Taking their inspiration from the well-known and well-loved swashbuckling period-movies, swashbuckling settings, with their unique blend of heroic characters, fast-paced intrigue, and fearless action, have much to offer in a roleplaying context. They are typically light-hearted games, whether they use a historical background as the Flashing Blades (1984) roleplay, or some kind of fantasy background as 7th Sea. However, the genre is also well suited for grimmer less clear-cut adventures as shown by Bretonnia-RPG.
Bretonnia-RPG started as a fan-supplement for the original edition of WFRP (Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play, 1986).
WFRP (often pronounced wufrup in the uk) had remained popular throughout the years because of a mix of simple mechanics, dark humour, and an original background based on a fantasy version of renaissance Europe. The rulebook describes Bretonnia as an even more decadent version of Ancient Regime France. The Bretonnia-Project for WFRP expanded on this by producing a complete Bretonnian sourcebook, The Corrupt Kingdom of Bretonnia (2003).
Recently, a second edition of the Warhammer roleplay WFRP2 (2005) was released. The background of the game changed to match the one of the current edition of the miniature wargame Warhammer Fantasy Battle (WFB6) from Games Workshop. Essentially, the game moves towards higher fantasy, losing much of its complexity and appeal in the process. The fact that the original Bretonnian background was dropped, prompted the creation of Bretonnia-RPG as an independent game using WFRP mechanics.
The main theme developed in WFRP is the
fight against Chaos and its corrupting influence. However, the physical
taint of Chaos is stated as being less common in Bretonnia and as such
plot lines not directly involving the ruinous powers are encouraged.
The trademark investigative style which made WFRP's renown is kept as
well as the wide range of careers available for player characters. It
is suggested however that one or two swashbuckling types should be
included in any group to cancel out negative influence from the usual
WFRP low-life anti-heroes. Enthusiasm and French flair are required in
Bretonnia-RPG ! Bretonnia-RPG has a taste for historical grit over fantasy, so the typical game tends to be a grim violent struggle rather than a fun fare. Hence, there is a clear shift in tone from comedy as prevalent in most swashbuckling RPGs to tragi-comedy, without even considering the occasional chilling horror venture. The swashbuckling element in Bretonnia-RPG owes essentially to the type of characters involved and the widespread cultural references to period France, for the rest it is essentially grim old school WFRP !
Roleplaying games inspired by the swashbuckling genre usually lead to light style games. However, characters from late XVIth or XVIIth century Europe would have been faced with dire situations, involving religious conflicts, wars and widespread injustice. This tragic backdrop is essential to bring depth to a swashbuckling character. Bretonnia-RPG proposes a grimmer game, mixing swashbuckling and investigation in a corrupt fantasy setting where the PCs will be sure to have much to fight for.