Fallen
A downloadable game
Fallen is a 44 page tabletop role-playing game set in a supernatural world analogous to the 17th & 18th centuries. Stagecoaches pound over muddy lanes through the woods, the light of its two lanterns a gauzy haze in the descending mist. Donning a splattered and torn long coat and tricorne hat, your Rogue desperately hangs on to the rear of the bounding vehicle while taking aim at the shrieking creature that pursues your party. The mission? To get the last archivist with knowledge of damning evidence safely to the town. One silver bullet left!
Included is a character sheet by Bruno Prosaiko. A city map by Kyle Latino. And a Solo Oracle Card.
Investigate haunted mills. Holdover in cider-serving taverns, pursue the headless apparition terrorizing the countryside. Pursue werewolves through the night.
- A classless 2d6 + bonus system allows for degrees of narrative action be it a Success, Complication or Miss
- A skills system that is based on narrative action; you won't be rolling for strength or swimming, but Crafting, Mending, Incantations, and Venturing
- A dice pool magic system of Incantations
- Utilizes an Inventory and Gear Usage Die mechanic
- An advancement system that lets you grow mundane items into notable Magical Items
- Simply statted creaturesusing a malleable Rank system
- A travel system based on Way Points
- Numerous tables and prompts to generate content
- The degrees of success mechanics, the narrative-forward approach, and the numerous generator tables also allow solo players to use Fallen easily.
Hilgraab is a second, 44 page book that functions as a city generator.
Included are:
- tables for rolling rumors, establishments, whispers
- tables for NPCs, gangs, cults
- a shop containing rare items
- d100 list of curious items
- d20 lists of hooks and villains
- a short starting adventure by Brad Kerr
Fallen tries to convey a sense of otherness. It is inspired by the strange confluence of the old and the modern: Alchemy, esoteric thought, mystics, folklore, the supernatural, modern warfare, science, religion. It is my hope, with these books, that your table can inhabit these spaces.
PRINT EDITIONS AVAILABLE: https://perplexingruinsshop.bigcartel.com/
Perplexing Ruins has put a few drawings out in the world for some very cool projects: Tales of the Glass Gnomes, Broken Luck, Bernpyle #4, Knock #2, Wyrd Science #2. He runs a Patreon that offers some very cool art and recently published Darkness Moves. https://www.perplexingruins.com/
This game was successfully Kickstarted November 2021.
FALLEN DISCORD: Offer feedback and post play reports. The game is in development, and the current pdf will be getting tweaked and worked all the time.
Layout and graphic design by Guilherme Gontijo.
Character sheet inspired by Guilherme Gontijo.
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $15 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Exclusive content
Support this game at or above a special price point to receive something exclusive.
Community Copies
If you are unable to afford this game, please take a free community copy. No questions asked. If you enjoy the game, please consider leaving a rating or review.
Development log
- Limited Edition Posters available again!Aug 29, 2025
- First (Intro) video for 2e Development!Aug 25, 2025
- Any interest in printed copies?Jul 25, 2025
- Fallen Bundle on Sale at Exalted FuneralJul 23, 2025
- Fallen Bundle available at Exalted FuneralApr 14, 2025
- Fallen Autumn Sale & NPC CardsOct 03, 2024
- Fallen in Germany!Sep 25, 2024
- Winter 2023 Fallen Game JamOct 14, 2023
Comments
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I love this manual, I've reread it several times and even used it to put together a campaign and content. And I was wondering if there was a Discord community, forum, or any other platform where information about the game is shared.
I am so glad for the comment, thank you! I'm happy to hear when folks enjoy the game. Currently, there is no discord, though there once was. Should I create one again this year, I will make a post here on itch. Cheers
Hi Perplexing Ruins!
Hope you are well! Just a couple of questions: I'm pretty new to the whole solo RPG scene and I wanted to know if you have a rough ETA on the 2nd edition? With that in mind, do you have any community copies of the game available, or a basic version to try out?
Kind Regards,
Lee
At the moment, I do not have an ETA on 2nd edition. However, I have just made community copies available! Thank you for reaching out :)
Thank you! I really appreciate it! You've just made my holiday and sorted me out with what I will be doing during that time. Hope you have a really lovely holiday time too mate!
I have a seemingly basic question that I haven't seen anyone ask about or explain in all the many YouTube videos & FAQ's that I've viewed. When attacking, a success is supposed to cause 1 Wound. But according to the rules, only PC's are affected by Wounds/Injuries. If you're fighting a monster or other foe, what is 1 Wound supposed to do in game terms? Enemies only have Rank to indicate damage. Lots of people seem to play & enjoy Fallen, but how can someone play the game without this coming up? Can anyone explain this mechanic to me?
