Tag: Baldur’s Gate 3

The Weekly Podcast no.283 – Farewell Paul Sawyer, WotC DMCA, Free5E and Alien RPG Evolved

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Paul Sawyer, a co-founder of Warlord Games and a prominent figure in the wargaming community, passed away on March 27, 2025, after a long battle with brain cancer. His passing was announced by both his family and Warlord Games, who expressed their deep sorrow and appreciation for his contributions. Sawyer was described as a man of great character who maintained bravely until the end, surrounded by his loved ones. The company pledged to continue building upon the strong foundations he established at Warlord Games. Sawyer was widely recognized for his work with Games Workshop and as an editor of White Dwarf magazine. Many in the wargaming community fondly remember his contributions, including his involvement in the “Tale of Four Gamers” and various battle reports. His role in launching Warlord Games further cemented his legacy, bringing historical and tabletop wargaming to a broader audience. Fans and colleagues have expressed their condolences, sharing their memories of Sawyer and his impact on their gaming experiences.

Wizards of the Coast (WotC) mistakenly issued a DMCA takedown notice against the Baldur’s Village mod, a Baldur’s Gate 3 -inspired Stardew Valley mod, but quickly reversed the decision after backlash from the community. The mod, which had received public approval from Larian Studios’ CEO Swen Vincke, allows players to romance Baldur’s Gate 3 characters within the Stardew Valleycharacters within the Stardew Valley world. Fans remain skeptical due to WotAfter issuing an apology, WotC clarified that the takedown was an error and promised to restore the mod. Despite this quick resolution, fans remain skeptical due to WotC’s history of similar takedown incidents, such as the 2024 controversy surrounding Dungeons & Dragons content creators. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about corporate overreach in the gaming community and raises questions about how companies handle fan-created content.

Wyrmworks Publishing has announced the launch of Free5e , an open-source, fully compatible alternative to Dungeons & Dragons 5e . Unlike traditional TTRPG systems, Free5e is completely free to access ,is entirely free to access, with three core books—the Player’s Guide , GM Handbook , and Free Range Monsters —available for download. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY), Free5e allows creators to modify, adapt, and distribute content without corporate restrictions. Free5e is diverse The project prioritizes accessibility with dyslexia-friendly PDFs, digital braille, and other formats to ensure inclusivity. It also introduces new mechanics for disability representation, aiming to reflect diverse experiences within the gaming community. Additionally, Free5e is designed for global play, enabling easy translation and cultural adaptation. The project is currently raising funds via Kickstarter to finalize editing, layout, and artwork while keeping the system free for everyone.

Free League Publishing has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the ALIEN RPG: Evolved Edition , an updated version of their critically acclaimed tabletop roleplaying game set in the ALIEN universe. The new edition refines mechanics such as stealth, panic rolls, and zero-gravity gameplay while incorporating updates from ALIEN: Romulus.The campaign offers a variety of content, including a revised core rulebook, a new starter set, an adventure scenario titled Rapture Protocol, and a miniatures pack. Fans of the ALIEN franchise can look forward to a game that stays true to the horror and action of the films while allowing for flexible storytelling in both one-shot and long-form campaign formats. The Kickstarter is currently live, offering various pledge tiers for backers.

#paulsawyer #wotc #free5e #alienrpg

Free5E Manuscript(affiliate link):

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/513248/Free5e-Core-Rulebook-Bundle-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=2081746

Alien RPG Evolved:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol

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The Weekly LIVE 280 – Sigil Released,The Western Reaches, Rising POD Costs and AI Bull Cocks

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Dungeons & Dragons’ new virtual tabletop platform, Sigil, has launched with high expectations but demonstrates significant shortcomings, feeling incomplete and more akin to a pre-alpha version than a polished product. While it boasts aesthetically pleasing 3D graphics and ties to D&D Beyond for character integration, the app struggles with functionality, lacking essential features for game management and customization, which detracts from the user experience. Many users report frustrating bugs and inconsistencies with character imports and game mechanics, suggesting the need for manual oversight. Critics note that despite its visual appeal, Sigil does not adequately compete with established virtual tabletops, and its current state casts doubt on its potential for future improvement. Additionally, feedback from the community reflects skepticism about its overall viability as a go-to platform for D&D sessions, particularly given the limitations on customization and gameplay integration.

The newly launched crowdfunding campaign for the Western Reaches setting, designed for the Shadowdark roleplaying game by the Arcane Library, is rapidly gaining traction, having surpassed half a million dollars within hours of its start. With a goal to reach the million-dollar mark, this sandbox environment includes new classes, ancestries, and themed areas like the Gloaming Forest and Djurum Desert. The offering comes in two hardcover editions, priced at $129 and $149 for a premium version, with fulfillment anticipated by December 2025. As it stands, The Western Reaches already ranks as one of the highest first-day funded tabletop RPG projects, indicating significant interest from the gaming community.

