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By This Axe I Hack!

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WELCOME TO A WORLD OF

SWORD & SORCERY

Before the dawn of recorded history, our world was a primeval landscape dotted with pockets of civilization; kingdoms, nations, and city-states surrounded by a vast and unforgiving wilderness teaming with danger and littered with the fallen ruins of an ancient empire of mighty sorcerer-lords and the remnants of older, darker civilizations.

Based on David Black’s game-changing The Black Hack, By This Axe I Hack takes its cues from Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian and Kull of Atlantis, Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor Smith’s Red Sonja, Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melnibone, and Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser.

By This Axe I Hackincludes 18 unique Character Classes (6 warriors, 6 rogues, and 6 magicians), a magic system that makes even low-lever Magicians exciting and fun to play, 120 spells tailored to the sword and sorcery genre, over 70 special features to customize your Characters, rules for modifying existing Character Classes or creating your own, a huge assortment of men and monsters to throw at your Players, a number of optional rules to help you fine tune the game to exactly your liking (including the ever-popular roll-high option for those who prefer games where higher rolls are always better), and a variety of random tables to help Gamemasters create their own Lost Age.

THIS PRODUCT LISTING INCLUDES THE BLACK COVER PRINT-ON-DEMAND VERSION OF BY THIS AXE I HACK! 

THE WHITE COVER PRINT-ON-DEMAND VERSION OF BY THIS AXE I HACK! MAY BE FOUND HERE.

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Reviews (6)
Discussions (28)
Customer avatar
Daniel B February 15, 2024 4:21 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hello, Leonard. This is still one of my favorite games and I'm playing it quite often now. I've actually come up with quite a few house rules and interesting concepts for it. Would you object to me publishing a compatible product? Do you have any graphics for "Compatible With" that could be used without worrying about copyright or product identity infringement? I have made a few classes that I would like to share and maybe an adventure or two. I kind of have two products in mind "Champions of Law" and "Champions of Chaos" with some information about running Lawful and Chaotic campaigns and an adventure in each one. Also, can I know what software you are using for your publishing? I've been using open office/libre office but that software has been crashing a bit (especially when I try to incorporate graphics).
Customer avatar
Stephen R October 31, 2023 8:16 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Back in August, I ordered POD versions of both BTA and BTAC. But I never received them. I have tried contacting Leonard directly by email several times, but got no response. Not sure how to proceed. I have the PDF versions - great product BTW and eager to bring it to the table - so can bring it to the table, but there's just something about having a book in your hand :)
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Customer avatar
Stephen R October 31, 2023 8:30 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I'm not opposed to re-ordering. But I was sincerely hoping for a reply from Leonard. He seems pretty active so assumed I would get one.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P November 06, 2023 3:42 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Stephen,

Just seeing this now. If you ordered PODs through this website and have not received them, its the DTRPG folks you need to contact (especially if they charged you), as I have no control over their process. However, I can try connecting with them directly. I appear to be having email issues through the rpg business email, so please try emailing me at bartendersincome at aol dot com.

Thanks!
Len
Customer avatar
Richard H June 17, 2023 3:01 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Has anyone used this for solo? Does it fit well?
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Customer avatar
Leonard P June 29, 2023 4:00 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Hey Richard,

I was just checking in to see if anyone had answered. I don't do any solo RP myself, so I don't really know what criteria are important for a solo game, but I assume that if you can play a meaty game like One Ring 2e in solo mode (thanks to the Strider Mode rules) you can definitely use this -- or any Black Hack inspired game -- for solo play.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask here or on our FB page ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/2992814180984944

