Paizo has announced an array of new releases that promise to thrill fans this September. From completing a saga that could change dwarven history to participating in a boat race across the shifting sands of a desert planet, the new modules and accessories promise hours of immersive gameplay.

Heavy is the Crown

Perhaps the most awaited announcement is the conclusion of the Pathfinder Second Edition Sky King’s Tomb Adventure Path, “Heavy is the Crown” by Jessica Catalan. Designed for 8th- to 10th-level characters, the adventure places players at the brink of rewriting dwarven history. Characters are thrust into the depths of the Darklands to prevent a sorcerous rival from breaching the legendary Sky King’s Tomb.

New Flip-Mats: Mining Operation and Haunted Dungeon

For Game Masters who love to throw their players into different environments, new double-sided Flip-Mats are coming for both Starfinder and Pathfinder. The “Starfinder Flip-Mat: Mining Operation” offers a glimpse into the origin of players’ high-tech equipment, featuring a detailed mining operation layout on one side and underground tunnels on the other. On the Pathfinder side, the “Pathfinder Flip-Mat Classics: Haunted Dungeon” delivers an intricate haunted dungeon layout, making it easier for GMs to manage in-game locations without having to draw every last sinister hallway.

Society Scenarios: Heidmarch Heist and More

For those who enjoy organized play, Pathfinder Society Scenario #5-03: Heidmarch Heist, designed for 5th through 8th level characters, presents a heist theme. Players must recover a stolen item even before they have had the chance to see it. Starfinder is not to be left behind either, with Society Scenario #6-07: Race for the Dustwarren Cup, where 7th- through 10th-level characters participate in a three-day boat race across the Dustwarren silt sea of Akiton, while combating the threats of local wildlife and pirates.

Apparel and Merchandise

Paizo also made announcements about new apparel for both Pathfinder and Starfinder, through their Amazon merchandise store and licensed apparel designers like Pegasus Publishing and Savage Sparrow. These new designs debuted at Dragon Con and include themes like the Pathfinder Mirage Dragon and the Starfinder Captain Concierge.

Upcoming Schedule Changes

Gamers should mark their calendars for shifted release dates in the coming months. Paizo is rescheduling its launches to accommodate the winter holidays. But fret not, you can keep tabs on all upcoming releases through their subscription services, covering everything from rulebooks to game accessories.

Kickstarter Campaign to Bring New Biomes, Missions, and Gameplay Mechanics

After a successful launch in 2022, Ghost Ship Games and MOOD Publishing are doubling down on Deep Rock Galactic: The Board Game with a Kickstarter campaign for two exciting new expansions. Scheduled to run from September 28 to October 16, the campaign aims to enhance the board game adaptation with fresh challenges in the form of new biomes, enemies, and gameplay mechanics.

Biome Expansion

The first expansion, simply titled “Biome,” invites players to venture into four new environments teeming with hazards and hostile creatures. The central mission? To seek out and eliminate the Dreadnoughts, perilous beings that pose an immediate threat to miners. A deck of Dreadnought cards will dictate the sequence of challenges players must overcome to achieve victory.

Space Rig Expansion

Offering a different gameplay flavor, the “Space Rig” expansion introduces campaign modes featuring multiple mission types and new loadout upgrade options. One such mission is “Escort Duty,” where players guide the Drilldozer through treacherous mines to obtain the rare Ommoran Heartstone. An event deck will generate unpredictable obstacles, keeping players on their toes.

Another mission, “On-Site Refining,” requires players to set up a mobile refinery across wells of liquid morkite. Once operational, the challenge shifts to maintaining the refinery and defending it from creature attacks.

The Kickstarter campaign for these expansions goes live on September 28. Existing fans and new backers can support the project and look forward to expanding their Deep Rock Galactic universe.

