History of Witchcraft: Volume III
History of Witchcraft: Volume III drops you into the dark, twisted world of historical England, where every shadow hides suspicion, and accusations of witchcraft can lead to doom. This system-agnostic sourcebook explores the era of Matthew Hopkins, the Commonwealth, and the Protectorate under Cromwell, blending history with supernatural horror to create a deeply unsettling roleplaying experience.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill monster hunt. It's about ordinary people trapped in extraordinary circumstances, with characters forced to confront both the fears of the time and the terrifying unknown. The choices you make will carry weight, whether you're playing an accused witch, a fearful villager, or one of Hopkins' infamous witch-hunters. Decisions lead to tension, drama, and consequences that ripple throughout the story.
What sets this apart is the focus on imagination and collaboration. You won’t just sit back and roll dice, every session becomes a creative act where players shape the narrative. And because it’s system-agnostic, you can drop it into any historical or dark fantasy setting without the headache of compatibility issues.
If you’re a fan of terrifying tales and intense character drama, this book delivers the perfect mix of dark history and supernatural horror. If you love intricate, character-driven plots and relish crafting immersive stories with your friends, this sourcebook is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Legacy Editions
Legacy Editions are a chance to revisit some of our classic titles with a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been updated with our current trade dress and given a once-over by the editorial team to clean up any lingering rough edges. Sure, they might not have all the bells and whistles of our latest releases, but that’s kind of the point. These books are a solid addition to your collection without costing you an arm and a leg. You’re getting great value at a budget price, and they still deliver on quality, even if they don’t have that new-release shine.
Navigating This Book
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll find packed inside these pages:
Matthew Hopkins: Step into the twisted world of the infamous Witchfinder General. Hopkins wasn't just any ordinary villain, he was a man who weaponized fear and superstition, spreading chaos and death across England like wildfire. His witch hunts were ruthless, with innocent people tortured and executed based on flimsy evidence and paranoia. In this section, you’ll dig into his brutal methods, from forced confessions to the infamous "swimming test," and learn how to bring this notorious character and his reign of terror to life in your sessions. Whether you're crafting a story of injustice or putting players in the shoes of those who stood against him, you’ll find everything you need to capture the horror and drama of the era.
The Protectorate: Take a closer look at the dark and paranoid days of the Cromwell era, a time when fear wasn’t limited to witches. The Protectorate wasn’t just a shift in political power; it was a breeding ground for suspicion, control, and persecution. This section examines the political climate under the Cromwells, where religious extremism and military power kept everyone on edge. Witch hysteria thrived here, with enemies of the state easily labeled as agents of the Devil. Use this to explore how power corrupts, fear spreads, and how one wrong move could lead to accusations of witchcraft. You’ll be equipped to dig into the heavy themes of power, paranoia, and survival under the iron fist of a government more concerned with control than justice.
The Literature of Witchcraft: Words have always had the power to destroy, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the literature of witchcraft. From grim theological works warning of the Devil’s influence to cheap pamphlets filled with sensationalized accusations, this section lays bare the writings that stoked fear and justified executions. These weren’t just stories, they were tools of control. You’ll uncover how religious leaders, political figures, and opportunists used the written word to fuel witch hunts and maintain power. Whether you want to incorporate historical texts into your setting or explore the devastating impact of propaganda, this section gives you everything you need to see how words were just as dangerous as any spell.
Reference: Here’s where we’ve stashed the practical stuff: notes on converting this material into your system of choice (and vice versa), a glossary of terms you’ll see throughout the book, and a bibliography of all the sources we used to craft this nightmarish journey through history.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
History of Witchcraft: Volume III isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
For more on The Simple Approach and our unorthodox take on roleplaying, visit lightspress.com. Subscribe to our newsletter, The Manifesto, for updates on new releases, roleplaying advice, and a healthy dose of our opinions. If you’re ready to embrace something different, download the free Lightspress Handbook, your guide to what we’re all about.
