ARC DREAM PUBLISHING OPENS PUBLIC PLAYTEST 2 FOR THE BLACK COMPANY ROLEPLAYING GAME
A deadly, suspenseful RPG based on Glen Cook’s legendary dark fantasy series
Arc Dream Publishing is proud to announce Playtest 2 for The Black Company Roleplaying Game, based on Glen Cook’s legendary dark fantasy series. This second public playtest phase builds directly on feedback from Playtest 1, with updated mechanics, full character creation, and sorcery rules, alongside a new scenario titled The Soul of Gold.
This playtest phase runs from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026, and focuses on how the game plays when characters are built from the ground up, then tested under pressure the way the Company prefers it: in the mud, in the dark, and with stakes that don’t negotiate.
Participants in this phase will receive an expanded playtest packet, including:
- Updated core mechanics, refined from Playtest 1 survey results and feedback
- Character creation rules, allowing players to build their own Soldiers
- Sorcery and magic rules, bringing grim and dangerous powers to the table
- A completely new scenario, The Soul of Gold, designed to stress-test character creation, magic, teamwork, and survival
- Additional supporting materials to help GMs run the scenario and keep play moving
All playtest Game Masters and players are invited to provide structured feedback through an online survey, with access included in the playtest materials.
Arc Dream Publishing also welcomes Actual Play recordings, provided that any published APs clearly identify the game as a work-in-progress playtest rather than a final product.
Future playtest phases will continue expanding the system, introducing additional advanced rules and broader campaign-facing tools, including mass combat rules, adventure construction, and more options for long-term Company play.
Join the community discussion on Discord and Reddit, and visit theblackcompanyrpg.com to sign up for Arc Dream Publishing’s free newsletter for updates and future announcements.
As Playtest 2 begins, Arc Dream invites players to take the oath again, this time with sharper tools, darker magic, and fewer excuses. Playtest materials are available for download now. For more information and to access the playtest, visit The Black Company RPG official website and the Black Company Discord.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rachel Ivey/ Marketing Director
ARC DREAM PUBLISHING
