Occult Crime
Occult Crime puts you in a world where shadows hold secrets, and the weight of your choices lingers long after the scene fades. This isn’t about chasing caped lunatics or tangling with fanged caricatures. It’s a gritty, grounded take on the intersection of crime and the occult. Forget the cheap gags and tired stereotypes, this sourcebook digs into the roots of occult traditions, weaving them into a contemporary crime setting where every ritual, symbol, and whispered chant has meaning. The focus stays sharp, steering clear of religion for reasons that shouldn’t need spelling out.
This book is for those who want more from their roleplaying sessions. It’s not a monster manual in disguise or a collection of spooky clichés. Instead, it’s a toolkit for creating stories that linger, steeped in the spirit of occultism but grounded in the here and now. The tone? Serious. The mood? Gritty. Every choice your characters make shapes the narrative, pulling them deeper into a web of mysticism, danger, and moral ambiguity.
The heart of Occult Crime lies in its commitment to character-driven stories. This isn’t about kicking down doors or cracking puzzles for the sake of progression. It’s about exploring the consequences of your actions, the weight of your character’s past, and the lure of power wrapped in forbidden knowledge. You’ll find yourself questioning not just what your characters do, but why they do it, and what it might cost them.
What sets this sourcebook apart is its emphasis on imagination, collaboration, and agency. It’s designed to give players the freedom to explore the blurred line between right and wrong, light and shadow, while providing gamemasters with tools to build a setting that feels alive. The occult elements here aren’t just window dressing, they’re integral to the world, shaping every conflict, ally, and adversary you encounter.
Whether your story involves unraveling an ancient conspiracy, confronting a criminal syndicate dabbling in forbidden rites, or simply trying to survive another night on streets pulsing with unseen energies, Occult Crime gives you the tools to make it unforgettable. The book stays true to the traditions that make the occult compelling, blending them seamlessly into the rhythms of a modern crime tale. The result is a narrative framework that feels fresh but familiar, steeped in mystery without losing its grip on reality.
This sourcebook is perfect for players and gamemasters who want to explore the crossroads of crime and the occult without relying on tropes. It’s a blank canvas for contemporary crime stories laced with mysticism, built to inspire collaboration and spark creativity. If you’re tired of the same old schlock and ready to sink your teeth into something that challenges your assumptions while delivering unforgettable stories, Occult Crime is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
This book, inspired by Occult Fantasy (also published by Lightspress), builds on the same core structure and foundational exploration of Occult history. However, it isn’t merely a reiteration of the original work. Instead, it offers a thoughtfully reimagined approach, specifically tailored to the contemporary crime genre in roleplaying, providing fresh insights and unique content distinct from traditional heroic fantasy.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find in these pages, tailored to bring the occult to life in contemporary crime roleplaying:
Occult Crime: This section lays the groundwork, defining how we’re interpreting the occult in these pages and its relevance to crime-focused settings. It’s not just about the mysterious or the unexplained, it’s about how the occult intersects with modern crime, shaping motivations, providing tools, and leaving behind a shadowy trail for investigators, perpetrators, or victims to follow.
Occult Traditions: Traditions don’t disappear; they adapt. Here, you’ll explore how occult rituals and beliefs have evolved and been woven into contemporary crime narratives. From secret societies manipulating the underworld to rituals tied to smuggling, blackmail, or power grabs, this chapter focuses on reimagining old customs in new and dangerous contexts.
Occult Practices: What happens when the criminal underworld clashes with occult practices? This chapter dives into how holidays, observances, and rituals from occult traditions can spark intrigue, serve as cover for illicit activities, or become the center of a gripping narrative. You’ll learn how to weave these elements into your stories without tipping into parody or stereotype.
Hidden Knowledge: The occult thrives on the promise of hidden truths. In the context of crime, it could be anything from an ancient cipher leading to a treasure trove to a lost text used to manipulate minds or justify violence. This chapter helps you interpret the idea of “hidden knowledge” as a driver for mystery, conflict, and character motivation.
The Spirit of the Occult: This chapter is about staying true to the heart of occult traditions while grounding them in contemporary stories. You’ll learn how to capture the essence of the occult without turning it into caricature, focusing on the philosophical and symbolic weight these practices carry in the world of crime.
