Tag: Embracer group

The Weekly Podcast no.295 – Asmodee Profits, Tomb Raider Cancelled, Mausritter SRD and More Daggerheart

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Board game giant Asmodee reported a razor-thin profit of just $5.46 million for 2024-25, despite generating $1.59 billion in revenue. The company’s financial troubles stem from massive debt obligations inherited from its former parent company Embracer Group. Asmodee paid out $107 million in financial expenses, primarily interest payments on a $1.06 billion bridging loan and subsequent bonds. While the company has improved its debt-to-earnings ratio from 3.9 to 2.3 times, its profit margin remains alarmingly narrow at just 0.3% of revenue.

Evil Hat Publishing announced the cancellation of their official Tomb Raider tabletop RPG due to creative differences with the licensor. The game, titled “Tomb Raider: Shadows of Truth,” was set to feature team-based gameplay where players would control Truth Seekers working alongside Lara Croft. This marks another failed attempt at bringing Tomb Raider to tabletops, following Square Enix’s own troubled RPG project that began in 2021. Evil Hat plans to retool their work into a standalone game with an original setting.

The creators of Mausritter released their complete ruleset under a Creative Commons license as a free System Reference Document (SRD). This mouse-themed RPG, inspired by works like Redwall and Mouse Guard, allows players to control brave mice adventuring in a dangerous world. The comprehensive SRD includes everything from basic rules to hexcrawl creation tools, and is available both as a downloadable markdown file and browseable website, enabling creators to build tools and modifications for the system.

Critical Role’s Daggerheart RPG released new playtest content including two additional classes: the Witch and the Assassin. The Witch focuses on hexing enemies and communing with supernatural entities, while the Assassin specializes in ambush tactics and extra damage dice. The playtest also introduced six new ancestries (earthkin, tidekin, emberkin, skykin, Aetheris, and gnomes) and six new communities, expanding character creation options. All content is available through “The Void,” Daggerheart’s dedicated playtesting platform.

#asmodee #tombraider #mausritter #daggerheart

Mausritter SRD:

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Daggerheart: The Void – Playtest

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The Weekly Podcast no.293 – CMON Sells Zombicide, Warhammer Down, WotC Help Wanted and New Chaosium CEO

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CMON, already facing financial difficulties exacerbated by import tariffs, has sold its flagship Zombicide IP to Asmodee under the Guillotine Games label. This follows CMON’s earlier sale of three other prominent board game lines (Blood Rage, Rising Sun, and ANKH: Gods of Egypt) to Tabletop Tycoon in May, along with staff layoffs and frozen crowdfunding campaigns. The company’s stocks were delisted from the Hong Kong stock exchange after failing to publish accounts on time, showing substantial losses that drained cash reserves.

Games Workshop took the unusual step of deliberately crashing its entire Warhammer.com webstore to prevent bots from bulk-purchasing the limited special edition of the new Horus Heresy book “Era of Ruin.” The company detected scalpers using bots to bypass normal safeguards in real-time and shut down the site globally, pausing the book’s launch entirely. This drastic measure is uncommon for large-scale web stores and demonstrates GW’s commitment to preventing scalping, even at the cost of lost sales and resources.

Following the departures of prominent D&D figures Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins after the launch of revised 5th Edition, Wizards of the Coast is hiring for two high-level positions: a “Principal Game Designer” and a “Head of Game Ecosystem.” These roles, offering $150-200k salaries, represent a corporate, video game-industry-like division of responsibilities where the Principal Game Designer executes product releases while the Head of Game Ecosystem drives long-term vision and rules consistency across all D&D formats.

Chaosium announced significant staff changes, including the appointment of Neil Robinson as CEO and the departure of Executive Producer Mike Mearls to Asmodee after 14 months. Brian Holland has been promoted to Executive Producer for RPGs, while other team members have taken on expanded roles including Jason Durall moving to Basic Roleplaying as creative director and several new hires joining the company. Despite the changes, Mearls will continue working on ongoing projects including the new RuneQuest edition.

#zombicide #siegeofterra #wotc #chaosium 

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The Weekly LIVE 274 – Astartes 2, Legacy of Kain TTPRG, ENnies Ban AI and Dirtbags! for Zinequest

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Games Workshop has unveiled a new teaser trailer for Astartes II, the much-anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Astartes animation. While the teaser doesn’t showcase actual footage from the upcoming project, it hints at the backstories of key characters and sets the tone for a grimdark narrative deeply rooted in Warhammer 40,000 lore. Syama, the creator of the original Astartes, is collaborating closely with the Warhammer Studio to deliver another visually stunning and action-packed story. The animation is set to release in 2026, leaving fans with a long wait, but in the meantime, they can explore other Warhammer+ animations, including Return to Cadia from the Hammer and Bolter series.

