Category: ALL EPISODES

The Weekly Podcast no.288 – Tariff Wars, Citizen Sleeper: Spindlejack, Gamefound RPG Party and Liquid Steel

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Denver-based game creator Luke Stratton, a former concert lighting designer, developed a pirate-themed tabletop RPG called “Pirate Borg” during the pandemic. However, his business is now facing significant challenges due to new import tariffs that have more than doubled the cost of manufacturing game components in China from $50,000 to $125,000. With limited alternatives, Stratton may need to seek additional investment or increase the game’s price.

The TTRPG industry is experiencing shifts in convention attendance, as UK publisher Rowan, Rook, and Decard announced they won’t attend Gen Con this year due to safety concerns related to the U.S. political climate. While their booth will be operated by U.S. representatives, there will be no UK staff presence for events or meetings, following a trend of international creators canceling U.S. appearances.

New game releases continue to generate excitement, including “Citizen Sleeper: Spindlejack,” a free solo tabletop RPG adaptation of the popular indie video game where players use dice to survive as an airbike courier on a space station. 

The crowdfunding platform GameFound has partnered with DriveThruRPG and publishers like Magpie Games and Chaosium to launch “RPG Party,” an initiative supporting independent TTRPG creators with resources, mentorship, and marketing assistance.

The Melsonian Arts Council is crowdfunding “Liquid Steel,” a project that translates Eduardo Mazzitelli and Enrique Alcatena’s classic Argentinian science-fantasy comic series into English for the first time, alongside a tabletop RPG adaptation compatible with the TROIKA! gaming system. The campaign offers both books separately or together, with manufacturing planned in Europe to avoid U.S. tariff complications for American customers, and estimated delivery by October 2025.

#pirateborg #citizensleeper #gamefound #liquidsteel

Citizen Sleeper: Spinlejack

https://jump-over-the-age.itch.io/citizen-sleeper-spindlejack

Gamefound RPG Party Application:

https://forms.office.com/e/FwS2T832iH

Liquid Steel on Backerkit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/melsonian-arts-council/liquid-steel

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The Weekly Podcast no.287 – Tariffs Lawsuit, Warmachine Mk4, Roll20 & Demiplane and Halo App

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The Pacific Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Stonemaier Games and other small business plaintiffs challenging the legality of recently applied tariffs on Chinese imports. The lawsuit, detailed in an April 30, 2025 article, argues that President Biden’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these tariffs exceeds presidential authority, as the 1977 law makes no mention of tariffs and has historically been used only for economic sanctions. The plaintiffs, including tabletop game publisher Stonemaier Games, children’s clothing company Princess Awesome & Boy Wonder, art gallery Quent Cordair Fine Art, and metal treatment company 300 Below, seek refunds for tariffs already paid and aim to “restore the proper limits of presidential authority” by reasserting that tariff authority is constitutionally granted exclusively to Congress, not the executive branch.

Steamforged Games is rejuvenating the Warmachine franchise, which previously competed closely with Warhammer 40K in the miniature wargaming sector. Following a challenging period, Warmachine is set to make a strong comeback in 2025, and to generate excitement, the senior team at Steamforged will host a live Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Discord. Scheduled for May 8, 2025, this event will feature key figures from the company who will address questions about the game’s revival, new model releases, and future plans, creating direct engagement opportunities for fans. The AMA will not only provide insights into the development of the Warmachine universe but also includes promotions such as giveaways of starter sets for beginners, designed to help newcomers engage with the game. Attendees will have the chance to interact via video and chat, making this a dynamic platform for community building. Additionally, ongoing support for the game will be featured, including updates on expansions and exclusive content available through the Warmachine app.

