project-image

Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game

Created by Play On Words Studios

Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game is a TTRPG book with an exciting new setting for the 5th edition of the world’s most popular roleplaying game! Immerse yourself in a world of dark clockwork noir, where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. What's Inside: - Comprehensive Rulebook - Expansive Setting Lore - 3 Tiered Power System (Mystery, Conspiracy, Supernatural) - New Backgrounds (18), Classes (6) and Subclasses (24) - Monochromatic Magic (Shadow and Light) - Clockwork Mechanics (Brass and Iron) - City Relationship Mapping System ...and much more!

Latest Updates from Our Project:

September Update Plus Player Organization Building System Preview for Backers
7 months ago – Wed, Sep 17, 2025 at 09:06:33 AM

Hello Backers and Friends,

We hope you’re all doing great. This month, we’re excited to share a Work-in-Progress preview of the Player Organization Building System, available exclusively to backers at the bottom of this update.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Join us on Discord, where backers get access to a dedicated discussion space.

🎨 Art Update

Adam Schumpert continues to bring Shadow City Mysteries to life with fresh character art. He’s currently working on portraits for the cast of our actual play series, Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye. Once those are finished, he’ll begin illustrations for several key roles in the city, including a priest of the Church of Astra, a Brass Consortium madame, and a captain of the Soreta police.

These characters will feature across the TTRPG, the narrative adventure, and our upcoming visual novels.

🔮 Tarot Update

Luana Zahra is currently hard at work bringing our custom Tarot deck to life. This month, she’s illustrating three of the major arcana: The Wheel of Fortune, Death, and Justice. Each card reflects the haunting and symbolic tone of Shadow City Mysteries, blending noir sensibilities with occult undercurrents. We’ll be sharing more previews of these cards in future updates and across our socials as they take shape.

⚙️ Design Update

We’ve been hard at work building new systems that help your crew feel grounded in the fabric of Shadow City. This month’s feature is the Player Organization Building System, which gives players the tools to create and grow their own factions. Whether you're running a neighborhood watch, an outlaw crew, or an underground resistance, this system lets your organization grow its power, resources, and influence across the city.

🎲 Actual Play: Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye

Our actual play campaign is almost here. Want a sneak peek? You can already watch Part 1 and Part 2 of our City Relationship Map building sessions on YouTube.

The campaign premieres October 7 at 9 PM on Twitch and YouTube, with new episodes airing weekly. Follow us now so you don’t miss it!

📜 Surveys

Thank you to the 95 percent of you who have completed your surveys. We truly appreciate your support.
If you’re one of the remaining 12 backers, please complete your survey as soon as possible. You can still add items to your order if there’s anything else you’d like.

🛒 Pre-Order Store

If you missed the campaign, the Pre-Order Store is still open. This is your chance to grab a copy of the game, pick up exclusive items, and explore the world of Shadow City.

The store is open to both new backers and retailers.

🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King

Step into the underworld of Shadow City as the Rat King, a criminal mastermind fighting for control of the city’s underbelly. Make alliances, crush rivals, and carve your legacy into the city’s criminal history.

🕵️ Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir

Take on the role of a detective in a city of secrets, where conspiracies, mysteries, and supernatural forces collide. With multiple narrative paths and outcomes, each playthrough brings you closer to the truth.

✍️ Dev Blogs from Play On Words Studios

Looking for more behind-the-scenes insight? Visit our website for semi-weekly dev blogs where we explore design choices, lore development, and the bigger transmedia vision of Shadow City Mysteries.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We’ll be back next month with more updates, including new mechanics and deeper dives into the evolving world of Shadow City Mysteries.

See you in the shadows,
Christopher Mifsud
CEO and Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game

August Update Plus City/Relationship Building System Preview for Backers
9 months ago – Tue, Aug 05, 2025 at 08:25:23 AM

Hello Backers and Friends,

We hope you’re all doing awesome! This month, we’re excited to share a Work-in-Progress preview of the City/Relationship Building System with backers. You’ll find the exclusive preview at the bottom of this update.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Join us on Discord, where backers get access to a dedicated discussion space.

🎨 Art Update

Adam Schumpert continues to bring Shadow City Mysteries to life with striking new character art from the Iron Union. This month’s art preview features Alston Siskin, a powerful Union Boss and key figure within the Iron Union. Siskin ensures the city’s industrial operations run smoothly. When they don’t, he makes sure that anything or anyone causing delays is removed efficiently and without apology.

This key character will appear in both the narrative adventure and our upcoming Visual Novels, along with gracing the pages of the TTRPG.


⚙️ Design Update

We’ve been developing systems that help your crew feel truly rooted in Shadow City. This month’s backer preview, the City/Relationship Building System, lets players and GMs map out the power structures, personal ties, and shifting alliances that define their version of the city.