Meanwhile, the Legacy of Kain franchise is making a return with a tabletop RPG, Scourge of the Sarafan, developed by Lost in Cult and published under the MÖRK BORG system. Set in Nosgoth, the game allows players to take on the role of vampire-hunting warrior-priests as they battle the growing undead menace. Alongside this, The Book of Nosgoth, an in-depth encyclopedia exploring the franchise’s history, lore, and development, is also in the works. Both projects are being crowdfunded and will be available individually or as part of a deluxe edition. With Legacy of Kain’s dark themes of fate, free will, and morality, this revival aims to immerse fans once again in the gothic world of Nosgoth.

The ENnie Awards, a prestigious tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) awards ceremony, has announced that from the 2025-2026 cycle onward, any product containing generative AI content will be ineligible. This decision follows criticism of their previous 2023 policy, which allowed AI-generated content in certain categories while restricting it in others. After receiving feedback from the TTRPG community, the ENnies determined that AI-generated content undermines creativity and originality, leading to this stricter policy. The new rule applies to AI-assisted writing, visual content, and editing, ensuring that all submitted works are entirely human-made. While the policy does not retroactively affect the 2024-2025 awards, it marks a significant shift in response to industry concerns over AI’s role in creative endeavors. The TTRPG community has largely welcomed this decision, seeing it as a victory for human creators in an industry increasingly wary of AI’s influence. Many companies, including Wizards of the Coast, have taken a stance against AI-generated content on ethical grounds, citing issues of originality and fairness. The ENnie Awards, a volunteer-run organization, emphasized their commitment to fostering human-driven creativity and innovation within the community. As the landscape of game development continues to evolve, this policy ensures that the ENnies remain a platform for celebrating genuine artistic and narrative efforts.

Dirtbags! is a fast-paced, rules-lite sci-fi shooter RPG by The Dungeon’s Key, launching on Kickstarter for #ZineQuest on January 28th. Set in a dystopian, corporate-run future, players take on the role of convicts forced into the Military Foundation’s Rehabilitation Incentive Program (R.I.P.), battling alien infestations, pirates, and undertaking dangerous missions in the hope of freedom. The game features three core ability scores, a unique two D6 dice pool system for actions and ammo, and five character roles, emphasizing tactical and cinematic combat. Inspired by Starship Troopers, Tank Girl, and Aliens, Dirtbags! critiques corporate greed and explores mature themes while maintaining an action-packed experience. A free Quickstart Guide will be available at launch.

#astartes2 #legacyofkain #ennies #dirtbags!

Astartes II Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbgYaeerXhg

Legacy of Kain TTRPG on Backerlit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/lost-in-cult/legacy-of-kain-ttrpg-and-official-encyclopaedia

ENnies Awards Policy:

https://ennie-awards.com/revised-policy-on-generative-ai-usage/

Dirtbags!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thedungeonskey/dirtbags-a-sci-fi-shooter-ttrpg

Zinequest on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/zinequest

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The Weekly LIVE 247 – Warhammer 5E AP, The Grey Knight for Pendragon 6E, Evil Genius Games Heel Turn and Free RPG Day 2024

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The upcoming D&D actual play series, “Heretic Hunt,” merges the worlds of Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer 40,000, promising a unique blend of medieval fantasy and grim futuristic themes. This series features former Games Workshop presenters Louise Sugden and Chris ‘Peachy’ Peach, alongside Dungeon Master Daniel Saye, actor Greg Jones, and producer-performer Jamila Hall. Set to premiere later this year, it will consist of eight 48-minute episodes featuring miniatures and terrain crafted by the players. Daniel Saye, inspired by Warhammer 40,000’s gritty universe and the street-level narratives of author Dan Abnett, orchestrates the story. The campaign kicks off in the hive city Serrix-2, with a team of Inquisitorial agents disrupting a heretical ritual. The diverse characters, some seasoned and others newly conscripted, focus on saving their immediate surroundings rather than the entire world. Sugden, leveraging her experience with the Necromunda franchise, integrates her multidisciplinary skills into the role-playing, bringing a depth of lore and creativity to her character.The series adopts the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset due to its familiarity and efficiency for storytelling, despite the availability of other RPG systems. Saye emphasizes that D&D’s shared language among players made it ideal for the series’ production. The rules are slightly modified to fit the Warhammer 40,000 setting, with elements borrowed from other RPGs to enhance the narrative. The miniatures and terrain, integral to the visual storytelling, are crafted with passion and precision by the team, providing a rich and immersive experience for viewers.