Roll20, which acquired the Demiplane rules compendium platform in June 2024, has launched a public beta integrating the two systems. This integration allows users to seamlessly link their Demiplane characters to Roll20 campaigns without exporting or rebuilding, with both platforms now offering cross-platform sync and shared subscription benefits active since February. The public beta currently supports character sheets for six game systems (Alien: RPG, Candela Obscura, Cyberpunk RED, Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game, Pathfinder 2e, and Vampire the Masquerade 5e), with over 2,000 data fields available for use in Modscripts and Macros. This integration represents another step in Roll20’s strategy to become a comprehensive tabletop gaming platform, following previous acquisitions of DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Scrawl.

Mantic Games has launched the Halo: Flashpoint app to facilitate gameplay and event management for players. This app will provide users with access to full rules, gameplay content, and a free list-building feature, enabling players to create their army lists conveniently. The app supports both free and subscription-based functionalities, allowing for organized play and the ability to run tournaments. Covering a range of features, the app aims to enhance the gaming experience for Halo: Flashpoint fans, making it a comprehensive tool for both casual and competitive play.

Andrew Clayton, creator of Foundry Virtual Tabletop (VTT), has taken a strong stance against the use of generative AI in the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) industry, calling it a “betrayal” of the artists, writers, and designers who built the space. In a recent interview, Clayton described AI-generated content as “soulless and derivative,” arguing that it exploits creative work without consent. This view sharply contrasts with Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks, who has openly embraced AI for Dungeons & Dragons development. While Foundry as a company opposes AI integration, some user-created modules do include AI tools, but Clayton emphasizes that Foundry itself will not support AI, now or in the future. This puts Foundry at odds with Hasbro’s vision, despite its official partnership with D&D.

#warmachine #roll20 #demiplane #halo #foundryvtt

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The Weekly Podcast no.286 – Stonemaier Games Sues, Deep Cuts in Print, Heroes of Might & Magic and WTF Kickstarter

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Stonemaier Games, a major US-based tabletop game publisher known for hits like Wingspan and Scythe, has joined a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump in response to new US tariffs on Chinese imports. These tariffs, which have soared to 145%, are dramatically impacting the board game industry, which heavily relies on Chinese manufacturing. Stonemaier’s president, Jamey Stegmaier, explained that the company faces nearly $1.5 million in upcoming tariff costs on pre-produced inventory. With no grace period for goods already in production, the publisher is now storing stock in China and selectively shipping to the US to avoid unsustainable costs, while also encouraging other affected companies to join the lawsuit.

The tariffs have already led to significant disruptions within the industry, including layoffs and halted operations. Greater Than Games, another respected publisher behind Spirit Island and Sentinels of the Multiverse, has been forced to reduce staff and suspend all new projects due to the rising costs. Parent company Flat River Group cited “economic pressures” as the reason, and although in-stock products remain available, the company’s future projects—many crowdfunded and long-awaited—are now uncertain. Industry insiders warn that these tariffs could deal a blow worse than COVID-19, threatening the survival of small publishers and disrupting supply chains across the US tabletop gaming community.

Evil Hat Productions has announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to produce a print edition of Blades in the Dark: Deep Cuts, an expansion to the popular indie tabletop RPG created by John Harper. Previously released in digital form, Deep Cuts introduces a wealth of new material to enrich the game’s setting, Doskvol. It features 27 new factions, over 100 background and heritage packages, technological innovations, and the introduction of “Catalysts”—campaign-altering events. It also updates core mechanics, offering a streamlined advancement system, alternative action mechanics, and new rules for downtime and harm, making it a robust “director’s cut” of the original game.

The Heroes of Might and Magic TTRPG distinguishes itself in the crowded fantasy RPG space by focusing on epic, large-scale battles where players act as commanders of armies. Set in the iconic world of Enroth, the game adapts the 2d20 system and includes dramatic campaigns like “The Restoration of Erathia.” 

