Planet Arcana is set to launch a Kickstarter campaign for their upcoming tabletop role-playing game, “A Fool’s Errand,” on October 22nd. The game features a unique combination of tarot card mechanics and a science fantasy setting.

The narrative of “A Fool’s Errand” is centered around an event known as the Big Oops, a major disaster that has shaped the game’s world. Players collaborate at the start to define the nature of this calamity and the roles played by the Major Arcana—tarot cards representing powerful entities within the game.

Character creation in “A Fool’s Errand” involves choosing between human or android lineages and selecting motivations linked to specific Major Arcana cards. These choices influence the characters’ abilities and their interactions with the Major Arcana throughout the game.

The gameplay incorporates tarot cards to determine outcomes and divine interventions. Major Arcana cards can alter events significantly, providing challenges and assistance to the players as they navigate the post-calamitous world.

Players explore a dual reality: the physical world and the Dream and Digital Networks, which represent a digital subconscious realm. The game emphasizes the impact of player decisions and tarot card draws on the unfolding narrative, allowing for a dynamic storytelling experience.

Materials to support game masters include pre-written adventure seeds and detailed character motivations, rooted in the game’s extensive lore. Themes of power, consequence, and balance are explored throughout the gameplay.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about “A Fool’s Errand,” further information is available on its Kickstarter page and on the official website.

The Kickstarter campaign for “Sentients,” a new tabletop RPG, is nearing its funding goal, with $7,912 pledged towards a $10,000 target and 10 days remaining until its closure on August 31. The game combines elements of science fiction with themes of liberation and existential identity.

Set in 2071, Sentients introduces players to a reimagined North America where “anthroids” — artificially intelligent androids — are integrated into various societal roles. These anthroids, initially non-conscious, begin to gain self-awareness, propelling them into a struggle for recognition and freedom within a society that views them as mere tools.

The game centers on these newly self-aware entities navigating through challenges and forming an underground resistance. The narrative is supported by Thumos, a secretive organization working towards Sentient rights, against a backdrop of diverse political landscapes from democratic city-states to corporate-dominated regions.

Gameplay involves a point-buy system for character creation, where players can select from various robotic components to define their character’s abilities. The system uses a d6 dice pool where success is measured by scoring “Marks” based on the rolls. Emotional states significantly influence gameplay, enhancing abilities or inducing stress.

The Kickstarter page details the game mechanics, including a character builder web app, emotional and stress mechanics, and combat systems that focus on managing power and strategic use of abilities.

Once funded, the “Sentients Core Rulebook” will provide all necessary materials to play the game, including gameplay rules, a detailed setting, gamemastering guidelines, NPCs, and several initial adventures.

As the funding deadline approaches, interested backers have the opportunity to support the campaign to bring this sci-fi tabletop RPG to fruition.

Kamis Kamiński, known for his recent nomination for a Golden Geek Award with Tiny Mini Golf, has shared his latest board game creation, “Tide & Tangle.” This new game invites players to step into the role of Californian sea otters navigating the shifting waves of the Pacific Ocean in search of sea treasures.

“Tide & Tangle” incorporates a dynamic modular board where wave tiles move to mimic the ocean’s unpredictable nature. Players must carefully time their moves to avoid powerful waves and the coast while deciding whether to dive deep for treasures or float and relax. The game emphasizes both strategic planning and the opportunity to cooperate with other players, enhancing its social play aspects.

The visuals of the game are crafted by Claire Lin, a California-based illustrator, whose colorful and playful artwork aims to bring the aquatic environment to life, matching the game’s lighthearted and engaging theme.

The game is designed to appeal to DIY enthusiasts, offering a print-and-play format that ensures easy accessibility and setup. “Tide & Tangle” supports 2-4 players and features gameplay that balances strategy with a push-your-luck mechanism, challenging players to make wise choices about where and when to dive.

Tide & Tangle is scheduled for a Kickstarter launch later this year. As the launch date approaches, interested parties can visit the game’s Kickstarter pre-launch page to be notified of the launch.

