Close
New Account (or )
Close
Log In ()
Advanced Search

SHIVER RPG Core BookClick to magnify

SHIVER RPG Core Book

ADD TO WISHLIST >
Average Rating (17 ratings)

Winner of BEST RPG at UK Games Expo 2022.

SHIVER Double Feature - LIVE NOW on Gamefound

WHAT IS SHIVER?

SHIVER is a tabletop roleplaying game that lets players bring their favourite scary movies, spooky tv shows, and horror stories to life. Ever wanted to play through the plot of your favourite film on the tabletop? Or wanted to make sequels, prequels and original stories in the worlds of pop culture you love? SHIVER lets you play that!

SHIVER is setting neutral allowing you to play any story, anytime, and as anyone. Want to play a game of teens in survival mode against a zombie horde? Kids on Bikes who dread exploring a haunted house on Halloween night? Or perhaps a medieval monster hunter looking for a werewolf, vampire or mage? SHIVER can deliver stories and characters for anything from cult pulp classic to Cthulhu fuelled eldritch mystery.


Shiver-Mummy-Illustration.png

SHIVER has easy to learn rules which make it fast to play and keep you immersed in your chaos and dark magic filled stories. SHIVER uses symbolic dice to keep players immersed in the story as well as providing a visual role playing aid that does away with pesky arithmetic. Character creation is quick and easy with a simple skill point and ability system that links to the game's dice.

SHIVER is perfect for a one shot or short story between main campaigns. It can also be used to form longer narratives tying one-shot stories together using rules for sequels.

Check out a review on Geek Native Here!
c9478e_d4c3a363f8a6446ab26ae828c92d7c34~

SHIVER is inspired by many great bits of pop culture which we really wanted to play on the table including:

Stranger Things, Dracula, Jurassic Park, Aliens, Evil Dead, Friday 13th, Hellboy, League of Extrordinary Gentlemen, Gothic stories, Hellraiser, Indiana Jones, IT, Stephen King and his works, Fallout, HP Lovecraft, The Thing, and many more...

With the SHIVER Core Book you can play with the full dynamic Archetype game system featuring: 

  • 224 Full Colour pages jammed packed with illustration.
  • Highly detailed character creation for any setting
  • An easy to use character sheet
  • Monsters and enemies galore to slay or do some slaying.
  • Full Doom Clock rules to keep your story moving and raise that tension.
  • Thought death was the end of your story? Think again and get haunting.
  • Full rules for both Players and Directors (Game Masters / GMs ).
  • A suite of weapons and items from the generic to the esoteric.

pixel_trans.gif
pixel_trans.gif
 
 Customers Who Bought this Title also Purchased
Slider view List view Grid view  
pixel_trans.gif
pixel_trans.gif
Reviews (1)
Discussions (17)
Customer avatar
David M P January 09, 2024 9:36 am UTC
PURCHASER
My gaming group have been loving Shiver, it's been great getting them into the ttrpg hobby, I own the physical copy of the Core rule book, I'm not sure if it comes with a pdf copy or if I need to buy that separately any help would be appreciated
Customer avatar
Richard G October 11, 2023 9:51 pm UTC
PURCHASER
My brother and I have both bought copies of this book, hoping to run a few sessions of SHIVER ourselves for Halloween, as the system feels really nice to run and has good info on how to set up any horror scenario you wish.
I really like some of the videos online of how SHIVER is played with the creators of the game and other players, which help with my grasping of the mechanics of the game.

Question about character and creature sizes:
The book does state that all things will be either be small,
Humanoid, Large, Giant, and Colossal, and the book does mention about using minis and a grid on page 114.

My ask is, for those using a grid and minis, can you confirm if there a guideline on how much space creatures and characters would take for each of the sizes?

Example, small and humanoid takes up a 5x5 ft square, large is a 10x10ft square, huge is 15x15ft, etc.
Customer avatar
Andrew S October 12, 2022 7:21 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Question on combat: When players attempt an attack, their attack hits if the successes in their attack roll meet or exceed the target enemy's CR. But when an enemy attacks a player, is there also some form of threshold that needs to be overcome for the attack to land? Or is every attempted attack from an enemy a hit, unless the player character had armor to block?
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M October 12, 2022 7:48 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Player characters start with CR 1, there are abilities, items and other effects that can increase this.
Customer avatar
Ed S October 04, 2022 1:51 pm UTC
"After getting the quick start rules here"