Capturing the Mood: Mood is everything. This chapter teaches you how to infuse your sessions with the tension, unease, or thrill that comes with blending the occult and crime. Whether it’s the slow creep of dread or the electric charge of uncovering forbidden truths, you’ll get tips to make your narratives unforgettable.
Characters: Great stories need great characters. This chapter is all about injecting your creations with depth, flaws, and connections to the occult. From hard-boiled investigators to enigmatic antagonists, you’ll find tools to create compelling personalities who carry the spirit of the occult with them.
Worldbuilding: Every setting needs its secrets, and this chapter focuses on adding occult influences to your world. You’ll discover how to integrate mysticism into criminal organizations, urban landscapes, and even the justice system, giving your roleplaying setting a lived-in, layered feel.
Adventures: Looking to spark a campaign or inject new life into an existing one? This chapter offers advice on blending occult themes into your plots, whether it’s a heist with a ritualistic twist, a murder mystery shrouded in arcane symbols, or a power struggle centered on an artifact no one fully understands.
Reference Materials: The back pages are packed with resources to make your roleplaying sessions run smoothly. You’ll find stock supporting characters, occult-flavored creatures, and shadowy equipment. There’s also guidance on converting this material into your system of choice, ensuring compatibility with any ruleset you’re using.
96 pages. PDF and epub files included.
Occult Crime puts you in a world where shadows hold secrets, and the weight of your choices lingers long after the scene fades. This isn’t about chasing caped lunatics or tangling with fanged caricatures. It’s a gritty, grounded take on the intersection of crime and the occult. Forget the cheap gags and tired stereotypes, this sourcebook digs into the roots of occult traditions, weaving them into a contemporary crime setting where every ritual, symbol, and whispered chant has meaning. The focus stays sharp, steering clear of religion for reasons that shouldn’t need spelling out.
This book is for those who want more from their roleplaying sessions. It’s not a monster manual in disguise or a collection of spooky clichés. Instead, it’s a toolkit for creating stories that linger, steeped in the spirit of occultism but grounded in the here and now. The tone? Serious. The mood? Gritty. Every choice your characters make shapes the narrative, pulling them deeper into a web of mysticism, danger, and moral ambiguity.
The heart of Occult Crime lies in its commitment to character-driven stories. This isn’t about kicking down doors or cracking puzzles for the sake of progression. It’s about exploring the consequences of your actions, the weight of your character’s past, and the lure of power wrapped in forbidden knowledge. You’ll find yourself questioning not just what your characters do, but why they do it, and what it might cost them.
What sets this sourcebook apart is its emphasis on imagination, collaboration, and agency. It’s designed to give players the freedom to explore the blurred line between right and wrong, light and shadow, while providing gamemasters with tools to build a setting that feels alive. The occult elements here aren’t just window dressing, they’re integral to the world, shaping every conflict, ally, and adversary you encounter.
Whether your story involves unraveling an ancient conspiracy, confronting a criminal syndicate dabbling in forbidden rites, or simply trying to survive another night on streets pulsing with unseen energies, Occult Crime gives you the tools to make it unforgettable. The book stays true to the traditions that make the occult compelling, blending them seamlessly into the rhythms of a modern crime tale. The result is a narrative framework that feels fresh but familiar, steeped in mystery without losing its grip on reality.
This sourcebook is perfect for players and gamemasters who want to explore the crossroads of crime and the occult without relying on tropes. It’s a blank canvas for contemporary crime stories laced with mysticism, built to inspire collaboration and spark creativity. If you’re tired of the same old schlock and ready to sink your teeth into something that challenges your assumptions while delivering unforgettable stories, Occult Crime is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
This book, inspired by Occult Fantasy (also published by Lightspress), builds on the same core structure and foundational exploration of Occult history. However, it isn’t merely a reiteration of the original work. Instead, it offers a thoughtfully reimagined approach, specifically tailored to the contemporary crime genre in roleplaying, providing fresh insights and unique content distinct from traditional heroic fantasy.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find in these pages, tailored to bring the occult to life in contemporary crime roleplaying:
Occult Crime: This section lays the groundwork, defining how we’re interpreting the occult in these pages and its relevance to crime-focused settings. It’s not just about the mysterious or the unexplained, it’s about how the occult intersects with modern crime, shaping motivations, providing tools, and leaving behind a shadowy trail for investigators, perpetrators, or victims to follow.