History of Witchcraft: Volume III drops you into the dark, twisted world of historical England, where every shadow hides suspicion, and accusations of witchcraft can lead to doom. This system-agnostic sourcebook explores the era of Matthew Hopkins, the Commonwealth, and the Protectorate under Cromwell, blending history with supernatural horror to create a deeply unsettling roleplaying experience.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill monster hunt. It's about ordinary people trapped in extraordinary circumstances, with characters forced to confront both the fears of the time and the terrifying unknown. The choices you make will carry weight, whether you're playing an accused witch, a fearful villager, or one of Hopkins' infamous witch-hunters. Decisions lead to tension, drama, and consequences that ripple throughout the story.
What sets this apart is the focus on imagination and collaboration. You won’t just sit back and roll dice, every session becomes a creative act where players shape the narrative. And because it’s system-agnostic, you can drop it into any historical or dark fantasy setting without the headache of compatibility issues.
If you’re a fan of terrifying tales and intense character drama, this book delivers the perfect mix of dark history and supernatural horror. If you love intricate, character-driven plots and relish crafting immersive stories with your friends, this sourcebook is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Legacy Editions
Legacy Editions are a chance to revisit some of our classic titles with a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been updated with our current trade dress and given a once-over by the editorial team to clean up any lingering rough edges. Sure, they might not have all the bells and whistles of our latest releases, but that’s kind of the point. These books are a solid addition to your collection without costing you an arm and a leg. You’re getting great value at a budget price, and they still deliver on quality, even if they don’t have that new-release shine.
Navigating This Book
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll find packed inside these pages:
Matthew Hopkins: Step into the twisted world of the infamous Witchfinder General. Hopkins wasn't just any ordinary villain, he was a man who weaponized fear and superstition, spreading chaos and death across England like wildfire. His witch hunts were ruthless, with innocent people tortured and executed based on flimsy evidence and paranoia. In this section, you’ll dig into his brutal methods, from forced confessions to the infamous "swimming test," and learn how to bring this notorious character and his reign of terror to life in your sessions. Whether you're crafting a story of injustice or putting players in the shoes of those who stood against him, you’ll find everything you need to capture the horror and drama of the era.
The Protectorate: Take a closer look at the dark and paranoid days of the Cromwell era, a time when fear wasn’t limited to witches. The Protectorate wasn’t just a shift in political power; it was a breeding ground for suspicion, control, and persecution. This section examines the political climate under the Cromwells, where religious extremism and military power kept everyone on edge. Witch hysteria thrived here, with enemies of the state easily labeled as agents of the Devil. Use this to explore how power corrupts, fear spreads, and how one wrong move could lead to accusations of witchcraft. You’ll be equipped to dig into the heavy themes of power, paranoia, and survival under the iron fist of a government more concerned with control than justice.
The Literature of Witchcraft: Words have always had the power to destroy, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the literature of witchcraft. From grim theological works warning of the Devil’s influence to cheap pamphlets filled with sensationalized accusations, this section lays bare the writings that stoked fear and justified executions. These weren’t just stories, they were tools of control. You’ll uncover how religious leaders, political figures, and opportunists used the written word to fuel witch hunts and maintain power. Whether you want to incorporate historical texts into your setting or explore the devastating impact of propaganda, this section gives you everything you need to see how words were just as dangerous as any spell.
Reference: Here’s where we’ve stashed the practical stuff: notes on converting this material into your system of choice (and vice versa), a glossary of terms you’ll see throughout the book, and a bibliography of all the sources we used to craft this nightmarish journey through history.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
History of Witchcraft: Volume III isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
For more on The Simple Approach and our unorthodox take on roleplaying, visit lightspress.com. Subscribe to our newsletter, The Manifesto, for updates on new releases, roleplaying advice, and a healthy dose of our opinions. If you’re ready to embrace something different, download the free Lightspress Handbook, your guide to what we’re all about.