Where do I get this quickstart?
Reply
Customer avatar
Chris S October 05, 2022 12:20 am UTC
PURCHASER
It looks like they've taken it off of DTRPG, but it's still available on itch.io: https://parable-games.itch.io/shiver-quickstart-guide
Reply
Customer avatar
Ed S October 07, 2022 7:16 am UTC
Thanks, Chris.
Reply
Customer avatar
John P October 31, 2023 10:53 pm UTC
Quickstart is gone unfortunately now. Link leads nowhere and the itch page for Parable Games doesn't show a free Quickstart...
Customer avatar
Andrew M July 26, 2022 12:41 am UTC
I love everything about this game!
After getting the quick start rules here, I watched a recorded example of the 'introductory module' being played. That did it.
I ordered a physical copy and a set of dice.
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M September 21, 2022 5:26 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Amazing news Andrew, glad you're enjoying SHIVER!
Reply
Customer avatar
Andrew M September 27, 2022 5:48 pm UTC
Dear Barney,
Thanks mate- I cannot wait to purchase Gothic in print!
Customer avatar
Shogen J July 15, 2022 12:47 am UTC
PURCHASER
This game is really disappointing. Its got that same D&D problem of talking like it is one kind of game and really just being a combat simulator. In this case paying lots of lip service to being a horror game, even a movie horror game, and having next to no rules that make it actually feel like a horror story but having lots and lots of Cawmbat abilities, and I mean Lots. It even talks about talking the game for optimizing play, which is basically anathema to an actual horror story. A huge huge disappointment.
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M July 15, 2022 1:51 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Shogen,

Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the game. The game has plenty of horror mechanics so I think it it a bit unfair to say there are next to no rules; built in fears, degrading character capabilities over time with damage, a narrative clock that works with skill checks to keep narrative tense and moving forward, reactive enemies that don't just stand around waiting for you to hit them.

We do also talk a lot in the book about how options of play for those who are fans of combat heavy role play versus those who are more interested in mystery and suspense elements. SHIVER is designed to cater to a wide variety of play styles so there will be elements of the book that some people will use more than others.
Reply
Customer avatar
Shogen J July 16, 2022 4:30 am UTC
PURCHASER
Ok, can you better direct me to these mechanics? Because I am just seeing gobs of combat stuff and advocacy for optimising. Two things that really don't belong in the genre. I would happy to be wrong about this, but where is this stuff you are talking about? Again I would love to be wrong.
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M July 20, 2022 9:26 am UTC
PUBLISHER
I've added a few page references to some horror mechanics below. One thing to bear in mind is the system is setting neutral both in terms of location/time but also in terms of horror which is a pretty broad church from Scooby Doo all the way out to Saw. If you don't believe optimising and combat fits in your horror game then we encourage you to play the way you enjoy the most and even not use some of the more complex/crunchy combat rules, but some people do want a horror light pulp romp punching zombies. SHIVER can do both and it's up to the Director and players to decide how they want to use the tools provided. We certainly don't preach a 'correct' way to play the horror genre on the tabletop as there are so many options that it's entirely a personal choice:

Some page references for you:
Fear - pg 96-97 (all characters must have at least one and they make you significantly less good at passing checks if you are Afraid/Terrified)
Fatal Flaws pg 79 (rules for making your character worse...See more
Reply
Customer avatar
Shogen J July 28, 2022 11:51 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Ok. Thanks for that. I will take a second look and take your words into consideration. If the game is easier than it looks to scale back, I could be seriously on board again. I don't want to dislike games, so I would be happy to be wrong about this one.
Reply
Customer avatar
Dominik S October 05, 2022 9:50 am UTC
PURCHASER
I am sorry to say I am with Shogen here. Had some high hopes for the game and I do love the artwork and the general wirting style. That said it feels more like trying to merge D&D with Forbidden lands and writing some Horror Combat Simulator. Maybe it is for People who like D&D and want something more tailored for Horror Rpg but i was expecting some fresh Indie Horror Game and was disappointed. But please dont get me wrong: For many people this might just the thing there are looking for, since D&D is widely popular. Just not my cup of tea but i can see the effort put into the product.
Customer avatar
Shogen J July 07, 2022 3:36 am UTC
PURCHASER
Page 10 is messed up. I. The example the stat block says 5 core skill and one talent. Then in the related dice pool it has 5 skill dice and Two talent dice. Also the talent dice depicted are d6s instead of D8 like they should be.

Also Page 11 second colour second paragraph. It says "To succeed in a skill check the player must Roll a number of core skill symbols of the specified type......." This could be confusing for some people and might should say core symbols of the specified type or Talent Symbols.