Deep Rock Galactic: The Board Game is an adaptation of the popular video game available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, and it continues to grow, capturing the imaginations of gamers and board game aficionados alike. With these expansions, the board game promises to bring even more depth, strategy, and co-op fun to tabletops everywhere.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Design in the Ultimate Pokémon Card Game Collection

The Pokémon Company, in partnership with Creatures Inc. and design firm nendo, has pulled back the curtain on the eagerly anticipated “Pokémon Trading Card Game Classic.” Announced initially on Pokémon Day 2023, this deluxe edition is set to be a game-changer for Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) enthusiasts when it hits store shelves on November 17, 2023.

A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary

The Pokémon TCG Classic offers an elevated gameplay experience, blending reimagined designs with iconic cards from the game’s history. Among the standouts are recreated Base Set versions of Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, each featured in one of the three preconstructed decks that come with the set. These 60-card foil decks also showcase Kanto’s first partner Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.

Besides these classics, the set also includes brand-new cards featuring Lugia ex, Ho-Oh ex, Suicune ex, Sun Seed, Scorching Charcoal, and Drops in the Ocean. Notably, a Mr. Mime card, previously exclusive to Japan, will also make its international debut in this collection.

Premium Components for an Enhanced Experience

The Pokémon TCG Classic aims to take the playing experience to the next level with a range of high-quality, carefully designed gameplay accessories:

• Game Board: A plush fabric surface marked with card placement zones, along with a compartment that holds up to three decks and a toolbox.
• Toolbox: Packed with gameplay essentials for two players, including stackable damage counters, 3D Poison and Burn markers, and metal orbs to replace traditional Pokémon coins.
• Intuitive Counters and Markers: Unique damage counters and Special Condition markers designed with vibrant colors and shapes for quick calculations and condition identification.
• Elegant Sleeves and Deck Boxes: Specifically crafted to maintain a visual focus on the card artwork while ensuring their protection and easy storage.

It’s important to note that except for Basic Energy cards, the cards in the Pokémon TCG Classic are not eligible for tournament play. The product has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $399.99 and is currently available for preorder at the Pokémon Center.

Separate products featuring the unique cards printed for the Pokémon TCG Classic will also be made available in February 2024.

Commemorating a Decade of Eorzean Adventures with a Fresh, Tabletop Experience

In an announcement today, Final Fantasy XIV announced the 10th anniversary of its A Realm Reborn reboot with the release of its very first Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG).

A New Dimension to Final Fantasy XIV

Traditional tabletop RPGs allow a group of participants to assume the roles of custom characters and navigate a story under the guidance of a gamemaster. The outcome of players’ decisions and actions is often decided by rolling dice, adding an element of unpredictability to the narrative. With the FFXIV TTRPG, players will now be able to experience the world of Eorzea through this unique, interactive format.

“The only limits are your imagination,” the official website states. This new venture allows for the development of original stories set in well-known locales, featuring beloved FATEs, monsters, and NPCs from the hit MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV.

The Starter Set: Your Gateway to Eorzean Tabletop Adventures

The FFXIV TTRPG Starter Set comes as a complete package to get both new and veteran players started. Here’s what’s included:

• Player Book: A beginner-friendly guide that covers all the fundamental rules and mechanics.
• Gamemaster Book: A comprehensive manual providing tips, tricks, and three ready-to-play scenarios directly tied to the main story of Final Fantasy XIV.
• Premade Character Sheets: Four premade, full-color character sheets representing the Warrior, White Mage, Dragoon, and Black Mage classes.
• Dice: The game employs 6d20 and 10d6 dice, 16 in total.
• Encounter Map and Character Tokens: To visually represent combat scenarios and character positioning.
• Ability Markers: To track abilities during gameplay.

This starter set is designed for 3 to 5 players, with a recommended group size of 5 players, and has no upper limit on playtime. It is suitable for ages 14 and up.