History of Witchcraft: Volume III drops you into the dark, twisted world of historical England, where every shadow hides suspicion, and accusations of witchcraft can lead to doom. This system-agnostic sourcebook explores the era of Matthew Hopkins, the Commonwealth, and the Protectorate under Cromwell, blending history with supernatural horror to create a deeply unsettling roleplaying experience.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill monster hunt. It's about ordinary people trapped in extraordinary circumstances, with characters forced to confront both the fears of the time and the terrifying unknown. The choices you make will carry weight, whether you're playing an accused witch, a fearful villager, or one of Hopkins' infamous witch-hunters. Decisions lead to tension, drama, and consequences that ripple throughout the story.
What sets this apart is the focus on imagination and collaboration. You won’t just sit back and roll dice, every session becomes a creative act where players shape the narrative. And because it’s system-agnostic, you can drop it into any historical or dark fantasy setting without the headache of compatibility issues.
If you’re a fan of terrifying tales and intense character drama, this book delivers the perfect mix of dark history and supernatural horror. If you love intricate, character-driven plots and relish crafting immersive stories with your friends, this sourcebook is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Legacy Editions
Legacy Editions are a chance to revisit some of our classic titles with a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been updated with our current trade dress and given a once-over by the editorial team to clean up any lingering rough edges. Sure, they might not have all the bells and whistles of our latest releases, but that’s kind of the point. These books are a solid addition to your collection without costing you an arm and a leg. You’re getting great value at a budget price, and they still deliver on quality, even if they don’t have that new-release shine.
Navigating This Book
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll find packed inside these pages:
Matthew Hopkins: Step into the twisted world of the infamous Witchfinder General. Hopkins wasn't just any ordinary villain, he was a man who weaponized fear and superstition, spreading chaos and death across England like wildfire. His witch hunts were ruthless, with innocent people tortured and executed based on flimsy evidence and paranoia. In this section, you’ll dig into his brutal methods, from forced confessions to the infamous "swimming test," and learn how to bring this notorious character and his reign of terror to life in your sessions. Whether you're crafting a story of injustice or putting players in the shoes of those who stood against him, you’ll find everything you need to capture the horror and drama of the era.
The Protectorate: Take a closer look at the dark and paranoid days of the Cromwell era, a time when fear wasn’t limited to witches. The Protectorate wasn’t just a shift in political power; it was a breeding ground for suspicion, control, and persecution. This section examines the political climate under the Cromwells, where religious extremism and military power kept everyone on edge. Witch hysteria thrived here, with enemies of the state easily labeled as agents of the Devil. Use this to explore how power corrupts, fear spreads, and how one wrong move could lead to accusations of witchcraft. You’ll be equipped to dig into the heavy themes of power, paranoia, and survival under the iron fist of a government more concerned with control than justice.
The Literature of Witchcraft: Words have always had the power to destroy, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the literature of witchcraft. From grim theological works warning of the Devil’s influence to cheap pamphlets filled with sensationalized accusations, this section lays bare the writings that stoked fear and justified executions. These weren’t just stories, they were tools of control. You’ll uncover how religious leaders, political figures, and opportunists used the written word to fuel witch hunts and maintain power. Whether you want to incorporate historical texts into your setting or explore the devastating impact of propaganda, this section gives you everything you need to see how words were just as dangerous as any spell.
Reference: Here’s where we’ve stashed the practical stuff: notes on converting this material into your system of choice (and vice versa), a glossary of terms you’ll see throughout the book, and a bibliography of all the sources we used to craft this nightmarish journey through history.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
History of Witchcraft: Volume III isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
For more on The Simple Approach and our unorthodox take on roleplaying, visit lightspress.com. Subscribe to our newsletter, The Manifesto, for updates on new releases, roleplaying advice, and a healthy dose of our opinions. If you’re ready to embrace something different, download the free Lightspress Handbook, your guide to what we’re all about.