On the eve of Batman Day 2020, Monolith Edition announced its new tabletop RPG, Batman: Gotham City Chronicles - The Role-Playing Game. Eighty years into caped crusading, Batman continues to be reimagined for the 21st century across new media.

French-bassed gaming company Monolith raised nearly $4.5 million in a 2019 Kickstarter to get the game published. Beyond its experience with Gotham and Batman in games, Monolith promises to remain "true to the essence of Batman, as portrayed in the comic books." Beyond removing the board from the game, what else do we know about the Dark Knight's roleplaying game?

Related: Batman: Harley Quinn Changed an Iconic Moment in the DC Animated Universe

Batman_Monolith_full

Monolith Edition has been known for its innovative gameplay mechanics and quality components since 2014, but Gotham City Chronicles is its first foray into boardless gaming. According to the product announcement on Facebook, plans include five books: A core "system rulebook" called Gotham's Heroes by Francois Verstraete, the Gotham City Guide, a "mighty reference tome" to detail the "world of the Bat" by Xavier Fournier, a book of scenarios called Gotham's Chronicles and two campaign setting books to-be-named during the Kickstarter campaign.

Monolith also posted concept art by illustrator Anthony Jean Croquis and cartographer Olivier SanFilippo on its forum, The Overlord. The sketches feature heroes and villains, as well as isometric and overhead views of Gotham City proper.

On his website, Fournier stated the intent is to help players "fall 'in love' with parts of the city that you hadn't calculated until now." Monolith, who has worked with the Batman property for a few years now, clearly has its sights set on developing a deep and coherent world for gamers to enjoy.

Related: The Boys: Homelander Has Found His Perfect Match

Cover_Batman_Gotham_City_Chronicles_RPG

As for the gameplay, Monolith says the game will be a "fully adapted D20 system." Likely, this means Monolith will use the Wizards of the Coast Fifth Edition Open Game License, meaning that Chronicles may function more like Batman D&D. However, nothing would stop Monolith from adding their own twist to those 5e core mechanics.

Within that D20 system, players will defend (or criminalize) Gotham as vigilantes, criminals, police officers or characters of "your own creation."

Monolith further teased the game with a quote from Gotham Knights #23, by Devin Grayson, Roger Robinson, John Floyd, Gloria Vasquez and Bill Oakley: "This city can do things to people. Change them. I've seen it happen too many times. That's why I'm here. I've seen too many people become monsters." If the quote is any indication of the game to come, Chronicles may focus on how the city transforms characters throughout their career. 

Monolith will continue to roll out information about the game, including its Kickstarter launch date. Those interested in updates along can subscribe to the company newsletter. Given that Monolith has capitalized on six very successful Kickstarters, the likelihood that Chronicles will fall through is low, but with no other dates announced, fans shouldn't hold their breath just yet.

KEEP READING: McFarlane Toys Teases New Batman: Last Knight on Earth Build-A-Figures