A downloadable TTRPG

What does it mean to be a hero?

Step into the fractured world of Shadows of Justice, a table top role-playing game that blends superhero fantasy with psychological exploration. Players take on dual roles: the extraordinary heroes who fight for justice and their hidden realities as patients within Shadowcrest Asylum. As strange whispers and unsettling clues begin to disrupt their heroic adventures, players must uncover the truth about their identities, their surroundings, and the corrupt institution holding them captive.

This game is a deep and thought-provoking journey into the nature of perception, identity, and systemic injustice. Through collaborative storytelling, thrilling missions, and challenging personal revelations, Shadows of Justice invites players to ask difficult questions: What is real? Who can you trust? And what does it truly mean to be a hero?

Key Features

  • Dual Realities: Play as both a heroic persona and your true self, balancing delusion and reality.
  • Rich Narrative: Explore themes of mental health, institutional corruption, and personal growth.
  • Collaborative Storytelling: Work together to uncover mysteries, confront villains, and reshape your world.
  • Streamlined Mechanics: A flexible point-buy and dice system keeps the focus on story and character.
  • Inclusive Play: Built-in safety tools ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for all.

Game Mechanics

  • Point-Buy Character Creation: Build your character with 15 points to distribute among five core attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Willpower, Charisma) and related skills.
  • Dice Pool System: Combine attributes and skills to roll six-sided dice (d6). Rolls of 5 or 6 count as successes.
  • Insight and Focus Mechanics: Experience reality intrusions and gain clarity about the truth through unique dice-based mechanics.
  • Dynamic Conflict Resolution: Engage in high-stakes challenges through contested rolls in combat, persuasion, or investigative actions.

Gameplay Overview

  • Players: 3–6 (1 Game Master + 2–5 Players)
  • Session Length: 2–4 hours per session
  • Materials Needed: Handbooks, character sheets, six-sided dice (d6), and your imagination!
  •  Recommended minimum age for players should be 16 years or older.

**Content Warning**

This game explores sensitive themes, including mental health, institutional corruption, and psychological horror. Recommended for players aged 16+. A Session Zero and safety tools are strongly encouraged for a comfortable and respectful play experience.

Download

Download
COMPLETE SHADOWS OF JUSTICE PDF.pdf 2.7 MB
Download
SHADOWS OF JUSTICE GM'S HANDBOOK.pdf 1.9 MB
Download
SHADOWS OF JUSTICE PLAYER'S HANDBOOK.pdf 1.1 MB
Download
CHARACTER SHEET.pdf 138 kB
Download
Asylum Map. PDF.pdf 4.8 MB

Install instructions

Shadows of Justice is free for all to enjoy! No payment required—download and immerse yourself in this gripping narrative of superheroes and self-discovery.

Step 1: Downloading the Game

  • Click the Download Button: On the game page, simply click the Download button next to the Shadows of Justice game files.
  • What You’ll Get: You’ll receive the following files:
    •  Handbook (PDF) containing Players and GM handbooks, as well as blank character sheets

Step 2: Opening the Game

  • No Installation Required: The game comes in PDF format, which means there’s no need for installation. Once the download is complete, simply open the files using a PDF reader on your computer.
    • You can use programs like Adobe Acrobat Reader or your web browser to open the PDFs.

Step 3: Print or Play Digitally

  • Play Digitally: You can read and use the PDFs directly on your device.
  • Print Option: If you prefer, you can print the handbooks and character sheets to play physically.

Step 4: Getting Ready to Play

  • Session Zero: We recommend starting with a Session Zero to introduce the game, discuss themes, and establish safety tools like the X-Card and Lines and Veils. This ensures everyone is comfortable and ready for the emotional depth of the game.

Development log