Maggot Machine is a new RPG from Nightfall Games, featuring a rules-light system called V6, set in a world of lost technology and mutated monsters. Written by Dave Allsop, the game offers a blend of weirdness and wonder. The quickstart guide provides an introduction to the system, including character stats, combat mechanics, and a scenario to start playing quickly. The game’s setting is a post-apocalyptic world where Guild Knights venture into dangerous territories to retrieve forgotten treasures. The game is available as a hardback book with 128 full-color pages.

Monolith gains the intellectual property rights of Rackham, potentially reviving old games like Confrontation and AT-43. This decision was made by the Paris Commercial Court and clarifies ownership of the Rackham IPs. Previously, Monolith gained the rights to the Conan The Barbarian RPG. 

Kickstarter introduces a new feature allowing creators to collect money indefinitely after their campaigns end, similar to Indiegogo’s “forever funding” model. This is similar to what companies have been doing off-site or in pledge manager with late pledges.

Cynthia Williams, President of Wizards of the Coast, resigns, leaving the company to search for her successor. Is this the Chance Kyle Brink has been waiting for?

Adventure Time’s official tabletop RPG is launching with a 5E version first, with plans for a later release of the original ‘Yes And’ system developed by Forever Stoked. The campaign is live on Kickstarter and we will have to wait and see if both systems will be published. 

Maggot Machine

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/470848

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Magpie Games has curated a bundle featuring some of their top titles, including Avatar Legends RPG and Root: the Roleplaying Game. Players can immerse themselves in the worlds of Avatar: The Last Airbender or the woodlands of Root, among other captivating settings. The bundle offers a diverse selection of RPG experiences, from rewriting Shakespearean roles to surviving in a grim folktale-inspired adventure. By purchasing the bundle, gamers not only gain access to 30 books and supplements but also contribute to the Child’s Play Charity, which provides video games and systems to children in hospitals worldwide.

Mystic Punks RPG transports players to a gritty world on the brink of apocalypse, where magical punks battle vengeful ghosts, eldritch gods, and other supernatural threats. With a blend of B-movie horrors and rebellious teen culture, the game offers players the chance to wield magical abilities and relic weapons against encroaching darkness. The newly released core rulebook, crowdfunded on Kickstarter, expands upon the original solo RPG with campaign builders, additional monsters, and guidance for creating intrigue and mystery within the setting.

Warhammer: Age of Sigmar announces a new edition slated for summer 2024, introducing the arrival of the Skaven and a revamped ruleset. Alongside a cinematic trailer showcasing the Stormcast Eternals and the Vermindoom event, Games Workshop promises a complete overhaul of the core rules, focusing on streamlining, accessibility, and tactical depth. The update includes changes such as melee weapon ranges being replaced with a combat range of 3″, and the introduction of Spearhead, a new gameplay format aimed at faster, faction-supported battles. Additionally, Universal Special Rules and card-based objectives aim to enhance gameplay variety and strategy.

Hasbro’s CEO Chris Cocks reveals plans to integrate AI into the company’s products, focusing on gaming experiences. Despite past controversies surrounding AI in art, Hasbro aims to use it ethically. Cocks discusses the potential of AI in enhancing gameplay and creating new experiences, emphasizing the need for responsible use and respect for creators’ work. Meanwhile, Cairn, a tabletop RPG, launches a Kickstarter campaign for its second edition, offering a more detailed and expanded game system with new books, adventures, and artwork. The game maintains its old-school charm while providing players with rich storytelling and character creation options. The campaign includes various pledge tiers for both digital and physical copies of the game and its components.

Cairn, a super-lightweight RPG, is launching its second edition with a Kickstarter campaign. The new edition aims to expand on the original concept by providing more depth and content. It features a boxed set including three books: an expanded Player’s Guide offering 700 possible character combinations, a Warden’s Guide with detailed world information, and an adventure called “Trouble in Twin Lakes.” The game prioritizes player knowledge and problem-solving over combat prowess, reminiscent of other old-school RPGs like Knave and Into the Odd. The Kickstarter campaign offers various pledge tiers, including digital and physical options. The project involves a team of editors, artists, and designers to enhance the game’s quality and presentation. Additionally, stretch goals include more adventures and gaming accessories like a Warden’s Screen and Character Sheet Pad.