Thanks!
Len
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Customer avatar
Daniel B October 18, 2023 8:45 am UTC
PURCHASER
I am using it for Solo play, but I've got a few other tools to go with it. One, I do like to use some of the charts from *Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells* by Old Skull Publishing. And I am also using Pocketlands Geomorph Cards, and a few oracle systems (namely Elements of Inspiration and The Oracle Story Generator from Nord Games). Also, I have found it does help to flesh out the world a bit more than the rules as written do. (I am hoping for an official campaign book for this game.)
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Customer avatar
Daniel B October 18, 2023 8:56 am UTC
PURCHASER
I also have some house rules that I am using. For instance, rations and torches are tracked and do not have a usage die (though arrows still do). That makes the hexcrawl portion and dungeon exploration of the solo game a little more interesting because now the "heroes" have to keep track of how to get where they want to go. This makes sense with the Pocketlands Geomorph Cards. If the heroes get into a desert or other blistering hot location, I'll also be tracking their water supply. Fortunately, those with woodcraft or other survival abilities can hunt for additional food or even find water, helping to stave off the use of rations. (Unfortunately, in my current game I have a Captain, a Soldier, a Warlock, and a Zealot so no one has a relative survival ability; Fortunately, the Captain had the good sense to hire a guide who could lead them through the Misty Mire (a swampy region preventing access to the next city); Unfortunately, the guide has recently been killed by camouflaged or invisible swamp creatures....See more
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Customer avatar
Leonard P November 06, 2023 3:43 am UTC
PUBLISHER
LOL that sounds awesome
Customer avatar
Jason S January 24, 2023 3:18 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hi!
I’m a little confused on level advancement. I didn’t see it addressed in the book or is it up to the DM? Thanks in advance. -Jason
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Customer avatar
Jason S January 24, 2023 5:09 am UTC
PURCHASER
the answer hit me in the face already...thanks
Customer avatar
Norbert F January 21, 2023 7:48 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Here's something exciting and a bit mysterious: When I opened my package of the POD paperback book edition of By This Axe I Hack!, the one I received the day before yesterday (January 19th), I was immediately surprised at the sheer bulk of the book. I realized that my book was much bigger than the 122 pages of the PDF warranted. So what was on all those extra pages, more than 200? I was pleasantly surprised to find that my book edition also included the entirety of M.T. Black's book "The Anatomy of Adventure" as well, before the rulebook as such starts. Two books between the same covers, two for the price of one? - I was wondering whether DriveThruRPG had sent me a rare misprint by accident, or that was an extra unannounced gift by the publisher. "The Anatomy of Adventure" is a collection of RPG-related essays, memories, and tips for DMs/GMs, but it is separate and not necessarily written for By This Axe I Hack! or even The Black Hack. I was also wondering about this 2-books-in-1 deal given...See more
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Customer avatar
Leonard P January 23, 2023 9:22 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
That's a complete (and fortuitous) printer error. Pennies from heaven! :)
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Customer avatar
Norbert F January 24, 2023 5:27 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Excellent! Thank you for getting back to me. So, I own a true rarity now. I'll order the book again so I have a slimmer copy to carry around, obviously. :) DriveThruRPG would not make the same mistake twice, would they?
Customer avatar
Regényi M November 10, 2022 8:04 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hmm... what about a magic mishap table? In a sword&sorcery setting the wizards should be afraid of their powers (unless they are evil haha)
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Customer avatar
Leonard P November 30, 2022 12:42 am UTC
PUBLISHER
An excellent question. While there is no separate table, there are guidelines for rolling a critical failure, when casting each type of spell. So, if you roll a critical failure, the mishaps vary by spell type. That was about the extent of the critical failure catastrophe option that I wanted to include for sorcerers. Of course, you are free to port magical mishaps from just about any black hack or Osr style game into By This Axe.
Customer avatar
Daniel B October 01, 2022 2:19 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Okay, another question/observation.

For the Riposte and Shield Bash abilities, we have changed the numbers to 1,5,10, and 15 since a 20 is a Critical failure and does not succeed. Unless you were intending something else here? Sorry if this has been asked or pointed out before.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P October 01, 2022 5:53 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Thanks for the question!

As per the core rules, it's roll under, but 1 is a critical fail and 20 is a critical success. Honestly, this is just because I am a big baby and can't deal with 1 being a crit success and 20 being a crit failure. Assuming you and your players are more mature than I am, the logical thing to do is make 1 a crit success and 20 a crit fail, as it seems you are doing. In that case, then yes, you should change that to 1, 5, 10, and 15.

By the way, I am very likely to revise those 2 special features to indicate that that they deal damage whether or not the defense tests is successful. Working on a small supplement now where that will be addressed.

