Tag: Matthew Lillard

The Weekly LIVE 258 – Cyberpunk 2077 Boardgame, Faster Purple Worm the Book, Wharf Rat Games and AI Usage in D&D

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Cyberpunk 2077: The Board Game has smashed its crowdfunding goals on Gamefound, raising almost $4 million, having reached its funding target within 10 minutes of launch. Developed by Go On Board, the creators of previous Witcher board games, this cooperative, scenario-based tactical combat game offers a mix of RPG elements, deck building, crafting, and real-time turns. A companion app narrates the campaign and times each round, adding urgency and tension. Players can customize characters with cybernetic enhancements and make narrative decisions that impact future missions. The game’s dynamic gameplay and narrative flexibility promise replayability, appealing to fans of the Cyberpunk franchise.

Actor and director Matthew Lillard’s company, Beadle & Grimm’s, is releasing a Dungeons & Dragons book based on his comedy TV show Faster, Purple Worm, Kill! Kill! titled Faster Purple Worm: Everybody Dies. The book features 15 one-shot adventures, all of which end in a Total Party Kill (TPK), designed for improvisational play. While most RPG players avoid TPKs, Lillard’s book aims to make death fun, with tips for spontaneous gameplay and adaptation for ongoing campaigns. The Kickstarter campaign has already hit its funding goals, unlocking extra adventures, and hinting at a future second volume.

Wharf Rat Games, founded by designers Wes Crawford and Ryan Heilman, aims to streamline the board game publishing process. The company plans to focus on one game at a time, cutting down the time between signing a game and its release. With a mission to produce medium-difficulty games with engaging themes, Wharf Rat Games is actively seeking submissions with historical, sci-fi, or fantasy themes. Their first project is The Pursuit of John Wilkes Booth, a game about the hunt for Lincoln’s assassin. By prioritizing communication and collaboration with designers, the company seeks to support unique, polished games.

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks spoke about the role of AI in the future of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) during a Goldman Sachs event. While Wizards of the Coast has banned AI-generated artwork from D&D and Magic: The Gathering, Cocks acknowledged the potential of AI to enhance user-generated content and assist with campaign development. Though controversial, Cocks emphasized the need for careful, responsible use of AI, ensuring creators are compensated and distinguishing AI-generated work. This statement comes amid broader discussions about AI’s role in the creative process across Hasbro’s vast portfolio of brands.

#cyberpunk2077 #DnD #wharfratgames #AI

Submit to Wharf Rat Games:

https://wharfratgames.com/submissions

Cyberpunk 2077 on Backerkit

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/go-on-board/cyberpunk-2077-the-board-game

Barbarians of Lemuria Mythic+ Edition 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludospherik/barbarians-of-lemuria-mythic-edition-0

StarTrek Adventures First Edition Bundle:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/star-trek-adventure-rpg-first-edition-collection-modiphius-books?partner=upturnedtable

Deadzone Frontier:

https://www.myminifactory.com/frontier/deadzone-2774

Immersive RPG Bundle for Alchemy VTT (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/free-league-immersive-rpg-bundle-for-alchemy-vtt-software?partner=upturnedtable

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

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
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The Weekly LIVE 257 – Warlord Game’s Paul Sawyer, Plasmodics RPG, More D&D Spirits and Barbarians of Lemuria Mythic+

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Paul Sawyer, co-founder of Warlord Games, has been gravely ill for four months following a collapse at the Salute show in London earlier this year. While he remains in high spirits and surrounded by family, his health will prevent him from returning to work. John Stallard, Sawyer’s business partner and friend, reminisced about their journey in founding Warlord Games over 17 years ago. Stallard praised Sawyer’s vibrant personality and tireless work ethic, noting how his unique approach defined the company’s voice. Sawyer hopes to attend Warlord Games’ Open Day in September to greet old friends, though this remains uncertain. Fans and colleagues of Sawyer have expressed their sadness over his illness, with many sharing personal memories of their interactions with him. His significant contributions to tabletop gaming, both through Warlord Games and his earlier work with White Dwarf, have left a lasting impact on the community. Sawyer’s diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumor has further deepened the outpouring of support, with many wishing him strength during this challenging time. Despite the dire prognosis, Sawyer remains focused on spending time with his family, particularly looking forward to seeing his granddaughter later in the year. His advice to the community: “Work less, game more.”

