The Weekly LIVE 266 – Sony to Buy Kadokawa, New Grimdark , Household Volume II and Elf Creek Games

Posted on November 25, 2024 by upturnedtable_sx8obi

Sony is reportedly in talks to acquire Kadokawa, a Japanese media conglomerate with interests in publishing, anime, gaming, and more. If successful, this deal could have far-reaching implications, particularly in the tabletop gaming and anime industries. Kadokawa owns FromSoftware, the acclaimed studio behind Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Bloodborne, but its portfolio extends far beyond gaming. Kadokawa also publishes light novels, manga, and anime, with ties to international distributors. The deal might provide Kadokawa’s tabletop sector—bolstered by its recent acquisition of Arclight, a prominent Japanese tabletop company—with stronger global opportunities. Sony’s potential purchase of Kadokawa has sparked concerns about a monopoly in the anime industry.

Thomas Elliott, a former Games Workshop artist known for his work on Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar, is developing Eskaton, an original grimdark science fiction setting. After five years at Games Workshop, Elliott transitioned to freelance work in 2023 to focus on this passion project, a decade in the making. Eskaton explores a universe where space travel is fragmented, technology has stagnated, and human colonies evolve in isolation. The setting’s rich narrative includes dystopian worlds, such as Neo-plasia, where massive mining facilities and totalitarian regimes dominate.Key elements of Eskaton include the Agori—towering cyborg warriors—and a dark, expansive sandbox for storytelling. Elliott plans to release Eskaton as a series of art books and miniatures, starting with Neo-plasia, while collaborating on a skirmish game. Inspired by the success of indie wargames like Trench Crusade, Elliott hopes Eskaton will offer a fresh take on grimdark aesthetics, providing an alternative to well-worn franchises.

Household Volume II expands the imaginative universe of the ENNIE-nominated RPG, delving deeper into the lore, settings, and characters of the Littlings’ adventures. Players explore new areas, including the Garden’s Front Yard and Backyard, filled with mythical locations like the Fountain of Quillwaters and Bramble Town. New playable Folk, including Gnomes, Shinigami, and Fae, join the existing roster alongside new animal companions like moths and frogs. The book introduces fresh mechanics tied to seasonal changes, colossal opponents, and a new Profession, the Wayfarer, which brings unique vocations like Traveling Artist and Settler. The expansion also enhances gameplay with new Vocations for all existing Professions and a rich narrative set in an expansive, beautifully detailed world. Household Volume II’s expansive offerings include beautifully illustrated maps and art by renowned creators, enriching the immersive experience. Comprehensive pledge tiers provide various combinations of physical and digital rewards, from corebooks to custom dice sets. With its focus on artistic and production quality, Two Little Mice promises a rich RPG experience, slated for delivery by December 2025, showcasing their dedication to world-building and storytelling.

Elf Creek Games, a board game publisher known for titles like Atlantis Rising and Honey Buzz, faces backlash from Kickstarter backers due to prolonged delays in delivering crowdfunded projects and a lack of updates since August 30, 2024. The company has four overdue campaigns, including expansions for existing games and a new title, Paradox Initiative. Some backers, particularly in North America and Europe, have received partial deliveries, but others, including international supporters, are still waiting years past original timelines. Notably, the designer of Honey Buzz left the company in October but has tried to provide independent updates. Communication from Elf Creek Games’ founder, Brent Dickman, remains absent, leaving backers frustrated and concerned about the fate of their pledges.

#kadokawa #eskaton #householdrpg #elfcreekgames

Household RPG: Volume 2:
https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/two-little-mice/household-ii-welcome-to-the-garden

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The Weekly LIVE 265 – Household Bundle, Star Trek 2E Starter Set, N5 Delayed and Higher Tariffs

Posted on November 17, 2024 by upturnedtable_sx8obi

The “Household Bundle” offers English-language PDFs of the tabletop RPG “Household” by Riccardo Sirignano and Simone Formicola from Two Little Mice. Set in a wainscot fantasy world reminiscent of 19th-century Europe, players, as littlings (miniature folk), navigate political and social upheavals in a large abandoned house over five years following the First Household War. For $14.95, buyers receive the core rulebook, a practical guide on navigating the world, and a campaign sourcebook titled “A Saga of the Fragile Peace,” all available as DRM-free ebooks. Additionally, Two Little Mice will soon launch a new expansion, “Welcome to the Garden.”