DriveThruRPG has issued a warning to publishers about impending increases in Print on Demand (POD) costs, which could rise significantly—by 20-50%—starting April 1st due to escalating supply costs. This increase primarily affects black and white printing, including both hardcover and softcover formats, attributed to issues such as tariffs and supply chain disruptions. While DriveThruRPG has stated they won’t adjust selling prices immediately, the heightened publishing costs may lead to price increases for customers, particularly impacting smaller publishers who might face reduced profitability. Publishers are encouraged to consider purchasing POD products soon to avoid the upcoming price hikes.

Chris Cocks, Hasbro’s CEO, who has played Dungeons & Dragons for 40 years, emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in both gaming and corporate leadership. He has been focusing on a “pivot back to play” strategy at Hasbro, moving away from a previous emphasis on storytelling to enhance product design, innovation, and customer engagement. Cocks has reduced the company’s content spending significantly and shifted its approach toward capital-light licensing to maintain profitability, while also exploring new markets to address emerging challenges. He highlights the need for adaptability within the supply chain and aims to capture a broader customer base by creating affordable toys for emerging markets. Cocks is also an advocate for integrating artificial intelligence into gaming, arguing it can enhance creativity and engagement in Dungeons & Dragons. While he perceives AI as a tool that can democratize content creation, he acknowledges current platforms often fail to compensate creators adequately. He envisions future offerings that could enable parents to customize popular brands like Peppa Pig and enrich D&D campaigns, framing AI as a beneficial addition to the brand. Despite potential challenges related to tariffs and manufacturing costs, Cocks maintains a hopeful outlook for reaching more consumers and evolving Hasbro’s product lines to meet changing demographics and preferences.

D&D Beyond Sigil:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sigil

The Western Reaches Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/western-reaches

Chris Cocks Interview’

https://www.semafor.com/article/03/06/2025/we-had-to-go-back-to-play-how-hasbros-dungeon-master-ceo-got-serious-about-games

#sigil #wshadowdark #dtrpg #chriscocks

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The Weekly LIVE 278 – Invincible RPG, Dark Horse Closing, Skeleton Key Shutdown and Runequest Bundle

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Free League and Skybound have announced Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying, a tabletop RPG based on Robert Kirkman’s Invincible comic series, which has been adapted into a Prime Video animated show. The game, set to launch on Kickstarter later this year, will feature a Core Rulebook and Starter Set with illustrations by original artists Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. Designed by industry veterans Adam Bradford and Tomas Härenstam, the RPG will use the Year Zero Engine, promising an immersive, sprawling superhero experience faithful to the original comic’s narrative depth.

Dark Horse is shutting down its iOS comics app, requiring users to download purchased comics by March 30th. While digital comics will remain available on other platforms, this move highlights ongoing concerns about digital ownership. Senator Ron Wyden has urged the FTC to establish clearer guidelines on digital purchases, ensuring consumers understand their rights regarding licensing and potential content loss. Additionally, Amazon is eliminating the ability to download Kindle books to a computer, restricting transfers to Kindle devices and apps, further underscoring the shift toward controlled digital ecosystems.

Wizards of the Coast has reportedly canceled an unannounced AAA horror game in development by its Skeleton Key studio, according to the studio’s Audio Director, Nassim Ait-Kaci. Skeleton Key, founded in 2022, was led by industry veterans such as Christian Dailey and Charles Boyd, with a focus on immersive storytelling and suspenseful gameplay. While the game was never officially revealed, its cancellation follows a trend of major studios shutting down projects amid increasing financial caution in the gaming industry. The lack of job postings on Skeleton Key’s careers page further suggests the project’s termination, though Wizards of the Coast has not provided an official statement.

Fans of tabletop RPGs can grab an incredible deal on RuneQuest, a long-running fantasy roleplaying game, with a Humble Bundle offering 20 digital rulebooks, adventures, and supplements for just $18. Originally released in 1978 alongside Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, RuneQuest is set in the mythic world of Glorantha, where players navigate a richly detailed society influenced by living gods. This bundle includes core rulebooks, bestiaries, adventure modules, and in-depth lore resources, including the Guide to Glorantha, which spans 800 pages. Available until March 15, the deal also includes a 15% discount for Chaosium’s online store, making it a great opportunity for worldbuilding enthusiasts and those looking to explore an alternative to Dungeons & Dragons.