Hello! Thank you for the question. Sorry you've not been able to find an answer to this. I'm unable to find in the book where it says monsters are not impacted by wounds. Would you mind pointing out where that is mentioned, please? Regardless, I can understand the lack of clarity.
If you are playing the game, I say this: On a success, you do 1 Harm, reducing the creature's rank by 1 step. Same as with a PC.
There are a few clarity issues in the book, that I intend to adjust in the future.
Please reach out if this doesn't do the trick or if there are other questions.
All best,PR
I appreciate the rapid reply! On page 5: On a success you deal 1 Wound, on a complication deal 1 Harm. The term Wound is not really used anywhere else, but later it mentions Injuries on page 8. But these are mostly "narrative" effects (scars, broken bones). You can also get a Fear Token. These seem to be player effects. So, if other foes only have Ranks, then Harm makes sense. That is explained. But how would a Wound affect a foe who only has Ranks? What would a scar or a Fear Token do to a monster? It clearly states a success deals 1 Wound, but never explains how a Wound would affect a non-PC. Does that make sense?
The game has been around for a while & seems to have lots of fans (there's lots of videos & reviews for it online), yet I can find no explanation for this mechanic. I cannot imagine if others have played Fallen that getting a success on a foe has never come up. I can make up my own house rule, of course, but I prefer to play games the way the designer intended. Thanks for any direction you can provide.
Yes, I think I see. So, on pg 4, when a character sustains a Wound, reduce Rank. Monsters are considered characters. If a Demon Boar takes a Wound, it is reduced to Rank 8, etc. On a Complication, it states, deal weapons Harm, not just 1 Harm. Monsters are reduced in Rank until 0, then dead. Wounds reduce Rank. Harm chips away at the current Rank. Monsters are not impacted by Fear or scars, those are indeed player facing effects.
On pg 29 it says: at 0 health, adversaries are removed from battle. So once at Rank 4, if it takes a Wound, it is dead. Or if it takes a total of 4 harm, then it is dead.
Does this help?
I knew it had to be something I missed. Thank you for clearing that up! And Injuries happen as a result of just avoiding death. Got it. I'm very excited to dive deeper into the game. I've already picked up Hilgraab -- that town map just inspired my imagination. I had to get it. Thanks again & thanks for your patience.
Awesome! Glad it has more clarity for you. I hope you have fun. Kyle Latino drew that map like a master!
thanks for all the amazing stuff, this and others. Also, Man Alone sends his his regards
thanks so much! appreciate that :)
Hi there! Love the game. I bought a second hand copy on eBay, and was a bit confused though. It seems to have everything including the supplements, cards, etc - but the solo sheet is only one sided. It has the chequered icons, but not the text side. Was I sold a fake?
hmmm. That's hard for me to say its fake. Two things are possible. They sold you a copy that included a misprinted card. Or they printed it out themselves and did not print it 2 sided.
Thanks for the reply. Bit of a bummer :(
me too. i bought my copy from exalted funeral.
Man Alone sends his first born.
Also, is there a way to get just the oracle decks? Even if just a PDF.
To be clear, the oracle deck, the equipment deck, and the bestiary deck.
The Waffles See. The Waffles Know. The Seals shall cry out. Malone has so ordained.
Man Alone sends his regards.
also this is a great game
Your never Alone when your Friends With ManAlone :) we gotcha
Hello PR! Have had physical copy of Fallen for awhile and love it, but had to go all in on the Exalted Funeral Bundle with the cards while supplies lasted, and glad I did. Had a question though that I can't figure out - I received all of the files in advance of their shipment, and I have all files from my DTRPG PDF purchase from sometime ago and the only thing I'm wondering about is the "world map" that is mentioned here on itch.
I was going to do a playthrough of this on my channel tonight but I'm a bit of a completionist when it comes to things like that and so I have two questions: the first is is there a world map that is different from the Hilgraab map OR the blank hex maps in the Campaign notebook (i.e. is there an "illustrated" world map)?, and second - if so, is there ANY possible way I can get that without buying the game for a third time here on itch.io. I assume there is not one, cause I have to Think that the $94 bundle from exalted funeral would have included just about everything, but I just wanted to make sure. I love this game, I love all your games. I love everything you do.
Hey MA! Thank you so much for the support, means a lot. And thank you for reaching out. Send me an email at perplexingruins@gmail.com and I will square you away.
Truth be told, the world map, which is different than the Hilgraab map, was a bit of an afterthought in the project. I will happily send to you though!