#magpiegames #mysticpunks #ageofsigmar #cairnrpg #hasbro 

Cairn Second Edition Campaign:

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Wizards of the Coast is working on a revision of the 5th edition of D&D, initially referred to as One D&D and later as the 2024 revision. However, the release of the Monster Manual, the final book in the revised rulebooks, is delayed until February 18, 2025, a year after the game’s 51st anniversary. The Player’s Handbook (2024) is expected to release on September 17, 2024, followed by the Dungeon Master’s Guide on November 12, 2024, and the Monster Manual on February 18, 2025. Two new adventures for D&D: “Vecna: Eve of Ruin” and “Quests from the Infinite Staircase,” offering diverse settings and challenges will also be released this year. A history book titled “The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977” by Jon Peterson is set to release on June 18, 2024. The 3D virtual tabletop for D&D, aiming to enhance the gaming experiences also due some time this year. Additional products, including footwear and apparel from Converse, an official LEGO IDEAS building set, and treats from Pop-Tarts. 

A new sci-fi wargame called “Epic Warpath” by Mantic Games is introduced, drawing inspiration from the classic Epic 40k and involving tiny miniatures in large-scale battles. The Kickstarter campaign is now live and is only running for 15 days. Four Warpath army factions are included with the possibility of unlocking two more as Stretch Goals.

Comedian Sarah Silverman and other authors filed a copyright case against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT pirated their work. The court partially dismissed some claims, but the main complaint of direct copyright infringement remains. This is one of several copyright lawsuits Open AI is facing including suits from John Grisham, George R.R. Martin and The New York Times.

Goodman Games is running a crowdfunding campaign for Adventures On the Purple Planet, offering various DCC RPG products, including a hardcover compilation, dice sets, accessories, and more. This campaign is on Backerkit and is a hardcover volume including all the contents of the previously released Purple Planet boxed set. Seven publishers are also contributing to this campaign and the more campaigns you support the more you can save as well as getting a free 3d6 dice set.

#DnD #epicwarpath #mantic #openAI #purpleplanet

Purple Planet on Backerkit’
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Hasbro, the owner of Dungeons & Dragons, is reportedly in talks with Tencent for various rights, including electronic game adaptations. The report suggests a potential sale of the Dungeons & Dragons IP, but there are conflicting details. The success of Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 might have influenced Tencent’s interest in investing in similar projects.

Mythic Games, a crowdfunding-focused board game publisher, faced financial woes and outsourced its remaining projects to CMON. HEL: The Last Saga and Anastyr were sold to CMON due to challenges in completing the projects without additional funding from backers. The backlash from Kickstarter backers, the death threats received by Mythic Games’ co-founders, and the future of the company are all part of the difficulty.

Duncan Jones is working on an animated Rogue Trooper film based on the 2000AD comic strip, using Unreal Engine 5 for animation. The film has finished principal photography, and it is a collaboration between Rebellion, Liberty Films, and Treehouse Digital. A star-studded cast includes Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell, Daryl McCormack, Matt Berry, Sean Bean, and Diane Morgan.

A report from Tabletop Analytics indicates a decline in Kickstarter funding for tabletop games in 2023 for the second consecutive year. The data suggests a 30% decrease in earnings for individual tabletop creators compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019. Kickstarter has not publicly disclosed its data for the first time in almost a decade, and the decline is attributed to factors like crowdfunding fatigue and increased competition. The importance of community management tools and concerns about Kickstarter’s permissive stance on AI generative art are highlighted.