For those who wish to take their tabletop adventure to the next level, additional products like the FFXIV TTRPG Standard Rulebook and the FFXIV TTRPG Scenario & Gamemaster Guide are also available. These books offer a deeper dive into gameplay mechanics and provide invaluable resources for crafting unique scenarios.

Further details on the product, along with future updates, can be found on the official FFXIV TTRPG teaser site, while the game can already be pre-ordered in the Square Enix Store.

Nemesis, designed by Adam Kwapiński and published by Awaken Realms, is a semi-cooperative survival horror board game that thrusts players into a nail-biting journey through an abandoned spaceship.

This game offers a cinematic experience, capturing the tension and dread often associated with sci-fi horror classics like “Alien.” But is it worth adding to your collection? Let’s find out.

Gameplay Mechanics

In Nemesis, players assume the roles of crew members with varying objectives, which may or may not align with each other. The primary mission: survive. But along the way, you’ll need to explore the ship, fend off deadly intruders, and make some gut-wrenching choices. The game employs card-driven mechanics, action points, and dice rolls, perfectly balancing strategy with the unpredictability of a suspenseful horror movie.

The real star of the show is the intricate miniatures, which not only add an aesthetically pleasing visual aspect but also serve to intensify the atmospheric gameplay.

The game shines in its replayability factor. With multiple characters to choose from and objectives that change each game, no two playthroughs are the same. Additionally, the modular board setup ensures a fresh experience each time, making Nemesis a game you’ll want to revisit often.

Complexity & Learning Curve

Nemesis isn’t a simple pick-up-and-play board game. Newcomers to the genre might find its rules and mechanics a bit overwhelming at first. But if you’re willing to invest the time to get over the initial learning curve, the game becomes deeply rewarding.

Social Interaction

The semi-cooperative nature of Nemesis adds a layer of social dynamics that make for intriguing player interactions. The game requires communication and, sometimes, deceit, as players negotiate and strategize to achieve their own, often conflicting, objectives.

Final Thoughts

Nemesis is an adrenaline-fueled journey that successfully captures the essence of survival horror in board game form. Its high-quality components, thematic consistency, and layers of strategic depth make it a must-have for fans of the genre. However, its complexity may not appeal to casual gamers or those new to board games.

Nemesis offers a tense, engaging experience that will satisfy the appetite of board game enthusiasts and horror aficionados alike. If you’re looking for a board game that can offer chills and thrills with just the right amount of strategy, Nemesis might just be your next favorite game.

If you’re a fan of survival horror and board games, Nemesis should undoubtedly be on your radar. It provides a unique, immersive experience that few other games in the genre can match.

Warlord Games has finally let the cat out of the bag—or should we say, le chat? Bolt Action fans can now rejoice as Warlord has just announced the addition of early-war French Army plastic infantry to their range. Dubbed by the creators as “arguably our most versatile sprue yet,” the set offers a robust variety of options for tabletop gamers looking to expand their collections.

A Wealth of Customization

The sprue features six dynamic poses for soldiers adorned in the iconic French Army greatcoat. For those concerned about in-game aesthetics, the French soldiers can be easily identified by these unique coats, even when placed alongside other ‘greatcoat’ armies. The sprue also comes with a variety of gear including 1935-pattern haversacks, holstered pistols, and other tools essential for getting comfortable along the Maginot line.

Arms for La Patrie

When it comes to armament, the new sprue doesn’t disappoint. Players can choose from the modern MAS 36 rifle or go retro with the Mle1907/15 Berthier rifle. Additionally, the set introduces the plastic version of the iconic VB Launcher and the highly efficient FM 24/29 ‘Châtellerault’ light machine gun, ensuring that your troops are never under-armed.

The Hat is Where it’s At

The headgear options are arguably what sets this sprue apart. From the iconic ‘Adrian’ helmets to the large berets for ‘Fortress Infantry,’ the options are numerous. There are even ‘bonnets de police’ for the French chasseur light infantry regiments, offering a range of stylish and functional headgear choices for players.