Kickstarter recently suspended Don Simpson’s crowdfunding campaign for Megaton Man: Multimensions, a 214-page comic anthology, due to the inclusion of four pages by Iranian artist Milo Trent—sparking outrage from creators and supporters. Simpson, a veteran of the indie comics scene, refused to remove Trent’s work, criticizing Kickstarter’s vague and unaccountable policies, which appeared to reject the project based solely on Trent’s nationality. Despite the project’s diverse and celebrated lineup, which includes major names like Alan Davis and Stephen Bissette, and its readiness for publication through Cosmic Lion, Kickstarter cited “safety and trust” concerns without clear guidance or opportunity for appeal. Contributors and colleagues have condemned the decision as censorship and discrimination, with many rallying behind Simpson and seeking alternative funding platforms. The incident highlights growing concerns about algorithmic overreach and opaque decision-making by major crowdfunding platforms.

#heroesofmightandmagic #stonemaier #deepcuts #megatonman

Deep Cuts PDF:
https://johnharper.itch.io/deep-cuts

Heroes fo Might and MagiKckstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lmpublishing/heroes-of-might-and-magic-ttrpg

Heroes of Might and Magic Quickstart:

https://modiphius.net/pages/heroes-of-might-and-magic-rpg?srsltid=AfmBOoohwAL1AZms9DWOw0CL0NLnFtwE2h5DvaOWwkaMVHgD9L8oCAzX#quickstart

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The Weekly LIVE 285 – Jeremy Crawford Retires, Space Gits, CMON’s David Preti and Battletech RPG Bundle

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Jeremy Crawford, long-time Game Director for Dungeons & Dragons, is officially stepping down from Wizards of the Coast later this month, joining fellow veteran Chris Perkins, who recently departed as Creative Director. Both Crawford and Perkins have been instrumental in shaping the game’s highly successful Fifth Edition and have served as the public faces of D&D for over a decade. Their departures come on the heels of completing a revised set of core rulebooks, marking the end of a major chapter for the franchise. According to WotC’s VP Jess Lanzillo, their exits were planned and on their own terms, with leadership succession already in place. While no direct replacements have been named, experienced designers like James Wyatt, Wes Schneider, and Justice Arman will step into expanded roles. WotC has emphasized that the D&D roadmap remains unchanged, and the transition signals a generational handoff as the team moves forward with confidence in its future.

Space Gits is a chaotic, dexterity-based miniatures skirmish game from designer Mike Hutchinson, centered around gangs of drunk, riotous space orcs wreaking havoc in the megacity of Gnork. Inspired by the comedic, rowdy spirit of Warhammer 40k Orks—particularly the 1990s aesthetic—this miniature-agnostic game encourages players to use any models they like, including those from Kromlech, who are also producing exclusive minis for the campaign. The gameplay is intentionally absurd, involving dice-based movement and combat, drunken stumbles, and even rock-paper-scissors brawling, all wrapped in a full campaign system with rules for vehicles, loot, injuries, and criminal records. With support for 2–5 players and sessions under an hour, it can even be played as a drinking game. The rules are freely available under a Creative Commons license, making Space Gits a hilariously anarchic and flexible game that embraces creativity, kitbashing, and pure orcish mayhem.

David Preti, a long-time senior manager at board game publisher CMON, has stepped down from his position as non-executive director, just seven months after resigning as Chief Operating Officer. Preti, who originally joined CMON as creative director in 2016 and rose to COO by 2018, cited “other work commitments” for his departure. His tenure saw major strategic changes, including a distribution deal with Asmodee, and licensing agreements with Mattel, Netflix, Marvel, and others. Under his leadership, CMON transitioned from Kickstarter to Gamefound for crowdfunding, a move that helped raise over $12 million in its first year on the new platform. Preti’s resignation comes amid turbulent times for CMON, which has warned of potential losses exceeding $2 million for 2024 and is grappling with delayed financial reporting, investor defaults, and rising tariffs on Chinese imports—threatening the board game industry at large. The company has over $22 million worth of crowdfunded projects still in production and is struggling to manage rising costs and logistical hurdles. 