🎲 Actual Play

Our cast has been selected, and preparations are underway for the premiere of the official Shadow City Mysteries Actual Play. Expect behind-the-scenes peeks and cast reveals soon.

Want to follow along? Join us on Discord for early updates and community chatter.

🎮 Gamescom 2025

Our CEO/Creative Director will be attending Gamescom 2025 at the GamingMalta booth, representing Play On Words Studios. We’ll have a playable demo of Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King, along with other sneak peeks.

If you’ll be in the B2B section, stop by:
Hall 3.2 | D041g – C040g | GamingMalta
📅 August 20 to 22 (Wednesday to Friday)

📜 Surveys

Thank you to the 95% of backers who have completed their surveys. We truly appreciate it.

If you’re one of the remaining 13 backers, please complete your survey soon. You can still add items to your order if there's anything else you'd like to include.

🛒 Pre-Order Store

Missed the campaign? No problem. Our Pre-Order Store is still open.

This is your chance to grab the game, access exclusive content, and dive into the world of Shadow City. The store is open to new backers and retailers.

🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King

Take control of the Rat King, an underworld mastermind navigating the power struggles of Shadow City’s criminal elite. Forge alliances, crush rivals, and leave your mark.

🕵️ Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir

Unravel secrets in this replayable narrative adventure. As a detective, you’ll peel back the layers of mystery, conspiracy, and supernatural forces hiding in plain sight.

✍️ Play On Words Studios Dev Blogs

Want more behind-the-scenes content? Check out our weekly dev blogs where we explore game design, world-building, and the broader transmedia vision of Shadow City Mysteries.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We’ll be back next month with more updates, including new mechanics and deeper dives into the evolving world of Shadow City Mysteries.

See you in the shadows,
Christopher Mifsud
CEO and Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game

June/July Update Plus Maker Preview for Backers
10 months ago – Thu, Jul 03, 2025 at 11:46:23 PM

Hello Backers and Friends,

We hope you’re all doing awesome! This month, we’re excited to share a Work-in-Progress preview of the Maker Class with our backers. Be sure to check it out at the bottom of this update! As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—so join us on Discord, where backers get access to a special discussion section.

🎨 Art Update

Adam Schumpert continues bringing Shadow City Mysteries to life with new character art from the Cult of Tenebrous. This figure will play a key role in both the narrative adventure and our upcoming Visual Novels.

This month’s art preview features The Curiosity Shop Owner, a representative of the elusive Cult of Tenebrous. This enigmatic purveyor of antiquities will sell you just the item you need and perhaps whisper your fate, drawn from her special tarot deck.

⚙️ Design Update

We’ve finished our pass on the Maker Class, the final class for the game! Whether you’re tinkering with intricate gears or mixing dangerous chemicals, this class is all about inventive creations and uncompromising toughness.


🎲 Actual Play

Many thanks to everyone who applied to be part of the official actual play campaign of Shadow City Mysteries, run by the Play On Words Studios team! We’re currently reviewing applications and assembling an awesome team.
Want to stay in the loop? Join our Discord and keep an eye out for updates!


📜 Surveys

A big thank you to the 95% of you who have completed your surveys—we truly appreciate it! 🙌 If you’re one of the remaining 14 backers, please complete your survey at your earliest convenience. Remember, you can still add items to your order if there’s anything else you’d like to include.


🛒 Pre-Order Store

Missed the campaign? No worries—our Pre-Order Store is still open! 🎉
Now’s your chance to grab a copy of the game, add exclusive items, and immerse yourself in the world of Shadow City.

Know someone who would love Shadow City Mysteries? Spread the word! The Pre-Order Store is open to both new backers and retail stores.

🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King

Step into the underworld of Shadow City in this narrative game. As the Rat King, you’ll forge alliances, crush rivals, and carve your legacy into the city's criminal fabric.

🕵️ Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir

Play as a detective unraveling layers of mystery, conspiracy, and supernatural intrigue. Each playthrough brings new revelations in this replayable narrative adventure.

✍️ Play On Words Studios Dev Blogs

Want more behind-the-scenes content? Check out our dev blogs, where we dive into design decisions, lore, and the making of our transmedia world.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! We’ll be back next month with more updates, including deep dives into other aspects of Shadow City Mysteries.

See you in the shadows,
Christopher Mifsud
CEO/Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game

May Update Plus Face Preview for Backers
11 months ago – Fri, May 30, 2025 at 04:22:29 AM

Hello Backers and Friends,

We hope you’re all doing awesome! This month, we’re excited to share a Work-in-Progress preview of the Face Class with our backers. Be sure to check it out at the bottom of this update! As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts so join us on Discord, where backers get access to a special discussion section.