Occult Traditions: Traditions don’t disappear; they adapt. Here, you’ll explore how occult rituals and beliefs have evolved and been woven into contemporary crime narratives. From secret societies manipulating the underworld to rituals tied to smuggling, blackmail, or power grabs, this chapter focuses on reimagining old customs in new and dangerous contexts.
Occult Practices: What happens when the criminal underworld clashes with occult practices? This chapter dives into how holidays, observances, and rituals from occult traditions can spark intrigue, serve as cover for illicit activities, or become the center of a gripping narrative. You’ll learn how to weave these elements into your stories without tipping into parody or stereotype.
Hidden Knowledge: The occult thrives on the promise of hidden truths. In the context of crime, it could be anything from an ancient cipher leading to a treasure trove to a lost text used to manipulate minds or justify violence. This chapter helps you interpret the idea of “hidden knowledge” as a driver for mystery, conflict, and character motivation.
The Spirit of the Occult: This chapter is about staying true to the heart of occult traditions while grounding them in contemporary stories. You’ll learn how to capture the essence of the occult without turning it into caricature, focusing on the philosophical and symbolic weight these practices carry in the world of crime.
Capturing the Mood: Mood is everything. This chapter teaches you how to infuse your sessions with the tension, unease, or thrill that comes with blending the occult and crime. Whether it’s the slow creep of dread or the electric charge of uncovering forbidden truths, you’ll get tips to make your narratives unforgettable.
Characters: Great stories need great characters. This chapter is all about injecting your creations with depth, flaws, and connections to the occult. From hard-boiled investigators to enigmatic antagonists, you’ll find tools to create compelling personalities who carry the spirit of the occult with them.
Worldbuilding: Every setting needs its secrets, and this chapter focuses on adding occult influences to your world. You’ll discover how to integrate mysticism into criminal organizations, urban landscapes, and even the justice system, giving your roleplaying setting a lived-in, layered feel.
Adventures: Looking to spark a campaign or inject new life into an existing one? This chapter offers advice on blending occult themes into your plots, whether it’s a heist with a ritualistic twist, a murder mystery shrouded in arcane symbols, or a power struggle centered on an artifact no one fully understands.
Reference Materials: The back pages are packed with resources to make your roleplaying sessions run smoothly. You’ll find stock supporting characters, occult-flavored creatures, and shadowy equipment. There’s also guidance on converting this material into your system of choice, ensuring compatibility with any ruleset you’re using.
96 pages. PDF and epub files included.
Occult Crime puts you in a world where shadows hold secrets, and the weight of your choices lingers long after the scene fades. This isn’t about chasing caped lunatics or tangling with fanged caricatures. It’s a gritty, grounded take on the intersection of crime and the occult. Forget the cheap gags and tired stereotypes, this sourcebook digs into the roots of occult traditions, weaving them into a contemporary crime setting where every ritual, symbol, and whispered chant has meaning. The focus stays sharp, steering clear of religion for reasons that shouldn’t need spelling out.
This book is for those who want more from their roleplaying sessions. It’s not a monster manual in disguise or a collection of spooky clichés. Instead, it’s a toolkit for creating stories that linger, steeped in the spirit of occultism but grounded in the here and now. The tone? Serious. The mood? Gritty. Every choice your characters make shapes the narrative, pulling them deeper into a web of mysticism, danger, and moral ambiguity.
The heart of Occult Crime lies in its commitment to character-driven stories. This isn’t about kicking down doors or cracking puzzles for the sake of progression. It’s about exploring the consequences of your actions, the weight of your character’s past, and the lure of power wrapped in forbidden knowledge. You’ll find yourself questioning not just what your characters do, but why they do it, and what it might cost them.
