Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts is a 128-page expansion for the Blades in the Dark roleplaying game — containing a treasure trove of lore, setting material, and alternative mechanics John Harper developed over the years for use in Blades campaigns.
Blades in the Dark is a tabletop role-playing game about a crew of daring scoundrels seeking their fortunes on the haunted streets of an industrial-fantasy city. There are heists, chases, occult mysteries, dangerous bargains, bloody skirmishes, and, above all, riches to be had — if you’re bold enough to seize them.
Critically acclaimed for its innovative approach, Blades in the Dark provides for streamlined action that enables you to play out tense, compelling heists without falling into the trap of long, boring plannings sessions that go sideways the first time a player fails a roll. On the gritty streets of Doskvol, wheels turn within wheels and that next successful score is just a couple dice rolls away.
The lore goes deeper, your crew cuts harder in this exciting expansion for Blades in the Dark - available in print for the first time!
Outside, Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts features the high quality, premium quality you've come to expect from Evil Hat: a gorgeous matte hardcover with spot-varnish finishing touches, a comfy and portable 6"x9" format, and a clean, crisp layout for maximum readability.
Inside, Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts contains a treasure trove of lore, setting material, and alternative mechanics for the critically-acclaimed game of bold heists and daring escapes. And now Evil Hat is proud to bring it to you in print!
Inside this 128-page expansion you'll find intriguing new details about the scheming city of Doskvol, including:
27 factions, providing new lore and crew opportunities
Over 100 heritage and background packages to flesh out the characters and the setting even more
13 new innovations in technology to reflect ongoing industrial-age advances, including new rare and restricted technology for nefarious Scoundrels to get their hands on
Plus "catalysts" — world-shaking events that expand and alter the setting of the game, providing new avenues for intrigue and adventure!
Deep Cuts also includes new rules and new ways of doing things, such as:
More flexible and impactful Harm & Trauma rules
A modified Advancement system to customize the rate at which characters progress
A new diceless Downtime system helps you manage Vice, Healing, Crew Development, Debt, and more!
A modified approach to Load keeps things streamlined while still tied to the fiction
An alternative Action system empowers players even more and speeds up play.
The whole book is packed with tons of lore, gameable details, plug-and-play systems, GM tools, crew opportunities, and new artwork to take your Blades in the Dark games to the next level.
The Limited Edition of Deep Cuts is a lustrous 6" x 9" matte hardcover with spot varnish accents featuring an alternate cover & endpapers, plus two ribbon bookmarks. It will not be reprinted after this campaign. The interior text and artwork will be exactly the same as the standard edition. An eye-catching keepsake for your game or your bookshelf. Found in the Scoundrel About Town ($70) and Devil's Bargain ($145) bundles, or as a standalone reward ($40).
Detailed District Maps by Tim Denee and John Harper
Explore the haunted city of Doskvol street by street with these highly detailed dry-erase maps for Blades in the Dark! This campaign exclusive reward features a packet of 13 maps (one for each district plus the original city map) plus an electronic version of the entire detailed map created by Tim Denee. The package includes:
A complete high-resolution map of the city in three formats (vector PDF, high-res image, medium-res image)
12 printed detailed district maps. Size: 12"x18" (folds down to 6x9 to fit beside your books)
Printed map of Doskvol. Size: 12"x18" (folds down to 6x9 to fit beside your books)
This limited edition reward will only be produced as a part of this campaign. Pick up the District Maps in the Scoundrel about Town ($70) or Devils Bargain ($145) pledge or as an add-on for $25.
Cutter's Deck
Creator John Harper applies his iconic design skills to this custom deck of casino quality playing cards featuring suits of Blades, Flames, Crowns, and Devils. Indulge your vice or put your soul on the line and cut the deck against the Dimmer Sisters.
Another limited reward that will only be produced through this campaign. Pick up the Cutter's Deck in the Devils Bargain ($145) pledge or as an add-on for $15.