Plasmodics is an upcoming post-apocalyptic, gonzo sci-fi tabletop roleplaying game, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. The game centers on creating mutant characters in a bizarre, flooded future world called King Tide. Players can choose from various origins, such as humans, robots, animals, or aliens, and customize their characters with a range of mutations and nuances that alter their physical, mental, and metaphysical abilities. The game emphasizes creativity, with a strong focus on mutations and unique gameplay mechanics, such as a “trouble track” that introduces unpredictable consequences during play. Inspired by classic games like Gamma World, Plasmodics offers an eclectic and quirky setting filled with strange artifacts, opposing factions, and bizarre challenges. Its modular gameplay and four mutation categories (physical, mental, plant, and meta) allow for endless character customization. The Kickstarter campaign includes multiple rewards, such as the core rulebook, adventure zines, and various physical extras like stickers, buttons, and keychains. Developed by Good Luck Press, the project aims to explore the boundary of RPG design with an emphasis on fun and weirdness.

Wizards of the Coast is teaming up with New Holland Brewing Company to celebrate Dungeons & Dragons’ 50th anniversary. They are releasing a limited-edition D20 Brew Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and an Origin Mead Cask Bourbon Whiskey as part of New Holland’s Dragon Milk line. Pre-orders for merchandise, including wearables and glassware, will launch this week on the Dragon’s Milk website, while the beverages will be available starting in November 2024. This marks one of several tie-ins for D&D’s milestone year, following collaborations with LEGO and Converse. The Dragon’s Milk brand is renowned for its award-winning stouts and bourbons, and this collaboration aims to align with D&D’s community-driven spirit of adventure. The beverages will be sold at select retailers and online. The project highlights the merging of two beloved brands with shared values centered around creating memorable experiences. More details on the launch will be shared closer to November.

Barbarians of Lemuria – Mythic+ Edition Kickstarter campaign, led by French publisher Ludospherik, brings back the acclaimed sword-and-sorcery tabletop role-playing game with a 232-page rulebook. The new edition includes fresh content, such as five new adventures, along with updates from its French translation. Set in a post-apocalyptic, prehistoric world, the game offers simple, action-packed gameplay based on a 2d6 system and features careers instead of skills to define character capabilities. The Kickstarter offers two pledge tiers, and no AI tools were used in the game’s development.

#warlordgames #plasmodicsrpg #dragonsmilk #babariansoflemuria

Plasmodics RPG on Backerkit:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/goodluckpress/plasmodics

Barbarians of Lemuria Mythic+ Edition 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludospherik/barbarians-of-lemuria-mythic-edition-0

StarTrek Adventures First Edition Bundle:

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/star-trek-adventure-rpg-first-edition-collection-modiphius-books?partner=upturnedtable

Deadzone Frontier:

https://www.myminifactory.com/frontier/deadzone-2774

Immersive RPG Bundle for Alchemy VTT (affiliate link):

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/free-league-immersive-rpg-bundle-for-alchemy-vtt-software?partner=upturnedtable

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

Check out our new shirts on Red Bubble:
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161648028?ref=studio-promote

Try Fantasy Grounds VTT (affiliate link):

http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/360148/15958

Outgunned RPG – Action Hero Pledge UNBOXING:
https://youtu.be/IYDyzNvQQKo

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
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Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

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The Weekly LIVE 218 – Stormlight RPG, Epic Sellout, Adventure Time 5e, Ring of Chaos and Pathfinder Now D&D-Free

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Brandon Sanderson, the bestselling author, has unveiled details about a new tabletop role-playing game called Stormlight. The game features a unique d20-based system with the addition of a “plot die” for risky rolls. It also incorporates a skill-based magic system and allows players to join different factions. Brotherwise Games, Sanderson’s partner, also teased a deck-building game based on Sanderson’s Mistborn novels and a standalone card game called Shards of Creation. The Stormlight RPG will be funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2024. 

Games Workshop is releasing Legions Imperialis, a 6-millimeter-scale wargame set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game offers grand strategy battles with multiple infantry and armor units and allows for different unit compositions. However, the small size of the miniatures may lead to challenges in building them, potentially driving players to seek proxy models.

The Adventure Time RPG, which was previously announced to use a custom Yes And rule set, will now use the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules instead. The crowdfunding for the game has been delayed until the first part of 2024. The Yes And rule set will still be released as a companion piece, but the main offering will be the 5e RPG. The Adventure Time Card Wars Ultimate Edition is also being crowdfunded and has already surpassed its original goal of $80,000. It is a competitive card game based on the Adventure Time episode “Card Wars”. 

“Ring of Chaos” is a competitive fantasy card and board game where players form parties of heroes and monsters to fight for control of the legendary Ring of Chaos. The game combines elements of TTRPGs, card games, and board games, and offers multiple ways to win. It features original fantasy art and includes various components such as player mats, battle maps, acrylic standees, action cards, and temple guardian cards. There are two editions available: Standard and Platinum, with the Platinum Edition offering additional upgrades such as 3D “Sundrop” minis and specialty printing effects on hero cards. The game is designed by Beadle & Grimm’s and is set in an ancient temple where adventurers from around the world compete to claim the power of the Ring.