#runequest #invincible #darkhorsecomics #skeletonkey 

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

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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

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Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:

https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:

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The Weekly LIVE 242 – Darkness at the Brink of Ohio, One More Multiverse, Greyhawk 2024 and Soloman Kane RPG

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“Darkness at the Brink of Ohio” is a new solo tabletop roleplaying game designed by Banana Chan. The game follows the transformation of a late-night radio DJ into something horrific and otherworldly. Set in Akron, Ohio, players choose one of three characters (a clinical lab tech, a gas station attendant, or a security guard) as they listen to a horrific event involving DJ Mike from 106.6: The Brink. The game includes a soundtrack released for free on YouTube. Themes in this solo RPG include parasocial relationships and hypervisibility within a small fanbase. The book will be approximately 100-125 pages with a cover illustrated by Michael Croteau.

One More Multiverse, a virtual tabletop app, is closing down after four years. It offered pixel-art sprites and a user-friendly interface for playing RPGs online. The app supported games like Blades in the Dark and Yazeba’s Bed and Breakfast. Despite efforts, sustainability became an issue. Assets and verses created by players will remain accessible for 90 days. The closure announcement precedes the official release date for Yazeba’s. Players have 90 days to download or screenshot their creations. A well-crafted alternative to platforms like Roll20 and D&D Beyond, it’s unfortunate to see it go.

The 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons will feature Greyhawk as a sample setting in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Greyhawk, one of the original D&D campaign settings created by Gary Gygax, will be showcased with a double-sided poster map including the City of Greyhawk and the Flanaess. The setting is presented as a template for Dungeon Masters to create their own worlds, with enough detail to bring Greyhawk to life but also leaving room for customization. The release is part of D&D’s 50th-anniversary celebration, highlighting Greyhawk’s classic fantasy elements and its potential for new adventures. The Dungeon Master’s Guide is set to release on November 12, 2024.

The Savage World of Solomon Kane RPG is based on the works of Robert E. Howard and allows players to embark on adventures as Solomon Kane, a hero battling evil in the 17th century. The game emphasizes themes of good versus evil and encourages gamemasters to create a grim setting where players can fight against darkness. The Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) system is used for its simplicity and ease of play. The content for this RPG is Kickstarter Exclusive and will not be available through retail.

#bananachan #OMM #greyhawk #solomankane

Darkness at the Brink of Ohio:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gameandacurry/the-darkness-at-the-brink-of-ohio

The Sassoon Files Second Edition:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/singularity-sons/the-sassoon-files-second-edition

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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The Weekly LIVE 240 – CMON Buys Japon Brand, Miku: The Gathering, Hasbro Videogames, Goblinko Videogame and Star Trek Adventures 2E

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CMON Limited has acquired Japon Brand, known for representing Japanese game designers and licensing their games internationally. Japon Brand’s president, Akio Nomura, aims to continue supporting Japanese game designers with CMON’s backing. Kadokawa Group has acquired Arclight, a major board game publisher in Japan, to expand its analog game development business. 

Wizards of the Coast has announced a collaboration with Hatsune Miku, the Vocaloid virtual idol for a Secret Lair drop. The set will initially be published in English and Japanese. When will this licensing madness end?

Hasbro is investing over $1 billion in internal game development, focusing on original IP like the upcoming game Exodus. This is motivated by the licensing deals of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Monopoly GO that have proven very lucrative. Just like their Haslab crowdfunding platform, their greed has motivated them to bring it all in-house thinking they will have the same success. 

GOBLINKO! has introduced Dungeon Degenerates: The Battle For Brüttelburg, a dark fantasy RPG. This 8-bit retro inspired action RPG will include mini games and a digital card game all set in the Dungeon Degenerates world setting.

Star Trek Adventures – Second Edition is available for pre-order, featuring streamlined rules, eliminating d6 challenge dice and adding expanded content. Additionally, First Edition products are on sale at a 50% discount. The first edition content will be “broadly compatible” with the new edition.

#CMON  #hatsunemiku #goblinko #startrekrpg

DUNGEON DEGENERATES: THE BATTLE FOR BRÜTTELBURG:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seanaaberg/dungeon-degenerates-the-battle-for-bruttelburg

GOBLINKO WEBSITE:
https://goblinkomegamall.com/

Star Trek Adventures 2E Quickstart:

https://www.modiphius.net/products/star-trek-adventures-the-roleplaying-game-second-edition-quickstart-guide-pdf

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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The Weekly LIVE 238 – Maggot Machine, Monolith Acquires Rackham, Infinite Kickstarters, WotC CEO Resigns and Yes And… Delayed

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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

Adventure Time Kickstarter’
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cze/adventure-time-the-roleplaying-game

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Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
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The Weekly LIVE 221 – Revised PHB 2024, Hasbro Xmas Layoffs, Shadow Scar RPG and Building Better Worlds

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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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