History of Witchcraft: Volume I
History of Witchcraft Volume 1 plunges you into the grim, tragic reality of witch trials in Elizabethan England. This isn't just a history lesson, it’s historical horror at its most immersive. The fear is palpable, and the stakes are life or death, as you explore a setting where accusations spiral into hysteria and paranoia. The game encourages imagination, collaboration, and player agency, letting you shape the story as it unfolds, whether you're standing trial, hunting witches, or fighting to survive in a world consumed by superstition.
Perfect for fans of The Witch and The Crucible, this game brings a fresh perspective to the familiar darkness of witch hunts. Each session is a deep dive into historical horror, where every choice could be your last. Explore the depths of fear and injustice, crafting stories that stick with you long after the session ends.
Get ready for tension-filled sessions, brutal moral dilemmas, and the ever-present question: who’s really guilty here? History of Witchcraft Volume 1 is your ticket to experiencing one of history’s darkest periods, up close and personal.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Legacy Editions
Legacy Editions are a chance to revisit some of our classic titles with a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been updated with our current trade dress and given a once-over by the editorial team to clean up any lingering rough edges. Sure, they might not have all the bells and whistles of our latest releases, but that’s kind of the point. These books are a solid addition to your collection without costing you an arm and a leg. You’re getting great value at a budget price, and they still deliver on quality, even if they don’t have that new-release shine.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Beginnings: An overview of witchcraft in England. This section sets the stage for the social, religious, and political climate that made witch hunts not just possible, but inevitable. Get ready for a crash course in the irrational fears that fueled centuries of persecution.
Witchcraft Under Elizabeth: The era that gave us some of the most notorious witch trials. From Chelmsford to St. Oses, we cover the people, places, and events that shaped the witchcraft hysteria under Elizabeth I. Expect scandal, paranoia, and more than a few gruesome details.
Reginald Scot: The man, the myth, the skeptic. We dive into Scot’s The Discoverie of Witchcraft, the first great work to challenge the witch-hunting frenzy. Whether you’re here for his biting commentary or the historical significance, this section explores how one man tried to turn the tide against fear and superstition, and how the world responded.
Reference: Notes on converting this material into the system of your choice and vice-versa. Whether you’re using this book as a standalone guide or pulling pieces into an existing system, this section has you covered. We’ve also included a glossary of terms we use frequently (so you’re not left guessing what we mean by “pamphlet” or “maleficium”), and a bibliography of materials used in researching this book.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
History of Witchcraft isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
For more on The Simple Approach and our unorthodox take on roleplaying, visit lightspress.com. Subscribe to our newsletter, The Manifesto, for updates on new releases, roleplaying advice, and a healthy dose of our opinions. If you’re ready to embrace something different, download the free Lightspress Handbook, your guide to what we’re all about.
History of Witchcraft Volume 1 plunges you into the grim, tragic reality of witch trials in Elizabethan England. This isn't just a history lesson, it’s historical horror at its most immersive. The fear is palpable, and the stakes are life or death, as you explore a setting where accusations spiral into hysteria and paranoia. The game encourages imagination, collaboration, and player agency, letting you shape the story as it unfolds, whether you're standing trial, hunting witches, or fighting to survive in a world consumed by superstition.
Perfect for fans of The Witch and The Crucible, this game brings a fresh perspective to the familiar darkness of witch hunts. Each session is a deep dive into historical horror, where every choice could be your last. Explore the depths of fear and injustice, crafting stories that stick with you long after the session ends.
Get ready for tension-filled sessions, brutal moral dilemmas, and the ever-present question: who’s really guilty here? History of Witchcraft Volume 1 is your ticket to experiencing one of history’s darkest periods, up close and personal.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Legacy Editions
Legacy Editions are a chance to revisit some of our classic titles with a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been updated with our current trade dress and given a once-over by the editorial team to clean up any lingering rough edges. Sure, they might not have all the bells and whistles of our latest releases, but that’s kind of the point. These books are a solid addition to your collection without costing you an arm and a leg. You’re getting great value at a budget price, and they still deliver on quality, even if they don’t have that new-release shine.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Beginnings: An overview of witchcraft in England. This section sets the stage for the social, religious, and political climate that made witch hunts not just possible, but inevitable. Get ready for a crash course in the irrational fears that fueled centuries of persecution.
Witchcraft Under Elizabeth: The era that gave us some of the most notorious witch trials. From Chelmsford to St. Oses, we cover the people, places, and events that shaped the witchcraft hysteria under Elizabeth I. Expect scandal, paranoia, and more than a few gruesome details.
Reginald Scot: The man, the myth, the skeptic. We dive into Scot’s The Discoverie of Witchcraft, the first great work to challenge the witch-hunting frenzy. Whether you’re here for his biting commentary or the historical significance, this section explores how one man tried to turn the tide against fear and superstition, and how the world responded.
Reference: Notes on converting this material into the system of your choice and vice-versa. Whether you’re using this book as a standalone guide or pulling pieces into an existing system, this section has you covered. We’ve also included a glossary of terms we use frequently (so you’re not left guessing what we mean by “pamphlet” or “maleficium”), and a bibliography of materials used in researching this book.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
History of Witchcraft isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
For more on The Simple Approach and our unorthodox take on roleplaying, visit lightspress.com. Subscribe to our newsletter, The Manifesto, for updates on new releases, roleplaying advice, and a healthy dose of our opinions. If you’re ready to embrace something different, download the free Lightspress Handbook, your guide to what we’re all about.