Thanks!
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Customer avatar
Daniel B October 02, 2022 2:46 am UTC
PURCHASER
Another reading comprehension error. I used to be king of this in my youth, but my eyes are not what they used to be.

We will continue playing with the 1 is a critical success and 20 a critical failure though. We are playing with Dragoneye Dice, where the 20 is a dragon's eye instead of the number 20. For some reason, it just feels thematic and brilliant to have the dragon's eye be something evil and ominous.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P October 03, 2022 2:41 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
That. Sounds. AWESOME!
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Customer avatar
Daniel B October 04, 2022 4:05 pm UTC
PURCHASER
We even call rolling a 20 - "waking the dragon" or sometimes "waking the beast" if we're not playing a game where dragons are prevalent.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P October 04, 2022 5:49 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Heh. Custom BTA dice! Maybe one day ...
Customer avatar
Marc Y September 26, 2022 10:21 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hi there,
Can I check the design intent behind sneak attacks? As written, damage is given as 1d6+1 per level, hence, a 5th level sneak attack inflicts 5d6+5 damage. One of my players was speculating that the intent might be 1d6 damage, +1 point per level. Can you confirm the rule as written is correct? Thank-you.
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Customer avatar
Daniel B September 29, 2022 5:16 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I actually was logging on to ask that exact same question. Is sneak damage (1d6+1) x level or 1d6 + (1 x level)? I am guessing that if the intent was 1 x level, it would have been written as 1d6 + level.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P September 29, 2022 9:51 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hiya!

It's an alpha strike. (1d6+1) x Level. Thus, a 3rd Level Thief deals 3d6+3 damage. You can't do them very often, but when you can, they are supposed to make a difference.

That said, sneak attack characters often find themselves in a dangerous position even after making a sneak attack, which is why Bandits (from the Companion) have the Ambush special feature that grants them Advantage on defense tests and Reflex Saves on the first Round of combat after they perform a successful sneak attack.

Thanks for checking out the game, and feel free to ask any other questions.
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Customer avatar
Marc Y September 30, 2022 12:24 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the explanation.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P September 30, 2022 5:01 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
My pleasure. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Customer avatar
Daniel B September 22, 2022 2:19 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Question about Animate Statue spell.

It says in the spell description that the statue acts independently. Does that mean that the statue is not controlled by the magician in any way (other than maintaining the spell that gives it life)? If this is the case, can it be reasoned with, charmed, or cajoled? Or is all this left up to DM fiat?
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Customer avatar
Leonard P September 23, 2022 2:08 am UTC
PUBLISHER
It’s under the caster’s control. The statue becomes a Minion as per the rules on p 48.
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Customer avatar
Daniel B September 24, 2022 4:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks, don't know why I missed that.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P September 24, 2022 5:40 am UTC
Absolutely no sweat. Happy to answer any question you might have, and thanks for your interest in the game.
Customer avatar
Tanner Y September 03, 2022 2:45 am UTC
Will there ever be a combined version of the core and companion? The game is great by the way - very evocative of the genre but super modular too
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Customer avatar
Leonard P September 03, 2022 4:08 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, the idea is to release a third volume, one which pushes the sword and sorcery boundaries a bit into other pulp realms (like classic sword and sorcery often did), and then--if there is interest--to release all three in a single tome, possibly even through a kickstarter so that we can pay for some art.
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Customer avatar
Tanner Y September 03, 2022 12:33 pm UTC
Sounds great, looking forward to it! Would definitely back that
Customer avatar
Joseph P August 18, 2022 3:28 am UTC
PURCHASER
Have you or anybody else produced any off-the-shelf adventures for this system? I know there are plenty floating around for Black Hack proper, but I was hoping I'd find something specifically tailored to the S&S/Hyborian vibe of these rules.

