One Publisher's Intention
The Manifesto 🌑 29 January 2025
The new moon offers a quiet reminder: renewal begins in stillness. Its darkness invites us to pause, reflect, and set intentions for what comes next. As I think about this moment of renewal, I find myself drawn back to the values that guide me, not just in life, but in the work I create and share with you.
Empathy, compassion, and kindness are at the heart of every story we tell. They are the threads that connect us, whether we’re stepping into the shoes of another character or navigating the complexities of our own. Literacy, too, is foundational. It sharpens our ability to think critically, solve problems, and understand one another. It builds common sense, not the loud kind that demands attention, but the quiet sort that helps us see the world as it is and dream of what it could be.
And then there’s the matter of conflict. The world offers plenty of violence already. I believe roleplaying has the power to show us other paths, paths where diplomacy, investigation, and social connection are as exciting as any battle. Stories don’t need to glorify harm to be meaningful; they can show us the strength in choosing peace, the courage in understanding.
None of this is, or should be, political. Basic dignity and human rights ought to be a given. And yet, I’ve felt pushed lately to editorialize, to spell these things out instead of letting the work speak for itself. That’s not my first instinct. My preference has always been to express these values through the stories and systems I create, trusting you to discover them naturally as you play, explore, and imagine.
But as the new moon reminds us, intentions need clarity to take shape. So here’s mine: to create roleplaying experiences that embody these values without preaching them, that let you walk away not just entertained but maybe, just maybe, a little more thoughtful, curious, and connected. That’s the magic I strive for.
As we begin this new lunar cycle, I invite you to reflect on what you’d like to bring into your own stories, whether in the worlds you create, the characters you inhabit, or the lives you lead. Together, let’s tell tales that challenge, heal, and inspire. Let’s imagine better.
The sky is dark, full of potential. What will you make of it?
I hope you’re doing well today.
Berin
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Latest Releases
Here’s what’s new in the Lightspress shop this week!
Master Plan Update
I keep wanting to close some open loops and finish off things like the last few outstanding Fantasy Academia books, I think three Occult series titles, and move on to modern, non-fantasy Dark Academia, but I keep getting distracted by shiny objects.
DoubleZero still suffers from my current aversion to politics, but I need to get over it and release the book. I don’t want it to suffer due to the bile in my throat over current events, but neither do I want to redo the whole game (again) to make it some sort of statement piece. I will figure it out, push through, and move on at some point.
It’s much easier for me to explain putting the literary titles on the back burner, because no one is asking about them. At all. Ever. They don’t sell especially well, either. I can’t imagine why the average roleplaying gamer isn’t champing at the bit to see how I manage to turn William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury into a roleplaying game.
The Campaign Bible sourcebooks will continue over the coming weeks, in assorted genre flavors, and likely other genre sourcebooks as well, because that’s what’s selling well at the moment.
I wasn’t happy with the proofs of the print books. Adjustments have been made and the cycle begins anew.
The Master Plan is more like a direction I’m ambling in, straying off of the path perioidically when something interesting bears investigation. It’s not a hard-and-fast schedule with concrete deadlines and set-in-stone release dates. I want to tighten that up, but honestly, as long we’re all happy with how things are going, and save our worries for larger, more important issues, I’m fine with how things are.
Thank You
Thank you for joining us as we embark on new journeys together. Your support brings fresh energy to our work, letting us plant new seeds of creativity and inspiration. Here’s to beginnings, ideas taking root, and the possibilities ahead. We’re grateful to have you along.
This week’s discount code is INTENTION. Use it to enjoy 20% off your orders at the Lightspress shop until the next issue of the newsletter come out.
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 and always.
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. Calendars are fake, but the moon is real. 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.