Chaosium’s release of Pendragon 6E includes the revitalized campaign “The Grey Knight,” a classic adventure newly updated for the sixth edition. The campaign spans generations and serves as an excellent introduction to the Pendragon system, featuring prominent Arthurian characters like Arthur, Guenevere, and Merlin. It combines the two prequel scenarios from the Starter Set with the full Grey Knight campaign, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for new players and game masters.

Evil Genius Games (EGG), known for their Everyday Heroes TTRPG, is under scrutiny for potentially using NFTs and blockchain technology despite previous pledges against such technologies. After multiple staff resignations citing ethical concerns, EGG’s CEO Dave Scott assured the public that the company would avoid these controversial technologies. However, Scott’s recent pitch at Consensus 2024 heavily featured NFTs and blockchain, raising doubts about EGG’s commitment to its earlier promises. The pitch outlined a vision where NFTs would play a significant role in their TTRPG offerings, including character sheets and in-game objects, sparking further controversy and concern among fans and former staff alike.

Similarly, Embracer Group has adopted a new AI policy to enhance game production, aiming to increase efficiency and personalization in gameplay. The company believes that leveraging AI will allow for more engaging and dynamic gaming experiences. However, Embracer acknowledges the risks associated with AI, such as potential ethical and bias issues, and emphasizes a human-centric approach to the technology. The policy aims to empower developers and open opportunities for new hires, while ensuring compliance with comprehensive legal and ethical standards.

Free RPG Day is set for June 22, 2024, offering exclusive RPG adventures, previews, and accessories from top publishers. The event, held at hobby game stores worldwide, provides an opportunity for gamers to explore new games and enjoy a day of roleplaying celebration. Participating publishers will soon reveal the details of their offerings, promising a treasure trove of exciting content for attendees.

#warhammer #5E #Pendragon6E #EGG #FreeRPGday 

Grey Knight for Pendragon 6E (affiliate link):

https://www.chaosium.com/pendragon-the-grey-knight-hardcover?affiliate_id=2081746

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The Weekly LIVE 239 – MEKBORG, Embracer Divides, Zone Wars Retail, This is Free Trader Beowulf and Roll20 for Discord

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MEKBORG and STEEL PSALM are two books that take the raw, old-school, d20-friendly rules of MÖRKBORG and dip them headfirst into post-apocalyptic, mechanical, MEK-KNIGHT mayhem, drawing inspiration from robot-on-robot combat, doom metal aesthetics, and more. Fight over the scraps of what little remains in an easy-to-learn campaign setting that puts aesthetics and mood before rules and crunch.

The companies that previously made Embracer’s games portfolio are also tasked with paying off its $1.5 billion debt. The company announced it is splitting into three separate entities: Asmodee, Coffee Stain & Friends, and Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends. Now, CEO Lars Wingefors claims it’s all part of a plan to eventually make good games and make money from them.

Free League announced a new tabletop miniatures game of skirmish combat today. Titled Mutant Year Zero: Zone Wars, and set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Mutant Year Zero, the game joins its lofty brethren Fallout: Wasteland Warfare and Fallout Factions in giving everyone, everywhere some kind of post-apocalyptic skirmish game to play.

This is Free Trader Beowulf is a history of the Traveller RPG. Traveller is the first science fiction role-playing game ever published, and its history is fascinating. If you have ever wondered where Traveller came from and how it has evolved over its many editions, this is the PDF for you.

Coordinating your online tabletop group for a game night is going to get a little bit easier. Popular virtual tabletop tool Roll20 is coming to Discord, integrating right into the chat and voice platform. So, instead of running Roll20 separately in a browser with some other voice client, you can start the activity from right inside Discord itself.

#MEKBORG #Embracer #ZoneWars #TravellerRPG #Roll20

This is Free Trader Beowulf PDF:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/477293/this-is-free-trader-beowulf?affiliate_id=2081746

Physical copy from Mongoose Publishing:
https://www.mongoosepublishing.com/products/this-is-free-trader-beowulf

MEKBORG Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhamrick/mekborg-and-steel-psalm

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The Weekly LIVE 205 – Asmodee Loses Billions, D&D Whiskey, Dolmenwood Kickstarter and Night Vale RPG

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Asmodee, the tabletop publishing company known for games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic, faced a setback as its corporate owner, Embracer Group, lost a $2 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabian partner Savvy Gaming Group. This deal was reportedly tied to a Saudi government investment fund. Asmodee’s parent company Embracer Group had previously been purchased by Sweden-based Embracer group. The failed deal led to stock price drops and cost-cutting measures. Despite this, Asmodee performed well in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, with increased sales and organic growth. The company also mentioned various upcoming releases and highlighted its successful performance despite the parent company’s challenges.

