Posts

Identity Politics and Dungeons&Dragons

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For those of us who have been rolling dice since the days when THAC0 was a thing, the changes in D&D 5.5 feel like a strange shift in priorities. Wizards of the Coast has replaced the term “race” with “species,” revamped ability scores to be completely customizable, and pushed for more real-world representation within the game’s lore. The stated goal is to be more inclusive, to give players more freedom in character creation, and to remove “problematic” elements. But let’s be honest—D&D has always been inclusive. The idea that the game was somehow restricting people from telling the stories they wanted is revisionist nonsense. When we talk about orcs, elves, gnomes, and dwarves, we’re not talking about human ethnicities—we’re talking about wildly different fantasy beings with distinct physiologies, cultures, and in many cases, entire cosmological origins. Comparing a towering, brutish orc to a nimble, crafty gnome isn’t about skin color; it’s about fundamentally different speci...

City of Heroes TTRPG: A Fresh Spin on Superhero Role-Playing

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If you’ve ever wanted to run your own superhero campaign, then the City of Heroes tabletop RPG is definitely something you should check out. It’s an exciting and dynamic game that brings the vibrant world of superheroes to the tabletop, combining fast-paced action with deep, narrative-driven gameplay. In City of Heroes , players step into the shoes of larger-than-life superheroes, navigating the crime-ridden streets of Paragon City, fighting supervillains, uncovering dark conspiracies, and dealing with personal challenges that come with living in a world of extraordinary powers. The game lets you create a unique hero from scratch, selecting your powers, origins, and the story that shapes your character. One of the best aspects of the system is its flexibility. Whether you want to play a mighty brute with earth-shaking strength, a nimble speedster, or a mysterious hero who manipulates the elements, the character creation system offers tons of options. You can make a hero that fits your...

Vampire: The Masquerade – In Memoriam & Digital Expansion: What You Need to Know

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If you’re running a Vampire: The Masquerade game, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Whether you love diving deep into character backstories or want smoother digital tools for your sessions, there’s a lot to look forward to. Two major updates are on the horizon: the upcoming In Memoriam sourcebook and Alchemy's expanded support for VTM . Let’s break down what these mean for your chronicles. Set to release in May 2025 , In Memoriam is all about diving into your characters' histories and reliving their defining moments. If you've ever wanted to play through your Kindred's past—rather than just writing a backstory and leaving it at that—this book is for you. What’s in the Book? Expanded Rules for Ancillae : Many games focus on neonates and elders, but Ancillae (Kindred who’ve been undead for over a century but aren’t ancient yet) often fall through the cracks. This book gives them more mechanical weight and narrative depth. Memoriam System Enhancements : The ...

Don't Miss Out on La Notte Eterna 5e—A Truly Unique Setting for Your Table

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Hey fellow adventurers, I just wanted to share something special with you. The La Notte Eterna 5e BackerKit preorder store is closing on February 28, 2025 , and if you're into dark fantasy, rich lore, and fresh mechanics for D&D 5e, this is something you’ll want to check out. You can find all the details here: lanotteterna.backerkit.com Why La Notte Eterna 5e Stands Out After a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign that raised €82k , this setting has built a growing community of players who are diving deep into its world. I’ve been following it for a while, and what really sets it apart is how it blends an epic, immersive world with mechanics that make 5e feel fresh again. Innovative Mechanics That Change the Game New races, subclasses, and backgrounds designed for a world of perpetual darkness A magic system that introduces exciting new spellcasting options World events like celestial meteors that can change the course of a campaign Balanced challenges for all levels , ...

:Otherscape – A Cyberpunk Mythic TTRPG from the Creators of City of Mist

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:Otherscape is an innovative TTRPG that seamlessly blends cyberpunk aesthetics with mythic fantasy elements. Developed by Son of Oak Game Studio , the creators of the acclaimed City of Mist RPG, :Otherscape transports players into a dystopian future where ancient legends resurface amidst advanced technology and societal decay. In the world of :Otherscape, humanity's relentless technological advancement and the pervasive "Noise" of modern life have led to a profound numbness and apathy. This desensitization has weakened the barriers between the mundane and the mythical, allowing spirits of ancient myths and legends to manifest freely in the physical world. These awakened entities, bound to objects, places, and rituals, now vie for influence and control in a society teetering on the brink. Building upon the narrative-driven mechanics of City of Mist, :Otherscape introduces a streamlined game engine designed for fast-paced cyberpunk action. Players assume the roles of mercen...

Dernière Lune: A Dark Fantasy TTRPG Forged in Passion and Perseverance

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If you’ve ever tried to bring a TTRPG to life—let alone launch one on Kickstarter—you know the sheer blood, sweat, and sleepless nights it takes. From balancing mechanics to world-building to funding, it’s a monumental task. So when a project like Dernière Lune (DL) comes along, with 20+ years of relentless passion, a thriving community, and a fully realized dark fantasy world, you sit up and pay attention. Dernière Lune didn’t just materialize overnight. This heroic fantasy meets sword-punk universe started in the early 2000s in the south of France, first captivating players through live-action role-playing (LARP). Hundreds of participants took on the roles of war-weary survivors, braving the grim world of Dernière Lune across intense, story-driven weekends that left a lasting mark on its creators. The LARP campaigns—like The Scourge, Hystéria’s Ashes, and Tarkan’s Gates —weren’t just fun weekend distractions; they were immersive sagas that tested friendships, alliances, and surviv...

Call of Cthulhu RPG Updates: New Campaigns, Solo Adventures & Recognition in ENNIE Awards

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The Call of Cthulhu tabletop role-playing game (RPG) continues to captivate enthusiasts with its immersive storytelling and atmospheric depth. Recent developments have further enriched the game's universe, offering both new and seasoned players fresh content to explore. In 2025, Chaosium is set to release "The Sutra of Pale Leaves - Twin Suns Rising," a new campaign that transports players to 1980s Japan. This era, characterized by its economic boom and cultural shifts, serves as the backdrop for a narrative centered around the resurfacing of the ancient Sutra of Pale Leaves. Players will navigate a world of excess and mystery, encountering the enigmatic King in Yellow as they delve into this intricate storyline. Adding to the excitement, "No Time to Scream" has been unveiled, featuring three concise scenarios designed for sessions lasting around two hours. Each narrative plunges players into unique mysteries, ensuring intense and memorable experiences that c...