#tencentl #CMON #roguetrooper #kickstarter

Game Jam for Jennel Jaquays:
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Bryan Ansell, considered the grandfather of Warhammer, has passed away at the age of 68. Ansell played a significant role in transforming Games Workshop from a hobby game retailer to a miniature wargame manufacturer, with Warhammer becoming a central focus. Ansell co-founded Asgard Miniatures in 1976, which caught the attention of Games Workshop founders. In collaboration, Citadel Miniatures was established in 1978, becoming a profitable part of Games Workshop. Ansell’s leadership saw a shift towards the production and sale of miniatures, and Warhammer Fantasy Battle, co-authored by Ansell, played a crucial role in this transformation. Ansell bought out Games Workshop founders in 1985 and remained involved in the wargames industry. He started Wargames Foundry in 1983, a separate miniature manufacturer. Ansell stayed connected with the ‘Oldhammer’ community until his passing.

Jennell Jaquays, a significant figure in the development of Dungeons & Dragons and the tabletop roleplaying game industry, has passed away at the age of 68. Known for her contributions to games like Dark Tower and Caverns of Thracia, she worked as a game designer and artist, creating RPG covers, including Dragon Mountain. Jaquays was associated with TSR, Judges Guild, Chaosium, and various video game companies, contributing to titles like Quake and Age of Empires. Beyond her professional achievements, she was an activist for trans rights and played a crucial role in legislative changes as the creative director for the Transgender Human Rights Institute. Her recent years were marked by struggles with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The industry mourns the loss of this legendary figure, remembering her impact on both gaming and the advocacy for trans rights.

Mantic Games, developers of Kings of War, will partner with 343 Industries to create a new Halo tabletop miniatures game based on the Halo videogame franchise, set to launch in September 2024. The game will feature 40mm Spartan miniatures and will be suitable for both newcomers and veterans.There will be no crowdfunding campaign as the game is going direct to market.

Wizards of the Coast and AI: Wizards of the Coast (WotC) denies using AI in recent Magic: The Gathering images, emphasizing that the art was created by humans. The denial follows accusations from fans who believed AI was involved in a promotional image. WotC acknowledges the need for better transparency and disclosure regarding AI use in creative processes. Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft: The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, claiming the unauthorized use of millions of its articles to train large language models. The lawsuit seeks damages in the billions of dollars, alleging systematic and competitive infringement. Wacom and Wizards of the Coast Controversy: Wacom and Wizards of the Coast face criticism for allegedly using AI-generated images in their recent ad campaigns. Artists accuse Wacom of using AI in a dragon illustration, and Wizards of the Coast issued an apology for using AI-generated elements in an ad. The controversies raise concerns about the impact on creative professions and trust in companies within the creative community.

A D&D historian and writer, Ben Riggs, claims that the Golden Age of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) is coming to an end. Riggs argues that the peak, brought in by the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) in the 2010s, is declining due to the aftermath of the Open Gaming License (OGL) controversy. He suggests that the emergence of new RPG systems, while successful in crowdfunding, is a sign that the industry has peaked rather than grown. Riggs predicts that the upcoming 6th edition of D&D may not match the success of its predecessor, leading to layoffs at Wizards of the Coast. He contends that the diversification of RPG systems will result in a fractured community, making it harder for businesses to thrive. Riggs draws parallels with the 1990s, citing TSR’s downfall due to splitting the fan base among various settings. Criticism of Riggs’ viewpoint comes from D&D Twitter, with some arguing against his D&D-centric perspective and pointing out inaccuracies in his claims. Despite Riggs’ warnings, TTRPG creators seem undeterred, with figures like Matt Colville dismissing the idea of a decline, suggesting that the so-called Golden Age was primarily beneficial for investors and D&D’s owners. Riggs concludes with predictions of a less successful 6th edition, decreased crowdfunding success for TTRPGs, plateauing attendance at gaming conventions, and a less diverse and interesting TTRPG landscape, unless significant changes occur in the industry.

#BryanAnsel #JennellJaquays #mantic #AIart

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Is one neverending Dungeons and Dragons edition a mistake?

We take a look at 2023 in all its WotC bashing, OGL mishap glory!

Plus the final Brinkwatch of 2023!

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Demetrious Polychron, author of “The Fellowship of the King,” lost a lawsuit against Amazon and JRR Tolkien’s estate, claiming infringement on his Lord of the Rings fanfic. Polychron demanded $250 million but now owes $134,000 in legal fees to the Tolkien Estate. The court ruled that Polychron’s book infringed upon Amazon’s Rings of Power series. The judge described Polychron’s lawsuit as “frivolous and unreasonably filed.”

