Bully Pulpit Games

Desperation

At a Glance

Solo (1 player), Duet (2 players), and Small Group (3-5)Medium (1-2 hours)18+Mechanics (System): GM-less and Dice-less (Custom)Genres: Horror, Survival, and VictorianComplexity: Beginner

Two games of survival horror, often without the survival

Winner of the 2023 Indiecade Award for Tabletop Design!

Desperation is two small roleplaying games, built on the same dark tone and mechanics, that are truly pick-up-and-play experiences for you and your friends.

Gothic storytelling experiences steeped in actual history, Dead House and The Isabel are dark, lyrical games about people pushed far past their limits.

Desperation asks you to assume an unusual point of view—instead of deciding what people say and do, you decide who says and does the things that must happen. The sense of dread is palpable with each card reveal, because in these games, the things that must happen are a gradually escalating kaleidoscope of unimaginable horror. 

If you like card-based roleplaying games like For the Queen and The Quiet Year but have a dark and unmerciful heart, you’ll love Desperation.

  • Time: 1-2 hours
  • For: 1-5 Players
  • Ages: 14+

Box dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2 inches

Includes access to PDF via Bits & Mortar, reach out to support after purchase for details.