Tag: dnd

The Weekly Podcast no.358 – Sword World 2.5, WotC Declines Union, 3 New for OSR and Goodman Games 25th

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Group SNE and Mugen Gaming are running a major crowdfunding campaign to fund the official full-English localization and release of Japan’s iconic 2d6 tabletop RPG, Sword World 2.5. The campaign covers the localization and printing of core rulebooks, accessory card packs, starter sets, dice, and digital compendiums across multiple platforms including Roll20, Foundry, and the new Sword World Nexus digital portal.

United Wizards of the Coast–CWA announced that Wizards of the Coast has declined to voluntarily recognize union units representing D&D and Studio X staff ahead of a formal vote. While WotC management stated they prefer direct collaboration and plan to vote against unionization, they committed to respecting the election outcomes administered by the National Labor Relations Board. Union organizers are seeking protections regarding generative AI, fair wages, layoff security, and personal IP rights.

Three major OSR projects have surfaced, highlighted by David “Zeb” Cook’s mythical adventure The Afterlife of King Neiren under Necromancer Games. Additionally, Luke Gygax and Gooey Cube launched The Temple of Inquinatious Evil, a 500-page homage to The Temple of Elemental Evil supporting multiple systems, while Advanced Fantasy Games successfully funded The Cradle of Skulls, a classic dungeon crawl designed for OSRIC and 1E AD&D.

More than two decades ago, Goodman Games launched Dungeon Crawl Classics #1: Idylls of the Rat King. Today, Goodman Games celebrates 25 years in business.This crowdfunding offers the fantastic dice, dungeon crawls, and deals you expect from Goodman Games: “Old School from the Start”, the definitive history of Goodman Games, written by Stu Horvath. A new art book showcasing over two decades worth of fantastic images!  No pesky rules in this one, just gorgeous art to marvel at! A NEW soul-searing adventure from Harley Stroh. This one’s so wild it could only be called Taste the Blood of Sezrekan! A new printing of the core rulebook with never-before-seen cover art. A new glittering die, the d25, in a custom wooden display case! And much, much more!

#swordworld #wotc #osr #goodmangames

Sword World on Backerkit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/mugen-gaming/sword-world

Zeb Cook’s The Afterlife of King Neiren:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/necromancergames/zeb-cooks-the-afterlife-of-king-neiren

The Temple of Inquinatious Evil — A TTRPG Adventure on Backerkit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/gooey-cube/the-temple-of-inquinatious-evil-a-ttrpg-adventure

The Cradle of Skulls in OSRIC for OSR on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/advancedfantasygames/the-cradle-of-skulls-for-osric-1e-classic-fantasy-rpgs

Goodman Games 25th on Backerkit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/goodman-games/goodman-games-25th-anniversary-celebration

Castles and Crusades Humble Bundle:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/m43mE7

13 Omens Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/officialpaizo/13-omens-a-horror-rpg

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The Weekly Podcast no.355 – D&D Hires, Algorithmic Loyalty, UK Expo Bans AI and Black Death City

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Wizards of the Coast has expanded its Dungeons & Dragons design team by hiring veteran RPG creator Celeste Conowitch as a Senior Game Developer following her five-year tenure at Kobold Press. Meanwhile, former D&D community manager LaTia Jacquise was laid off amid broader leadership shifts, including the resignation of CEO John Hight. Additionally, D&D Beyond teased “Project Lamordia,” an upcoming horror adventure reimagining the Ravenloft setting as a tech corporation.

Mongoose Publishing announced “Algorithmic Loyalty,” a new adventure for the dystopian comedy RPG Paranoia that parodies influencer culture and social media platforms. Set in Alpha Complex, the module forces players to navigate demanding algorithms, viral video requirements, and troublesome in-universe celebrities on the platform “VidMe” while trying to survive the whims of Friend Computer.

UK Games Expo introduced a strict policy banning AI-generated art, text, and merchandise from its convention trade floor, joining other UK events like Dragonmeet and Tabletop Scotland in supporting human creators. The decision comes after public backlash regarding generative AI products at past events, though the policy leaves room for organizer discretion regarding minor digital editing and assistance tools.

Former Games Workshop lead designer Sam Pearson released “Black Death City,” a free skirmish wargame described as a spiritual successor or 2.0 edition to the classic game Mordheim. Featuring alternate model activations, interactive parrying mechanics, and atmospheric city-gothic warbands, the indie project offers a tactical ruleset set in a plague-ridden fantasy metropolis.

