and completing the case.

As you create your unique agent, you must first choose their origin, including:

• Remarkable human – The Bureau attracts skilled people from around the world with a range of training that will be vital in the field.
• Psychic – Some individuals have supernatural powers that defy explanation.
• Ghosts – Bound to the mortal realm, these agents can interact with the physical world and use their ectoplasmic powers to turn the tide.
• The Cursed – From the undying, to the demonic (horns are optional), the vampiric, and the favoured servants of supernatural entities, the cursed have unique boons…but also banes.
• The Fae – Ranging from those who have gained the unseen kingdom’s favour, such as Alice Monaghan, or the replaced individuals who remain supplanted by the shapeshifters and servants of the Fae, they have insight to illusions and old magics and tales.

With your origin and role chosen, you will also be able to fully customise your agent using a selection of unique feats. Ranging from combat to supernatural and even B.P.R.D. specific, the variety of feats on offer will allow you to add truly distinct characteristics and flavour.

Of course, you’ll be heading into the field, so make you sure you prepare adequately. The equipment chapter offers a wide range of tools to aid an agent’s investigation. There is also a unique requisition and inventory system to make your gear selection run smooth and simply.

Can’t make it to your RPG session? Don’t worry, with the Backup Agents system you can still be involved with the game. Just like the board game, Backup Agents can be called in when things are getting tough to help the team. 

As well as a new agent, fresh to the B.P.R.D. there is also the option to play as legendary characters, like Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman, Johann Kraus and, of course, Hellboy himself! These are all pre-generated characters and are a great place for newcomers to start, especially if they’ve never experienced an RPG but want the thrill of punching a frog monster with the Right Hand of Doom.

As the GM, you’ll be able to create smaller case files or an entire chronicle, packed with twists and turns. Tell your own adventures set within the inspirational Mignola-verse and use your favourite Hellboy: The Boardgame miniatures of iconic villains to represent the monstrous challenges you must face, like the insidious frog monsters or Rasputin himself.

During play, the GM and players will be able to add to the narrative through the innovative Doom and Ingenuity system. Doom is generated when players fail certain tests and gives the GM a pool of resources they can spend to advance the Grand Conspiracy or provide a narrative twist. Meanwhile, Ingenuity shines when agents pass a test with a stroke of brilliance. Ingenuity has a range of uses to help players solve the mission.

Just like the boardgame, you’ll have all you need to begin your adventures in the world of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. The 240-page book contains all the rules you’ll need for learning 5th Edition, along with detailed instructions on creating your character and an epic Case File to play through. Check out the chapter breakdown below to see what’s inside.

Get a taste for the game with the quick start, which includes an example scenario and pre-generated characters ready to hit the tabletop. The quickstart is a great taste of the full Hellboy: The Roleplaying Game experience and, although it doesn’t contain all the unique and special rules that make the RPG so engaging, it provides a fantastic starting point.

EXCLUSIVE KICKTARTER EDITION: 240 page hardcover book with slipcover. Color throughout. Does NOT include PDF.