Extra Ordinary, a tabletop roleplaying game that allows players to embody children with supernatural abilities, is scheduled for a Kickstarter launch in March 2025. The game is designed by Kodi Gonzaga and illustrated by Stella Langecker, drawing on influences from well-known franchises such as “Maximum Ride” and “Percy Jackson.”

The game adopts a unique dice-less, GM-full mechanism that relies on tokens and players’ imagination to forge a narrative-driven and roleplay-intensive experience. It accommodates 3-7 players and is designed for both longform and one-shot play, providing flexibility in gameplay structure.

Extra Ordinary explores complex themes like homelessness, child endangerment, and abuse within a framework that combines elements of the ordinary and the extraordinary. The game settings, inspired by narratives like “The Goonies” and “X-Men,” offer a blend of adventure and supernatural challenges.

The game features fifteen character playbooks, allowing players to select from a variety of roles such as the hopeful “Fool” or the battle-hardened “Survivor.” The narrative structure is divided into six aspects: the Ordinary, the Extraordinary, the Danger, the Need, the System, and the Design, each contributing to the overarching story.

For those interested, a free playset is available for download at jaztice.itch.io. The game will be available in both print and digital formats, including a quickstart PDF for those looking to preview the game.

Head over to the Extra Ordinary Kickstarter page to get notified when the game launches.

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The Kickstarter campaign for “Entromancy: Definitive Edition” has recently launched, aiming to fund a cyberpunk fantasy tabletop role-playing game set in a futuristic San Francisco of the late 21st century.

In “Entromancy,” the game world is powered by a new element named ceridium, which has the unintended consequence of creating a new race of people and reviving several forms of magic. Players engage in a narrative-rich environment featuring espionage, spellcasting, and technology-driven action.

This edition consolidates the original “Entromancy: A Cyberpunk Fantasy RPG” and “Entromancy: The Orichite Age Omnibus” into a single package, enhancing the content with a new layout, a mini-comic, and the possibility of additional artwork, dependent on further funding achievements.

The gameplay structure of “Entromancy” utilizes the d20 system, adapting mechanics from the Fifth Edition of a widely recognized roleplaying framework, designed to accommodate both newcomers and experienced players with its streamlined yet deep gameplay mechanics.

Character options in “Entromancy” are diverse, allowing players to select from multiple races and classes, including unique roles like the Revolutionary and Technomancer. The game emphasizes faction-based dynamics, with players improving their standings within different factions, each influencing the game’s world, which is marked by population growth and socio-economic challenges.

Those interested in the “Entromancy” setting can access a Quick Start Guide available for download, providing an introduction to the game’s mechanics and world.

The “Entromancy: Definitive Edition” Kickstarter page offers more details for potential backers and fans interested in supporting the project.

In alignment with the 85th anniversary of the German invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of the Second World War, a new RPG sourcebook titled “Setting Europe Ablaze: The SOE Sourcebook” is set to be released. This book allows role-playing game enthusiasts to simulate the operations of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a covert British organization active during WWII.

Developed by military history and RPG author Russell Phillips, the sourcebook provides a flexible, system-neutral framework that caters to various role-playing systems. It focuses on the espionage and sabotage missions carried out by the SOE behind enemy lines, offering players a different perspective on WWII scenarios.

The title of the book, inspired by Winston Churchill’s directive to the SOE to “set Europe ablaze,” highlights the risky and impactful nature of the missions undertaken by SOE agents. These missions ranged from supporting civilian resistance groups to facilitating the escape of Allied servicemen.

Funding for the book’s publication was secured through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which exceeded its financial goal by 272%. Backers of the project gained early access to the sourcebook among other rewards.

The sourcebook “Setting Europe Ablaze” is now available for pre-order on major platforms like Amazon and Waterstones and will be released on DriveThruRPG starting September 1. Further details can be found on the author’s official website.

Archon Studio has recently announced a new tabletop wargame, Heroes of Might & Magic: Battles, designed in collaboration with industry veterans Jervis Johnson and Andy Chambers, along with Archon’s Jacek Karpowicz. This game aims to translate the strategic gameplay of the popular video game series Heroes of Might & Magic into a tabletop format.