Matthew Lillard, known for his roles in movies like “Scream” and his involvement in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), launched a new line of game-inspired spirits called Quest’s End through his company Find Familiar Spirits. Lillard also discussed his passion for D&D and his involvement in TTRPG-related ventures like Beadle & Grimm’s. He’s also part of an improv and live gameplay series called “Faster, Purple Worm! Kill Kill!” that blends D&D and improv comedy. He highlighted the joy of playing with family and friends and emphasized the positive impact of tabletop role-playing games in his life.

The Dolmenwood Tabletop Roleplaying Game by Gavin Norman, after 10 years of development, offers an immersive fantasy adventure set in a richly crafted world inspired by British Isles folklore. Seamlessly blending the eerie and whimsical aspects of fairy tales, players embark on journeys through enchanting woods and mystical landscapes. The game provides streamlined rules suitable for both beginners and experienced role-players, introducing novel magic and creatures. The setting, available on Kickstarter since August 9th, 2023, includes three core books: the Player’s Book with comprehensive rules, the Campaign Book detailing the expansive campaign world, and the Monster Book featuring an array of creatures. Characters can be diverse, from goat-headed breggles to capricious woodgrues, each with nine unique classes. The open sandbox world encourages exploration across a detailed map, while the intuitive Old-School Essentials rules system ensures easy adaptation. Modern formatting enhances gameplay, and a range of extras such as adventures, miniatures, maps, and a soundtrack album further enrich the experience. A 76-page preview PDF offers insights into the game’s core content, promising an extensive world with engaging features across its three books.

Finally, the popular fiction podcast “Welcome to Night Vale” is set to be adapted into a tabletop RPG by Renegade Game Studios. The RPG will allow fans to explore the strange and eerie town of Night Vale in a tabletop setting. The game is expected to use Renegade’s Essence20 system, which incorporates a 20-sided die and skill dice for resolving challenges and obstacles.

#dolmenwood #nightvale #questsend #asmodee

Dolmenwood Tabletop RPG Kickstarter:
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The Weekly LIVE 195 – NuTSR Bankrupt, Heroscapes Returns, Embracer Layoffs and Privateer Press Legacy Ends

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It appears that NuTSR, a company owned by Justin LaNasa, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves the liquidation of the company’s assets. According to documents filed in North Carolina, NuTSR’s gross revenue for 2023 is $621.93, while its total liabilities amount to over $384,000. The company gained attention in 2020 when Justin LaNasa and Stephen Dinehart registered the defunct TSR trademarks and launched a new venture involving Ernie Gygax, son of D&D co-creator Gary Gygax. However, NuTSR faced various controversies, including an attempted lawsuit against D&D publishers Wizards of the Coast, and in March 2022, they were sued by Wizards of the Coast.

On a different note, the game Heroscape, a wargaming classic, is set to return despite a failed crowdfunding campaign in the past. Renegade Game Studios has taken up the reboot of the miniatures game after the project called “Age of Annihilation” did not reach its funding goal. Heroscape is known for its accessible hex-based terrain, Lego-like fantasy miniatures, and beginner-friendly rules.

Additionally, Embracer Group, a major gaming publisher that owns studios such as Gearbox (known for Borderlands), Crystal Dynamics (known for Tomb Raider), and the rights to The Lord of the Rings, has announced a restructuring program. This program aims to make the company leaner, stronger, more focused, and self-sufficient. As part of this restructuring, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations are expected.

In a separate announcement, Privateer Press, a company known for its WARMACHINE, HORDES, and Riot Quest models, has stated that it will halt manufacturing for its Legacy models. This decision is in preparation for an upcoming facility move. Manufacturing of models cast in metal and resin will cease at the end of the week, and afterward, the company will fulfill online store orders only with remaining stock. Privateer Press has assured customers that the online store will be promptly updated to reflect available and out-of-stock items.

#NuTSR #privateerpress #heroscape #embracer

Full Glorious History of NuTSR:
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The Weekly LIVE 171 – Amazon Making Warhammer, Asmodee Steals GW’s Pricing, #OneDND and 2022 in Review

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Amazon Studios today announced that it has secured global rights to Warhammer  40,000, based on the immensely popular intellectual property from Games Workshop (GAW) that has given rise to an immersive global hobby – Warhammer. The agreement encompasses rights to the universe across series, film, and more, and will sit alongside GAW’s activities as they continue to make the best miniatures in the world. This is the first deal of its kind for Amazon Studios for IP of this scale, and it allows the company to utilize the title across its entertainment businesses. Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Mission: Impossible – Fallout) is set to star in and executive produce the Warhammer 40,000 franchise across all Amazon Studios productions.