Hi! A few time ago, you submitted this game to our itchio charity Bundle. We need you to validate this submission. This is the address of the bundle: https://itch.io/b/2858/solidarity-with-valencia-solidaridad-con-valencia And some instructions, in the case you need them https://rolerosnorepresentativos.wordpress.com/2025/02/02/activacion-del-bundle-solidario/
Thanks a lot :)
Yesterday I finished my 4th solo adventure... Fallen is in my top 5 Rpgs... Waiting for second edition!
Hello! Thank you so much for letting me know. So glad you're enjoying the game. The plan has been to dev 2E over this year! Good gaming to you.
I have not had a chance to run this in the actual Fallen system (my group is pretty tough to convince to try new mechanics) but the setting of the game is really fantastic and among the best resources I've found for running my 17th century inspired campaign.
I hope that the 2nd edition being developed leans into the excellent and novel tables, generators, and story seeds present in this edition. I think Hilgraab is one of the best presented cities in an RPG, and I really appreciate that it isn't heavily dependent upon the proprietary system!
Hi again, is there a print friendly version of the books? I printed out everything and the black pages with white writing are hard to read on paper.
Thank you
I do not have a plain text version at this time.
okay thanks. I’ll try and work out how to reprint the black pages in reverse.
Is this coming back in print any time soon? No worries if not ill just grab the PDF to PnP.
Not super soon. Truth is, I prefer to develop the game into a 2nd edition, which will likely be this year, going to print late next year. So the bundled pdf currently, especially with the sale price, will be the best way to get the game for now.
Thanks for coming back to me, hugely appreciated. Ill keep my eye out for 2nd edition next year and swing by the discord sometime. Thanks for the heads up on the sale price too!
Will the second addition incorporate the NPC/Location, Character sheet additions into one cohesive release or will those items say as separate entities and you’ll focus more on expanding the options, objects, and encounters of the game itself?
Yo quiero los dos, just curious what the focus of Fallen 2 would be. Excited for it! 😁
I’m a disabled pensioner. I’d really appreciate a community copy if you could spare one please.
Also is there a new link to the discord group?
Hello! The discord is no longer active. As for community copies, I will no longer be issuing these. I have issued 230 community copies thus far for Fallen, and I rely on its sales for my income. PR
oh okay, thanks for the quick reply.
thank you for putting this on sale. Just purchased it
For sure! Thank you so much for the support, I hope you enjoy it :)
Hey there, any chance of community copies?
I have a physical copy of this game and i love it so much! There's just so many elements of design that feel fresh and unique, especially the magic system!
However i have two points of the rules im rather confused about:
1. The difference between Items (UD) and Gear (GD) is confusing. Is gear armour? Weapons? Or other non consumable items such as rope... why are the consumables, which use d6, rolled on a table labeled "gear"?
2. What do skill levels do? It just says they max to four, but only two of the skills (healing and incantation) refers to skill level. Are these the only skills that can be leveled up? But then the character sheet has four sections for every skill.
Thank you so much for your question! Glad you're enjoying the book. So, when I clean up the game, I hope to address and streamline both of these aspects of the game. However, for the time being:
1) Yes, some confusion. Sorry. Simplify it thus: Items are non-combative. Oil, Picks, Light, ammo, etc. This of weapons and armor as Gear. Firing pistol or using blade, etc.
2) When using a specific Skill, roll 2d6 + the Skills Level. So if you have Healing at 2, roll 2d6 + 2. If you roll a Success, then heal 1 + 2 = 3 Health. In this same example, if you roll Complication, only heal the base 1 Health (excluding Skill Level) , then roll Ud, to test if you've lost materials (herbs, bandages, etc)
I hope this has helped. But if not, please don't hesitate to comment again! This first edition has a few things I need to address when I update the game in the future :)
that has helped a lot! Thank you!
I’d love to pick up a print copy but there doesn’t appear to be any on the link in the description above. Is there any way to get a print copy still?
Hello!
At this point, this is the only available print copy: it does include both books, three card decks and a separate campaign notebook!
https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/fallen-standard?_pos=2&_sid=8e2f63f5d&_ss=r&variant=41788360065126
Awesome thanks for letting me know. I managed to grab a copy!
Awesome! thank you for the support - hope you enjoy the game! great gaming to you :)
The Discord link no-longer works. Has the Discord closed? I was a member before and now I’m not, but I don’t know if that was me, or the server.
Yes, I closed the discord yesterday. I made announcements to hopefully let folks know.
Ahh, I didn’t see that. That’s sad. I was hoping to go back to check the FAQ. Is it listed anywhere else? Also, now I can’t message you on Discord :(
Very sorry. The Discord has been there for a long time, both for DMs and FAQs. I can be reached in discord under perplexingruins
Said faq and any resources are no longer viewable elsewhere then?
Any chance of more community copied being released? If not its all good, i'll just wait. Sorry to ask but I'm a bit low on funds. I'd be happy to write a review.
