Visitors to this weekend’s Tabletop Scotland have had the first public look at the physical print of Strang Beorn, a grimdark adventure for MÖRK BORG from Grave Goods Publishing.
The test print, on display at the convention, confirms the publisher has delivered on the bleak and evocative aesthetic promised in its successful Kickstarter campaign.
However, this haunted hillfort dungeon delve is more than just a new scenario for the popular doom metal RPG. It is the first adventure in a series that will lead into a brand new TTRPG setting with the working title Bardsong.
Geek Native had the opportunity to examine the test print, and it is an impressive volume. Described as a “haunted hillfort dungeon delve”, Strang Beorn is set in a world of warring clans and hungry monsters. The book leans heavily on its atmospheric design, with art and layout developed in tandem, using a mix of inks, charcoal, and markers to create a uniquely gritty feel that MÖRK BORG fans will appreciate.
One of its more unusual features is the narrative voice. The adventure is told by a character, the God of Legends, described by the publisher as an “opinionated bastard” who is also responsible for the game’s random tables, adding a layer of personality to the procedural content. Gameplay is driven by a roster of Patrons who send the party into the cursed oppidum of Strang Beorn, while the GM uses behaviour tables to determine the movements of the stronghold’s unpredictable inhabitants.
The Kickstarter for Strang Beorn has already been funded, and Grave Goods is currently in the process of fulfilment. The publisher’s website notes that the adventure will be a limited edition clothbound hardback, with printing scheduled for September 2025.
Looking ahead, Strang Beorn serves as the prelude to the core rulebook, Bardsong. The name might ring a bell for different reasons; a successful Kickstarter for hand-painted miniatures was called Bardsongs, and a separate app for interactive game soundtracks also uses the name Bardsong, though these appear to be unrelated.
Following the release of the Bardsong core rules, Grave Goods reportedly has four further adventures planned for the series. If the production quality of the Strang Beorn test print is any indication, it will be a grim and beautiful saga to follow.
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A special thanks to All Rolled Up for sponsoring Geek Native’s coverage of Tabletop Scotland. You can find them in the trade hall and explore their fantastic range of indie RPGs and high-quality gaming accessories on the All Rolled Up website. You also also win £50 to spend with them.