The Humble RPG Bundle: The BattleTech RPG Collection by Catalyst Game Labs offers fans of the BattleTech universe a comprehensive digital package packed with lore, rules, and campaigns set in the gritty, futuristic world of the Aurigan Reach. Available for as little as $1, with the full 20-item collection unlocked at $18, the bundle includes titles like BattleTech Universe, MechWarrior: Destiny, Total Warfare, and A Time of War: The BattleTech RPG. All items are delivered in PDF format and can be used on any device, with proceeds supporting the No Kid Hungry charity. With over 11,000 bundles sold and more than $21,000 raised for charity, this limited-time offer provides both an engaging RPG experience and a chance to give back.

#wotc #spacegits #cmon #battletech

Battletech RPG Humble Bundle:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/battletech-rpg-collection-catalyst-game-labs-books

Space Gits Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/planetsmashergames/space-gits-miniatures-game

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Space Gits BETA Test Rules:
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The Weekly Podcast no.284 – Unclaimed Treasure, RPG Book Tariffs, Outgunned Superheroes and Chris Perkins Retires

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Wizards of the Coast has officially shut down its long-anticipated Sigil Virtual Tabletop (VTT), a project that consumed years of development and significant funding. With the closure came massive layoffs, and Sigil has now been relegated to a minor feature for D&D Beyond subscribers. Despite this, Wizards released the “Unclaimed Treasure Pack” containing two free Mimic-themed digital miniatures for Sigil users. These minis, one hidden and one revealed version of a Mimic, are compatible with the updated 2024 Monster Manual and are free for all D&D Beyond subscribers.

New tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump have created panic in the tabletop publishing industry. While fears grew that RPG books printed abroad might be subject to steep tariffs—especially those from countries like China and Vietnam—many publishers believe that RPG books may remain exempt. T While some publishers confidently categorize certain game components as “books” to avoid tariffs, ultimate decisions rest with U.S. Customs, leaving creators uncertain and anxious.The new trade policies are expected to increase prices across the board for tabletop hobbyists, especially in wargaming. Products from countries like the UK, China, and Spain—key manufacturing hubs for miniatures and painting supplies—will face up to a 54% tariff. Brands like Games Workshop, Corvus Belli, and The Army Painter may pass rising import costs down to consumers. Even hobbyists who 3D print models aren’t immune, as most 3D printing supplies are also imported. The interconnected nature of the industry means everyone in the ecosystem—from game stores to backers of crowdfunding campaigns—will feel the strain. In a twist, Trump announced a partial pause on global tariffs, sparing many countries while dramatically increasing duties on Chinese imports to 125%. This reversal led to a surge in financial markets but did little to restore long-term confidence. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policy continues to rattle industries reliant on international production. Publishers and manufacturers remain on edge, waiting to see how these measures will play out once shipments start arriving under the new rules.

Two Little Mice has unveiled Outgunned Superheroes, a cinematic RPG inspired by iconic comic book stories and superhero films. The game allows players to become caped crusaders fighting evil in a chaotic world. It’s powered by the Director’s Cut system, which uses unique dice-pool mechanics. A free Quickstart Guide is now available ahead of the crowdfunding campaign set to launch in May. The game can function as a standalone experience or as an expansion to the original Outgunned RPG line.

Chris Perkins, a cornerstone of Dungeons & Dragons design for nearly three decades, has announced his retirement from Wizards of the Coast. Starting in 1997 and rising to Creative Director, Perkins helped shape iconic products like Curse of Strahd and led D&D through its 5th edition golden era. He was also the longtime Dungeon Master for Acquisitions Incorporated. With D&D celebrating its 50th anniversary and a successful new ruleset rollout, Perkins calls this a “fairytale ending” and looks forward to enjoying the game simply as a fan.

