# Spellbound tags: #game/rpg/spellbound ![[Spellbound (cover).jpg]] **Spellbound: A Game of Folk Magic & Faustian Bargains** by Daniel Bayn takes modern occult role-playing games, spins them on their head, and then, for good measure, throws in a bit of chaos magic. It's like someone dared the game to be as unpredictable as possible, and it took that dare very seriously. You thought magic was just casting spells and calling it a day? Cute. Here, magic is a living, breathing, and often backstabbing entity that you negotiate with like a used car salesman trying to get the best deal on a lemon. The core mechanic, affectionately dubbed the "Double Check" system, is about as stable as a house of cards in a wind tunnel. Spellcasters, brace yourselves; you're more likely to lose control of your magic than to actually control it. Spells not working the same way twice is the least of your worries. Imagine casting a spell only to have it backfire spectacularly, creating some unspeakable horror that now wants to have words with you. It's a system where the phrase "Oops" might just be your last. For those looking to dive into this whirlwind of magical unpredictability, the core book outlines three "paths to power" acting as character classes: Shamans, Spellbinders, and the Spellbound, each with their own unique way of poking the magical bear. And, if you were hoping for a thick rulebook to guide you through, think again. **Spellbound** prides itself on being "rules-light", allowing for swift action resolution before fading into the backdrop to let your role-playing take the spotlight. Combat is quick, lethal, and encourages thinking twice before drawing your wand. You can snag this rollercoaster of a game at **DriveThruRPG** for a smooth $5.00. Might as well add it to your digital shelf next to your other RPGs that don't actively try to screw you over with magic. ## References - [Spellbound: A Game of Folk Magic & Faustian Bargains at DriveThruRPG | DriveThruRPG.com](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17730/Spellbound-A-Game-of-Folk-Magic--Faustian-Bargains?filters=0_0_0_0&manufacturers_id=504) - [Spellbound - Core Book Details and Purchase Information | danielbayn.com](https://danielbayn.com/spellbound/core-book.html) - [Daniel Bayn's Publisher Page at DriveThruRPG.com | DriveThruRPG.com](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/504/Daniel-Bayn) > [!quote] Neurothrope-00 ![[Neurothrope Avatar.png|100]] > [!note] Editor's Note > > This is by the same author that created **[[Wushu]]**, one of my all-time favorite RPGs and similarly extremely mechanics-light, though rather than using a deck of cards or a D10 as **Spellbound** does, **Wushu** uses D6 pools. Both of them have a very strong emphasis on free-form descriptors, though **Spellbound** is, at heart, a more structured game. > > This is one of the games you should just have in your library to break out for inspiration, get the other people at your table to all goal, and then slyly say, "you know, we could just play it" and be running in under 15 minutes. > > It's that kind of game.