Paizo, the publisher of Pathfinder, has released remastered rulebooks for Pathfinder Second Edition in response to proposed changes to the Dungeons & Dragons Open Gaming License (OGL). The remastered rulebooks, Pathfinder Player Core and Pathfinder GM Core, have been modified to avoid future licensing conflicts with Wizards of the Coast. Changes include renaming mechanics and fictional languages, as well as reclassifying character ancestries. Additionally, Paizo has introduced new dragons tied to different sources of magic. Paizo has also created its own alternative to the OGL called the Open RPG Creative (ORC) License to foster collaboration and provide peace of mind to publishers. The remastered rulebooks redefine key elements of D&D, such as replacing alignment with edicts and anathema. The revisions also address criticisms of Pathfinder 2E, including splitting the Core Rulebook into separate versions for players and game masters and updating the character sheet.
#epic40k #pathfinderrpg #ringofchaos #stormlightrpg

Card Wars 10th Anniversary:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cze/adventure-time-card-wars-10th-anniversary

Ring of Chaos:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beadleandgrimms/ring-of-chaos/

Help Jennel Jaquays:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/jennell-jaquays-has-a-long-road-back

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​
https://twitter.com/hyvemynd​​
https://twitter.com/ConanSalaryman​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
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Give us a tip on our livestream:
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Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

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The Weekly LIVE 205 – Asmodee Loses Billions, D&D Whiskey, Dolmenwood Kickstarter and Night Vale RPG

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Asmodee, the tabletop publishing company known for games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic, faced a setback as its corporate owner, Embracer Group, lost a $2 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabian partner Savvy Gaming Group. This deal was reportedly tied to a Saudi government investment fund. Asmodee’s parent company Embracer Group had previously been purchased by Sweden-based Embracer group. The failed deal led to stock price drops and cost-cutting measures. Despite this, Asmodee performed well in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, with increased sales and organic growth. The company also mentioned various upcoming releases and highlighted its successful performance despite the parent company’s challenges.

Matthew Lillard, known for his roles in movies like “Scream” and his involvement in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), launched a new line of game-inspired spirits called Quest’s End through his company Find Familiar Spirits. Lillard also discussed his passion for D&D and his involvement in TTRPG-related ventures like Beadle & Grimm’s. He’s also part of an improv and live gameplay series called “Faster, Purple Worm! Kill Kill!” that blends D&D and improv comedy. He highlighted the joy of playing with family and friends and emphasized the positive impact of tabletop role-playing games in his life.

The Dolmenwood Tabletop Roleplaying Game by Gavin Norman, after 10 years of development, offers an immersive fantasy adventure set in a richly crafted world inspired by British Isles folklore. Seamlessly blending the eerie and whimsical aspects of fairy tales, players embark on journeys through enchanting woods and mystical landscapes. The game provides streamlined rules suitable for both beginners and experienced role-players, introducing novel magic and creatures. The setting, available on Kickstarter since August 9th, 2023, includes three core books: the Player’s Book with comprehensive rules, the Campaign Book detailing the expansive campaign world, and the Monster Book featuring an array of creatures. Characters can be diverse, from goat-headed breggles to capricious woodgrues, each with nine unique classes. The open sandbox world encourages exploration across a detailed map, while the intuitive Old-School Essentials rules system ensures easy adaptation. Modern formatting enhances gameplay, and a range of extras such as adventures, miniatures, maps, and a soundtrack album further enrich the experience. A 76-page preview PDF offers insights into the game’s core content, promising an extensive world with engaging features across its three books.

Finally, the popular fiction podcast “Welcome to Night Vale” is set to be adapted into a tabletop RPG by Renegade Game Studios. The RPG will allow fans to explore the strange and eerie town of Night Vale in a tabletop setting. The game is expected to use Renegade’s Essence20 system, which incorporates a 20-sided die and skill dice for resolving challenges and obstacles.

#dolmenwood #nightvale #questsend #asmodee

Dolmenwood Tabletop RPG Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/dolmenwood-tabletop-rpg

Shop at Noble Knight Games (affiliate link)
https://www.nobleknight.com/affiliate/aw.asp?B=3&A=1312&Task=Click

10% off First Purchase from Modiphius:
http://r.sloyalty.com/r/vhbUPnHm6tIp

Dragonbane Actual Play Episode One:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9u841QuXM

Dragonbane Core Set:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/418106/Dragonbane-Core-Set

Dragonbane Free Quickstart:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart

Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746

Chris on social media:
https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​
https://twitter.com/hyvemynd​​
https://twitter.com/ConanSalaryman​​

Abusecartoons Weekly Cartoons:
http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​
https://www.twitch.tv/abusecartoons
https://twitter.com/abusecartoons

​​Support Us on Patreon:
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Give us a tip on our livestream:
https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​

Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe
https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

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