Diverse Troop Types

The new range also celebrates the often underrepresented colonial troops, with headgear perfect for North African soldiers. Now, players can field a variety of colonial troops, adding depth and variety to the French army.

Options to Order

Warlord is offering multiple ways for fans to get their hands on these new miniatures. The French Starter Army Boxed Set contains a whopping 36 new figures, medium mortar, medium machine gun, and a 25mm anti-tank gun for firepower. It even includes the Char B1 bis medium tank for armoured support.

If you want the full experience, the French Army All-in Bundle provides all this along with cavalry, artillery transports, and light tanks.

For those only interested in the infantry, the French Army Infantry Bundle will be available later this year, offering three new boxes of infantry along with a Somua S35 light tank and a Lorraine 38L armoured carrier.

The Expansion Adds New Gameplay Mechanics and More Cards, Set for Release in January 2024

As Pandasaurus Games rolls out their much-anticipated board game, Sea Salt & Paper, they’ve also surprised fans by announcing a mini-expansion aptly titled “Extra Salt.” The booster pack promises to add new dimensions to the gameplay, enriching an already engaging experience.

The mini expansion, which is priced at $6.95, requires the original Sea Salt & Paper game to play and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and above. A typical game session runs from 30-45 minutes. The game was designed by the talented duo of Bruno Cathala and Théo Rivière, and features artwork by Lucien Derainne and Pierre-Yves Gallard.

“Extra Salt” includes mechanics of hand management, set collection, and push-your-luck gameplay. The expansion introduces 8 new cards with 5 different effects, adding a deeper layer of strategy.

• Jellyfish: Restricts opponents’ actions during their next turn.
• Lobster: Allows players to draw cards and add one to their hand.
• Starfish: Creates a powerful trio by combining with a duo, adding 2 points.
• Seahorse: Acts as a substitute for a missing Collector card in a set.
• Crab Multiplier: Adds extra points for Crab cards.

Preorders for the expansion will open this October and are expected to ship by December, ahead of the official release date in January 2024.

While the base game of Sea Salt & Paper already has players buzzing, the “Extra Salt” expansion adds a new level of strategic depth. The expansion will also include new rules to accommodate these additional cards and effects.

Theme Park Mania is designed for 2-4 players who work collaboratively—or competitively—to build the amusement park of their dreams. Gameplay focuses on constructing rides and facilities while optimizing layouts for maximum income and victory points.

Players start by building the park’s layout with roads and tracks. Each player earns money from the bank based on their contributions to the park. With these funds, players can purchase and build rides and facilities, customizing their areas to increase the fare and attract more visitors.

To add an extra layer of strategy, players must hire mechanics to build rides, and can also employ additional staff, including mascots. Once four rides are built, the park opens for business. Victory points are scored by constructing and visiting rides. The game concludes when the first player visits all rides, with the winner being the player with the most victory points.

Unique Features

What sets Theme Park Mania apart are its dynamic scenarios and modular building tiles, ensuring that no two games are the same. The game offers mix-and-match scenarios with 12 or 16 rides, allowing players to select a start tile for varied gameplay. Depending on the chosen scenario and start tile, playtime can range from 25 to 35 minutes per player.

Limited Editions and Exclusives

Two editions of Theme Park Mania are available for backers. The standard edition comes with a Kickstarter-exclusive silver pin. The Limited First Edition features a deluxe box, miniature mascots, deluxe components, and a numbered certificate of authenticity.

What’s in the Box?

Regardless of the edition, each game box is packed with 456 components, including 280 cardboard tiles, 105 wooden components, and 71 cards. The game also comes with a 50-page score block, printed game rules, and multiple ziplock bags for easy storage. The game box measures 29 x 29 x 6 cm and weighs about 2.5 kilograms.

With 29 days left to go, Theme Park Mania by Meeple Master has already surpassed its initial funding goal on Kickstarter. The board game project has gained impressive traction, accumulating $24,404 from 384 backers against an initial goal of $16,019.