Just uploaded more Community Copies! Thank you for your interest and enjoy
Thanks! I really appreciate it! I'll have a read and give it a spin then leave a review
I love this game on every front. Just a quick note of support for Hillgraab, the unsung hero of this package and worth the asking price alone. A really great supplement for Fallen (or other system) with great concepts, content and artwork. More settlement/region stuff like this please!
Oh wow! thank you so much for these kind words. It really means a lot. Always hoping folks find Hilgraab useful. Good gaming!
Hi. New to ttrpgs. Is it possible to get an community copy? Thanks for your answer.
Could I ask for some community copies?
There are now community copies!
Thank you, you're the best! 😄
Hi! I was wondering if you would be adding community copies? Thanks!
What kind of dice do I need to play this?
a set of polyhedral RPG dice -
Ok, I figured stuff out mostly.
Question: “Heal 1” means step up a rank dice, correct? While “heal 1 health” means move the pip on the dice up one? (Basically under Healing skill)?
Also, for “places of disturbance”, how do you track time in Fallen (for tracking fear tokens)?
Thank you! Fallen is amazing
Hi! I purchased Fallen through Drive Thru Rpg but it doesn’t come with the world maps/hex map mentioned above? Is that something I’m missing? Is that in the Campaign notebook? Just want to make sure I’m not missing something cool for this awesome game. Thanks!
Hello, and thank you so much for picking up my game! yes, i suppose those maps were not put on there...they were not much really, mostly blank for starting a Fallen game
Ok cool no problem! Just making sure. I’m about to get my ass kicked by a giant flay spider at a cairn in the Woods Of Despair! Cheers!
lol! awesome. those things are gnarly, for sure! good luck and good gaming to you...and thanks again, really :)
I love this game. Simple, fun rules and such an evocative theme. I can see spending a lot of time in this world.
After reading Empire of the Vampire, I was exactly in the mood to play something like Fallen, I can't wait to try it out with players. After reading the rules, I give it a thumbs up
Thanks so much for checking out Fallen. Hope you have fun with it
Great showcase of Fallen and other amazing stuff from Perplexing Ruins!
hello! just a heads up, you have "creaturesusing" in your description here on itch. also looks like a really cool game, and very well presented
I'm very much enjoying playing Fallen!
I have a query about advancements and tarnish points starting at rank d6 and having a maximum of d12 suggests that you can only advance 3 times, gaining 1 tarnish point per advance for a total of 3 tarnish points.
However, Bone Grafted and Light Ward both require 4 tarnish points, which is impossible to gain by the rules. Can you continue to advance without increasing your rank (just gaining skill points, ability points or narrative aspects), or did I miss a situation where your rank goes down again?
Hello Eleanor! thanks for checking out the game - this very point came up recently, and will get addressed in future games. Your no longer Rank up after 12, or 20, if your table prefers this...but you still advance per the other bonuses. of course, doing this forever, makes your Rogue far too strong, but I would move advancement towards tarnish points (and I encourage creating your own tarnish skills!) and aspects.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your quick reply! That makes sense!
Dang. Didn't hit the special price point for the Exclusive Content. Maybe next time. Great game and well thought out.
hmmm....there's an exclusive content item? do you want a refund?
LOL. No, I don't want a refund. I gave more because I love the concept and the game. I just saw this in the post and made a horrible attempt at being funny.
Exclusive content
Support this game at or above a special price point to receive something exclusive.
oh! not sure why that should be there? In any case, thank you so very much :) I'm very grateful for the support, and hope you enjoy your sessions of Fallen!
Hi! I purchased the game on drivethrurpg and while building my first character, I noticed that all the skills except Investigation are included on the character sheet. There are 12 total skills but only 11 listed on the sheet. Is there something I’m missing?
Oh my gosh! you are correct, and truly the first person to make notice of it!! you are not missing anything, that was a strange oversight, that I think the Incantation field seemed to overshadow...
Glad to help! Hehe
Please note that the investigation skill is on the original plain character sheet which can be downloaded here: https://www.perplexingruins.com/fallencharactersheet
Hi there, I am captivated by Fallen but cannot afford it at the moment. Could I please claim a community copy? There are none available right now.
Really nice adding the Hillgraab city, i'll use it for my solo games. Could you publish it in a single page format? Thanks and congrats
Thanks Alex! I have just uploaded a compressed pdf of the single pages! hope that helps. Enjoy the game.
Thank you very much!
Evocative text. Phenomenal art,. Actionable oracles. A setting that begs to be explored. A system that's simple to grab hold of, but grabs right back.
Perplexing Ruins done gone and made a good one.
Thank you! So glad you are enjoying it :)