The Red Ledger
This handsome 160-page dedicated notebook is perfect for tracking which Deep Cuts variations you use in play. Record your scores, and memorialize your campaign notes in this 6" x 9" flexi-bound journal designed by creator John Harper. Featuring a smooth black faux-leather cover embellished with a red-foil-stamped design, it's guaranteed to make an impression at your table.
Plus, as stretch goals unlock, John will be adding even more sections to the Red Ledger to help you organize and track your game. Check out our stretch goals for details!
A limited reward that will only be produced through this campaign, pick up the Red Ledger in the Devils Bargain ($145) pledge or as an add-on for $30.
And for those pledging at the PDF + POD level ($12) or higher, we're offering a digital version of this ledger in PDF format as part of the Community Achievements stashed in Scurlock's Vault.
The more Scoundrels who contribute to the campaign, the larger the score that's stashed in Scurlock's Vault!
This digital reward goes to all Backers who pledge at the $12 PDF level and above:
[FUNDED] At launch we're giving every qualifying Backer a digital ledger that has the identical contents as The Red Ledger. As the Red Ledger gets upgraded, via stretch goals, so too will this PDF version of the ledger receive new templates, trackers, clocks and other dedicated pages.
[FUNDED] At 1000 Backers we'll add a POD at-cost coupons for the Cutter's Deck to Scurlock's Vault
[FUNDED] At 1500 Backers we'll add the Blades themed wallpapers to the Vault.
[FUNDED] At 2000 Backers we'll add Vigilantes to the Scurlock's Vault.
[FUNDED] At 2500 Backers we'll add Broken Spire to Scurlock's Vault.
At 3000 Backers we'll add City of Red Waters to Scurlock's Vault.
Score complete. Get ready for your payout. Project Funded!
The final book will include printed endpapers and spot gloss on the cover. We'll also create an epub version of the text.
Red Ledger - New Entry: Score trackers to records your payout, rep, heat, faction status changes, and all the fallout from your scores!
Red Ledger - New Entry: Rules summaries and reference sheets.
Red Ledger - New Entry: Crew info and faction status.
Red Ledger - New Entry: Faction trackers to see what every faction is busy doing!
Red Ledger - New Entry: A names list to draw from and places to track each scoundrel's development.
Red Ledger - New Entry: Campaign Notes including opportunities, repercussions, events, and open questions.
Red Ledger - New Entry: District maps to track the locations of your scores, factions, and crew!
We're adding stickers for all backers receiving physical rewards to be used on the maps, red ledger, your laptop, or anything else you want to cover with Blades swag.
All backers at $12 and up get immediate access to the Deep Cuts version 1.1 (current draft), plus get the final PDF (with all updates and full artwork) when it's done, a code to print-on-demand an at-cost copy with DriveThruRPG, add a Community Copy to grant others access to the PDF, and get access to all the digital rewards in Scurlock's Vault (digital ledger plus community achievements).
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Purchase code to get an at-cost softcover print-on-demand copy
Community Copy of Deep Cuts
Expected Delivery Date: December 2025
Hardcover + PDF
You get one physical copy of Deep Cuts plus the PDF at no additional cost. In addition you get all the rewards from the $12 digital level. Shipping to be billed separately via pledge manager after the campaign. ONLY SHIPS TO:USA
Shipping to be billed via pledge manager when books are ready
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Purchase code to get an at-cost softcover print-on-demand copy
Hardcover copy of Deep Cuts
Community Copy of Deep Cuts x2
Expected Delivery Date: December 2025
Limited Edition Hardcover + PDF
You get one physical copy of Deep Cuts Limited Edition hardcover plus the PDF at no additional cost. The Limited Edition will feature an alternate cover & endpapers, plus two ribbon bookmarks. It will not be reprinted after this campaign. The interior text and artwork will be exactly the same as the standard edition. In addition to these rewards, you get all the rewards from the $12 digital level. Shipping to be billed separately via pledge manager after the campaign. ONLY SHIPS TO:USA
Shipping to be billed via pledge manager when books are ready
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Purchase code to get an at-cost softcover print-on-demand copy
Hardcover Limited Edition copy of Deep Cuts
Community Copy of Deep Cuts x2
Expected Delivery Date: December 2025
New Crew Bundle
You get one physical copy of Deep Cuts and Blades in the Dark (20% off) plus the PDFs for both at no additional cost. In addition you get all the rewards from the $12 digital level. Shipping to be billed separately via pledge manager after the campaign. ONLY SHIPS TO:USA
Shipping to be billed via pledge manager when books are ready
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Purchase code to get an at-cost softcover print-on-demand copy
Roll20 Module and Compendium Bundle
Community Copy of Deep Cuts x2
Expected Delivery Date: December 2025
Scoundrel about Town
Crime does pay. This bundle is discounted $20!