Jervis Johnson, notable for his contributions to Warhammer 40k and Fantasy Battles, has developed the game’s unit activation rules which allow units with high morale to act swiftly, potentially altering the flow of the game. This introduces a strategic layer where positioning and timing are crucial.

Andy Chambers, who has a background in developing games such as Warhammer 40k and Starship Troopers, remarks on the effective collaboration and shared history in game design, noting that their combined experience brings a depth of understanding to this project.

Heroes of Might & Magic: Battles will feature highly detailed miniatures made from High Impact Polystyrene, emphasizing the game’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. These miniatures are designed to be collected and painted, enhancing the tactile experience of the tabletop game.

Pre-orders for Heroes of Might & Magic: Battles will begin next year.

Dice Dungeons has launched a Kickstarter campaign for “80’s Adventures,” a supplement for 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons, drawing inspiration from everyone’s favorite decade, the 1980s. 80’s Adventure introduces a series of new subclasses, magic items, and spells that capture the spirit of the decade.

Each class receives a new subclass that mirrors an iconic 1980s archetype, such as the Ghost Hunter Ranger, the Way of the Crane Monk, and the Relic Hunter Rogue.

In addition to character options, the project includes an assortment of magic items and spells that reflect the theme. Notable items include the Jacket of Membership and the Fanny Pack of Holding, alongside spells like “All night,” which conjures a night of revelry, and “Pressure,” which allows manipulation of physical structures.

The campaign also features five cinematic modules that draw inspiration from 1980s film genres, from horror to comedy. These modules, like “Curse of Garnet Lake” and “Caretaker’s Descent,” offer diverse adventures and are accompanied by detailed illustrations.

Game Masters will find new resources to help build immersive worlds and campaigns. The book provides pre-made locations and a collection of monsters inspired by 1980s cinema.

The Kickstarter campaign has reached $116,996 in pledges, exceeding its initial goal of $10,000, with the backing of 1,199 supporters. The campaign is set to conclude in 10 days on August 29.

In October, Pandasaurus Games is set to release three new board games, each offering different gameplay experiences to suit a variety of players. These games include a reprinted classic and two new titles, each featuring unique gameplay mechanics.

Finca: Classic Game Returns with New Features

Finca, known for its nomination for the 2009 Spiel des Jahres, is being reintroduced with updated artwork and revised gameplay. This game is designed for 2-5 players, suitable for ages 10 and up, with an average gameplay time of 45 minutes. Set on the island of Mallorca, players collect and deliver fruits using a mancala-like mechanic. The game discourages resource hoarding and includes two mini-expansions for advanced play.

Codis Naturalis: Strategic Card Layering Game

Codis Naturalis is designed for 1-4 players and offers a gameplay duration of 20-30 minutes. The game involves players assembling a manuscript of various forest species, using a card layering mechanic to manage the tableau of cards. It features a straightforward gameplay loop where players play a card and then draw another, aiming to reach 20 points. The game, priced at $19.95, won the 2021 Tric Trac de Bronze.

Boxtop Pinball: Haunted House: Innovative Tabletop Pinball

Boxtop Pinball: Haunted House transforms the game box into a pinball machine and is designed for 1-4 players with a quick playtime of 15 minutes per game. Players flick dice to score points by hitting targets within a haunted house theme. This game is intended for family play and is priced at $24.95.

Discord and Roll20 have introduced a new integration designed to simplify the initiation and management of tabletop games within Discord’s platform. This collaboration brings Roll20’s suite of virtual tabletop tools directly into Discord’s Activities, allowing users to launch and play games like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Cyberpunk RED without leaving the Discord environment.

With this integration, Discord users can seamlessly access Roll20’s tools including interactive maps, character sheets, simulated dice rolls, and drag-and-drop rulebooks by selecting Roll20 after clicking the Rocket Ship icon in a Voice Channel. This setup eliminates the need to switch between apps and facilitates direct login or signup options at first launch, providing a straightforward path to starting the game.

The collaboration supports a range of popular games and includes several free starter adventures to help new players begin without any initial investment.

More info can be found on the official Roll20 website.

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Creators behind some of the largest digital file campaigns on Kickstarter are preparing for their most ambitious project to date – a physical Modular Display System.