Black Site Studios released a new edition of the Horror miniatures game, Don’t Look Back, featuring updates, revamped mechanics, and new characters. The edition includes bonus rules for Vehicles and Companions, incorporating previous expansions. The set includes 32mm resin miniatures and a new Core Rulebook.

Amazon Studios secured global rights to Warhammer 40,000, with Henry Cavill set to star and executive produce multiple projects. The deal covers series, films, and more. Cavill, a high-profile Warhammer fan, expressed excitement, and Amazon plans to work with Games Workshop and Vertigo Entertainment. The announcement follows Cavill’s involvement in various upcoming projects. Games Workshop announced a £2,500 end-of-year bonus for all employees as part of its 2023 profit share scheme. This comes after the release of Warhammer 40,000’s 10th Edition ruleset and the Leviathan box set. Additionally, Warhammer: The Old World is set to receive a robust reboot in 2024.

Wizards of the Coast denied claims that generative AI was used in artwork teasing the 2024 core rulebooks. Responding to social media allegations, the company stated that no generative AI was used, consistent with their artist guidelines. The artist, Nestor Ossandón, defended the process, sharing early sketches and work-in-progress versions. Concerns over AI-created artwork in the industry were raised following recent layoffs at Hasbro.

Nightfall Games discovered that artwork for Terminator 2 and RESIST on Kickstarter had AI-generated elements, identified as resembling the ‘Midjourney’ AI art generator. The company expressed disappointment, stating AI art is theft, and vowed to fix the issue. They are working with external artists to ensure AI-free art and implementing checks before payment and acceptance. The team thanked backers for their support.

#blacksitestudios #henrycavill #jrrtolkien #nightfallgames

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The upcoming Revised Player’s Handbook for Dungeons & Dragons is set to be released in 2024. The new handbook will be the largest ever, featuring more pages and 48 subclasses (four for each of the 12 classes), along with new spells, feats, and weapon rules. Notably, the backgrounds will now impact a character’s starting ability scores and provide a special feat at first level. The Revised edition is designed to be compatible with the current fifth edition material, allowing players to use it alongside existing products. There will also be an upcoming Revised editions of the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual in 2024, providing a campaign setting, adventures, and over 500 monsters, including new creatures and tweaked versions of familiar ones. Additionally, it highlights other D&D books expected in 2024, such as updated classic dungeon crawls, an anthology called “Quests from the Infinite Staircase,” and an all-new adventure called “Vecna: Eve of Ruin,” featuring the return of the iconic villain. These releases coincide with the 50th anniversary of D&D’s publication and the Year of the Dragon in 2024.

Hasbro, the parent company of Wizards of the Coast (WotC), has announced layoffs of 1,100 employees, in addition to the previously downsized 800, just before the holidays. This decision is part of Hasbro’s strategic transformation to modernize and streamline its organization, citing challenging market conditions in the toy industry. Despite record years for Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, the restructuring aims to refocus Hasbro on “fewer, bigger, better brands.” The layoffs include various roles, such as game designers and art directors, sparking criticism for the disparity between the company’s success and the job cuts. Wizards of the Coast’s upcoming releases for 2024, including Dungeons & Dragons’ 50th-anniversary celebration, remain unaffected. The move is part of Hasbro’s broader effort to optimize costs and reshape its organization. Critics question the company’s priorities, emphasizing CEO Chris Cocks’ substantial compensation and raising concerns about the impact on game development and support.

Talsorian Games has revealed the upcoming release of “Shadow Scar,” an anime-inspired RPG scheduled for 2024. Created by Cody Pondsmith, lead designer of The Witcher RPG and co-designer of Cyberpunk RED, the game revolves around the Shadow Scar Agency, a covert group of ninja defending multiple dimensions from interdimensional monsters. Drawing inspiration from anime series like Naruto and Demon Slayer, the game features a diverse range of dimensions, each influenced by Japanese folklore, pulp noir, steampunk, and alternate history. The unique character creation draws from six shinobi clans, resembling the monster-hunting schools in The Witcher. The game introduces a new d6-based system called Mosaic, designed for a quicker and lighter gaming experience compared to the Interlock system. Cultural consultants are being consulted for the Japanese setting to ensure an authentic portrayal. The release is anticipated in 2024, starting with a Starter Set and followed by a full launch line, including the core rulebook, miniatures, and accessories.

