THE BIG RPG SALE! Nothing over $5!
Help spread the word!
All of our backlist titles at the link below are on sale for 50% off or more!
Nothing over $5, some titles as low as $1!
We'll be adding even more titles in the coming days!
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Design RPG Situations Instead of Writing Plots
Stop scripting RPG plots. Learn how to design dynamic situations with conflict, factions, and pressure so player decisions naturally create the story at the table.
Why Roleplaying Is One of the Purest Forms of Storytelling
Tabletop roleplaying games create stories through player decisions, rising pressure, and meaningful consequences, making RPGs one of the purest forms of collaborative storytelling.
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.
Why It’s Called the Canonica
Principia Canonica defines the canonical version of the Lightspress narrative RPG system. Learn how older books remain compatible and what changes going forward.
Don’t Roll Dice: Automatic Successes
Most actions in Principia Canonica succeed automatically. Dice appear only when pressure and instability make the outcome meaningful in narrative roleplaying.
Difficulty vs Pressure
Learn the difference between difficulty and pressure in narrative tabletop RPG design. Principia Canonica measures the situation around an action, not the task itself.
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.
Why Principia Canonica Is Accessible, Yet Slightly Theory-Heavy
Principia Canonica uses simple mechanics but explains narrative structure. Learn why instability, pressure, and consequence matter in story-driven tabletop RPG design.
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.