New RPG from The Blackened Hand, called Tethered Flesh! Support it on Kickstarter now!

The Blackened Hand, an independent game studio helmed by designer Ada Hatton, has unveiled Tethered Flesh, a dark fantasy tabletop RPG that pushes the boundaries of the genre with its grim atmosphere and visceral mechanics. In Tethered Flesh, players descend into a harrowing setting dominated by the towering Celestial Levels, a seemingly endless brutalist construct overseen by the enigmatic Celestial Architects, known as CELARCs.

A New Kind of Fantasy

At its core, Tethered Flesh focuses on immersive storytelling. The world is rich with lore, where moral ambiguity reigns and every choice can lead to physical and psychological scars. Players will confront grotesque challenges, manipulate their own bodies to survive, and face the consequences of every dark decision. The game's rules-light system enhances its accessibility, allowing for fast-paced and fluid gameplay, while emphasizing narrative and character development over complicated mechanics.

"With Tethered Flesh, I wanted to create a world where the grotesque becomes a source of power, and where survival means embracing the darkness," said Ada. "It’s a game for those who want to explore what it means to sacrifice a part of yourself for something greater. Included are safety tools as well to ensure a safe fun environment for your players. This is not a 'me against you system', this is an 'us against them system', 'us' being those at the table including the GM and 'them' being the Tethered."

Unique Mechanics & World-Building

One of Tethered Flesh’s standout features is the Fleshworks magic system, where players modify their characters’ bodies through grotesque rituals. This system adds a unique layer of tension and strategy, as every enhancement brings both power and peril, affecting gameplay and the story in significant ways.

In addition to the Fleshworks, the game provides a fully developed world with factions, starter adventures, and a living environment that reacts to player choices. The Celestial Levels serve as both setting and antagonist, its layers filled with dangerous creatures, morally complex NPCs, and dark secrets waiting to be uncovered.

A Solo Effort with a Big Impact

Developed entirely by Ada Hatton, Tethered Flesh marks the first release from The Blackened Hand. Despite being a solo developer, Ada has brought to life a sprawling and haunting world that captures the imagination. Early buzz from playtesters highlights the game’s evocative storytelling, immersive world-building, and its ability to create memorable, intense experiences at the table.

Tethered Flesh is currently available on Kickstarter, with plans for expansions and additional content in the near future. Whether you're a fan of dark fantasy, body horror, or narrative-driven games, Tethered Flesh offers a fresh and daring new take on the RPG experience.