Free League Publishing has announced a new campaign book for Alien: The Roleplaying Game called “Building Better Worlds.” Set in the Alien universe, the campaign involves exploring a moon turned into a colony, facing calamities and mysteries. The $47 book is available for pre-order and is set to be released digitally and physically on January 16, 2024. The campaign includes new characters, gear, ships, and alien species, offering an expanded experience for players. The campaign book aims to provide tools for running a full open-world campaign within the Alien RPG universe, featuring exploration, colonization, and encounters with extraterrestrial creatures.

#hasbro #dnd #alienrpg #shadowscar

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Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), is delaying the shipment of its physical release, The Deck of Many Things, due to defects in the product. The defects include issues with the shape of the cards, tight paper bands damaging the foil on the cards, and size discrepancies among the cards. The publisher intends to re-manufacture and re-distribute copies without these issues and is suspending the initial ship date.The specific defects in the cards and how they impact gameplay. Wizards of the Coast remains confident that pre-order customers may still receive their orders before the end of 2023, but inspection and replacement will take time. These issues are not related to a cost-saving strategy but could be due to using paper packaging instead of non-biodegradable plastic wrapping. The publisher’s effort to reduce plastic waste in packaging might have led to some of the problems.

The Army Painter has introduced a new line of paints called Warpaints Fanatic, which has been in development for four years. This line includes 216 new paints, featuring eight reformulated skin tones, reformulated metallics, 18 effects paints, and a wash line with 18 colors. The paints are designed to have excellent coverage, making them suitable for professional painters and tabletop gamers. They incorporated feedback from various painters to ensure the quality of the paints. The Fanatic paints also use significantly more pigment (300%-700% more) without sacrificing coverage, thanks to the addition of a stabilizer. The paints come in a flexible six-color triad system for versatility and are color-matched to The Army Painter’s existing line of sprays and air paints. The line includes mixing balls, and the paint bottles indicate their triad set and actual color on the side. The Fanatic paints will be available for pre-order in various sets starting in early 2024.

Jennell Jaquays is an American game designer, video game artist, and illustrator known for her contributions to tabletop role-playing games, video games, and fantasy art. Throughout her career, Jaquays has made significant contributions to RPG adventures, video games, and art, earning recognition for her work. She has also played a role in game development education through her involvement in establishing the Guildhall at SMU. Unfortunately, she has faced health challenges, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. A fundraiser has been organized to support her in covering the substantial medical costs associated with her treatment and recovery. Jaquays’ career has been marked by creativity and contributions to the gaming industry, and her supporters are coming together to assist her during her time of need.

Forbidden Psalm: The End Times Edition is the ultimate version of the Forbidden Psalm tabletop miniatures game. It combines the Core Book and the In the Footsteps of the Mad Wizard expansion into a single comprehensive edition. The game is compatible with the MÖRK BORG TTRPG and is designed for 28mm miniatures. It allows players to use their existing miniatures or create custom ones with random tables provided. The game offers solo play and cooperative rules, with unique warband members generated by random generators. Players recruit a warband of five members to undertake missions for Vriprix the Mad Wizard, facing rivals, monsters, and dangerous relics in their quest. The game is known for its disposable warband members who can suffer injuries, flaws, and wield dark magic. The End Times Edition includes new content, art, and lore, offering 25 scenarios for players to explore. While the core rules remain the same, this edition provides a better design, rules clarification, and combines the Mad Wizard expansion into the Core Book. It comes in hardcover or softcover versions, with the hardcover edition exclusively available through this Kickstarter. Additionally, mini-expansions from Forbidden Psalm are collected into a new edition, featuring over 20 scenarios, horrors, new weapons, and more. This softcover book is expected to be 80-100 pages long.