Asmodee’s pricing for its new terrain kits for Marvel Crisis Protocol are reminding us of the incredibly overpriced offering from Games Workshop. Discuss.

Dungeons and Dragons fans banded together to get #OpenDnD trending on Twitter. This tag emerged in response to recent activity that suggests Dungeons and Dragons might be considering cracking down on homebrew in One D&D.

We also cover the good and the bad of 2022. A surprising amount of bad.

#onednd #asmodee #amazon #warhammer40k

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The Weekly LIVE 161 – Asmodee Digital Rebrand, Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg Kickstarter,Renegade Licenses Classic Games from Hasbro and D&D Documentary by Critical Role Player

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Asmodee Digital rebrands itself as Twin Sails Interactive. With the help of the Embracer Group they plan to leverage their licensed IPs to produce AA console games as well as mobile and PC offerings beyond the digital boardgames they have mde up until now. Good luck.

The second printing of the Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg hardcover module is on Kickstarter. This is a chance to get a rare piece of TTRPG history. Tonisborg is a 10-level megadungeon, thought to be lost, reproduced with care along with a playable old school game system. The first printing of Tonisborg was first available from the original Secrets of Blackmoor documentary crowdfunding campaign. Pledge for your copy with the link below! 

Renegade Game Studios has announced that they are in negotiations to expand their licensing relationship with Hasbro, a global branded entertainment company, to include best-selling games Axis & Allies, Diplomacy, Squad Leader, and Robo Rally. Hasbro has has success with their reboot of Heroquest and are also currently crowdfunding a new Heroscape expansion. How long will they be able to farm our nostalgia? Place you bets.

A new documentary covering the creation, lifetime and recent popularity surge of Dungeons & Dragons has been announced by Hasbro’s Entertainment One division. Veteran Critical Role player and actor Joe Manganiello will co-direct the as-yet untitled feature. This is just in time for the 50th anniversary, like everything else from WotC we have talked about this year. Brace yourselves.

#asmodee #tonisborg #renegade #hasbro #dnd50th 

The Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretsofblackmoor/the-lost-dungeons-of-tonisborg

Secrets of Blackmoor Spoiler-Free Review:
https://youtu.be/hxw6L4EcELM

Interview with Griff for Blackmoor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1AE7GcBlnk&list=PL5oFq35xgW-eejPcBcs3fsNJ3u8Im88qB

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The Weekly LIVE 153 – Tolkien Gets Embraced, 40th Anniversary Call of Cthulhu Starter Set, DC Comics Deleted and GW Versus Cults 3D

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The Embracer Group has acquired the rights to Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. by purchasing Middle Earth Enterprises. This is one of five acquisitions that cost the Swedish company a reported SEK 6 billion ($576 million). Middle Earth Enterprises was a division of The Saul Zaentz Company, which had stewarded the intellectual property rights to author J. R. R. Tolkien’s worlds for more than 50 years. What does this mean for Amazon’s rights and how will this affect the destruction of established characters from this setting?

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Call of Cthulhu we are getting a new release of the Starter Set. This will include updated booklets and handouts. This set also includes the solo adventure that will teach you the rules of the game in a choose-your-own-adventure style booklet. After the fulfillment of Call of Cthulhu Classic (which is actually second edition) this amazing digital restoration of Call of Cthulhu history should also be available.

Warner Bros. Discovery has removed the “comics” from the DC Comics website. Now the URL is simple DC.com. This may be a product of restructuring and streamlining the properties, but it may also be an indication of a future move where Warner Bros. Discovery holds the license and the comics are created elsewhere. That has always been the biggest difference between Marvel and DC comics. The DC characters all have identifiable and trademarked logos on their chests that probably make as much money in licensing as the comics ever did.

Cults3D has posted a statement about a takedown request they have received from Games Workshop. Cults is a 3D printing marketplace that sells user uploaded STL files and also offer a certain amount for free. 200 models were listed as violating trademarked IP with some of these possible being only filenames. Cults is working with the artists on the website to eliminate the offending names, logos or deigns so that they can be re-uloaded. They are also coming back at GW over the free models, saying that the constitute “fan art” and should be left alone. Cults shared the list of infringing terms that reinforces the GW strategy to de-Tolkien-ize their naming to make it legally defensible in situations exactly like this.

#lotr #tolkien #dcomice #cults3D

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