Modiphius has announced the release of a new “2nd Edition Star Trek Adventures Starter Set,” launching in December 2024. The set includes everything new players need to begin exploring the Star Trek universe, such as a condensed rulebook, a 60-page sandbox campaign, reference sheets, dice, and tokens, retailing at $31.12.

Corvus Belli announced a delay of the new N5 Infinity ruleset release until December 2024, initially slated for November. The update was communicated via social media platforms, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful that the issue would soon be resolved. Pre-orders for “Operation Sandtrap,” a related set including starter forces and a play mat, continue to be available.

Concerns loom over potential tariffs proposed by the incoming Trump administration, which could severely impact the tabletop gaming industry. Experts fear tariffs on non-US goods (20%) and particularly harsh tariffs on Chinese imports (60-100%) would significantly raise production costs, potentially leading to increased prices, financial strain, and possible closures of game retailers and manufacturers. While some companies are preparing contingency plans, there remains hope that these tariffs may not be implemented or could be mitigated through industry adaptation and resilience.

#householdrpg #startrekrpg #modiphius #infinityN5

Order Operation: Sandtrap for N5:
https://store.corvusbelli.com/en/infinity/wargame/miniatures/operation-sandtrap

Household Bundle of Holding:

https://bundleofholding.com/presents/Household

Star Trek 2E Starter Set Pre-Order:
https://modiphius.us/products/star-trek-adventures-the-roleplaying-game-second-edition-starter-set

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https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

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The Weekly LIVE 264 – Stay Frosty, Deep Cuts, Black Powder and Brimstone and Ashes Without Number

Posted on November 10, 2024 by upturnedtable_sx8obi

“Stay Frosty REMASTERED” is a revamped old-school sci-fi tabletop RPG where players embody future marines facing off against cosmic threats, reminiscent of classic military sci-fi movies and games. Built upon Black Hack TTRPG rules, it offers strategic, dice-driven gameplay with four core attributes, eight unique classes, and mechanics for rank, supply management, and escalating tension during missions. This edition introduces new content, including two starter adventures, enhanced artwork, campaign-ready rules, and exclusive merchandise. Players explore, battle foes, and tackle point-crawls with themes of horror and action. Written by Casey Garske, with contributions from talented artists, it delivers immersive, long-term gameplay experiences.

The first official expansion for the popular RPG Blades in the Dark, titled Deep Cuts, has been released by creator John Harper. It expands the game with new factions, mechanics, and background options. Divided into two parts, it introduces 27 factions, over 100 heritage and background packages, and 13 new technological innovations. It also includes six modular rules systems that overhaul core mechanics, such as Harm & Trauma, Advancement, and the introduction of a new Threat Roll system, altering how conflict and success are handled. This expansion, described as a blend of refined mechanics and enriched lore, aims to deepen player immersion and campaign longevity.

Free League Publishing announced Black Powder and Brimstone RPG, a new RPG compatible with Mork Borg, which will hit retail on March 18, 2024. In Black Powder and Brimstone RPG, players take on the roles of desperate adventurers stuck in the middle of the conflict that trying to survive it and possibly make a profit. This standalone RPG is laden with gunpowder and witchcraft, and offers players an action-packed, rules light gothic horror swashbuckling experience. Players will be able to wield powerful weapons and magic that warp reality. The book also includes plenty of character options, items, locations, adventures, and enemies to encounter.

Ashes Without Number is the latest addition to Kevin Crawford’s Without Number RPG series, set in a post-apocalyptic world full of diverse challenges, such as civil collapse, zombie uprisings, or alien invasions. Building on the popular d20 and 2d6-based old-school mechanics, it offers streamlined gameplay and is compatible with its sister games like Stars Without Number. The game provides tools for Game Masters (GMs) to craft personalized apocalyptic settings with unique challenges, such as mutant perils, societal collapse, and more. Key features include genre-specific rules, campaign guides, crisis generation tools, and resources for creating settlements and ruins, all focused on immersive exploration and survival storytelling. The game, now crowdfunding successfully, gives backers immediate beta access and offers flexible digital and print rewards, with a focus on usability and creativity.

