nDraíocht

nDraíocht is a term derived from the Irish language, where ndraíocht denotes magic or enchantment. In contemporary usage, the word appears in Celtic-inspired fiction and game materials as a label for magical phenomena and as a title for works influenced by Irish myth and folklore. In the realm of tabletop role-playing, nDraíocht has been used as the name of a fantasy RPG and its associated rule system, frequently produced by small presses or independent publishers.

The game is described as a fantasy role-playing system with a setting rooted in Celtic myth and legend. Its mechanics are presented as flexible and narrative-oriented, emphasizing the role of magic in world-building and character development. Players typically assume heroic or mythic roles inspired by Celtic lore, while game masters craft settings that draw on ancient Gaelic motifs, creatures, and landscapes. The system aims to support mythic storytelling, atmosphere, and collaborative storytelling between players and the facilitator.

Publication history for nDraíocht is varied, reflecting its status as a project pursued by multiple independent publishers rather than a single, centrally controlled line. This has led to a range of editions and supplements, each offering its own interpretation of the core rules and Celtic-inspired world-building elements. The lack of a singular canonical edition has produced a diverse body of material, with differences in emphasis on magic, combat, and social systems across different releases.

Reception within the tabletop community tends toward a niche audience. Advocates value the evocative Celtic atmosphere and potential for mythic play, while critics note inconsistency in production quality and rules clarity across editions. See also Gaelic language, Celtic mythology, role-playing games, narrative-focused RPGs.