Loose Ends & Fresh Starts
The Manifesto 🌗 22 November 2024
It feels strange to say that I’m doing well—business is good, the creative process is flowing—because the truth is, a lot of people aren’t doing so great right now. Life’s messy, and not everything is running smoothly over here either. So, here’s the deal: I’m letting go of anything that looks like a schedule until the new year. Things will come out when they come out. That’s not just a business decision; it’s self-preservation. I’m forgiving myself and some other folks for things that have gone sideways, especially when they were outside anyone’s control.
I’m not here to weigh in on politics or society. That’s a whole lot of shouting into the void, and it doesn't move the needle. Accepting what’s in front of us and working with it? That’s where the magic happens. And yes, I’m talking about getting Ghostlight and DoubleZero: Gold out into the world.
But, come on, you know I was also talking about what you think I was talking about. The point stands: focus on what’s within your control. Don’t waste energy on what isn’t. And definitely don’t let anyone else drain your reserves for their own nonsense.
Looking Back to Move Forward
As I close out this whirlwind year, I want to spend some time revisiting past projects. Reflection isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for growth. A lot went right—The Simple Approach has been a success, and I’ve loved hearing how folks have been using it in unexpected and exciting ways. But there are things I’d tweak if I had a time machine.
This is where you come in.
What did you love about the older books? What didn’t hit the mark? If I were to revisit a legacy product—or even create something new inspired by past releases—what would you want to see? This is your chance to weigh in. After all, the best ideas often come from the people actually using the material.
What’s Next
The next few months will be about cleaning up loose ends and laying the groundwork for what’s coming in 2025. Projects will roll out as they’re ready, not when some arbitrary calendar date says they should. My main focus is on making the best stuff possible, not rushing to meet deadlines no one but me is paying attention to.
Let’s take a beat, catch our breath, and reflect. And then, let’s dive back in—because there’s a lot of good stuff still ahead.
I hope you’re doing well today.
Berin
Latest Releases
Here’s what’s new in the Lightspress shop this week!
Discovery of Witches
Discovery of Witches isn’t your average dusty history book, it’s an unapologetic breakdown of Matthew Hopkins’ infamous The Discovery of Witches, but reimagined for storytellers and roleplaying enthusiasts who enjoy digging into the grim and the gritty. Whether you’re crafting tales of heroic fantasy, modern occult thrillers, or bleak settings dripping with fear and paranoia, this sourcebook doesn’t just walk you through Hopkins’ warped methods; it arms you with tools to turn them into unforgettable storytelling moments. Read More
Alignment & Intention
This book isn’t just for roleplayers. It’s for anyone who’s ever wrestled with questions of intention, morality, or the blurry line between "good" and "evil." The structure is flexible, letting you pick and choose what’s useful without committing to the whole thing. Want to explore how magickal philosophy can inspire your storytelling? Skip to those chapters. Interested in how alignment can serve as a lens for self-reflection? There’s a section for that, too.
If you’re a roleplayer, use this book to craft characters with more depth and nuance. The alignment grid isn’t a cage, it’s a starting point for understanding your character’s motivations and moral conflicts. Magickal philosophy can add layers to those motivations, helping you create characters with believable, intention-driven actions.
For storytellers, this book is a tool for worldbuilding and narrative design. Magickal philosophy can inspire conflict, drive character arcs, and shape the metaphysics of your setting. Alignment, meanwhile, provides a framework for exploring moral dilemmas and character relationships.
If you’re here for philosophical exploration, treat this book as a jumping-off point. The connections between magick and alignment might spark insights into your own beliefs and behaviors. Use it to question how your intentions shape your actions, and how those actions shape the world around you.
In the end, this is a book about stories, the ones we tell ourselves, the ones we create with others, and the ones that shape the worlds we live in. Whether you’re casting spells, rolling dice, or just trying to make sense of it all, the intersection of magick and alignment is fertile ground for exploration. Read More
Charms & Tokens
Charms & Tokens invites you to the mellow, character-driven side of heroic fantasy. Forget the fuss over power-grabbing artifacts or souped-up magical items that come with more curses than benefits. This sourcebook is for people who want their magic items to do more than light up a room or send someone else’s spell back at them. Here, the charms and tokens are quiet companions, each with a story to tell and a little magic to add. They’re subtle but potent, offering nuance, intrigue, and a dash of charm (literally) to any fantasy roleplaying session. Read More
Thank You
Thank you for helping us refine and reflect on our work. Your support lets us consider, adjust, and improve, allowing our projects to mature gracefully. We’re grateful for your presence as we close one chapter and prepare for the next. Thank you for your commitment and trust.
The current discount code is BLACKFRIDAY. Use it to enjoy 20% off your orders at the Lightspress shop until the end of the month.
Our next issue will be released on the day of the next new moon. See you then, and as always, I hope you’re doing well today and every day.
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.