#projectsigil #wotc #outgunned #chrisperkins

Claim your free Mimic:
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Outgunned: Superheroes FREE Quickstart:

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The Weekly Podcast no.283 – Farewell Paul Sawyer, WotC DMCA, Free5E and Alien RPG Evolved

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Paul Sawyer, a co-founder of Warlord Games and a prominent figure in the wargaming community, passed away on March 27, 2025, after a long battle with brain cancer. His passing was announced by both his family and Warlord Games, who expressed their deep sorrow and appreciation for his contributions. Sawyer was described as a man of great character who maintained bravely until the end, surrounded by his loved ones. The company pledged to continue building upon the strong foundations he established at Warlord Games. Sawyer was widely recognized for his work with Games Workshop and as an editor of White Dwarf magazine. Many in the wargaming community fondly remember his contributions, including his involvement in the “Tale of Four Gamers” and various battle reports. His role in launching Warlord Games further cemented his legacy, bringing historical and tabletop wargaming to a broader audience. Fans and colleagues have expressed their condolences, sharing their memories of Sawyer and his impact on their gaming experiences.

Wizards of the Coast (WotC) mistakenly issued a DMCA takedown notice against the Baldur’s Village mod, a Baldur’s Gate 3 -inspired Stardew Valley mod, but quickly reversed the decision after backlash from the community. The mod, which had received public approval from Larian Studios’ CEO Swen Vincke, allows players to romance Baldur’s Gate 3 characters within the Stardew Valleycharacters within the Stardew Valley world. Fans remain skeptical due to WotAfter issuing an apology, WotC clarified that the takedown was an error and promised to restore the mod. Despite this quick resolution, fans remain skeptical due to WotC’s history of similar takedown incidents, such as the 2024 controversy surrounding Dungeons & Dragons content creators. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about corporate overreach in the gaming community and raises questions about how companies handle fan-created content.

Wyrmworks Publishing has announced the launch of Free5e , an open-source, fully compatible alternative to Dungeons & Dragons 5e . Unlike traditional TTRPG systems, Free5e is completely free to access ,is entirely free to access, with three core books—the Player’s Guide , GM Handbook , and Free Range Monsters —available for download. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY), Free5e allows creators to modify, adapt, and distribute content without corporate restrictions. Free5e is diverse The project prioritizes accessibility with dyslexia-friendly PDFs, digital braille, and other formats to ensure inclusivity. It also introduces new mechanics for disability representation, aiming to reflect diverse experiences within the gaming community. Additionally, Free5e is designed for global play, enabling easy translation and cultural adaptation. The project is currently raising funds via Kickstarter to finalize editing, layout, and artwork while keeping the system free for everyone.

Free League Publishing has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the ALIEN RPG: Evolved Edition , an updated version of their critically acclaimed tabletop roleplaying game set in the ALIEN universe. The new edition refines mechanics such as stealth, panic rolls, and zero-gravity gameplay while incorporating updates from ALIEN: Romulus.The campaign offers a variety of content, including a revised core rulebook, a new starter set, an adventure scenario titled Rapture Protocol, and a miniatures pack. Fans of the ALIEN franchise can look forward to a game that stays true to the horror and action of the films while allowing for flexible storytelling in both one-shot and long-form campaign formats. The Kickstarter is currently live, offering various pledge tiers for backers.

#paulsawyer #wotc #free5e #alienrpg

Free5E Manuscript(affiliate link):

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The Weekly Podcast no.282 – Battletech 40k, Kings of War Champions, StarCraft Wargame and Monster Apocalypse

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Catalyst Game Labs has announced BattleTech: Gothic, a standalone, themed-box expansion for the long-running BattleTech tabletop game. Departing from its traditional sci-fi roots, this new installment introduces a grimdark setting reminiscent of Warhammer 40,000, featuring biomechanical monsters known as “Abominations” and heavily ornamented mechs. This release is the first in the BattleTech Continuum, an initiative meant to explore alternative takes on the BattleTech universe, with future projects including Rockets and RayGuns and an anime-inspired installment. While BattleTech: Gothic retains the franchise’s core gameplay, it incorporates new aesthetics and mechanics to match its darker tone. Despite excitement from some fans, others remain skeptical about the shift, questioning its necessity and Catalyst’s allocation of resources.