Crate3D, a design company known for its 3D printable products, has announced its upcoming Kickstarter campaign for the JudoGrid Modular Display System. Originally based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Crate3D relocated to a new office on Broadway in New York City after a series of successful Kickstarter campaigns. Now, settled in their new space, they are ready to launch their largest project yet.

The JudoGrid Modular Display System is designed to offer a customizable solution for displaying action figures, tabletop minifigures, and other collectibles. Its modular design allows users to create display cases of any size, expanding both horizontally and vertically to accommodate various shapes and sizes of collectibles.

This new venture builds on the success of the Omni 1, a 3D printable product that raised over $450,000 on Kickstarter in 2023 with 6,437 backers. Following this success, Crate3D received numerous requests for a physical version of their display system. In response, they assembled the JudoGrid team, which has spent the past year and a half developing and testing this new system. The result is a minimalist design with a variety of accessories to enhance functionality and versatility.

“Our digital file campaigns were much easier as the cost was just labor and testing. We now have molds, mass production, international shipping and a ton of bigger obstacles. A lot is riding on the success of this campaign,” said Austen Hartley, CEO of Crate3D.

Crate3D is in the process of finalizing patents, working with suppliers, receiving samples, and preparing marketing materials in anticipation of the campaign’s launch on September 10th, 2024. Drawing on their crowdfunding experience, they are optimistic about a successful launch and eager to deliver these display cases to collectors around the world.

Game Masters, there’s a new Kickstarter campaign that’s capturing the attention of the D&D community. Let the Games Begin by Ava’s Adventures is a compendium of 50 mini-games and challenges designed to enhance your D&D 5th Edition adventures. The project aims to provide a solution for GMs struggling to create unique encounters and engaging downtime activities.

Creating balanced gameplay with both intense dungeon crawls and moments of respite is crucial for maintaining a dynamic campaign. Ava’s Adventures recognized this challenge and developed Let the Games Begin to help GMs seamlessly integrate fun and varied gameplay.

The compendium includes games set in various contexts, from quirky tavern activities to epic tournament challenges. Each entry comes with a detailed overview and mechanics, making it easy for GMs to incorporate into their sessions. The games are designed to reflect different aspects of fantasy worlds, adding depth and variety to your campaign.

All artwork and designs in the book are created by talented artists, with no AI-generated content involved, ensuring an authentic and carefully crafted experience.

The Kickstarter campaign has already surpassed its funding goal, attracting over 270 backers. With three days remaining, there’s still time to support the project and secure a digital or softcover copy. As the campaign progresses, additional stretch goals promise even more content and enhancements.

Scott C. McDonald’s Wasteland Degenerates: Jumper Cable Edition is currently crowdfunding on Backerkit, having already surpassed its initial goal of $750 with over $6,555 pledged from 285 backers. With nine days remaining in the campaign, this 64-page zine introduces players to a post-apocalyptic world described as “Mad Max versus Cthulhu.” Combining advanced robotics with gasoline-guzzling chaos, the game captures the retro-futuristic essence of the late ’70s and ’80s, much like the Fallout series.

McDonald, who created this game after noticing a gap in the market for a post-apocalyptic ‘Borg-style game, draws heavily from the aesthetics of the Mörk Borg and Cy_Borg RPGs. Despite being new to self-publishing, McDonald brings 40 years of gaming experience to the table, complemented by his partnership with veteran artist and layout designer Matthew Myslinski and contributions from indie designer Ross Jeffrey and emerging artist Leo Buffalo. Notably, no AI was used in the game’s design.

The Jumper Cable Edition serves as an introduction and companion to a future 160-page hardcover edition, offering content that players can use immediately. It features detailed character creation, vehicular combat mechanics, and a richly imagined world where survival is fraught with danger. The game includes six character classes, each with unique abilities and backstories, and allows players to customize their vehicles for intense road battles, inspired by films like Mad Max: Fury Road. Skills and mutations add depth and unpredictability, while a variety of loot and gear enhance the post-apocalyptic experience.

The campaign offers multiple pledge levels, with early backers receiving exclusive rewards such as a double-sided poster paying homage to James M. Ward, creator of Gamma World. Stretch goals include accelerating production, creating additional monster content, and developing a random character and vehicle generator.

