Scum and Villainy

Scum and Villainy · Scum and Villainy TTRPG

Scum and Villainy

Be a starship crew trying to make rent and a name in a dangerous galaxy. Scum and Villainy delivers high-energy capers, tangled loyalties, and that found-family feel as you hustle between factions, noble houses, and the heavy hand of the Hegemony. Scenes move quickly, choices matter, and consequences boomerang in satisfying ways. Your ship grows with you, reflecting how your crew likes to work, whether slick smugglers, daring bounty hunters, or would-be rebels.

A session drops you into the middle of a job, focuses on bold moves, then cools off while you patch the ship, make allies, and plot the next score. It is welcoming to newcomers and rewarding for veterans who enjoy clever problem-solving and teamwork. Great for birthdays and team events, in person or online. Ready to try it with a steady hand at the helm? Meet our Game Masters.

How to play Scum and Villainy

In play, you describe what your character does, then roll a small pool of six-sided dice based on your action rating. Take the highest die. A 1 to 3 means trouble, 4 or 5 means you succeed with a hitch, 6 means a clean success, and two 6s is a critical. The Game Master sets risk and impact for each move, tracks progress with clocks, and brings consequences and opportunities. You can push yourself, help a crewmate, or resist fallout by spending stress. The crew also shares gambits, a pool that fuels bold manoeuvres.

Players bring a character playbook, a sense of their drives and relationships, and a willingness to improvise. Gear is flexible, picked as needed within your chosen load. A professional Game Master brings the sector map, factions, jobs, ship options, and a rhythm that keeps scenes tight. Online play is smooth with voice, shared sheets, and simple dice rollers; see our online play platforms.

In a one-shot, you make characters quickly or use pregens, tackle a focused score, and take a short downtime to wrap up loose ends. In a campaign, your crew builds reputation, heat, and long-term projects, upgrades the ship, explores new systems, and tangles with recurring rivals. Both styles highlight teamwork and hard choices, with sessions typically running 2 to 3 hours.

Two players immersed in moving 3d printed d&d miniatures on a game board.
Two players immersed in moving 3d printed d&d miniatures on a game board.
Close-up of a green twenty-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.
Close-up of a green twenty-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.
Green ten-sided die with gold numbers 5 and 9 visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Scum and Villainy differ from D&D?

Scum and Villainy employs the Forged in the Dark engine, concentrating on capers and their consequences. You roll small pools of d6s, the GM determines position and effect, and progress clocks monitor goals and threats to keep the action engaging. Planning is minimal as you can flash back to prepare on the spot. Teamwork is essential, featuring assists and group actions. Your crew and ship can acquire upgrades and abilities, while fallout generates heat with factions. It resembles a fast-paced space heist show rather than conventional dungeon crawling.

What occurs during a single Scum and Villainy session?

You typically begin as a score commences with an engagement roll that establishes the opening. Then we navigate through bold moves, twists, and significant choices, employing flashbacks when preparation surfaces at just the right moment. You can push yourself or resist trouble by spending stress. After the score, downtime allows you to repair, reduce heat, work on projects, and prepare for the next opportunity. Most groups complete a full job along with downtime in 2 to 3 hours.

I have never played Forged in the Dark. Will I be able to learn quickly?

Yes. The core loop is straightforward: state your action, gather a few six-sided dice based on your action rating and bonuses, and read the highest die. The GM will explain position, effect, assists, stress, and resisting as they arise. You can use pre-generated characters or create one quickly from a playbook. A brief walkthrough gets everyone started, and our Game Masters teach the rules as you play.

How do the crew sheet and ship actually impact gameplay?

Your crew has its own sheet detailing abilities, contacts, and a shared pool of gambits for audacious manoeuvres. Your ship determines your focus, whether as smugglers, bounty hunters, or aspiring rebels, and gains upgrades, modules, and quirks that reflect your operational style. Jobs generate heat and alter your standing with syndicates, noble houses, and the Hegemony, ensuring that friends and foes remain relevant. Decisions made during downtime influence how your crew develops and how the ship evolves.

Is Scum and Villainy suitable for children or teenagers?

Yes, with the tone adjusted. The game includes blasters, chases, and sci-fi crime, but a professional Game Master can ensure that violence remains non-graphic, avoid heavy themes, and focus on clever plans, humour, and teamwork. We implement clear content boundaries and safety tools. Families often enjoy playful smuggling runs, rescue missions, and racing against the authorities. Older children and teenagers tend to pick it up quickly as the rules prioritise storytelling and the dice mechanics are straightforward.

Is it better as a one-off or a long campaign?

It works well either way. A one-shot provides a focused experience, quick character creation or pre-generated characters, and a brief downtime to reach the conclusion. A campaign allows your crew to build reputation and heat, upgrade the ship, pursue long-term projects, and engage with recurring factions and rivals. The same mechanics support both formats, so you can try a single evening before making a commitment. If you have a preference for a particular table atmosphere, browse GM playstyles to find a suitable match.