Mantic Games has launched Kings of War Champions, a new 28mm rank-and-flank miniatures game designed for quick, accessible play. Set in the Kings of War universe, Champions simplifies army-building by offering pre-assembled “Company” boxes, making it an easy entry point for newcomers. The Faith and Fury starter set includes two opposing forces—one led by the demonic Bloody Cardinal and the other by the noble Alanis Sallustis—along with miniatures, rules, and gaming accessories. Additional army boxes expand the roster, including goblins, northern warriors, and shadowy Twilight Kin. While some players welcome the accessibility, others question its necessity in an already niche market. Nonetheless, Champions aims to attract new players and provide a structured alternative to the more flexible Kings of War Ambush.

Blizzard Entertainment’s classic real-time strategy game StarCraft is being adapted into a miniatures game by Polish publisher Archon Studio, with an initial release set for 2026 and a series of board games planned for 2027. The StarCraft franchise, known for its iconic factions—the Terran, Zerg, and Protoss—has had a lasting impact on the gaming world, especially in esports. Archon, a well-established name in the tabletop industry, has experience with high-quality miniatures and board games based on popular video game franchises. While details on the scale and mechanics of the game remain scarce, a livestream presentation on April 3 is expected to provide more information.

Privateer Press has provided a long-awaited update on the Monsterpocalypse miniatures game, outlining plans to transition its production to an on-demand 3D printing service following the failure of Mythic Games’ Monsterpocalypse board game Kickstarter. Despite the setback, Privateer remains committed to the game’s community by offering digital STL files and printable game components for players. Although no new content is currently planned for the miniatures game, the company is expanding the Monsterpocalypse universe through a planned Monsterpocalypsonomicon Kickstarter for 5e and exploring other gaming formats, including digital adaptations and fiction. While challenges remain, Privateer is dedicated to keeping the Monsterpocalypse experience alive and growing.

#falloutfactions #battletech #starcraft #monsterapocalypse

BattleTech Gothic Primer:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1duleZQjy4YksSm7Ev48Xu0Ypu42h3ihz?fbclid=IwY2xjawJQLTNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZiHzEJvVfgDAaFBL7EU3CVp1ntf6OzK6Puc-cCVKXDOB0SWfoeJdcA99A_aem_Km0dJFdc4ZHPeSgQOQft0Q

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The Weekly no.281 – Sigil DOA, Wildsea Bundle of Holding, Black Powder and Brimstone and RipCrypt Dungeon Sprint

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Wizards of the Coast’s virtual tabletop project, Sigil, appears to be in trouble after mass layoffs eliminated 90% of its development team shortly after launch. Originally announced as part of the One D&D initiative in 2022, Sigil was intended to integrate with D&D Beyond and provide a high-end 3D alternative to existing VTTs like Roll20. However, the platform struggled with performance issues, unclear monetization plans, and a lack of a distinct purpose. Despite high-profile showcases, its reception was lukewarm, with a rushed release in February 2025 requiring a paid D&D Beyond subscription for full access. The layoffs suggest Wizards may be abandoning the project, leaving questions about future updates and support. With only a small team remaining, Sigil risks becoming another failed digital experiment by Wizards of the Coast.

The Wildsea, a narrative-driven weird-fantasy TTRPG by Mythworks, is set in a world overrun by rampant greenery, where chainsaw-powered ships navigate a vast, toxic forest canopy. Players take on roles as wildsailors—descendants of humanity and other strange beings—exploring ruins, hunting creatures, and trading rare goods. The complete Wildsea game line is now available for $19.95 in a Bundle of Holding, including the 368-page core rulebook, two sourcebooks (Storm & Root and Ship Gardens), and two full-length adventures (One-Armed Scissor and Red Right Hand). While the game offers deep immersion and unique mechanics, some rules may require careful interpretation. This limited-time bundle provides everything needed to dive into the richly detailed world of the Verdancy.

