Classic horror Dark Conspiracy RPG returns using Traveller rules

Lester W. Smith's Dark Conspiracy was first published in 1991 by Game Designer's Workshop. In the near-future horror TTRPG you played demon hunters against an incursion of monsters in a United States after the global economy had been destroyed and where people lived in giant 'metroplexes' (or outside them in the 'Out-Law').

The game has had three editions by different companies. 2nd Edition was published in 1995 by Dark Conspiracy Enterprises, and 3rd Edition in 2012 by Kinstaff Media. The current owner is Mongoose Publishing, which is bringing its Traveller rules engine to bear on this classic game in a new crowdfunder for Dark Conspiracy: The Unseen War.

This version of the game features a core rulebook, a book of short adventures, and a campaign called Dread Earth. You can play an Agent, Empath, Mercenary, Military, Scientist, Technical, or Underworld character as you investigate demonic incursions.

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Of course, this isn't Mongoose's first foray into classic games. Over the last few years the company has acquired games like Traveller and Twilight:2000. They announced the acquisition of Dark Conspiracy back in April 2025. Notably, at the time the creator--Lester W. Smith--was also trying to obtain the rights to the property, but ultimately lost out to Mongoose.

Dark Conspiracy: The Unseen War is on Backerkit now. You can also download an Operative Induction Dossier and create a character for free.

 

[Sossij]

As long as I can die during character generation.

 

[Hygge Halfling]

Brings to mind a modern-era take on WH40K, which makes sense given the pedigree. I do very much enjoy 2d6 systems…

 

[Ghost2020]

I'm hoping for Twilight 2000 using the Traveller 2e rules. Granted one can darn near do that with existing books already.

 

[overgeeked]

Notably, at the time the creator--Lester W. Smith--was also trying to obtain the rights to the property, but ultimately lost out to Mongoose.

That's... ew. I hope they at least try to do right by the guy.

 

[Ghost2020]

That's... ew. I hope they at least try to do right by the guy.

Why is that eww?

Everyone likely put their best offer forward and Mongoose won out.

Also, sounds like Marc Miller wanted to unload things as a bundle, and since Mongoose was already buying T2k and Traveller this made logical sense.

Thread 'Dark Conspiracy RPG: An Interview with Mongoose Publishing'

May 20, 2025

After buying Traveller, Twilight: 2000, and 2300AD; Mongoose Publishing has now purchased Dark Conspiracy. Matthew Sprange, Managing Director of Mongoose Publishing, was kind enough to talk to EN World again about this upcoming relaunch of Dark Conspiracy coming in 2026.

When an ancient, brooding evil is released from its dimensional prison, humankind's worst nightmares come to life. What is the link between this sinister horror and the...

• Charles Dunwoody
• Replies: 16
• Forum: *Tabletop General

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[LordLothar]

The first version had a cyberpunk+supernatural vibe, this new version look like a WoD vibe (this isn't a criticism)

 

[Parmandur]

The original game used the same rules as Traveller: The New Era, so as a move this makes sense.

 

[Thomas Shey]

So I wonder how dependent on random rolls in character gen this will be?

 

[overgeeked]

Why is that eww?

Because the original creator is shut out from his creation. He made it. He should own it. Seems pretty obvious. Yeah, capitalism. I know. Yet another example of how terrible that system is.

Dynasty Presentations - Tabletop Game Icons

The fact-checked story of a tabletop gaming icon: career, games, and legacy. Part of the Tabletop Game Icons archive of the designers, artists, and publishers who shaped the hobby.

www.tabletopgameicons.com

You know that is an “AI” slop site, right?