You get one physical copy of Deep Cuts Limited Edition, the Deep Cuts Roll20 Bundle, and detailed printed maps of each district in Doskvol, plus the PDF at no additional cost. The Limited Edition will feature an alternate cover & endpapers, plus two ribbon bookmarks. It will not be reprinted after this campaign. The interior text and artwork will be exactly the same as the standard edition. In addition to these rewards, you get all the rewards from the $12 digital level. Shipping to be billed separately via pledge manager after the campaign. ONLY SHIPS TO:USA
Shipping to be billed via pledge manager when books are ready
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Purchase code to get an at-cost softcover print-on-demand copy
Hardcover Limited Edition copy of Deep Cuts
Deep Cuts Roll20 Bundle
Detailed print maps of Doskvol
Community Copy of Deep Cuts x3
Expected Delivery Date: December 2025
Devil's Bargain
Go all in and get every reward in this big score. This bundle is discounted $50!
You get one physical copy of Deep Cuts Limited Edition, Blades in the Dark Hardcover, the Deep Cuts Roll20 Bundle, Blades in the Dark Roll20 Bundle, a custom Blades deck of cards, the Red Ledger journal, and detailed printed maps of each district in Doskvol, plus the PDFs at no additional cost. The Limited Edition will feature an alternate cover & endpapers, plus two ribbon bookmarks. It will not be reprinted after this campaign. The interior text and artwork will be exactly the same as the standard edition. In addition to these rewards, you get all the rewards from the $12 digital level. Shipping to be billed separately via pledge manager after the campaign. ONLY SHIPS TO:USA
Shipping to be billed via pledge manager when books are ready
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Purchase code to get an at-cost softcover print-on-demand copy
PDFs of all funded stretch goals
Hardcover Limited Edition copy of Deep Cuts
Hardcover copy of Blades in the Dark
Blades in the Dark Roll20 Bundle
Deep Cuts Roll20 Bundle
Red Ledger Journal
Deck of Blades
Detailed print maps of Doskvol
Community Copy of Deep Cuts x4
Expected Delivery Date: December 2025
Build Your Own: Digital Edition
A build your own pledge level for digital rewards. All digital rewards are available as add-ons. Available anywhere in the world.
Build Your Own: Physical and Digital Rewards
A build your own pledge level for physical and digital rewards. All rewards are available as add-ons. Available only in the USA.
Retailer Tier
Confirmed game store retailers (you'll be asked to provide proof of store after the campaign, before we ship) can jump in here for 4 copies of Deep Cuts at a standard retailer discount. Ships free, only to a USA address (your store or a freight forwarder). If you want additional copies beyond 4, add $12.50 to your pledge for each Standard Edition and $20 for each Limited Edition. We recognize that now is a particularly difficult time for game store retailers, and appreciate your support!
4x Hardcover copy of Deep Cuts
Ships free, only to USA addresses.
