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NOCTURNAL

Created by Dan Thacker

A Modern Ghost Hunting RPG

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Four Days Remaining
about 2 months ago – Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 10:40:28 PM

Four Days Remaining

Hello Investigators,
Only four days remain in the Kickstarter campaign for Nocturnal: A Modern Ghost-Hunting RPG.
When I launched this project, I hoped to find a community interested in supernatural investigation, haunted mysteries, and uncovering hidden truths beneath reality and the unique way Nocturnal approaches them.
Thanks to all of you, we are now sitting at 130% funded.
Over the past few weeks, I've shared investigations, rules, character creation, layout previews, and a look at Ashcroft University's growing world. The excitement around the project and its unique tone has been incredible.
The work continues. Layout is progressing well. The introductory investigation is taking shape, and the larger campaign setting is becoming bigger and more distinctive than I originally imagined.
If you've been following the project but haven't backed yet, now is the time to join us. Once the campaign ends, the investigation enters its next phase.
Thank you again for all the support, encouragement, feedback, and ideas.
Most people call them hauntings.
Investigators learn something different.
Whats Next! 
They learn about the hidden Sleeper beneath Ashcroft University.
Ashcroft University has existed for more than a century.
Thousands of students have attended its classes.
Thousands have graduated.
Not all of them left.
Most people think the hauntings are the problem.
Investigators eventually learn something far worse.
The hauntings are symptoms.
Ashcroft itself is the Pattern.
The first mystery is the Library Ghost.
The last mystery may be the University itself.

Roll 20 Nocturnal Sheet!
about 2 months ago – Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 05:06:36 PM

Started working on a surprise for all investigators. I really like to be able to run the game with friends. Not all of them can always make it to the game. 

So, I give you draft 1 of the Roll 20 Sheet. 

 

Layout Update
about 2 months ago – Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 02:02:00 AM

Hello Investigators,

I wanted to share a quick update on the progress of Nocturnal.

The layout is coming together very nicely, and I'm extremely happy with how the book is starting to look. The goal has always been to create a clean, professional layout that is easy to read at the table while still capturing the atmosphere and tone of supernatural investigation horror.

As the project moves through layout, the game is beginning to feel like a real book rather than a collection of notes, rules, and ideas. Seeing the chapters, artwork, callout boxes, investigations, and examples come together has been incredibly exciting.

I've included a sample page so you can see the direction we're heading. While there is still work to do, this should give you a good idea of the overall style and presentation of the finished book.

Thank you again for helping us reach 130% funded. Your support is allowing me to continue improving every aspect of the project, from editing and artwork to layout and presentation.

Tools in Nocturnal 

Investigators rely on specialized equipment to gather evidence, track supernatural activity, and uncover the hidden Pattern beneath a haunting.

Digital recorders capture strange voices hidden within static. EMF detectors identify areas of unusual activity. Thermal cameras reveal disturbances invisible to the naked eye. Spirit Boxes provide brief and often unsettling communication with entities. UV lights uncover hidden markings and forgotten traces. Trigger Objects allow investigators to connect directly to the emotional history of a location.

Most people call them hauntings.

Investigators learn something different.

Here is a link to the Tools Section: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eeZQxvl_lOx68rrDnhdrXPy6wjpBhGhn2nrtsUMy7S8/edit?usp=sharing

Nocturnal: A Modern Ghost-Hunting RPG Cover Mockup
2 months ago – Sun, May 31, 2026 at 12:07:11 AM

Greetings Investigators,
I've been refining the look and feel of Nocturnal.
The main cover art is complete and has been shared with many of you. Next, I'll focus on making the rest of the book cohesive.
Lately, I've been focusing on the cover design as a whole, including the layout, typography, spine, and back cover. My goal is to make the book feel like the game itself: mysterious, investigative, and just a little unsettling.
The cover is often the first thing people see, but the back cover is where the book really introduces itself. I'm experimenting with different layouts, taglines, and descriptions to capture the core idea behind Nocturnal.
 
I'm excited with how it's coming together and look forward to sharing more previews as the design continues to evolve. Let me know what you'd like to see next, or share your thoughts on the cover direction.
Your feedback is valuable in making Nocturnal the best it can be.
Thank you for your support. Reaching our funding goal was incredible. Now, the real work of bringing Nocturnal to life begins.
 
Most people call them hauntings.
Investigators learn something different.

Nocturnal: A Modern Ghost-Hunting RPG is Funded!
2 months ago – Sat, May 30, 2026 at 01:27:04 AM

Hello Investigators,

We did it!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you for believing in the project.
Thank you for helping spread the word.
Thank you for making Nocturnal a reality.
This project exists because of backers like you. Your support, encouragement, shares, comments, and belief in the game made this possible.
When I launched Nocturnal, I hoped there were players looking for a different kind of horror RPG. A game focused on investigation, mystery, atmosphere, and uncovering the truth behind a haunting instead of simply fighting monsters.
Most people call them hauntings.
Investigators learn something different.
That simple idea has grown into a full game because of all of you.
Funding is not the finish line. It is the beginning.
I am already hard at work expanding the book, developing the Ashcroft College campaign setting, refining investigations, and creating new material to bring the world of Nocturnal to life.
Now, let's invite more adventurers to join our ghost-hunting community and help Nocturnal grow even further. Share your passion for the game, encourage others to get involved, and let's expand our journey together!
The investigation continues!