When it comes to tabletop roleplaying, one phrase that gets tossed around a lot is “quick to learn.” It sounds great on the surface—after all, who doesn’t want to dive right into a game without spending hours studying rules? But here’s the thing: whether or not a game is quick to learn shouldn’t be the deciding factor in whether it’s worth your time. If you’re passionate about a game, you’ll figure it out, no matter how complex it might be.

Explore the chilling depths of The Simple Approach to Horror in Fantasy, a haunting book that seamlessly integrates horror into your favorite fantasy settings. This atmosphere-heavy, tension-filled resource draws you into a world where dark rituals, ancient curses, and unspeakable horrors lurk in the shadows. Engage with eerie scenarios inspired by The Witcher, The Shadow of the Wind, and The Dark Tower series. Whether you're an experienced roleplayer or stepping into this dark genre for the first time, uncover the fearsome creatures and sinister plots of horror fantasy. Welcome to a place where every heartbeat is a die roll away from dread!

When we talk about character gear in tabletop roleplaying, whether it's swords forged by ancient masters, sci-fi gadgets that defy the laws of physics, or magical items infused with the essence of elder gods, there's one thing that seems to always come up: game balance. Now, I’m going to go ahead and say it—game balance is a myth. That’s right, a well-intentioned but ultimately misguided concept that’s more fiction than the stories we tell around the table.

When it comes to tabletop roleplaying, characters are the heart and soul of the experience. Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is “Compelling characters,” which means we’re diving into the art of crafting characters that are more than just stats on a sheet. We’re talking about the kind of characters that stick with you long after the session ends—the ones that drive the story, create memorable moments, and make the game truly come alive. So, let’s explore some genre-neutral and system-agnostic tips to help you and your players create characters that are as compelling as they are unforgettable.

In this issue we’ve got new releases and updates from #RPGaDay 2024. Everything previously announced is still in development, but we’ve had to pivot on a few things. We all live in the same economy; you know how things are going. I had to take a hard look at what’s been selling, and what hasn’t, and make some schedule changes so we can keep the bills paid. It doesn’t mean everything won’t be released eventually, but commerce has to take precedence over art once in a while so we can keep the lights on and continue to make awesome stuff. 

When it comes to tabletop roleplaying, setting the scene is more than just dropping a few adjectives and calling it a day. Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is “Evocative environments,” which invites us to explore the art of crafting places that are not only memorable but also stir emotions, heighten immersion, and give players a reason to care about what’s happening in the story. So, let’s dive in and talk about how to create environments that make players sit up and pay attention—no matter the genre or system.

The roleplaying rulebook is the key to unlocking the full potential of the roleplaying experience. Whether you're a player looking to understand the nuances of your character or a gamemaster preparing for an intricate campaign, a deep understanding of the rulebook is essential. The sheer volume of information packed into these books can sometimes be overwhelming. This is where annotation comes in as a powerful tool to enhance comprehension, retention, and enjoyment of the game.

When today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt asks for a “roleplaying game with well-supported campaigns,” I can’t help but suspect they’re nudging us to think about settings that come with a library of sourcebooks and adventures. But I want to take a slightly different angle today. Let’s talk about published campaigns—the kind that aren’t just well-supported but are practically legendary in their scope and influence.

When it comes to running a small business, there's a lot to juggle, especially in the roleplaying space. Yes, we're here to create and sell our books, and yes, that’s how we keep the lights on. But today, I want to talk about something a little different. We've added a donate page to our website, and no, it’s not because we expect something for nothing. Quite the opposite.

Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is "roleplaying game with well-supported one-shots." And honestly? I have no idea. Seriously, I’m not being modest here—I really only know about my own work and things that are over a decade old. But hey, that’s not going to stop me from talking about why I love one-shots and why they’re such an essential part of the roleplaying experience.

Adventure Design: The Breakout Adventure is your exclusive toolkit for crafting escape stories in tabletop roleplaying games. This system-agnostic and genre-neutral book equips you with everything you need to create thrilling adventures where characters must outsmart captors, navigate intricate traps, and find freedom.

If you're a fan of gripping escape narratives, you'll feel right at home with this toolkit. Dive into the tension and excitement of stories like The Count of Monte Cristo, Escape from New York, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Midnight Express, and The Great Escape.

Today's #RPGaDay2024 prompt is "roleplaying game you'd like to see on TV." Let's get one thing straight: when we say "roleplaying game," we’re not talking about a book. We’re not even talking about a setting, really. We’re talking about the creative, collaborative experience that happens around the table—the characters, the stories, the unexpected twists, and the shared laughter (or tears, depending on how your last session went).

Today's prompt for #RPGaDay2024 is "An accessory you'd like to see." Let’s get this straight: I’m too old for anything toyetic. If it’s flashy, gimmicky, or designed to gather dust on a shelf, count me out. What I want is an accessory that’s actually useful, something that enhances my game in a meaningful way. So, let’s follow up on yesterday’s answer about the bullet journal and talk about planner stickers and washi tape that represent specific genres or even specific games.

Today's prompt for #RPGaDay2024 is "An accessory you appreciate." Let’s get one thing straight right away: I’m too old for anything toyetic. If you’re looking for an ode to dice towers shaped like dragon skulls or miniatures with more detail than a Renaissance painting, you’re in the wrong place. Let’s talk about something that actually matters in the long run: my bullet journal.

Join the intrigue of The Simple Approach to Espionage in Fantasy, an enthralling book that masterfully combines the espionage genre with your favorite fantasy settings. This character-centric, plot-driven resource invites you to explore a realm where spies, double agents, and covert missions are the norm. Immerse yourself in intricate plots inspired by The Lies of Locke Lamora, The Gentleman Bastard series, and the Night Angel Trilogy. Whether you're a veteran roleplayer or new to the scene, uncover the secrets and hidden agendas of espionage fantasy. Connect with a domain where your next covert operation is just a roll away!

Today's prompt for #RPGaDay2024 is "roleplaying game with 'good form.'" Alright, let’s break this down. What exactly is “good form”? If you think it means conforming to some outdated social convention, think again. It’s 2024, folks, and the idea of good form has evolved – or at least it should have.

Join the intrigue and adventure of The Simple Approach to Crime in Fantasy, a captivating book that seamlessly blends the crime genre with your favorite fantasy settings. This story-focused, character-driven resource immerses you in a world where heists, cons, and clandestine operations are the order of the day. Dive into detailed scenarios inspired by Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser, Thieves’ World, and the Vlad Taltos novels. Whether you're a seasoned roleplayer or new to the experience, explore the dark alleys and hidden treasures of crime fantasy. Connect with a realm where your next score is just a roll away!

There are two big things I want to talk about this week. Details will be forthcoming over the next few newsletters, so for now I’ll keep it brief. First, I’m working on a book titled LIGHTSPRESS HANDBOOK. It will contain a primer on our philosophy of roleplaying, an overview of the game system we’ll be using going forward, an overview all of our game lines, conversation notes for both our systems and other publishers’ games, and an extensive frequently asked questions chapter. This will be a free book. I envision it as a living document, to be updated periodically.