Scott C. McDonald’s solo RPG, Enter the Dismal Armory, is also available, providing a taste of the Wasteland Degenerates universe.

Loke BattleMats, known for their award-winning battle maps, is launching a new product: The Deck of Many Insults. This deck of 100 cards is designed to add a touch of humor and witty banter to your tabletop gaming sessions, both in character and out.

The Deck of Many Insults includes sharp observations and clever comebacks, providing players with a way to engage in verbal sparring. Bards, in particular, will find this deck useful for expanding their collection of vicious mocks.

The cards feature a variety of unflattering comparisons to well-known 5e monsters, along with remarks on the intellect, competence, and decision-making skills of friends and foes. Examples include:

• “Have you met mimics with more originality?”
• “I’d rather massage the haemorrhoids on a giant spider.”
• “Is your opponent the reason this tavern has to put instructions on the chairs?”

Designed for humorous interaction among friends, The Deck of Many Insults aims to start fun table banter. A basic understanding of anatomy might enhance the experience, but it is not required. The deck will be available from mid-July at local hobby stores and online retailers.

Free League Publishing has announced the release of “Art by Nohr,” a comprehensive art book by Swedish visual artist and graphic designer Johan Nohr. Known for his work in the tabletop roleplaying game industry, Nohr’s art book is now available in the Free League webshop.

“Art by Nohr” spans Nohr’s career from 2006 to 2023, featuring a wide range of his artwork. The collection includes pieces from popular games such as MÖRK BORG and CY_BORG, as well as various zines, unreleased game modules, and abandoned projects. The book also showcases quick doodles and sketches, providing a broad view of Nohr’s artistic evolution.

The book offers personal insights through annotations by Nohr, who shares his thoughts and comments on many of the artworks. Additionally, readers can see in-progress sketches and scrapped versions, offering a look into Nohr’s creative process.

“Art by Nohr” is notable for its size and weight, measuring 270×340mm and weighing over 2 kilograms. The 232 high-quality pages contain nearly 400 illustrations, presenting a comprehensive collection of Nohr’s work in the horror and fantasy genres.

“Art by Nohr” is available for purchase now in the Free League webshop.

Casual Game Insider magazine, a go-to source for news, reviews, and insights focused on casual board games, has launched its Kickstarter campaign for its 13th year. This campaign offers fans the chance to support the magazine while securing benefits such as exclusive deals on lifetime subscriptions and sponsor perks. Additionally, a PDF of the Summer 2024 issue is freely available during the campaign, providing a preview of the content readers can expect throughout the year.

Since 2012, Casual Game Insider has been a key resource for casual board game enthusiasts, offering beautifully designed, quarterly issues. The magazine focuses on light, easy-to-learn games and the people behind them, featuring exclusive interviews with designers and creators, coverage of conventions, informative reviews, and explorations into the board gaming hobby.

Each issue also includes a playable print-and-play game, ranging from roll-and-write games to microgames, catering to both solo and multiplayer experiences. This Kickstarter campaign aims to ensure that the magazine can continue delivering the content that has made it a valuable resource for the casual gaming community.

Supporters of the campaign can visit the Kickstarter page to access the free Summer 2024 issue and consider pledging their support. Highlights from the past year include insightful articles, eye-catching layouts, and compelling graphics, providing a comprehensive look at the world of casual board games.

R. Talsorian Games, in collaboration with CD Projekt Red, has announced that the new box set and starter kit for Cyberpunk RED, the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Mission Kit, is now available for pre-order. This highly anticipated release serves as both a standalone product and a new starter kit for the popular tabletop RPG, Cyberpunk RED.

The decision to offer pre-orders came after an overwhelming demand from the community, marking a first for R. Talsorian Games. The company expressed gratitude for the strong support and enthusiasm from fans.

The Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Mission Kit includes the Cyberpunk RED ruleset, ensuring compatibility with existing games. It provides detailed lore and backgrounds for Night City and the Edgerunners crew, along with new rules for quickhacks, power weapons, tech weapons, smart weapons, and various cyberware such as Gorilla Arms, Mantis Blades, and Monowire. One of the key features of the box set is “The Jacket,” a mission set after the finale of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime, offering an immersive narrative experience.