Iconic Board Games to Join the World’s Smallest Line-up in 2024

Partnership Announcement

Super Impulse and Asmodee Entertainment have announced an exciting partnership aimed at expanding the World’s Smallest franchise. The collaboration will add miniaturized, fully functional versions of the board games CATAN® and Spot It! to Super Impulse’s already impressive catalog. These new editions are set to make their debut at the New York Toy Fair (NYTF) this Fall and are scheduled for a hard launch in 2024.

CATAN® is a titan in the tabletop gaming industry with over 40 million units sold worldwide. Spot It! (known as Dobble outside of North America) is an award-winning visual perception game developed by Asmodee’s Zygomatic studio. Super Impulse is renowned for its World’s Smallest franchise that brings classic toys, games, and collectibles to life in miniaturized, playable formats.

Alan Dorfman, Co-Founder of Super Impulse, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are honored and beyond thrilled to be working with Asmodee Entertainment on these top games. Capturing the fun, challenge, and spirit of Spot It!/Dobble and CATAN in the World’s Smallest footprint is a task we relish. The players of these games have high expectations, and we won’t let them down!”

Ness Jack, Licensing Manager at Asmodee Entertainment, shared similar sentiments: “CATAN and Spot It!/Dobble are a natural extension of Super Impulse’s portfolio of World’s Smallest games. We are thrilled to bring existing fans a new way to enjoy the games they love, and also tap into new audiences with a partner we know will do justice to these properties.”

What’s Next

Following their recent appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, Super Impulse is ramping up for the NYTF showcase, where CATAN and Spot It! miniatures will be unveiled for the first time. This highly anticipated event is a precursor to the official hard launch of these new additions next year.

With 29 days still to go, the Kickstarter campaign for “A Summer in Dungeon Town & Modular Delver Wagon Miniature” has already garnered massive support, amassing an astonishing US$ 88,810 against a modest US$ 30,000 goal. With 487 backers and counting, the project promises a captivating three-month long adventure set in the Vinyotian academic settlement of Dungeon Town. But it’s not all books and academia; the town sits atop a maze of ever-changing labyrinths that house a looming, ominous force threatening to unravel reality itself.

Diving into Dungeon Town

The expansive campaign guide spans over 200 pages, bringing every nook and cranny of Dungeon Town to life. Developed in collaboration with Konstantinos Dimopoulos, a PhD scholar in urban geography, the setting is designed to be immersive and interactive. Each street and building is meticulously detailed, offering something to explore at every turn.

The campaign is a living, breathing entity, evolving as players progress through their sessions. It features new delver backgrounds, magic items, spells, and a range of rewards to keep the adventure engaging and rewarding. Whether you’re a veteran dungeon delver or a newcomer to the world of Beast World, “A Summer in Dungeon Town” offers something for everyone.

A Wagon Like No Other

The campaign’s second star is the Modular Delver Wagon Miniature, an innovative concept in tabletop gaming. This customizable, magnetic wagon is designed for both aesthetic appeal and utility. It comes with a myriad of options for customization, from rotational rooftop weapons to removable furniture, all designed to suit standard 28mm 5e miniatures.

The Delver Wagon also serves as a functional battle map. It’s marked with 5-foot squares on both its roof and floors, providing a convenient layout for combat scenarios. Various planned expansions for the wagon promise new weapon and defensive attachments, complex interior systems, and structural elements, further enhancing its adaptability.

Bonuses and Add-Ons

In addition to the main offerings, the Kickstarter campaign includes several exciting bonuses. The D-Town Map Stack provides an even more detailed view of Dungeon Town, right down to the neighborhood level. A Deck of Delvers 3 add-on promises a third entry in the popular Deck of Delvers series, and a Beast World Delve Journal is available for meticulous note-keeping during your adventures.