#stayfrosty #bladesinthedark #morkborg #asheswithoutnumber

Stay Frosty on Backerkit:

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/melsonian-arts-council/stay-frosty-2nd-edition

Deep Cuts:

https://johnharper.itch.io/deep-cuts

Black Powder and Brimstone Quick Start

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/478497/black-powder-and-brimstone-quick-start

Ashes Without Number:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sinenomineinc/ashes-without-number

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The Weekly LIVE 263 – Trench Crusade, Baldur’s Gate 3 Reunion, Mythic Carpathia for Vaesen and the Bludgeon TTRPG System

Posted on November 3, 2024November 3, 2024 by upturnedtable_sx8obi

Trench Crusade is a new, dark sci-fi miniatures game that brings a unique spin to the wargaming genre, designed by former Diablo concept artist Mike Franchina and Mordheim co-creator Tuomas Pirinen. Inspired by World War I with an alternate history twist, the game reimagines the First Crusade, where Templar forces accidentally open a portal to Hell, unleashing a demonic apocalypse. Set in grim trenches, players engage in free-form combat with six distinct factions, including demon-worshipping Heretic Legions, rotting demon-spawned armies, and the religious Trench Pilgrims. Gameplay includes risk-reward mechanics and encourages player creativity in customizing miniatures, backed by a detailed rulebook and high-concept artwork. Notably, legendary Games Workshop artists, such as John Blanche, contribute to the game’s aesthetic. Available through a Kickstarter campaign, Trench Crusade offers both physical miniatures and digital files for 3D printing, aiming to foster a dedicated community around its free-to-play rules and rich lore.

The cast of Baldur’s Gate 3 reunited for a live D&D session at Comic-Con London in a show titled What We Do in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The event featured actors portraying Astarion, Wyll, Lae’zel, and Karlach, with Jeremy Crawford as the Dungeon Master, bringing these characters to life in a new D&D adventure. This show marks a return to live D&D events, reviving the D&D Live experience with audiences after the pandemic shifted events to virtual. The show also provided a first look at the new 5.5E ruleset in action. Originally streamed on October 27th, the episode is now available on D&D’s YouTube channel for fans to experience the adventure and the updated gameplay mechanics.

Vaesen – Nordic Horror Roleplaying, known for its Gothic horror themes, is expanding with two new campaigns: Mythic Carpathia and City of My Nightmares, along with a new Starter Set. Funded on Kickstarter, this campaign reached significant support from nearly 4,000 backers. Mythic Carpathia explores Central and Eastern European folklore with encounters featuring creatures like Vampires and Baba Yaga, providing players with a rich backdrop of Prague and nearby regions. In City of My Nightmares, players investigate horrific events in 19th-century Stockholm, navigating eerie alleys and ancient secrets. Both expansions are crafted with detailed illustrations, maps, and richly written lore, designed for fans of supernatural horror. For newcomers, the updated Starter Set includes abridged rules, custom dice, and an introductory mystery. Additionally, the Core Rulebook has been updated with minor adjustments, making gameplay smoother. Backers of the Kickstarter campaign will have early access to the expansions and modules for virtual tabletop platforms. This project brings together notable creators, including artist Johan Egerkrans and writers from across Eastern Europe, underlining the game’s international appeal and immersive horror storytelling.

The Bludgeon TTRPG System is a tactical, mechanics-rich tabletop role-playing game created by a team of Indian designers and artists who wanted an alternative to traditional RPG combat systems. This system focuses on varied power sources like Martial, Chakra, Primal, Arcane, and Divine, and uses a scaling approach that enhances character versatility rather than just increasing stats. It aims to integrate robust role-play elements, giving players numerous options through adaptations, abilities, and skills. What started as a casual project in 2013 evolved into a comprehensive RPG, grounded in principles that prioritize storytelling and tactical depth. Designer Tejas Oza will discuss the game on Not DnD, a show featuring non-D&D RPGs, available Mondays on YouTube, Twitch, and podcast platforms.

#trenchcrusade #vaesen #baldursgate3 #bludgeonttrpg

Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/mythic-carpathia-and-city-of-my-nightmares-for-the-vaesen-rpg

Trench Crusade Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1405364378/trench-crusade

Bludgeon TTRPG System:
https://tacticsnchai.itch.io/bludgeon-the-ttrpg

Submit to Wharf Rat Games:

https://wharfratgames.com/submissions

Alien 2E Kickstarter Campaign URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol

4-Hour Dune RPG Review:

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

Humble Bundle (affiliate link):

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