Booking Form


Click to select dates

0/1500
Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from lotr.

Sent!

Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from lotr.

Natural 1, give it another go!

Please try again or email info@storyforgers.uk

Genres you can play in Scum and Villainy

  • Space Opera

    Epic sci-fi melodrama set among the stars, featuring daring pilots, noble rebels, tyrants wielding planet-destroying weapons, and a crew…

    View genre: Space Opera
  • Crime

    Execute a stylish heist, track down a murderer, or navigate the mob's code. Crime games blend strategy, tension, and morally ambiguous…

    View genre: Crime
  • Heist

    Gather your team, scout the target, and execute the heist. Picture Ocean's Eleven, featuring ingenious strategies, skilled roles, narrow…

    View genre: Heist
  • Rebellion

    Whispered schemes, audacious raids, and tough decisions as you stand up to authority. Imagine the intensity of The Hunger Games brought to…

    View genre: Rebellion
  • Pulp

    Action-packed excitement, nail-biting chases, masked adversaries, and deadly traps. Imagine adventures in the style of Indiana Jones or…

    View genre: Pulp

What players think

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly brilliant as a DM! Cheerful, adaptable, and exceptionally experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in an enjoyable manner and engaged every player in the story, regardless of whether they were vocal or reserved. If you embark on an adventure with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

Similar gaming systems

  • Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game

    • Space Opera +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Blast stormtroopers, race TIE fighters, and swashbuckle across the galaxy in West End Games' classic D6 Star Wars RPG. Fast-paced, thrilling, and cinematic, it captures the essence of the original trilogy. Ideal for daring heists, Rebel missions, and family-friendly adventures with 2 to 6 players.

    View system: Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game
  • Starfinder

    • Space Opera +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • In-depth rules

    Starfinder is Paizo’s science-fantasy setting filled with blaster battles, spell-slinging technomancers, and starship confrontations. Imagine Mass Effect but with magic. Our Game Masters will lead you through bizarre worlds, audacious heists, and extraterrestrial enigmas that reward collaboration and courageous decisions.

    View system: Starfinder
  • Root: The Roleplaying Game

    • Political Intrigue +6
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Skulk, scheme, and survive as vagabonds in the Woodland, caught between warring factions. Root: The Roleplaying Game brings the delightful edge of the Root board game to tense intrigue, heists, and diplomacy. Ideal for clever teams and narrative-driven play.

    View system: Root: The Roleplaying Game
  • Genesys

    • High Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Genesys is a universal tabletop RPG that prioritises storytelling with custom symbol dice. With a professional Game Master, your group can embark on high fantasy quests, neon cyberpunk adventures, or thrilling space operas, ranging from heists to heroic deeds. Imagine sweeping adventures in the spirit of The Lord of the Rings.

    View system: Genesys
  • Doctor Who: The Roleplaying Game

    • Space Opera +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Grab a sonic, hop into a TARDIS, and save people with brains rather than blasters. Doctor Who: The Roleplaying Game captures the TV show's witty, time-twisting adventures, from alien mysteries to heart-first heroics. Perfect for groups seeking clever plans, quick thinking, and wonder.

    View system: Doctor Who: The Roleplaying Game
  • Lasers & Feelings

    • Space Opera +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Simple rules

    Zoom through a vibrant space opera in a rules-light game inspired by Star Trek. Select a number that defines your style, then roll a single die to tackle daring challenges, charm aliens, or redirect warp power. Ideal for swift one-shots and fun-loving teams.

    View system: Lasers & Feelings
  • Mistborn Adventure Game

    • Heist +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Plan audacious heists in the ash-laden world of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn. You take on the role of a crew of thieves or rebels, wielding metal-fuelled powers to outsmart nobles and fearsome enforcers. A professional Game Master designs intricate heists, tense political scenarios, and difficult decisions.

    View system: Mistborn Adventure Game
  • Lancer

    • Mecha +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • In-depth rules

    Pilot a custom-built mech in high-stakes missions that combine sharp tactics with character-driven drama. Lancer offers intense battles and expansive sci-fi themes of duty, politics, and hope. If you enjoy Gundam, you'll feel right at home.

    View system: Lancer
  • Savage Worlds

    • Pulp +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Savage Worlds powers quick, cinematic adventures across any genre. Pursue cultists, duel desperados, battle aliens, or don a cape, all with one streamlined system. Imagine the energy of Indiana Jones at the table, expertly tailored by a professional Game Master for your group.

    View system: Savage Worlds
Black diagonal cross icon, commonly used to close popups or dismiss notifications on websites.

We’re Looking for Dungeon Masters!

StoryForgers is on the hunt for passionate and creative Dungeon Masters to join our team.
Are you interested?