Immediate access to the fully playable prototype PDF
Final PDF with all updates and full artwork when it's done
Explore the haunted city of Doskvol street by street with these highly detailed dry-erase maps for Blades in the Dark! This campaign exclusive reward features a packet of 13 maps (one for each district plus the original city map) plus an electronic version of the entire detailed map created by Tim Denee. The package includes:
A complete high-resolution map of the city in three formats (vector PDF, high-res image, medium-res image)
12 printed detailed district maps. Size: 12"x18" (folds down to 6x9 to fit beside your books)
Printed map of Doskvol. Size: 12"x18" (folds down to 6x9 to fit beside your books)
Red Ledger
This handsome 160-page dedicated notebook is perfect for tracking which Deep Cuts variations you use in play. Record your scores, and memorialize your campaign notes in this 6" x 9" flexi-bound journal designed by creator John Harper. Featuring a smooth black faux-leather cover embellished with a red-foil-stamped design, it's guaranteed to make an impression at your table.
Plus, as stretch goals unlock, John will be adding even more sections to the Red Ledger to help you organize and track your game. Watch our stretch goals for details!
Cuttler's Deck
Creator John Harper applies his iconic design skills to this custom deck of casino quality playing cards featuring suits of Blades, Flames, Crowns, and Devils. Indulge your vice or put your soul on the line and cut the deck against the Dimmer Sisters.
Roll20 Bundle
Roll20 Deep Cuts Bundle including Art Pack, Campaign Module Add-Ons, and Compendium.
Standard Edition Book
Hardcover copy of Blades in the Dark: Deeps Cuts. A 128-page expansion that's intended to offer you a host of options to customize your game of Blades the way your table wants to play. Whether that means shaking things up with new backgrounds, technology, and setting lore or streamlining the play experience with alternate rules and optional mechanics.
Limited Edition Book
Hardcover copy of Blades in the Dark: Deeps Cuts Limited Edition. The Limited Edition of Deep Cuts will feature an alternate cover & endpapers, plus two ribbon bookmarks. It will not be reprinted after this campaign. The interior text and artwork will be exactly the same as the standard edition. An eye-catching keepsake for your game or your bookshelf.
Blades in the Dark Hardcover + PDF
Hardcover copy of Blades in the Dark at 20% off and the PDF at no additional cost.
Blades in the Dark PDF
PDF copy of Blades in the Dark.
Blades in the Dark Roll20 Bundle
The Scurlock's Bundle for Blades in the Dark on Roll20, including Token Markers, Art Pack, Campaign Module, and Compendium.
Community Copy
Add a community copy of Deep Cuts, making it accessible to more scoundrels.
District Maps (Digital Only)
Detailed digital maps of every district in Doskvol plus a complete high-resolution map of the city in three formats (vector PDF, high-res image, medium-res image).
For this campaign, we're only shipping domestically in the United States (including Puerto Rico).
[UPDATE] For our international fans, we cannot ship rewards directly to you BUT: We've heard your feedback and decided we will release an allotment of the Limited Edition versions of Deep Cuts to international distribution when the game goes into retail. This means you will have the opportunity to buy the Limited Edition book from your local game shop. Support your FLGS!
For those of you invested in our decisions around shipping, here's the background:
World events continue to disrupt shipping. Pricing and delivery schedules remain extremely volatile. While we don't have much exposure to tariffs on importing books, there are no guarantees that other countries won't levy retaliatory tariffs on exports coming from the US. This administration's near weekly directives that "tariffs are on, they're off, they're on but lower, there are exceptions" means international shipping is especially prone to demand surges, price spikes and disruptions.
Simply put, there's no stable, cogent trade policy. We can't predict what might happen between the start of this project in May and our planned delivery of December 2025 and therefore we're forced to adopt a deeply cautious position.
Our intention is to deploy shipping options that minimize risk and expense for both ourselves and our backers.We wish we had more palatable ways to deliver this campaign, but that's the hard reality of a system that caters to huge corporate monopolies and does not especially care about a small, specialized business like ours.