Mantic Games, a well-known miniature wargame studio, is set to launch a Kickstarter campaign in 2024 for an “epic-scale” Warpath game. Initially conceived as a larger version of Firefight, Warpath aimed to support sprawling battles with numerous vehicles. However, the concept evolved to focus on smaller-scale battles, allowing players to field massive armies. The game’s development has involved considerations like starting factions, materials, and rules. Mantic Games engaged with fans to gauge interest and found substantial enthusiasm for the Warpath universe at a smaller scale. Fans can follow the Kickstarter campaign page for updates, and Mantic Games has a track record of successful projects, making this new Warpath game an exciting prospect for enthusiasts of smaller-scale wargames.

Tom Bloom, the creator of the webcomic “Kill Six Billion Demons” and the mech TTRPG “Lancer,” has developed a new wargame called Magnagothica: Maleghast. It features a gothic, punk, and heavy metal theme set in a city where death is broken, and the dead return. The game is designed for virtual tabletop play and includes tactical necromancer action. The game is designed for two to four players and uses a square grid for gameplay. Players control a group called a Black Mass, which includes a Necromancer and minions. There are six different factions in the game, each with its own unique style and soundtrack. Tom Bloom created the game, including the design, layout, writing, and artwork, in a short time frame, and he hopes players will enjoy it.

Help Jennel Jaquays:

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Forbidden Psalm: End Times Edition:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/impioussaint/forbidden-psalm-end-times-edition

Magnagothica: Maleghast on Itch.io:

https://tombloom.itch.io/magnagothica-maleghast

Mantic Warpath Epic:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manticgames/warpath-the-game-of-epic-scale-sci-fi-warfare

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The increasing use of AI in the creative industry, particularly in the field of digital art. It highlights a case where an advertising company considered using AI tools instead of hiring an experienced artist. The article raises concerns about the impact of AI on artists’ livelihoods and suggests that art may become a hobby for the wealthy rather than a profession. The BBC also outlines its principles for using generative AI in journalism, focusing on transparency and respecting artists’ rights. Getty Images CEO claims to have developed an AI tool that respects artists’ copyrights and rewards them for their work.

The possibility of removing the Druid and Shaman creature types from the game Magic: The Gathering (MTG) due to their association with real-world religions that practice druidism and shamanism has come up on a designer’s blog. The head designer of MTG, Mark Rosewater, hinted at the potential removal in response to a question about the exclusion of the “witch” creature type. Wizards of the Coast, the company behind MTG, has been actively removing content to avoid accusations of racism and intolerance. Some players argue that the representation of druids and shamans in the game provides balance against Christian symbolism, and they express a desire to keep these creature types. However, there are no plans to remove angels or demons from the game at this time.

Dark Horse Comics and Massif Press are collaborating to release the LANCER Tabletop Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook. Originally funded on Kickstarter with over $400,000, the game is set in a far-future science fiction world where players pilot unique mechs. The rulebook, set to be released on June 11, 2024, features a deep and story-rich setting with lore attached to every choice and weapon. Preorders are available for $59.99 through various retailers.

The second edition of Alkemy, a 28mm tabletop skirmish game with unique rules such as guessing the range for ranged attacks and models becoming less effective as they take damage, is currently crowdfunding. Despite changing hands multiple times over the past 10-15 years, the game has a strong cult following in France and is attempting to break into the English-speaking market once again.

Free League has announced the upcoming release of a bestiary for their recently released fantasy RPG, Dragonbane. The book includes 63 creatures, nine of which are new playable kin with unique abilities, and is available for pre-order in standard and premium collector’s editions with immediate PDF access. The full-color hardcover book is illustrated by Johan Egerkrans and David Brasgalla. A complete cardboard standee set for the creatures in the bestiary will also be available separately. Additionally, Free League will release a hardback version of the Dragonbane rulebook with an added introductory adventure. Dragonbane is a fast-paced tabletop RPG designed for mirth and mayhem roleplaying, and players are invited to design and publish their own supplements using the third-party license for the game.

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Alkemy 2E on Kickstarter:
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