⚙️ Design Update

We’ve completed the Face Class, a cornerstone for players who lead with charm, cunning, and connections. Whether you're negotiating back-alley deals or charming your way into danger, this class is all about manipulation and social mastery.

🧪 Playtest Update

We’re now officially ready to begin playtesting! If you’d like to take part, please hop into our Discord and let us know. External playtesting will begin shortly, and your early feedback will help shape the final game.

🎭 Actual Play Casting Call

We’re also looking for players to join an official actual play campaign of Shadow City Mysteries, run by the Play On Words Studios team. Interested? Or know someone who might be? Join our Discord and keep an eye out for updates on how to apply.

📜 Surveys

A big thank you to the 95% of you who have completed your surveys. We truly appreciate it! 🙌 If you’re one of the remaining 14 backers, please complete your survey at your earliest convenience. Remember, you can still add items to your order if there’s anything else you'd like to include.

🛒 Pre-Order Store

Missed the campaign? No problem, our Pre-Order Store is still open! 🎉

Now’s your chance to grab a copy of the game, add exclusive items, and immerse yourself in the world of Shadow City.

Know someone who would love Shadow City Mysteries? Spread the word! The Pre-Order Store is open to both new backers and retail stores.

🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King

Step into the underworld of Shadow City in this narrative game. As the Rat King, you’ll forge alliances, crush rivals, and carve your legacy into the city's criminal fabric.
🔗 Wishlist on Steam

🕵️ Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir

Play as a detective unraveling layers of mystery, conspiracy, and supernatural intrigue. Each playthrough brings new revelations in this replayable narrative adventure.
🔗 Wishlist on Steam

🖋 Play On Words Studios Dev Blogs

Want more behind-the-scenes content? Explore our dev blogs, where we dive into design decisions, lore, and the making of our transmedia world.
🔗 Read the Dev Blogs

 

🌀 Community Spotlight 

The good folks at Minor Disaster Games, friends of the studio, have just launched their Kickstarter for a chaotic time-traveling board game called Trouble on the Tempus. If you enjoy clever, time-bending gameplay with a twist, be sure to give their campaign a look and show them some love! 
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! We’ll be back next month with more updates, including our last Class spotlight, The Maker.

See you in the shadows,
Christopher Mifsud
CEO/Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game

April Update Plus Mystic and Patrons and Contacts Preview for Backers
about 1 year ago – Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:45:00 AM

Hello Backers and Friends,

We hope you’re all doing awesome! This month, we’re excited to share the WIP Mystic Class and our Patrons and Contacts section with our backers. Be sure to check out the exclusive preview at the bottom of this update! As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—join us on Discord, where backers get access to a special discussion section.

🎨 Art Update

Adam Schumpert continues bringing Shadow City Mysteries to life, working on key characters for Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir. These characters will play major roles across the TTRPG, Narrative Adventure, and upcoming Visual Novels.

This month’s art preview, however, comes from Luana Zahra, who is working on our Tarot Deck. We're thrilled to share the latest major arcana card: The Moon. 🌙



⚙️ Design Update

We’ve completed the Mystic Class and are now previewing the Patrons and Contacts system!

We’re also ready to start playtesting. If you’d like to participate, please join us on Discord and let us know! External playtesting will be opening soon as well.

📜 Surveys

Thank you to the 95% of you who have already completed your surveys—we truly appreciate it! 🙌 If you haven’t yet (about 14 backers), please fill yours out at your earliest convenience. And remember, you can still add items to your order if there’s anything else you’d like!

🛒 Pre-Order Store

Missed the campaign? No worries—our Pre-Order Store is still open! 🎉
This is your chance to grab a copy of the game, add exclusive items, and dive into the world of Shadow City.

Know someone who would love Shadow City Mysteries? Spread the word! The Pre-Order Store is open to new backers and retail stores alike.

🎭 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files – Rise of the Rat King

Rise of the Rat King is a narrative game set in Shadow City’s underworld. Play as the Rat King, an underworld mastermind fighting for absolute power. Forge alliances, crush rivals, and leave your mark on the city's criminal legacy. Wishlist it today!

🕵️ Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir

Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir is a narrative adventure game where you step into the shoes of a detective. Is it a mystery? A conspiracy? Something supernatural? Play multiple times to uncover the deeper story beneath the surface. Wishlist it today!

✍️ Play On Words Studios Dev Blogs

For even more behind-the-scenes content, check out our weekly dev blogs from the team on all our projects over at Play On Words Studios.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! We’ll be back next month with more updates—including details on another Class, and deeper insights into the evolving world of Shadow City Mysteries, such as our  City Relationship Building system.

See you in the shadows,
Christopher Mifsud
CEO/Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game