Blackpowder & Brimstone is a grimdark fantasy RPG by Benjamin Tobitt, published under Free League’s Workshop label and powered by the MÖRK BORG ruleset. Set in a world of religious schism and war, players take on the roles of desperate adventurers navigating a conflict between the Orthodox and Puritans of the Church of the Sacred Blood. The game blends swashbuckling action with gothic folk horror, featuring black powder weapons, demonic threats, and forbidden magic with dangerous consequences. It offers a rules-light, art-heavy experience with unique weapons, deadly combat, and rich lore. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Blackpowder & Brimstone is now available through Free League’s store and DriveThruRPG, promising intense, fast-paced gameplay where survival and profit go hand in hand.

RipCrypt, a fast-paced “dungeon sprint” TTRPG, is set to launch in 2025 through a partnership between indie studio Gritsilk Games and major publisher Modiphius Entertainment. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, the game will be released in both retail and online stores, featuring a core rulebook, premium edition, and a control board. Set in the Undergrade, a maze of crypts and catacombs, RipCrypt blends tactical gameplay with immersive storytelling, catering to both newcomers and veteran RPG players. The game emphasizes quick character creation, fast combat resolution, and streamlined mechanics, with a roll-high d8 dice pool and unique progression system. With its lo-fi analog aesthetics, concise 148-page rulebook, and a wealth of illustrated content, RipCrypt aims to offer an engaging, accessible RPG experience that redefines the dungeon-crawling genre.

#sigil #wildsea #freeleague #ripcrypt

D&D Beyond Sigil:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sigil

Wildsea Bundle of Holding:

https://bundleofholding.com/presents/Wildsea

Black Powder and Brimstone (affiliate link):

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/515145/black-powder-and-brimstone-core-book

RipCrypt:

https://gritsilk.com/

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The Weekly LIVE 280 – Sigil Released,The Western Reaches, Rising POD Costs and AI Bull Cocks

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Dungeons & Dragons’ new virtual tabletop platform, Sigil, has launched with high expectations but demonstrates significant shortcomings, feeling incomplete and more akin to a pre-alpha version than a polished product. While it boasts aesthetically pleasing 3D graphics and ties to D&D Beyond for character integration, the app struggles with functionality, lacking essential features for game management and customization, which detracts from the user experience. Many users report frustrating bugs and inconsistencies with character imports and game mechanics, suggesting the need for manual oversight. Critics note that despite its visual appeal, Sigil does not adequately compete with established virtual tabletops, and its current state casts doubt on its potential for future improvement. Additionally, feedback from the community reflects skepticism about its overall viability as a go-to platform for D&D sessions, particularly given the limitations on customization and gameplay integration.

The newly launched crowdfunding campaign for the Western Reaches setting, designed for the Shadowdark roleplaying game by the Arcane Library, is rapidly gaining traction, having surpassed half a million dollars within hours of its start. With a goal to reach the million-dollar mark, this sandbox environment includes new classes, ancestries, and themed areas like the Gloaming Forest and Djurum Desert. The offering comes in two hardcover editions, priced at $129 and $149 for a premium version, with fulfillment anticipated by December 2025. As it stands, The Western Reaches already ranks as one of the highest first-day funded tabletop RPG projects, indicating significant interest from the gaming community.

DriveThruRPG has issued a warning to publishers about impending increases in Print on Demand (POD) costs, which could rise significantly—by 20-50%—starting April 1st due to escalating supply costs. This increase primarily affects black and white printing, including both hardcover and softcover formats, attributed to issues such as tariffs and supply chain disruptions. While DriveThruRPG has stated they won’t adjust selling prices immediately, the heightened publishing costs may lead to price increases for customers, particularly impacting smaller publishers who might face reduced profitability. Publishers are encouraged to consider purchasing POD products soon to avoid the upcoming price hikes.

