This game jam is for ttrpg creators who also happen to be fans of souls-like games. The jam is designed for rules-lite games, though if you'd like to do something more complex then you're welcome to. It is not a jam with rankings or prizes. It is simply for the joy of creation and community. If you'd like to connect with others who are working on the jam, you can join this discord.

Souls-Like

A souls-like, in broad terms, is a game that takes inspiration from or resembles the vaguely defined series of "souls games" from the video game studio From Software. This family of games includes the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, Demon Souls, Elden Ring, and perhaps even Sekiro, though that is a topic of much contention. These games are typically defined by three aspects: Themes, Gameplay, and Difficulty. 

Gameplay is simple enough, and the least applicable to our jam today. Souls-like games typically have stamina systems, diverse builds, dodge rolling, and parrying. These, however, are traits of video games, and needn't be applied to ttrpgs, though you are welcome to do so. 

Difficulty is much more subjective. There are fans who maintain that a souls-like game must be crushingly difficult in order to be true to the formula. This is not the case. If a souls-like game is difficult for the sake of difficulty, then it has missed the point. The struggle must have a point, the suffering meaning.

Finally, and most subjective of all, is the thematic side of the souls series. This is what compels me the most. There is a certain melancholy to the souls series and their inheritors that is hard to find anywhere else. The somber and calm music of the hunter's dream, firelink shrine, or Majula. The ruins and tarnished majesty of what once was great. The hints at a greater context that we can just barely grasp. The near inescapable feeling of loneliness. Sharing a bonfire with a fellow undead. All of these things set a tremendous mood, something that is difficult to describe or replicate. There is something special about these games. This is what you should try to embody above all else when crafting your submission to this jam.

Rules-Lite

A rules-lite ttrpg is significantly easier to define and describe than a souls-like game. It is a game where the rules are simple, though not inelegant. They exist to facilitate a game's themes and mood more than to be a simulation of combat or a complex game of strategy. A rules-lite game puts the story first. There are many great rules-lite games to draw inspiration from for your own submission to this jam. Many of these games even have resources and SRDs with which to make hacks or supplements. You are welcome to use them.

Souls-Lite

And this brings us back to our jam. This jam is mostly based on themes and mood. Your game does not need to be difficult, nor does it need to emulate the gameplay of the souls series. It simply needs to be inspired by how the games have touched you. If they helped you through a tough time, gave you a new perspective, or simply made you feel like you overcame something, try to recapture that feeling in your game. Still, there are a few rules to follow.

• no AI generated content. At all. Do not use it in your writing, layout, or art.
• No bigotry or hatred. Do not use your game as a platform for racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any other bigoted viewpoint.
• Do not submit a game you have already made without meaningful changes.  If you are submitting a supplement for a game that already exists, that is alright.
• This is for ttrpgs. They can be solo games, duet games, or games for a full table, but they must be ttrpgs.

That should be all the details. If you have questions or concerns, please make a post to share them.

Stay safe, friend. Don't you dare go hollow.