If there's one thing Warhammer Fantasy and real life history has in excess, it's death. Plagues, wars, and disasters have often been horrors that humanity has to face. But what happens when death simply stops? What if death put up its hands and simply let life take its course? In Danse Macabre, the answer becomes disturbingly clear, in the helpful form of ravenous undead.
The game's setting takes place in 14th century Constantinople after death mysteriously disappears from the world. Now, when mortals die, they simply come back. Unlike the utopia one would imagine, each revival is accompanied by horrific mutations. The more one dies, the less of their mind returns with them. This apocalypse rivals the End Times experienced by Warhammer: The Old World factions.
The dark fantasy elements are directly inspired by Berserk, Castlevania and Kim Eun-hee's Kingdom. The limitations of the medieval era add a whole layer of danger to the already bleak setting. Even so, these limitations make those times where you overcome the horrors hit that much harder.
Adding to the atmosphere is the brilliant illustration and lore from Christopher Pickett. The historical research and storybook style artwork adds a gritty Brothers Grimm vibe to the whole affair. Much like those stories, happy endings are rare, if not outright impossible. That's because Danse Macabre's gameplay is just as brutal as its premise.
Old-school enjoyers of the OSR style will love the "rules-bright" mechanics the game offers. The Grit system empowers players in their choices while still punishing the reckless. There are also 100 mutations that can afflict the player. Whether they harm or help is up to chance. The game also features classic-style dungeons, from abandoned royal vaults to disgusting subterranean sewers.
Danse Macabre's Kickstarter campaign ends on November 6, 2025.
Fortunately, the only thing that never dies in the Wargamer Discord are all the lively tabletop conversations. If you feel like rediscovering Altdorf, then the Warhammer: The Old World complete guide will help you out.