Why We’re Moving to an Exclusive Launch Model
Everything going forward will be released on Lightspress.com first in PDF and EPUB. Every other venue, and print versions will be released 28 days later.
Why You Need to Support Creators Directly (When Possible)
Find out if your favorite creator has a website. Find out where you can buy their work that has the least friction, the lowest fees, and the shortest time between your purchase and their payout. If it’s a creator that gives their work away for free or depends on ad revenue, share it. Repost it. Spread the work so they get more followers and more eyeballs. If they have a tip jar, tip them.
Roger Corman’s System for Sustainable Creative Work
N for Narrative is our series on the books that have formed as an informal “Appendix N” for Lightspress Principia, shaping our approach to storytelling, creative work, and even how we do business. As such, this post contains affiliate links. You can see the current list of books we recommend at this link.
Jane Austen Was Punk AF
A bold, no-nonsense review of Jane Austen at Home that cuts through the myths and shows how Austen turned pressure, money, and control into lasting fiction.
Adapting Titles to Principia Canonica
Everything in the previously published books, and everything you’ve created on your own for your campaign, still works with Principia Canonica.
Why I Stopped Chasing Attention As A Creator
Algorithms reward content, not creativity. Discover why chasing attention leads to burnout and how to return to meaningful work that actually lasts.
The Order of Things
Learn how timing, sequence, and access shape outcomes in mystery RPGs. A practical approach to running investigations through pressure, order, and consequence.
Principles of Mystery
Learn how to design mystery RPG scenarios that move through pressure, decision, and consequence. Replace hidden answers with active situations that respond to player action.
Lightspress Principia Newsletter for 24 March, 2026
Remember a few weeks ago, when we said the newsletter had to go weekly, because there’s so much going on that a monthly edition would become exceedingly large? Well, this week we’re keeping things brief to avoid another long issue because there’s a lot to cover.
Now Available: Principia Canonica in Digital and Hardcover Formats
Principia Canonica is a narrative roleplaying system for groups who want their characters’ decisions to drive the story. Instead of relying on predetermined plots or tactical encounter design, the game begins with an unstable situation in the world that demands response. Player characters pursue their goals as pressures build around them. Events slowly escalate, until conflict reaches a decisive turning point that reshapes the setting.
Principia Canonica: Now Available in Hardcover
Principia Canonica is a narrative roleplaying system for groups who want their characters’ decisions to drive the story. Instead of relying on predetermined plots or tactical encounter design, the game begins with an unstable situation in the world that demands response. Player characters pursue their goals as pressures build around them. Events slowly escalate, until conflict reaches a decisive turning point that reshapes the setting.
Final Day to Back Principia Canonica
At the time this post drops, there are 24 hours left until the Principia Canonica Kickstarter Campaign closes. For our first campaign, everything has gone pretty smoothly so far. We funded on the first day, and have had a steady trickle of backers each day. No complaints on this end.
Because It Was Flawed
Sometimes projects change direction for a simple reason. When the structure is flawed, patching it isn't enough. Sometimes the best solution is to start over.
Beware the Grift: The Grift is Real
The following is cut-and-paste directly from the email chain. I'd give you screenshots, but it would be a lot harder to read, and while I'm not opposed to naming and shaming, I don't want to run afoul of Kickstarter policies.
Principia Canonica Kickstarter is LIVE
Principia Canonica is a narrative tabletop roleplaying game built on story, pressure, and consequence. This Kickstarter campaign introduces a new indie RPG system designed for groups who want story-driven play instead of combat-focused mechanics.
Principia Canonica: Introduction
Principia Canonica is a narrative tabletop roleplaying game built on story, pressure, and consequence. This Kickstarter campaign introduces a new indie RPG system designed for groups who want story-driven play instead of combat-focused mechanics.
Where to Buy Lightspress Principia Books
Find Lightspress Principia books in digital and print formats through major online marketplaces. Check each title page for current retailer availability.
Why We Walked Away
A quiet shift behind the scenes changed how our books were shaped, priced, and published. Here’s why Lightspress Principia stepped back and what comes next.