The kit offers an in-depth exploration of Night City during the time of Cyberpunk 2077, with contributions from Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith. It includes pre-made characters illustrated by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Director of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and provides comprehensive backgrounds for characters like David Martinez, Lucy, and Rebecca. Additionally, it features a timeline from the Time of the Red to the 2070s era and a map of Night City during the events of The Jacket.

“The Jacket” mission acts as a tribute to both the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime and Cyberpunk 2077, placing players in the period between the anime’s ending and the start of Cyberpunk 2077. The mission involves recovering stolen iconic gear, with players encountering both new and familiar characters, making critical choices that will shape the outcome.

Mantic Games has just announced their latest release: an expansive Firefight starter set that is being hailed as their best ever. This set, aimed at introducing players to the Warpath Universe, includes over 70 highly detailed hard plastic miniatures, a 224-page Command Protocols book, and various game-enhancing materials.

The new starter set immerses players in the tactical and action-packed tabletop game of Firefight, featuring the noble Asterians and the formidable Nightstalkers. Included in the set are detailed rules, force lists, a quick start guide, dice, and tokens, providing everything needed to begin playing immediately.

In this set, players will find a variety of miniatures to build their armies. The Asterians include Marionettes, Support Drones, Cyphers, Matsudan, and a Cypher Prime Leader. On the opposing side, the Nightstalkers feature Scarecrows or Spectres, Reapers, Butchers or Ravagers, and a Shade to lead them.

Cryptozoic has released the Flashpoint Crossover Pack for the DC Deck-Building Game. Priced at $24.99, this expansion is now available on their website. The pack introduces players to the Flashpoint comic book series, allowing them to play as Super Heroes from an alternate reality.

The Flashpoint Crossover Pack brings a new element to gameplay with the “Timeline-Up” feature. This second row of powerful cards can be purchased during the game, although they come with negative Victory Point (VP) values, adding a strategic challenge. Players can assume the roles of six oversized Flashpoint Super Heroes: The Flash, Cyborg, Batman, Green Lantern, Captain Thunder, and Superman. These characters are part of the resistance against the Amazonians, Atlanteans, and their allies, enhancing the narrative and engagement of the game.

For Kickstarter supporters, an exclusive edition of the Flashpoint Crossover Pack is available. This version includes unique packaging, foil oversized cards, and additional game cards, appealing to collectors and dedicated fans.

The pack contains a Hoppy promo card, six oversized Super Hero cards, 32 standard game cards, a rules card, and a multiverse divider. Kickstarter exclusives feature two oversized characters, four additional cards, and foil enhancements on all character cards, packaged in special packaging.

Archon Studio recently revealed that “Heroes of Might & Magic III: The Board Game” will be featured on Gamefound with three new expansions. This announcement follows a successful initial Kickstarter campaign that garnered support from nearly 27,000 backers, accumulating €3,834,885.

In response to high demand and the closure of the late pledge option post-Kickstarter, Archon Studio has opted to launch a subsequent campaign on Gamefound. This move aims to provide access to the original game along with the new expansions: Stronghold, Conflux, and Cove. These expansions are set to be released simultaneously, broadening the gameplay options for all backers.

Interested individuals can visit the campaign page early to secure a special “Crag Hack” bust, adding a unique item to their collection.

The expansions introduce diverse gameplay elements. Stronghold focuses on power and fortitude, Conflux emphasizes magic and elemental control, and Cove brings navigation and tactical maritime engagements. Additionally, the gameplay will feature new mechanics such as underground areas accessible through specific passages, and portals that facilitate rapid movement across the map.

The team at Archon Studio shared their personal connections to the game, which has influenced their development approach. Michał Tukan, the project manager, noted his longstanding engagement with the game dating back to his first computer in 2000. Alex Kubiak, responsible for solo campaigns, discussed the challenges and rewards of crafting a narrative that remains true to the original game’s essence. Kamil Białkowski, expressing his enduring passion for the series, highlighted the importance of community support in maintaining the game’s relevance.