Clankslayers

In another world, steam locomotives have evolved into towering boiler-chested Ironstriders, wielded by wealthy gluttonous Boiler Barons to stomp west over North America and exploit everything they don't decimate. But you won't stand for it. You refuse to stand by and watch as they trample and pillage the land your life depends on. You've honed your pain and anger into the skills and expertise needed to scale and topple these clanking giants, even if it might mean not coming back down. You are a Clankslayer.

Blending the ascent of lumbering bosses in Shadow of the Colossus with the smoke-spewing steampunk of Wild Wild West, this tabletop roleplaying game uses a toppling tower game and a poker deck to explore how a group of 2 to 5 insurgents will work together to attempt climbing a mountainous metal monstrosity — all to purge the cockpit of its corrupt pilots and put an end to their destruction reign. It will be tense and difficult, and fatal failure is likely... but there is no alternative to fighting for your home and community.

CONTENT WARNING: This game explores the inherently corrupt themes of colonialism and capitalism, the harm they inflict upon the peoples they steal from, and the painful — sometimes deadly — sacrifices made by those who rebel against the violent powers of oppression.

Clankslayers was written for the Level 1 Anthology 2025, published and distributed on Free RPG Day by 9th Level Games. What you get here contains exactly the same game, but with the addition of my own fancified vibe-fueling visuals and layout. Please go check out their Level 1 series; each is chock full of short and sweet indie TTRPGs just like this one!