Bones Deep
A downloadable Tabletop RPG
Bones Deep is a tabletop RPG of skeletons exploring the ocean floor.
Built for Troika, usable anywhere.
The Book Includes:
- 120 pages of underwater weirdness.
- 6 skeleton backgrounds, ranging from cute to creepy.
- 20 locations, each with a dozen encounters.
- 36 spells inspired by ocean phenomena.
- 50 creatures inspired by real deep-sea life.
- 5 adventures to kick off your campaign.
Straightforward underwater sandbox. No swimming allowed, no oxygen required, no extra math. As a skeleton, you can treat the ocean floor like an alien world and jump right in.
Emergent adventures. Every random encounter in Bones Deep aims to draw you deeper into the setting. Warring factions, clues to hidden treasure, terrible foes, cute pets, and nefarious mysteries all compete for your attention. The book includes 5 detailed quests to kick off your campaign.
More real than you’d imagine. It was written by a team of folks who were heavily inspired by real deep-sea life, including a boat captain and an underwater educator. We even wrote the real-world scientific names of creatures so players can marvel at the wonders of the deep.
“I'm struck by how well it's balanced between chasing the fun ideas and remembering this is a game to be played. I always wind up grinning when I read it.” - Evey Lockhart
“Can’t recommend this impressive content enough!! Who doesn’t want to be a skeleton scouring the depths of the ocean?” - Southpaw Gemini
"Horror with a sense of humor." - Ian
“What makes this game great are the limitless possibilities for creative playing. I mean, what would it be like as a skeleton under the sea? The creative lore behind the game makes the seas a world eager for exploration.” - Becca & Jason
Digital Formats
- PDF with navigation menus and extensive hyperlinks.
- HTML for a clean, accessible experience.
- Hardcover PDF that mirrors the printed book.
- Character sheets, Maps, and More!
Status | In development |
Category | Physical game |
Rating | Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars (41 total ratings) |
Author | Technical Grimoire Games |
Genre | Role Playing |
Tags | ocean, Skeletons, Spooky, Troika, Tabletop role-playing game |
Average session | A few hours |
Languages | English |
Accessibility | Color-blind friendly, Blind friendly |
Purchase
In order to download this Tabletop RPG you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $15 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Community Copy
Support this Tabletop RPG at or above a special price point to receive something exclusive.
Community Copy
Are you a low-income or marginalized person interested in Bones Deep? Just click below to claim a copy and attach it to your account. No purchase required.
Development log
- Bones Deep Almost Sold Out!Aug 23, 2022
- Hardcover Pre-Orders are Open!Apr 28, 2022
- Kickstarter Complete!Apr 25, 2022
- PDF Complete + Hardcover KickstarterMar 18, 2022
- Delay ApologiesMar 02, 2022
- PDF Almost Complete + Price IncreaseJan 28, 2022
- 20+ Pages of New Content!Nov 30, 2021
- First Content Expansion Added: Crab TavernOct 31, 2021
Comments
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I have played this game multiple times with friends and every time it's been an absolute blast. The pdf is by far one of the best examples of good hyper-linking, it's fantastically acessible and worth every single cent. You've raised my standards of accessibility with this book.
We're so glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for the kind words. You made our day :)
I just received my hardcover copy from IglooTree today, can't wait to dive in! I hope you don't mind me grabbing a community copy so I can go back and forth between physical and digital.
Can't wait to explore the ocean deep as animated bones <3
Woohoo! We hope you enjoy Bones Deep!
Hello. Just so I know, which version is the one updated post kickstarter? Is it the pdf for the hardcover? I'm not sure about the differences, sorry.
Hey Lucas! The Hardcover PDF reflects the layout and art of the book, while the Digital version is formatted for digital readers and hyperlinked.
They both have the same text and content. Both have been updated post Kickstarter.
Hi! I took one community copy when I was in a bind but have now bought a full copy. Please add one back for those in need ☺️
Love the game, excellent work!
Thank you so much opfawcett! I'll add another batch of community copies :)
Love it! Though I'm a bit confused about the nature of language in Bones Deep. So when a creature is sentient a skeleton can talk to it? Or do they need a specific language skill for that, or do they have to exchange memories with every non wizard they come across
We left it vague on purpose; only Crabs/Witches/Wizards are explicitly sentient.
If your group is excited to talk to fish, then fish should be sentient (if a little dumb)! Ask your players what they would enjoy most.
Pg. 17 has some more examples. "Skeletons can also communicate ideas/emotions/images via touch. This allows them to “talk to fish” in a way."
Thank you for the reply!
I love Davids work and can HIGHLY recommend supporting the upcoming Kickstarter. The pdf is very high quality and you could have it in hardcover!
Hi David - a quick question? Are the hardcover preorders still available?
Hey Razielsonofkain! We're going to be running a Kickstarter to fund the print run. If you missed the Itch pre-orders, then the Kickstarter is your best bet to secure a copy.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/technicalgrimoire/bones-deep/