WHAT IS THE M.A.D. System?
A genre-bending journey into the worlds of survival horror, fantasy, and science fiction. The M.A.D. System merges the mundane with the supernatural, and the everyday with the extraordinary, pushing you into an unforgettable journey beyond the limits of reality itself.
​
Though this system enables you to play within your wildest story, the narrative of BEYOND is anything but...normal. Join the continuation of the trials of the chosen by stepping beyond the obsidian veil
THE FIRST SONG OF SIN
r.I
It began as all things do.
The outstretched fingers of Grace Given Form. And, in a mere moment, the tangible guilts of this world were willed into existence by desire most corruptible. Lust, rage, pain, and mourning all. Uncountable and uncounted. Those who wreathed themselves in their idolatry were cast down in tears, given their lives purpose by the manifestation of their being.
 a-shipwright-s28bw-422042300002 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423021617592 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423040115070 |
|---|---|---|
 Heart of Stone, A_ Shipwright 5.53.11 PM |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423040115071 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423040115053 |
 a-shipwright-s28bw-423040115040 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423021618140 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423021618133 |
 a-shipwright-s28bw-423021618125 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-423021618000 |  a-shipwright-s28bw-422120400011 |
 a-shipwright-s28bw-422111017582 |
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |
01
The Obsidian Veil
Welcome to BEYOND: The Obsidian Veil, where reality is not what it seems, and your imagination can either be your greatest weapon or lead to your downfall. The journey will not be easy, the path is fraught with danger, and survival is not guaranteed. But remember, there is always hope, even in the darkest corners of the Aether. The question remains, do you have the courage to step beyond the veil?
03
Annals of the Aarakav
A harmonious blend of high fantasy, dark fantasy, and science fiction, the "Annals of the Aarakav" offers a versatile and comprehensive backdrop against which epic adventures can unfold. It is not just a guide but a springboard for imagination, a catalyst for compelling narratives, and a beacon for those yearning for exploration and discovery.
02
Masters of the Aether
BEYOND: The Masters of the Aether is not just a game. It's an invitation. An invitation to step into a world of cosmic wonder, where you shape the narrative and the universe itself responds. It's a call to those yearning for adventure, for something beyond the ordinary. Come, ignite your journey, and become the master of your own story in the boundless theatre of the stars.
04
What is the M.A.D. System?
1. Identify the Action
2. Set the Dread
3. Roll the Dice
​
​So how does a simple dice check work in M.A.D.? Simple. You have a die that is going to represent what you are trying to do, and the Candle Keeper sets the dread of a certain situation or task to another die. You then have to pick up both die, roll them, and hope that yours is either equal to or higher than the Dread Die.
BEYOND: The Obsidian Veil is a robust series in the TTRPG genre, that can be played as is or be repurposed for your own custom homebrew. The rules are easily adaptable to align with most of the editions of the world's premier role-playing games. Within the book, you'll discover:
​
An in-depth exploration of the warped Realms of the Aether. Traverse from the Known Realm of Theos with its somber spires and darkened alleys echoing the whispers of forgotten lore, to the haunting Cosmos, a realm veiled in starlight, where eldritch horrors lurk in the abyss, ready to engulf the unwary in a world of sci-fi horror.
A complex Naval and Star Ship System intricately interwoven with a Faction System, setting the stage for grand strategy and cunning diplomacy, essential for survival when dealing with the diverse and volatile factions.
Four Unique Paths and Professions along with a dynamic Progression System that tailors uniquely to your playstyle, forging characters that are as complex and diverse as the worlds they explore.
Optional rules which deepen the immersion of the game. Features such as a Magic System, or even Cosmic Paths and Professions permit you to breathe life into your Wayfarer.
An array of creatures hungry for your essence, each more terrifying and insidious than the last, ready to drag the unwary into the oblivion.
Keeper tools abound, granting Game masters the narrative tool set to develop a universe of insane proportions.
Embark on the introductory adventure: Shattered Veins, where you delve into the mysteries of an accursed plague, marking the return of mortality into the eternal Realm of the Aether. Cosmic abominations, death merchants beyond reality, and ravenous Shadow Walkers lie in wait.
BEYOND: the Obsidian Veil is designed by Candle Keeper: Maxwell A. Durbin-Tan (M.A.D. Productions). The game is self-published, featuring artwork from the distinctive and imaginative A. Shipwright. Enter, if you dare, into a world beyond imagination, where every choice could be your last.
- Maxwell A. Durbin-Tan: Writer & Game Designer
BTOV: Fractured veins ep. I
For fans of streamlined TTRPGS, BEYOND: The Light offers a unique experience. As a companion to BEYOND: The Obsidian Veil, this classless, easy-to-learn zine focuses on Hex Travel, featuring a simplified Naval System and land exploration in a Province. Immerse yourself in a game brimming with mystery, adventure, and dread!
For enthusiasts of concise and immersive TTRPGs, BEYOND: The Stars propels you into an expansive cosmic odyssey. As a standalone expansion to BEYOND: The Obsidian Veil, this classless, intuitive zine introduces Space Hex Travel, merging streamlined Starship Navigation with planetary exploration across the galaxy. Venture into a universe teeming with enigmatic star systems, Galactic Facilities, and celestial phenomena.
​
The zine features deep space Hex Travel, enabling journeys through the cosmos, from dramatic landings on habitable planets to navigating through sectors controlled by Corporations, Religious Orders, Pirates, Rebels, and Political Factions. Seeking a break from the cosmic expanses? Descend into the World That Was, a Cyberpunk realm with 9 unique Zones, each divided into dynamic Districts. BEYOND: The Stars offers a galaxy filled with endless mystery, adventure, and the omnipresent shadow of dread.
Fractured Veins:
an introductory expedition
chapter I: the dead land
"Once the breadbasket of Pinehearth, the Gleaning Wilds now stand as a grim testament to the power of the Accursed Plague. Sprawling acres of once fertile lands now lay wasted and desolate, the lush green replaced by an eerie, blackened hue that matches the darkness spread by the Ë’Tayalí. What was once an oasis of life and sustenance is now a barren wasteland."
Ivan, Weaver of the Athenaeum