Taking the First Steps in Creation
The Manifesto 🌓 6 March 2025
The first quarter moon rises, bringing momentum to the intentions set under the new moon’s quiet sky. It’s the phase of action, when ideas begin to take form and the creative process stirs to life. There’s an energy here, a call to move forward, even if the path feels uncertain.
Inspiration often begins in the shadows of the new moon, a flicker of something waiting to take shape. But it’s the first quarter moon that pushes us to do the work, to transform those sparks into something real. This is where creation gets messy, where the blank page stares back, and where we start to discover what an idea can truly become.
For me, this phase is about embracing imperfection. It’s easy to be intimidated by the act of starting, especially when the image in your mind is so much sharper than the first attempts you put to paper. But the creative process thrives on those early, messy steps. They’re the scaffolding for something greater, the foundation that will evolve as the cycle continues.
Taking those first steps also means making choices. An idea might begin as a shimmering, undefined possibility, but it can’t stay that way forever. To create, we have to commit, to a direction, a tone, a structure. We might not get it exactly right the first time (or even the tenth), but each decision moves us closer to something tangible.
This is also a time to embrace collaboration, whether that’s working directly with others or seeking inspiration from their work. Creativity doesn’t exist in isolation; it thrives in connection. For me, that means listening to the stories others tell, learning from their insights, and trusting that my voice will find its place in the mix. For you, it might mean sharing your ideas, seeking feedback, or simply allowing yourself to be inspired by the world around you.
As the moon grows, let it remind you to take your own first steps. What ideas have been waiting for your attention? What’s calling you to create? The work doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t even have to be finished. It only needs to begin.
The first quarter moon is a moment of momentum, of trying, of beginning again and again. Let’s step forward, one imperfect step at a time, trusting that the process will lead us where we need to go.
I hope you’re doing well today.
Berin
Order of the Magpie
A multiversal order of explorers and scholars, recovering lost artifacts and protecting history from exploitation.
It started with a question, or rather, several.
Why does every adventure seem to end in a pile of bodies? Why is wonder treated as an afterthought, and magic as nothing more than a tool for violence? Why would a group of strangers, meeting in a tavern, risk their lives for each other without a second thought?
The Order of the Magpie exists because the world, every world, is more than just a battlefield.
Originally conceived as a geographical society with a higher purpose, the Order is dedicated to the preservation of history, the protection of knowledge, and the recovery of artifacts both magical and mundane. They are explorers, scholars, and curators, not conquerors. They exist to keep wonders from being lost to time, protect relics from misuse, and ensure that power doesn't fall into reckless hands. Where others see treasure, they see responsibility. And where freebooters, opportunists with no regard for consequence, seek only gold and glory, the Order ensures not everything of value is looted, burned, or forgotten.
What began as a single organization in a single world soon became something much greater. The Order of the Magpie transcends planes, time, and even the boundaries of reality itself. Their headquarters, known simply as the Museum, exists in a plane of its own, an endless archive of lost histories, artifacts of immeasurable power, and wonders beyond counting. But the Order doesn't hoard knowledge; they distribute their mission across countless worlds, franchising their influence through guildhouses where adventurers take on missions without fully understanding the true scope of their benefactors.
This book is designed for The Simple Approach, but like the Order itself, it's not bound to one system. It provides the tools to incorporate the Order of the Magpie into any heroic fantasy roleplaying game, whether as an integral part of a setting or a background force shaping the world from the shadows. The specifics of its structure may change, but the mission remains the same: to seek, to protect, and to remember.
The worlds are vast, the past is fragile, and the freebooters are relentless. The Order of the Magpie stands against them.
424 pages. PDF and epub files included.
ISBN 9798313085975
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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 unique, bringing ideas to life with resilience and determination. We appreciate every bit of your support.
This week’s discount code is MAGPIE. 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 full 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.