#wotc #paranoia #ukgamesexpo #BlackDeathCity

Black Death City:

https://www.blackdeathcity.com/

Sam Pearson YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@SamPearsonGameDesign

Skullforge Studios Arsenal Mergabundle;

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/YVmxzR

Legend in the Mist and :Otherscape Collection:

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The Weekly Podcast no.353 – Steve Jackson Steps Down, Dan Ayoub Speaks, Kobold Press’ Underworld and Mecha Hack

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Steve Jackson is stepping down as CEO of Steve Jackson Games after 46 years to focus entirely on game design and development. Long-time staff member Sabrina Gonzalez is taking over as the new CEO, while managing editor Allison Page has been promoted to chief operating officer.Dan Ayoub and D&D’s Future Direction

In a recent interview, Wizards of the Coast’s Head of Dungeons & Dragons, Dan Ayoub, reflected on the fallout from the 2023 OGL controversy and the ongoing efforts to rebuild trust. He highlighted a new focus on community listening, establishing advisory groups, reintegrating classic creators, and opening the brand up to external storytelling partners.Kobold Press’ Underworld: Sunless Depths Kickstarter

Kobold Press launched a Kickstarter campaign running through October 9th for Underworld: Sunless Depths. Compatible with both D&D 5.5E and Tales of the Valiant, the project features a player/GM setting sourcebook and a Level 1–12 campaign book exploring a sprawling, lightless subterranean world.The Mecha Hack Bundle

Absolute Tabletop’s The Mecha Hack bundle offers a rules-lite, d20 roll-under mecha tabletop RPG built upon the mechanics of The Black Hack. The collection includes the core rules zine and the Mission Manual, allowing players to quickly build and customize titanic warmachines with various chassis, pilots, and modules. 

#stevejackson #wotc #koboldpress #mechahack

Dan Ayoub Interview:

https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/dan-ayoub-interview-ogl-lessons

Underworld: Sunless Depths for 5E D&D and TOV:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/koboldpress/underworld-descend-into-darkness-for-5e-dandd-and-tov

Mecha Hack Bundle:

https://tabletopbookshelf.com/products/the-mecha-hack-bundle

Legend in the Mist and :Otherscape Collection:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/k4vmMv

Caverns of Thracia & More by Goodman Games

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/vDvy03

Warmachine Lore Bundle:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/MKYoDJ

The Dying Earth RPG Collection:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/m4krXe

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The Weekly Podcast no.326 – D&D Website & 5.5E, Orken, Pumpkin Spice and Exodus by Renegade

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Wizards of the Coast (WotC) and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), highlighting a perceived decade of “executive fumbling.” This includes an inconsistent rebranding of the current ruleset, which the community has largely settled on calling 5.5e (the D&D 2024 ruleset), moving away from the “OneD&D” working title. WotC also announced a “live service” style content roadmap for D&D in 2026, divided into three “Seasons”: Horror (starting June, anchored by Ravenloft: The Horrors Within), Magic (starting July, featuring Arcana Unleashed), and the mysterious Season of Champions (starting October).

Orken is a new transmedia universe from the IP design studio SIXMOREVODKA, creators of Degenesis. Unlike their previous work, Orken is not a tabletop game but a lore-driven fantasy suite expressed through art books and serialized fiction. The project explores the central conflict of the native, totemic Orken people of Edom fighting for survival against the technologically advanced invaders known as the Elemon (or “People of Metal”). The Kickstarter campaign for this project successfully funded its initial goal very quickly, focusing on providing immediate, finished, premium products to supporters.

Pumpkin Spice is a “magical cozy RPG” The game centers on a young coven of witches who run a magical cafe and protect a “Fount of Magic,” drawing inspiration from works like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Legends & Lattes. It utilizes a simple, narrative-first system with standard six-sided dice and “Essence Dice,” with mechanics revolving around brewing magical drinks and interacting with patrons, rather than combat. The campaign’s immense success led to the unlocking of several stretch goals, including a fully dedicated solo-play mode and expansions to the spellcasting system.

Renegade Game Studios will publish the Exodus Roleplaying Game in 2026. This sci-fi TTRPG is based on the upcoming Exodus video game developed by Wizards of the Coast’s Archetype Entertainment. The RPG was developed by James Ohlen (former lead designer for Baldur’s Gate) and notably uses 5E as its underlying engine. The initial releases from Renegade are scheduled for August and will include the Exodus Traveler’s Handbook and the Creature Catalog. This move is considered notable as WotC is collaborating with an outside company for the game’s wider release, suggesting a broader distribution strategy.

#dnd5.5E #OrkenRpg #PumpkinSpiceRpg #ExodusRPG  #RenegadeStudios

Orken RPG on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixmorevodka/orken

Pumpkin Spice RPG:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/acheron-games/pumpkin-spice-a-magically-cozy-rpg

Dragonbane Trudvang:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/dragonbane-trudvang-the-legend-returns

Fallout MEGA Bundle:

https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/L0aArV

Warmachine on MyMiniFactory:

https://mmf.io/upturned

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Video: Blackmoor Interview: Tonisborg

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The second part of our interview with one of the filmmakers for Secrets of Blackmoor: The Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons.
In this excerpt, we find out that while making the documentary, the filmmakers made an important discovery: the second-ever dungeon to come out of the Twin Cities.

To get a copy of Secrets of Blackmoor on DVD or Blu-ray go to:
http://www.secretsofblackmoor.com/