Coming Spring 2025
Rebellion 1745 is a complete tabletop roleplaying game which centres around the real events which took place in Scotland and England over the course of twelve months in 1745-1746. These events were the third, and final, Jacobite uprising or rebellion. At its heart it is the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (commonly known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie”), but more broadly it is a game of politics, religion, conflict, honour, national identity and pride.
All of the locations and events described took place as they are outlined, and the roles that your characters play are typical of many who took part and fought on the side of the Jacobites. Your characters will pursue their own reasons for taking up the cause of the young pretender against the Hanovarian government forces. They may answer the call to arms of their clan chief and march into battle, or they may have their own alliances and be driven by more personal motives and agendas.
Game Mechanics
The game mechanics employed in Rebellion 1745 are a sympathetic adaptation of the excellent Year Zero Engine © 2019 by Fria Ligan AB. Developed, authored, and edited by Tomas Härenstam. Utilised under the terms of an Open Game license.
These mechanics are enhanced with the addition of the unique new BattleStory concept and guidance for the GM which allow characters to participate in the many conflicts of the 1745 campaign, from the first skirmish at Highbridge to the fateful events of the Battle of Culloden and beyond.
The BattleStory System
BattleStory is a unique set of rules developed specifically for rebellion 1745. BattleStory is a framework which allows characters to take part in historically “accurate” battles, conflicts and skirmishes.
Each conflict follows the narrative and timeline of the actual real-life events, it provides details as to the events that impact your character based upon your characters background and circumstances. Placing characters in the heart of the action, playing their role as the battle unfolds around them allowing them to take part in a story led narrative roleplaying adventure. As the battle unfolds it will be the player's own actions which determine if they survive the day.
Every BattleStory scenario provides the GM with a detailed set of information, from the timing of the battle, details of the participants, to the flow of action and significant manoeuvres along with a crucial battlefield schematic. All of this information has been painstakingly collated and curated to provide a very different role-play battle experience, where the focus remains firmly upon your character and their personal story and experience.
Rebellion 1745
What will be in the book?
A Brief History Lesson
Setting the scene for the GM. Providing some insight into the complex background to the last Jacobite uprising. Includes notes on key aspects of politics, religion, and a timeline of key events.
Core Game Rules
Everything you would expect from a great roleplaying game; From character creation with 50 background professions, to skills and equipment to combat, and character growth through experience and actions.
Clans and Families
Background and information to help choose your characters clan, an important decision for your character. We cover 24 separate clans all of which rallied to the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Battlestory Campaign
Covering the 14 month period from Prince Charles Edward Stuart landing at Eriskay in 1745 to the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden the following year. With many key battles and skirmishes as well a wealth of other intrigues to occupy your characters.
Weapons & Equipment
Outfit your characters as befits their status with the necessary equipment and weapons as they set out on the great adventure. Drawing on the material culture of the Jacobite period we present a comprehensive reference for the games master and player alike.
Illustrations & Maps
Follow your journey on a detailed campaign map showing the Jacobite progress. Every battle and skirmish is accompanied by its own map. The book is illustrated with renditions of the historic Penicuik drawings with original illustrations all in a sympathetic style.
“Being Fully persuaded of your Loyalty and zeal of the Kings service I think fit to inform you that I am come unto this country to assert his right, at the head of such of his faithful subjects as will engage in his quarrel. I intend therefore to set up the Royal Standard at Glenfinnan on Monday the 19th instant. Your appearance on that occasion would be very usefull: but if not practicable, I expect you to join me as soon as possible and you shall always find me ready to give you marks of my friendship”.
Charles P.R.
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