History of Witchcraft Volume 1 plunges you into the grim, tragic reality of witch trials in Elizabethan England. This isn't just a history lesson, it’s historical horror at its most immersive. The fear is palpable, and the stakes are life or death, as you explore a setting where accusations spiral into hysteria and paranoia. The game encourages imagination, collaboration, and player agency, letting you shape the story as it unfolds, whether you're standing trial, hunting witches, or fighting to survive in a world consumed by superstition.
Perfect for fans of The Witch and The Crucible, this game brings a fresh perspective to the familiar darkness of witch hunts. Each session is a deep dive into historical horror, where every choice could be your last. Explore the depths of fear and injustice, crafting stories that stick with you long after the session ends.
Get ready for tension-filled sessions, brutal moral dilemmas, and the ever-present question: who’s really guilty here? History of Witchcraft Volume 1 is your ticket to experiencing one of history’s darkest periods, up close and personal.
A Universal Sourcebook
You don’t need it to play any of our games using The Simple Approach, but it’s here to spice things up if you want. It’s also written to be functionally system-agnostic, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. There are notes at the end to help with conversion, and if you’re need more advice in translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Legacy Editions
Legacy Editions are a chance to revisit some of our classic titles with a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been updated with our current trade dress and given a once-over by the editorial team to clean up any lingering rough edges. Sure, they might not have all the bells and whistles of our latest releases, but that’s kind of the point. These books are a solid addition to your collection without costing you an arm and a leg. You’re getting great value at a budget price, and they still deliver on quality, even if they don’t have that new-release shine.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Beginnings: An overview of witchcraft in England. This section sets the stage for the social, religious, and political climate that made witch hunts not just possible, but inevitable. Get ready for a crash course in the irrational fears that fueled centuries of persecution.
Witchcraft Under Elizabeth: The era that gave us some of the most notorious witch trials. From Chelmsford to St. Oses, we cover the people, places, and events that shaped the witchcraft hysteria under Elizabeth I. Expect scandal, paranoia, and more than a few gruesome details.
Reginald Scot: The man, the myth, the skeptic. We dive into Scot’s The Discoverie of Witchcraft, the first great work to challenge the witch-hunting frenzy. Whether you’re here for his biting commentary or the historical significance, this section explores how one man tried to turn the tide against fear and superstition, and how the world responded.
Reference: Notes on converting this material into the system of your choice and vice-versa. Whether you’re using this book as a standalone guide or pulling pieces into an existing system, this section has you covered. We’ve also included a glossary of terms we use frequently (so you’re not left guessing what we mean by “pamphlet” or “maleficium”), and a bibliography of materials used in researching this book.
The Simple Approach
To understand this book, you need to know the context in which it was written and the philosophy that runs through it. At its core, The Simple Approach emphasizes the elements that truly matter in roleplaying: narrative depth, character complexity, and player agency. While plenty of systems are still obsessed with combat, loot, and grinding, we know roleplaying can be so much more. This system is all about immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're uncovering hidden secrets, solving a gripping mystery, or exploring the complexities of romance, The Simple Approach offers a fresh take on traditional genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror, along with modern and underserved ones like crime & mystery, cottagecore fantasy, dark academia, magical realism, romance, and espionage.
Narrative-Based Mechanics
At the heart of The Simple Approach are narrative-based mechanics that are easy to learn and designed to grow with you as you play. They let you tweak what’s here and add things we haven’t thought of yet. The journaling system replaces those one-size-fits-none character sheets, giving gamemasters a flexible tool for organizing worldbuilding, adventure design, and session notes and players ample room to allow their character to grow. Every character, setting, and adventure becomes a unique creation shaped by your choices.
Seamless Integration and Flexibility
History of Witchcraft isn’t a standalone roleplaying experience. You can blend it seamlessly with other Lightspress publications to create one-of-a-kind stories and settings or bring elements from other systems into your Lightspress game. If you want to use our material with your favorite system or setting, go for it. The conversion notes in the Lightspress Handbook give you the flexibility to play how you want.
Our Philosophy
We believe the true essence of roleplaying happens around the table, where creativity and collaboration come alive. It’s not about a book, a brand, or a company. It’s about the people playing together, creating something special. Our focus on cooperation, interaction, and investigation ensures that every session is more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with compelling adventures and meaningful connections. We stand by our belief that the heart of roleplaying is found in shared experiences and stories crafted by the players. This philosophy drives everything in The Simple Approach and underpins our commitment to delivering content that champions the true spirit of roleplaying, free from superficial constraints.
Commitment to Creative Freedom
This philosophy also guides our belief that creators should own their work and not be beholden to licensing terms that only benefit fickle corporations. We draw inspiration from historical, mythological, and literary sources, tapping into our shared heritage to fuel creative exploration. We maintain full copyright ownership, ensuring that our work stays independent and true to our vision. Using style guides to keep a cohesive voice and narrative structure, we deliver exceptional content free from external influences, preserving the integrity and creative standards of our work.
Accessible and Affordable Roleplaying
We’re committed to keeping our games affordable so that more people can enjoy them. Our focus isn’t on producing overstuffed, expensive books filled with art to collect dust on a shelf. We’re here to create material meant to be played, not displayed. You won’t find us chasing awards or turning our games into glorified coffee-table books. Our goal is to facilitate roleplaying, pure and simple, keeping the price points low so you can focus on the game, not your wallet.
Stay Connected and Join Us
If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready to try something that actually respects your input, then The Simple Approach is calling your name. We’re not just offering a game. We’re inviting you to join a movement, a way of playing that values your time, creativity, and agency.
For more on The Simple Approach and our unorthodox take on roleplaying, visit lightspress.com. Subscribe to our newsletter, The Manifesto, for updates on new releases, roleplaying advice, and a healthy dose of our opinions. If you’re ready to embrace something different, download the free Lightspress Handbook, your guide to what we’re all about.