All in all the relationship between the talent dice and symbols and skill dice and symbols is muddy in the writing. I get it just fine, but it is vague and inconsistent in the wording. Likely because it was written kind of short hand by people who know the game really well. This is the exact kind of thing some over anxious new gamer would use to confuse and double guess them selves.
Customer avatar
Nichlos M April 18, 2022 2:31 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Is there a place to purchase a revised version of the director's screen? It has a few typos on it. Most notablly the large 'Inteeligent' on the right fold.
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M May 24, 2022 8:46 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Nicholas,

That is a good spot! We don't have an updated digital version currently, but are working on one for people to print & play should they choose. If you spy any other error please do email us at contactparablegames@gmail.com

All the best
The SHIVER Team
Customer avatar
Marlon G March 24, 2022 11:14 pm UTC
What do you think if a Director send the players the whole core book so they can read more bout the archetypes for example without the GM?
Do you appreciate that or shall the players maybe spend money by themselves? i mean its not expensive so that wouldnt be any problem its more a question of curiousity.
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M May 24, 2022 8:44 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Marion,

We ask that customers use the books for personal use and not share the files with others.

All the best
The SHIVER Team
Customer avatar
Frank T March 09, 2022 4:26 pm UTC
I would love a print copy as well. I was hoping it was available in light of the Kickstarter for the new stuff but I guess that is not the case right now. :(
Reply
Customer avatar
Adam H March 11, 2022 1:33 pm UTC
PURCHASER
You can add a physical copy of the original core book to your Kickstarter pledge for the new Gothic expansion:

http://kck.st/3hqOBaE

Hope that helps!
Customer avatar
Brian B February 24, 2022 10:12 pm UTC
Would be nice to have the option of an Printed version.
Reply
Customer avatar
Adam H March 11, 2022 1:34 pm UTC
PURCHASER
You can add a physical copy of the original core book to your Kickstarter pledge for the new Gothic expansion:

http://kck.st/3hqOBaE

Hope that helps!
Customer avatar
Adam H February 16, 2022 2:49 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Brilliant game - got my physical copy and custom dice, all set for ghouls and good times. Now just to wait for Shiver: Gothic to come out!
Customer avatar
David W J August 05, 2021 2:14 am UTC
If you get a character sheet made on roll20 so I can play it there, I'll buy every product you sell.
Customer avatar
Michael L June 28, 2021 2:12 am UTC
PURCHASER
Any word when a print version and the dice will be available to people who didn't back the Kickstarter?
Reply
Customer avatar
Barney M September 06, 2021 7:40 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
We're hoping to have it on general sale by the end of 2021 but we are experiencing some COVID related delays currently.
Reply
Customer avatar
Michael L September 06, 2021 9:41 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Good to know and looking forward to it!
Customer avatar
Dave T May 25, 2021 6:31 pm UTC
Here's a video overview and review of Shiver that I made!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1TwWu6-hJs&t=21s
Reply
Customer avatar
Tore N May 26, 2021 7:02 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks!
Customer avatar
Neil S April 14, 2021 1:43 am UTC
POD
See 16 more
Narrow Results
Pay What You Want
Free
$ to $
 Follow Your Favorites!
NotificationsSign in to get custom notifications of new products!
 Recent History
SHIVER RPG Core Book
SHIVER RPG Core Book















Product Information
Gold seller
Social
Copy Link

Author(s)
Charlie Menzies, Barney Menzies
Artist(s)
Ben Alexander
Rule System(s)
Pages
224
File Size:
87.48 MB
Format
Original electronic Click for more information
Scanned image
These products were created by scanning an original printed edition. Most older books are in scanned image format because original digital layout files never existed or were no longer available from the publisher.

For PDF download editions, each page has been run through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to attempt to decipher the printed text. The result of this OCR process is placed invisibly behind the picture of each scanned page, to allow for text searching. However, any text in a given book set on a graphical background or in handwritten fonts would most likely not be picked up by the OCR software, and is therefore not searchable. Also, a few larger books may be resampled to fit into the system, and may not have this searchable text background.

For printed books, we have performed high-resolution scans of an original hardcopy of the book. We essentially digitally re-master the book. Unfortunately, the resulting quality of these books is not as high. It's the problem of making a copy of a copy. The text is fine for reading, but illustration work starts to run dark, pixellating and/or losing shades of grey. Moiré patterns may develop in photos. We mark clearly which print titles come from scanned image books so that you can make an informed purchase decision about the quality of what you will receive.
pixel_trans.gif
Original electronic format
These ebooks were created from the original electronic layout files, and therefore are fully text searchable. Also, their file size tends to be smaller than scanned image books. Most newer books are in the original electronic format. Both download and print editions of such books should be high quality.
File Information
Watermarked PDF Click for more information
Watermarked PDF

These PDF files are digitally watermarked to signify that you are the owner. A small message is added to the bottom of each page of the PDF containing your name and the order number of your purchase.

Warning: If any files bearing your information are found being distributed illegally, then your account will be suspended and legal action may be taken against you.

Here is a sample of a page from a watermarked title:

File Last Updated:
July 19, 2023
This title was added to our catalog on April 09, 2021.
Publisher
Parable Games
Publisher Average Rating
See All Reviews
Publisher WebsiteLink
See all titles (22)