If you live in the U.S., please note:
All shipping fees will be chargedseparately, AFTER the campaign, during pledge management.
The prices below are estimates. Actual shipping prices will be determined after production is finished and we're gearing up to send out the books. Also, if you add-on additional physicalcopies of the game to your order, your shipping cost may increase. If you add any of the premium gear to your order, your shipping cost will definitely increase.
Estimated shipping costs:
$10 for the first item (book, deck of cards, or map packet).
+$2 per additional item
If you live outside the U.S., then consider these options:
Backing at the PDF + POD tier. In prior campaigns, the POD version has been ready weeks or months before the physical books have been produced. If you place your POD order as soon as the codes are ready, it's very likely you'll have a physical book in your hands before our print run reaches your local game store.
Waiting until the book reaches your local retailer (online or neighborhood). Our PDF guarantee means that any time you buy one of our books new in a physical form, you get the PDF for free. As announced above we will also be releasing an allotment of the Limited Edition cover to international distribution so you should have an opportunity to order that version from your local game shop. More details on that in Update #2.
Backing at the Roll20 Compendium Bundle tier. We make sure our Compendium offerings on Roll20 contain all the text from the source game, we create customizable backgrounds, full sets of tokens and clocks, handouts, and more. If you use Roll20, there's an immense amount of functionality in our modules and it's an easy way to share the game with your entire group. This level also gets you the PDF and POD copies so it's really your best bet all around.
If you are deeply invested in getting the rewards from this campaign, investigate using a freight forwarder. This is likely neither cheap nor will it shield you from tariff-induced chaos, but it will provide a U.S. address we can ship to.
Our expected delivery date for all rewards: December 2025
We have a great team on this project. Evil Hat is an experienced RPG publisher. We've run over twenty five successful crowdfunding campaigns and we've printed many roleplaying games in a variety of physical formats over the past few years.
This puts us in a fine position to take on the risks and challenges that will arise. Experience tells us that things don’t always go as planned.
Here's what we can anticipate as potential problems.
The Text: While Deep Cuts is largely done, it's possible backers will identify some glaring issue that we need to address before we take this fully to publication. That can add time, for sure. We are also commissioning a sensitivity reader and editor to comb through the text and apply any necessary revisions.
Printing: We have a strong, established relationship with our printers. We’ve got them on tap to print the books in whatever quantity we end up needing. But printers can run into problems all the same: supply shortages, unexpected delays due to company holidays or industry events, shipping problems, printing errors, and so on. We’ve got the experience to stay atop those potential problems and the flexibility to pivot and address them promptly. In the event of defective product, we will send a replacement at no cost to you. We print our books in the USA so shipping time from the printer to our fulfillment center is both speedy and reliable.
Shipping: Packages get lost. We'll send replacements. Shipping can take longer than expected. We won't put the book on sale until all backer copies are shipped out. As noted in the Shipping section above, we regrettably can't offer delivery outside the U.S. as part of this campaign. We will release the book into retail distribution overseas soon after the delivery of the campaign rewards and for most (if not all) fans in areas where we can't ship directly this will be your most affordable option.
Finances: Although various world events continue to throw curveballs into production and shipping, we're solidly profitable and well-positioned in 2025 and for the foreseeable future.
One final note: We often run two or three crowdfunding projects per year. Each one is a carefully planned process based on our 25+ successful campaigns in the past. We pride ourselves on fulfilling rewards quickly, but even so, different crowdfunding efforts can sometimes overlap. We have not had an issue tackling that. We make space for each campaign and work to ensure that resources are available to take each of our projects across the finish line. If, on the rare occasion something does go wrong, we're committed to being upfront and transparent about the issue and what we're going to do to fix it.
If there's any risk or challenge YOU can think of that we haven't mentioned here, please write in and ask. We love to answer questions, and we do our best to provide an unparalleled customer service experience whenever possible. We intend to impress you.