Thanks!
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Customer avatar
Jeremy H August 18, 2022 3:42 am UTC
PURCHASER
My monster books for Black Hack have some adventure seeds... but the creatures tend to be high fantasy or mythos-ish.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/383448/Creature-Feature-Quarterly-vol3-Black-Hack-Edition
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Customer avatar
Leonard P September 02, 2022 9:04 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hello and thank you for your comment. We are working on something, but it's in the very early stages. What I can say is that because the game is rather simple, it is fairly easy to convert almost any sword and sorcery style adventure to By This Axe, even on the fly. After all, all you need is Hit Dice and maybe a special ability or two for most opponents. Thus, for now, I would recommend adventures released for Savage Worlds' Beasts and Barbarians line, for Modiphius' 2d20 Conan, and for Astonishing Swords and Sorcerers of Hyperboria, as well as the excellent material put out by Xoth Publishing. To be clear, I have no relationship with any of these folks, except as a fan, but that's where I would look for adventures and inspiration, at least until the next By This Axe product is released. :)
Customer avatar
Marc Y August 04, 2022 11:42 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hi there. I am having some difficulty in getting the magician classes to add up to 14 character points. The sorcerer works out fine but I get 12 points for the beast lord, mystic and warlock, and 13 points for the Druid and shaman. I appreciate that not all the classes conform to the sorcery hack table on page 113 so I just broke it down to allow spells and practices to be priced separately. Am I missing something? Thanks.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P August 04, 2022 8:55 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hello! First and foremost, thank you so much for taking such a deep dive into the game. :)

All the classes do add up to 14. Here are two examples:

Beast Lord: +1 for d8 HD; +4 for d8/d4 damage; +1 for Keen Senses; +2 for Multiple Attacks; +1 for Wild Empathy; +1 for Woodcraft; and +4 for their spellcasting.

Druid: +1 for Arcane Lore; +1 Defensive Wards; +1 Lore Master; +1 Sense Magic; and +10 for their spellcasting

The rest also add up as well. Let me know if these examples help you find the trouble in your calculations.
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Customer avatar
Marc Y August 04, 2022 9:46 pm UTC
PURCHASER
These examples do indeed clear things up. I was completely misreading the sorcery hack table. Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P August 07, 2022 4:20 am UTC
My pleasure! Thanks again for your interest and please let people know about us if you like what you see.
Customer avatar
Marc Y August 03, 2022 11:04 am UTC
PURCHASER
This is an excellent rules-light game that allows plenty of options for players - very well done! Can you please clarify how the spells Condemn and Imprison Soul work? They are described as opposed tests with each roll taking one round (suggesting multiple rolls are involved). I am inclined to interpret this as an Extended Test (page 6), with the Powerful Opponent rule in place. Thank-you.
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Customer avatar
Leonard P August 03, 2022 10:55 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hello! You are correct - they are extended tests with the Powerful Opponents rule in place. In fact, in the descriptions, it should say "This requires an extended test" rather than "opposed test". Whoops. :(

Seems like it's back to the Tree of Woe for me.

Apart from that, thank you so much for the kind words! Hope you enjoy the game!

One thing: This will be addresses in an upcoming supplement, but for now -- IGNORE CRITICAL FAILURES ON ATTACK TESTS (long story short: I goofed in thinking through the math and missed the fact that this makes having extra attacks MORE dangerous for the attacker). Thanks!
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Customer avatar
Marc Y August 04, 2022 9:26 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the quick response. I look forward to the upcoming supplement.
Customer avatar
Alexander Z January 21, 2022 4:35 pm UTC
Blown away by this hack; it's the perfect distillation of the many hacks out there and ready for a GM to make it his own. Wish I could boost the signal on this one. My only negative is that the name might be clunky for non-readers of Howard / those unfamiliar with system hacking. I have a lot of OSRish modules I'm excited to run with this system. Great work!
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Customer avatar
Leonard P February 16, 2022 4:40 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Sorry for the delay in responding, but thank you for the kind words!

Len
Customer avatar
Jeremy H December 15, 2021 2:44 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hello. Would you guys help me boost my current Kickstarter? I'm putting together a third volume of monsters for Black Hack. I have two other volumes here on DriveThru. it's been a few years since I published those and hope to get some additional exposure via the current crop of Black Hackers. Thanks! :^)
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File Last Updated:
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This title was added to our catalog on May 22, 2021.