Chris Cocks, Hasbro’s CEO, who has played Dungeons & Dragons for 40 years, emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in both gaming and corporate leadership. He has been focusing on a “pivot back to play” strategy at Hasbro, moving away from a previous emphasis on storytelling to enhance product design, innovation, and customer engagement. Cocks has reduced the company’s content spending significantly and shifted its approach toward capital-light licensing to maintain profitability, while also exploring new markets to address emerging challenges. He highlights the need for adaptability within the supply chain and aims to capture a broader customer base by creating affordable toys for emerging markets. Cocks is also an advocate for integrating artificial intelligence into gaming, arguing it can enhance creativity and engagement in Dungeons & Dragons. While he perceives AI as a tool that can democratize content creation, he acknowledges current platforms often fail to compensate creators adequately. He envisions future offerings that could enable parents to customize popular brands like Peppa Pig and enrich D&D campaigns, framing AI as a beneficial addition to the brand. Despite potential challenges related to tariffs and manufacturing costs, Cocks maintains a hopeful outlook for reaching more consumers and evolving Hasbro’s product lines to meet changing demographics and preferences.

D&D Beyond Sigil:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sigil

The Western Reaches Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/western-reaches

Chris Cocks Interview’

https://www.semafor.com/article/03/06/2025/we-had-to-go-back-to-play-how-hasbros-dungeon-master-ceo-got-serious-about-games

#sigil #wshadowdark #dtrpg #chriscocks

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The Weekly LIVE 279 – Ernie Gygax Passes, Horus Heresy RPG, Tunnels & Trolls and Fallout Factions

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Ernie Gygax Jr., son of Dungeons & Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax, passed away recently after struggling with health issues, as confirmed by his brother Luke. He played a pivotal role in shaping early D&D by participating in its playtesting and contributing to the game’s mechanics. Notably, he introduced the character Tenser, a wizard whose spells have persisted in D&D lore. Gygax Jr. was also the inaugural manager of the Dungeon Hobby Shop and co-published Gygax Magazine, while later helping establish the third venture of TSR. His death serves as a significant loss to the tabletop role-playing game community.

While Gygax Jr. made critical contributions to D&D’s development, his later years were marred by controversy. After leaving Gygax Magazine due to legal disputes, he became involved in discussions promoting the new TSR, which included instances of disparaging remarks regarding race and gender. His comments led to backlash and subsequent distancing from the second TSR. Despite the controversies, Luke Gygax highlighted his brother’s commitment to mentoring young gamers, showcasing Ernie’s approachable nature and encouragement toward those new to the gaming world.

Cubicle 7 announced the development of a new tabletop RPG set during the Horus Heresy, slated for release in 2026. This significant event in Warhammer 40K lore marks a defining civil war within the Space Marine legions. Players will adopt two characters: a primary Consul in a Space Marine corps and a secondary character with a specialized role, allowing for dynamic gameplay by swapping between characters as needed. Pre-orders for the core rulebook and starter kit are expected to open in the summer of 2026, promising an engaging experience steeped in the rich narrative of the Warhammer universe.

Tunnels & Trolls (T&T) is set to make a notable return in 2025, reintroducing players to a fantasy world populated by trolls—enigmatic creatures formed from earth and rock. Legends tell that these trolls can awaken from their slumber when darkness envelops them, and historical narratives reveal that ancient kingdoms collapsed when trolls roamed the land. Under the guidance of innovative game designers Scott Malthouse and Chris Bissette, T&T aims to merge classic roleplaying elements with new mechanics, ensuring quick and exciting combat experiences. The reimagined edition will cater to all types of gamers, offering options for solo play, one-shot adventures, or detailed campaigns.

Modiphius has released the Fallout: Factions Core Rulebook, expanding on the skirmish-level wargame that allows players to control Wastelander warbands vying for dominance in the Fallout universe. This core rulebook provides comprehensive gameplay instructions, introduces a variety of iconic factions, and outlines an intricate campaign system. Players can explore rich scenarios and character options while engaging with the game’s evolving narrative. With these updates, both Tunnels & Trolls and Fallout: Factions aim to provide immersive and accessible tabletop experiences for players.

#horusheresy #tunnelsandtrolls #falloutfactions #modiphius

Rebellion T&T Announcement:

https://rebellionunplugged.com/tunnels-and-trolls-is-coming-2025/

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

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