Brancalonia – 5E compatible Spaghetti Fantasy setting

Brancalonia is a unique and entertaining tabletop role-playing game set in a gritty, low-fantasy world inspired by medieval Italy and Italian folklore. It combines elements of classic RPGs with a whimsical, “Spaghetti Fantasy” twist, focusing on a lighthearted, often humorous tone. The game is published by Acheron Games and is designed to be played with the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset.

Players take on the role of “knaves”, who are part of a ragtag group of misfits, bandits, mercenaries, and outlaws. The setting is a wild and dangerous fantasy version of Italy, filled with warring city-states, corrupt rulers, and ancient ruins. Rather than playing noble heroes, the characters are often involved in shady jobs, scams, and other less-than-honorable tasks as they try to survive and thrive in this chaotic world.

Brancalonia stands out for its blend of humorous storytelling, historical inspiration, and quirky fantasy focused on witty banter, and larger-than-life adventures. The setting is rich with references to Italian folklore, medieval history, and pop culture, making it a distinct and flavorful addition to your RPG collection.

What’s in the book?

The Basic Manual of Brancalonia consists of 192 richly illustrated full-color pages, with maps, characters, antagonists, monsters and other images evocative of the Kingdom. This features:

• A general description of the Kingdom. The history and main regions, from the Pale Mountains in the north to the Charybdean Sea in the south, from the barbaric city of Tergesta in the east to the coast of the Zigane Sea in the far west.
• Five new playable races. In addition to the Human, taken from Italian tradition and folklore: the Gifted, the Malebranches, the Marionettes, the Morgants and the Sylvans.
• Twelve new subclasses. One for each of the basic classes, each adapted to the Kingdom and strongly characteristic of Italian history, tradition and folklore: hence we have the Benandante and the Superstician; the Sword-player and the Brigand; the Miraculist and the Friar.
• New Backgrounds, Character Traits, Ideals, Ties and Defects. Typical of Brancalonian Knaves.
• New Feats, Spells, Treasures, Diseases, and Poisons.
• Secrets, threats, curiosities, places of interest, rumors, monsters and game suggestions for the Condottiero. Includes generators of Dives, of Memorabilia, and Roads to nowhere!
• New Setting Rules. Moves and Whacks (full version); Poor Equipment and Stolen Equipment; Companies, Cronies, and Den management; Bounties, Revels, and Prophecies; Long Rest and Gritty Realism; Dive Games.
• The Introductory Solo Adventure. The Son of the Eagle.
• The In Search of Fortune campaign. A complete campaign in six Episodes.
• Twelve new monsters and twelve antagonists typical of Italian history, tradition, and folklore.