What sets this sourcebook apart is its emphasis on imagination, collaboration, and agency. It’s designed to give players the freedom to explore the blurred line between right and wrong, light and shadow, while providing gamemasters with tools to build a setting that feels alive. The occult elements here aren’t just window dressing, they’re integral to the world, shaping every conflict, ally, and adversary you encounter.
Whether your story involves unraveling an ancient conspiracy, confronting a criminal syndicate dabbling in forbidden rites, or simply trying to survive another night on streets pulsing with unseen energies, Occult Crime gives you the tools to make it unforgettable. The book stays true to the traditions that make the occult compelling, blending them seamlessly into the rhythms of a modern crime tale. The result is a narrative framework that feels fresh but familiar, steeped in mystery without losing its grip on reality.
This sourcebook is perfect for players and gamemasters who want to explore the crossroads of crime and the occult without relying on tropes. It’s a blank canvas for contemporary crime stories laced with mysticism, built to inspire collaboration and spark creativity. If you’re tired of the same old schlock and ready to sink your teeth into something that challenges your assumptions while delivering unforgettable stories, Occult Crime is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
This book, inspired by Occult Fantasy (also published by Lightspress), builds on the same core structure and foundational exploration of Occult history. However, it isn’t merely a reiteration of the original work. Instead, it offers a thoughtfully reimagined approach, specifically tailored to the contemporary crime genre in roleplaying, providing fresh insights and unique content distinct from traditional heroic fantasy.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find in these pages, tailored to bring the occult to life in contemporary crime roleplaying:
Occult Crime: This section lays the groundwork, defining how we’re interpreting the occult in these pages and its relevance to crime-focused settings. It’s not just about the mysterious or the unexplained, it’s about how the occult intersects with modern crime, shaping motivations, providing tools, and leaving behind a shadowy trail for investigators, perpetrators, or victims to follow.
Occult Traditions: Traditions don’t disappear; they adapt. Here, you’ll explore how occult rituals and beliefs have evolved and been woven into contemporary crime narratives. From secret societies manipulating the underworld to rituals tied to smuggling, blackmail, or power grabs, this chapter focuses on reimagining old customs in new and dangerous contexts.
Occult Practices: What happens when the criminal underworld clashes with occult practices? This chapter dives into how holidays, observances, and rituals from occult traditions can spark intrigue, serve as cover for illicit activities, or become the center of a gripping narrative. You’ll learn how to weave these elements into your stories without tipping into parody or stereotype.
Hidden Knowledge: The occult thrives on the promise of hidden truths. In the context of crime, it could be anything from an ancient cipher leading to a treasure trove to a lost text used to manipulate minds or justify violence. This chapter helps you interpret the idea of “hidden knowledge” as a driver for mystery, conflict, and character motivation.
The Spirit of the Occult: This chapter is about staying true to the heart of occult traditions while grounding them in contemporary stories. You’ll learn how to capture the essence of the occult without turning it into caricature, focusing on the philosophical and symbolic weight these practices carry in the world of crime.
Capturing the Mood: Mood is everything. This chapter teaches you how to infuse your sessions with the tension, unease, or thrill that comes with blending the occult and crime. Whether it’s the slow creep of dread or the electric charge of uncovering forbidden truths, you’ll get tips to make your narratives unforgettable.
Characters: Great stories need great characters. This chapter is all about injecting your creations with depth, flaws, and connections to the occult. From hard-boiled investigators to enigmatic antagonists, you’ll find tools to create compelling personalities who carry the spirit of the occult with them.
Worldbuilding: Every setting needs its secrets, and this chapter focuses on adding occult influences to your world. You’ll discover how to integrate mysticism into criminal organizations, urban landscapes, and even the justice system, giving your roleplaying setting a lived-in, layered feel.
Adventures: Looking to spark a campaign or inject new life into an existing one? This chapter offers advice on blending occult themes into your plots, whether it’s a heist with a ritualistic twist, a murder mystery shrouded in arcane symbols, or a power struggle centered on an artifact no one fully understands.
Reference Materials: The back pages are packed with resources to make your roleplaying sessions run smoothly. You’ll find stock supporting characters, occult-flavored creatures, and shadowy equipment. There’s also guidance on converting this material into your system of choice, ensuring compatibility with any ruleset you’re using.
96 pages. PDF and epub files included.