Wingspan is a strategically crafted board game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and released by Stonemaier Games. The game plunges you into the world of birdwatching, creating an ornithological journey that merges intricate gameplay with beautifully illustrated cards, each featuring a different bird species. With a unique blend of engine-building mechanics and educational elements, Wingspan offers a delightful experience that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Components

The first thing you’ll notice about Wingspan is its stunning visual aesthetic. The game components include a variety of eggs, food tokens, and cards, all of which are crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The bird cards come with lifelike illustrations and fascinating tidbits about each species, adding an educational layer to the gaming experience. The game board itself is well-designed, providing a clear and organized layout for gameplay.

Gameplay

At its core, Wingspan is an engine-building game where players attract birds to their wildlife preserves by meeting specific conditions outlined on the bird cards. As your aviary grows, so do your options for future plays, enabling you to gather more food, lay more eggs, and ultimately accrue more points. While the basic rules are relatively straightforward, the variety of bird powers and interactions add layers of complexity that will keep strategy enthusiasts engaged.

Players take turns performing one of four actions: playing a bird, gaining food, laying eggs, or drawing cards. Each action has the potential to activate a chain reaction of other actions, making every choice a pivotal one. The game lasts for four rounds, and each round has a specific goal, adding another layer of strategic decision-making to your play.

Educational Aspect

One of the hidden gems in Wingspan is its educational value. Each bird card features not only the mechanics of how that bird affects your board but also factual information about the bird’s habitat, diet, and characteristics. It’s a subtle but effective way of learning about different species of birds and their role in ecosystems.

Replayability

Wingspan shines in its replayability. With over 170 unique bird cards and a dynamic setup that changes each round, no two games are the same. This ensures that Wingspan remains fresh and engaging, even after multiple playthroughs.

Conclusion

Wingspan is a marvelous creation that successfully combines rich gameplay, stunning visuals, and an educational journey through the world of birds. Whether you’re a board game veteran or a casual player, Wingspan has something to offer. It’s a delightful game that you’ll likely find yourself returning to, time and again. A must-add to any board game collection.

The Upcoming Remaster of Pathfinder’s Wizard Class Promises a More Academic and Thematically Rich Experience.

Paizo has unveiled new details about the highly anticipated remaster of its wizard class, part of the Pathfinder Player Core and GM Core set to be released this November. James Case, Senior Designer at Paizo, penned a comprehensive blog post explaining what changes players can expect in the upcoming remaster.

A More Academic Wizard

According to Case, the new wizard class aims to emphasize the academic aspects of wizardry. The feats and features will focus more on the scholarly elements like training, incantations, runes, and spell formulas. The iconic human wizard, Ezren, illustrated by Wayne Reynolds, serves as a perfect embodiment of this refined class theme.

Goodbye Eight Schools, Hello Customization

One of the significant changes will be the elimination of the eight schools of magic traditionally associated with the wizard class. This is in line with broader changes in the Remaster that required an overhaul of rules tied to the Open Game License (OGL). This shift allows for more customization and the ability to expand the wizard’s major paths—something the community has frequently requested. Now, players can expect tightly focused “mages’ curricula,” such as the School of Battle Magic or the School of Civic Wizardry, that genuinely capture the wizard’s thematic essence.

More Wizardly Tools

The remaster isn’t just about themes; it also brings new tools to the wizard class. One of the highlighted new feats is the “Secondary Detonation Array,” a one-action feat for 14th-level wizards. It allows players to create a magical circle that explodes at the beginning of their next turn, dealing damage based on the rank of the spell used to create it.

This new feat is designed to reflect the wizard’s academic mastery and encourage strategic, intelligent gameplay—fitting for a class whose key attribute is Intelligence.

The Future of Magic in Pathfinder

Case hints that more details on spells and new rules for spellcasting will be revealed soon, promising further excitement for fans eagerly awaiting the Remaster.

