Closing the Cycle, Opening the Next
The Manifesto 🌑 27 February 2025
I started over because I wanted to. Because I could.
I’m tired of answering emails full of questions that could have been answered with a quick search. I’m tired of simplifying ideas because the average person doesn’t want to think too hard. I’m tired of walking on eggshells to avoid setting off people who look for excuses to be outraged. I’m tired of explaining why my books don’t have artwork to people who don’t read. I’m tired of the expectation that my work should look like everyone else’s. I’m tired of people who exist only to tear things down.
I’m tired.
So I made a decision: I’m done with all of that.
I don’t owe anyone an explanation. I don’t need permission. I’m doing this my way. I’m making exactly what I want to make, the way I want to make it, and if that doesn’t work for someone, they can go find something else. I’ve already wasted enough time caring about the wrong things, worrying about the wrong people, making adjustments for an audience that doesn’t care about me, my work, or the things I’m trying to communicate. That ends now.
No compromises. No concessions. No justifications.
I let it all go because I could.
If you’re here for that, good. If not, keep moving.
The slate is clean. The sky is dark. Let’s see what happens next.
The new moon returns, bringing us full circle. Its quiet presence reminds us that every cycle ends and begins in darkness, in potential. Over the past weeks, we’ve walked together through reflection, growth, action, and release. Now, with the sky once again clear and still, it’s time to pause, take a breath, and look ahead.
This lunar cycle has been an exploration of values, empathy, compassion, literacy, and non-violence, and how they shape the work I do. It’s been a journey of planting seeds, nurturing them, and pruning when necessary. Along the way, I’ve gained clarity about the role these values play in the stories we tell and the connections we build through roleplaying games. They’re not just ideals to aim for; they’re the foundation that gives the work its purpose and resonance.
But as this cycle closes, I’m reminded that values, like stories, are never static. They’re shaped and reshaped by the world around us, by the choices we make, and by the people we meet. They grow, evolve, and deepen with each new experience. And so, while this reflection on values comes to a close, they remain a part of everything I create, woven into the fabric of every story, every system, every moment of connection.
Now, as the new moon invites us to begin again, it’s time to turn to something new. This next cycle feels like an opportunity to explore the creative process itself, not just the what, but the how and the why. How do we nurture inspiration? What sparks the stories we tell? How do we move from idea to action, from dream to reality? The lunar phases are such a natural mirror for the creative process, with their rhythms of waxing and waning, of action and reflection. Over the next month, I’d like to explore those rhythms and what they can teach us about creating with intention and joy.
For now, though, let’s rest in the quiet of this new moon. Let’s honor the work we’ve done, the values we’ve deepened, and the lessons we’ve learned. And let’s step into the next cycle with curiosity and openness, ready to see where it leads.
The sky is dark, full of possibility. What will you create? What will you discover? The answers will come, one phase at a time. Let’s find them together.
I hope you’re doing well today.
Berin
The Simple Approach
Available in print on Amazon. $9.99 USD, which is my cost rounded up.
ISBN 9798311877886 if you want to order it from your local bookstore.
A roleplaying system with narrative-driven traits, beat-based difficulty, and rules that stay out of the way.
Roleplaying should feel natural. It should be immersive, intuitive, and engaging. The Simple Approach is built to support that, with clear mechanics, a strong structure, and a focus on storytelling. The rules help shape the experience, not get in the way.
This system is for those who see roleplaying as an art. It is built on character, story, and collaboration. It strips away excess, offering a flexible framework that strengthens storytelling instead of slowing it down. It adapts to any setting or genre, giving players and gamemasters the tools to create compelling narratives with minimal friction. The mechanics guide the story but never take control.
A Philosophy of Play
Mechanics should serve the story. If rules become the focus, roleplaying turns into bookkeeping. The Simple Approach removes unnecessary complexity, keeping the emphasis on momentum and player decisions.
Characters are defined by traits, descriptive elements that shape how they interact with the world. No rigid skill lists. No point-buy systems. When a challenge comes up, the relevant trait determines how many dice you roll. A high total means success. A low roll means failure. Effort, circumstance, and risk always play a role.
The game uses beat-based difficulty, where challenges shift with the story’s rhythm. Simple tasks stay simple. High-pressure moments push characters to their limits. Instead of static target numbers, difficulty rises when the stakes do. This keeps the pacing dynamic and makes every success and failure land with real impact.
A detective with Sharp Instincts (4) rolls four dice to notice a hidden clue. A senator with Always Gets the Last Word (3) rolls three dice to dominate a debate. A mercenary with Knows Every Dirty Trick (4) senses when a situation is a setup. A battle-scarred knight with Stalwart Defender (4) rolls four dice to hold the line when all hope seems lost.
Traits do more than define mechanics. They shape personality, motivation, and decision-making. They bring characters to life in ways that go beyond numbers.
The Simple Approach does not claim to have invented these ideas. Roleplaying is a shared tradition, shaped by decades of experimentation. This system refines what works, distilling it into a clear, intentional framework.
Roleplaying as a Creative Act
The Simple Approach provides structure without limitation. Every decision deepens the narrative, making roleplaying feel organic and dynamic. The mechanics encourage problem-solving, collaboration, and improvisation. Violence isn't assumed, and growth isn't tied to leveling up. Every action shapes the story.
Whether navigating Victorian intrigue, unraveling dark academia conspiracies, or leading a pirate crew into dangerous waters, the mechanics stay simple and flexible. The framework is constant, but the players decide what matters.
A System Without Barriers
The Simple Approach extends beyond mechanics. The full core rules are available as a free digital edition. No stripped-down previews. No missing mechanics. A complete system, ready to use.
No gatekeeping. No restrictions. Just the tools to create.
Get it. Play it. See how effortless roleplaying can be.
Did You Know?
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Thank You
Thank you for standing with us as we push forward. With each step, your support fuels our efforts, helping us overcome challenges and stay on course. Together, we’re building something real, bringing ideas to life with resilience and intent. We appreciate every bit of your support.
Our next issue will be released on the day of the next first quarter moon. See you then, and as always, I hope you’re doing well today.
The Manifesto is the official source for news on upcoming releases, articles and opinions, and assorted ramblings on our games and our philosophy of roleplaying. New issues are released four times a month, on the new moon, first quarter moon, full moon, and last quarter moon, with special quarterly issues for each equinox and solstice. Stay connected and subscribe to The Manifesto now!
Lightspress promotes a simple approach to roleplaying, focusing on the utility and value of the content rather than flashy production. We strategically employ visual elements to amplify the message conveyed by the text, allowing us to create powerful and affordable toolkits. Remember, the true essence of the roleplaying experience lies not within the pages of a book, but in the creativity and collaboration fostered around your tabletop.
