The Weekly Podcast no.317 – Warhammer PhD, Toon RPG Returns, Crack the Sun and Temeraire RPG

Posted on December 21, 2025 by upturnedtable

The Finnish Foundation for Economic Education awarded a student, Aase Timonen, roughly $30,000 to fund her doctoral research into “transmedia worldbuilding in massive game franchises,” using the Warhammer franchise as her focus. Her research, conducted at the Game Research Lab at Tampere University, will examine how the broad spread of media (miniatures, novels, rules, etc.) has shaped Warhammer’s development, its shift toward competitive play, and its increasing canonicity.

The classic 1984 Toon TTRPG is returning with a new 2nd Edition from Steve Jackson Games, slated for a Backerkit crowdfunding launch on December 17, 2025. Game designer Steve Jackson explains that the update, conceived at least four years prior, is being done because he likes the game and felt it was due. Key changes in the new edition include the simplification of character creation, the introduction of mnemonics, and a dramatic streamlining of the “Fall Down” mechanic to be based on missing three actions instead of three calendar minutes, eliminating clock-watching. The new edition will feature new art by Kyle Miller, all in color, and will be available in both hard and softcover.

Draw Steel: Crack the Sun is a crowdfunder by MCDM Productions, which has successfully raised over $1.8 million. The campaign aims to determine the future of the Draw Steel product line and includes seven new products for 2026. These include Encounters, a 350-page third core rulebook filled with pre-made scenarios, NPCs, and skill tests; Between Sun and Shadow, a dedicated ancestry book adding eight new playable species like Goblins and Shadow Elves; and The Beastheart, a new class with four subclasses and fourteen animal companions. The main product is Crack the Sun, the first official epic campaign for Draw Steel, which is a mega-adventure in five acts for 3rd through 8th level heroes, along with three other new shorter adventures including the high-octane anti-hero adventure, The Condemned.

The Temeraire RPG from Magpie Games is set to launch its crowdfunding campaign in “early 2026.” The role-playing game is based on Naomi Novik’s Temeraire alternate history fantasy series, which reimagines the Napoleonic Wars with an air force of sentient dragons and their human aviators. The game will focus on the dynamic between the dragon and its rider, incorporating elements of epic military battles, logistics, and supply lines, as well as “Regency era romance,” allowing players to take to the skies as both dragon and aviator while navigating the balance of duty and desire. The book series consists of nine novels, starting with His Majesty’s Dragon.

#warhammer #toonrpg #drawsteel #Temeraire

Toon RPG Second Edition:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/steve-jackson-games/toon-the-cartoon-roleplaying-game

Crack the Sun on Backerit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/mcdm-productions/draw-steel-crack-the-sun

Fallout RPG Sale:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/ja/product/366742/fallout-the-roleplaying-game-core-rulebook-pdf?affiliate_id=2081746

Free Guild Ball Starter Set:

https://steamforged.com/products/guild-ball-starter-kit

Warmachine on MyMiniFactory:

https://mmf.io/upturned

Mantic Companion App:

https://companion.manticgames.com/

Use our Referral code: MCTXEE

Support us by Shopping at Miniature Market (afilliate link):

https://miniature-market.sjv.io/K0yj7n

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):

https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:

https://hyvemynd.itch.io/

Jeremy’s Links:

http://www.abusecartoons.com/
http://www.rcharvey.com

Support Us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable

Give us a tip on our livestream:

https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip

Donate or give us a tip on Paypal:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2754JZFW2QZU4

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe

https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:46 — 53.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More

The Weekly LIVE 251- GURPS 4E Basic Sets, Lancer 2nd Printing New Cover, Actual Play Porn and Eldritch Automata

Posted on July 21, 2024 by upturnedtable

Steve Jackson Games is set to release two new GURPS 4E Basic Sets on August 7, 2024. These sets aim to provide players with the essential tools to learn and adapt the game to various settings. The first set, Basic Set: Characters, focuses on character creation and combat basics, retailing for $59.95. The second, Basic Set: Campaigns, offers guidance on story creation and setting development, retailing for $49.95. This release comes amidst financial challenges for Steve Jackson Games, which reported a decline in sales and a loss for the year. Despite this, the company remains optimistic, citing successes like strong sales of Car Wars 6th Edition and improved scheduling for 2024.

Massif has announced a second print run of the award-winning sci-fi RPG Lancer, now featuring new cover art by Peyton Gee. Lancer allows players to customize their own mechs with various components and abilities, blending tactical combat with innovative narrative elements. The new print run is available at local comic shops, bookstores, and online retailers, including a version with exclusive cover artwork from Massif. The core rulebook includes everything needed to play Lancer, from setting information to comprehensive rules and GM guidelines.

Rowan Zeoli’s article on Rascal News explores the recurring comparison between actual play (AP) and porn, suggesting both are performances of intimate experiences that can create unrealistic expectations. The discourse around this comparison is polarized, with some arguing it undermines the authenticity of both mediums, while others see it as a fundamental misunderstanding. The article delves into the broader cultural implications of this comparison and the challenges both mediums face in an increasingly competitive and scrutinized digital landscape.

Eldritch Automata, a new TTRPG inspired by Evangelion, Pacific Rim, and cosmic horror, has surpassed its funding goal on Kickstarter. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players pilot mechs called Automata to fight eldritch abominations. The game emphasizes narrative gameplay with simple mechanics, stress management, and interpersonal drama. Character creation is quick, offering over 140 unique combinations of pilot and Automata archetypes. The campaign includes stretch goals for expanded content and a deluxe edition core rulebook. Eldritch Automata aims to provide a rich and immersive experience, blending horror, action, and complex character dynamics.

#gurps #lancerprg #actualplay #eldritchautomata

Eldritch Automata on Backekit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/gehenna-gaming/eldritch-automata-action-horror-ttrpg

Order New Lancer Cover Art:

https://massifpress.com/shop

Rascal News:
https://www.rascal.news/rascal-pledge-drive-2024-goals-schedule-calendar/

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/review-dune-in-106781242

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/?partner=upturnedtable

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):