More than Triple Its Initial Funding Goal, The Project Draws Attention from History and Miniature Enthusiasts Alike.

History buffs and miniature enthusiasts, rejoice! “The Danube Campaign – Part 1,” a new Kickstarter campaign dedicated to recreating Napoleon’s last triumphant campaign in 28mm scale, has surpassed its initial goal of $10,682, with $37,025 pledged so far and 21 days still remaining.

An Ambitious Recreation of War of 1809

The project serves as a pivotal step toward achieving the goal of recreating the War of 1809 in its entirety. The set includes both French and Austrian forces, enabling supporters to simulate numerous historical battles. The effort builds upon an earlier project focused on the Austrian forces, known as “The Alps Aflame.”

The War of the Fifth Coalition has always fascinated the creator, particularly the early days of the campaign in April 1809. The period, later described by Napoleon as his “most brilliant and most skillful manoeuvres,” witnessed four significant victories for the French forces in just five days.

A Glimpse into Napoleon’s Dual Fate

While the project celebrates Napoleon’s triumphs, it does not shy away from portraying his setbacks. The Battle of Aspern-Essling marked the Emperor’s first significant defeat and initiated a shift in public perception, impacting the invincible image he had built up.

This project serves as the first of two planned phases, with the second scheduled to launch early next year. The follow-up will introduce more cavalry for the French and Austrians, additional infantry and artillery for both sides, and the iconic Imperial Guards. After the completion of these two phases, the focus will shift to some of the smaller nations involved in the War of 1809.

Mark Your Calendars for Warhammer Day on October 14.

Warhammer Day, an annual global celebration of what many consider the best hobby in the world, is fast approaching. This year, the event falls on the 14th of October and holds special significance as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Warhammer franchise.

Keeping up with tradition, Warhammer Day will feature the release of an exclusive commemorative miniature, aptly named “The Ancestors’ Wrath.” This special Einhyr Champion stands at ease but exudes a sense of readiness. The figure bears a distinctive stag crest on its armor, mirrored by a motif on its shield. Adding to the customization options, “The Ancestors’ Wrath” comes with a choice of three different heads—helmeted, lifted visor, and bare.

In a surprising turn, the miniature also marks the return of the Leagues of Votann—a faction that dates back to the earliest days of Warhammer 40,000. After a long hiatus, they’ve returned to stake their claim on valuable galactic resources, all in a bid to protect their Ancestor Cores.

As if a commemorative miniature and a trip down memory lane weren’t enough, Warhammer Day will also feature previews of upcoming releases. A glimpse into the future of the Warhammer universe will be unveiled, showcasing exciting new miniatures that fans will not want to miss.

“The Ancestors’ Wrath” will be available for pre-order shortly. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Warhammer Community for further details and announcements in the lead-up to Warhammer Day.

A high fantasy setting with deep roots in ancient Rome and classical cultures, “Vynestra: A Rome-Themed 5th Edition World & City Setting” is a Kickstarter campaign that has not only met its initial goal but has doubled it and then some, all thanks to its 184 backers. And with 22 days left in the campaign, this fantastical world shows no signs of stopping its expansion.

An Epic Collection for Epic Adventures

Vynestra boasts a staggering 1,000 pages of original content spread over five beautifully designed books. The collection dives deep into new lore, spells, magical items, kinships, backgrounds, feats, adventures, and encounters. And let’s not forget its sprawling city setting featuring over 600 locations.

The campaign introduces an entirely new ability system, powered by “embers”—magical tattoos gifted by the gods. This innovative mechanic allows player characters (PCs) and non-player characters (NPCs) alike to ascend to the status of demigods, adding an epic layer to your role-playing experience.

Adding to the richness of the world are a diverse cast of characters and creatures that inhabit various settings in Vynestra. From Deveros, the Amethyst Crown, to the far reaches of the Aldarin Empire, you’ll never lack for interesting personalities and challenging foes.

With 99% of the content already complete, backers can expect to receive PDFs roughly one to two months after the campaign ends, pending a review period. That means you could be adventuring through this vast and layered world by the end of the year.

Exclusive Preview and More

Curious adventurers can download a free preview PDF and maps to explore Deveros, Vynestra’s Rome and Venice-inspired city. The preview also offers a sneak peek into the Ember system and an overview of the five books that comprise the Vynestra Collection:

1. World of Vynestra: Introduces the universe of Vynestra, known as “The Compass,” along with the unique Ember demigod system.
2. The Aldarin Empire: Delves into the Romanesque culture of the Aldarins and introduces new sub-classes and backgrounds.
3. Deveros, The Amethyst Crown: Provides a detailed look into the capital city of the Aldarin Empire, featuring over 600 locations.
4. Sif’s Guide to the Creatures of Deveros: A comprehensive manual of monsters, demigods, and other threats, written by Sif Selaine, the Demigod of Adventure.
5. Blood Tithes, Chapter 1: A level 1 to 5 adventure that pits players against a nefarious blood-smuggling ring.

“Vynestra: A Rome-Themed 5th Edition World & City Setting” promises to deliver a memorable and rich experience for players and Dungeon Masters alike. With 22 days still to go, it’s not too late to become a backer and immerse yourself in this captivating world.

Fraser McFetridge, Lead Designer, Shares Excitement for a Fully Cooperative, Narrative-Driven Adventure

Steamforged Games has officially announced their upcoming tabletop venture, Horizon Forbidden West: Seeds of Rebellion. The new board game is set to launch its Kickstarter campaign on November 21, 2023, and builds upon the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn board game, taking players into the untold mysteries of the Forbidden West.

A Closer Look at Horizon Forbidden West: Seeds of Rebellion

This new installment allows for 1-4 players and promises a fully cooperative, narrative-driven experience. The game is set in a far-future Earth, where colossal machines dominate the landscape and humans live in pre-industrial tribes. Players become Marshals venturing into the Forbidden West, a land governed by the warlike Tenakth tribe. As Marshals, they must quell a brewing rebellion among the tribe’s clans and maintain a fragile peace, all while surviving encounters with deadly, evolving machines.

For those who felt the previous board game lacked a storytelling element, Seeds of Rebellion aims to remedy this. Steamforged Games has collaborated with Guerrilla’s Narrative team to deliver an official, canonical story that unfolds within the Horizon universe.

Fully Cooperative Gameplay

The game evolves the semi-cooperative combat engine from Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game into a fully cooperative adventure. This will include new gameplay features, which will be further detailed in upcoming design diaries.

The game will introduce new machines from the Forbidden West, each carefully designed to provide unique challenges and behaviors. These new features will test players’ ability to adapt and strategize during gameplay.

A new narrative engine will enable players to explore the vibrant world of the Forbidden West, making impactful decisions along the way that could alter gameplay mechanics.

For existing fans of Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game, Seeds of Rebellion will offer a free backwards compatibility pack for returning backers, allowing them to incorporate miniatures from their existing collections.

What’s Next?

Lead designer Fraser McFetridge announced that starting in mid-October, he will be sharing weekly design diaries detailing all aspects of the game. Gameplay videos will also be released in the lead-up to the Kickstarter campaign.

Offering a Unique Blend of Education and Entertainment, Kavango Attracts 374 Backers and Raises Over $33,000 with 29 Days to Go

Mazaza Games has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its innovative new board game, Kavango, which fuses education about wildlife conservation with strategic gameplay. The game has garnered widespread support, already securing $33,763 from 374 backers against its initial $6,189 goal—and with 29 days still left to reach even more stretch goals.

Dive into the World of Conservation

Designed for 1-5 players, Kavango transports participants to its namesake region, home to some of the world’s most captivating animals. Players take on roles as conservation experts, using their unique abilities to turn their landscapes into prosperous nature reserves over the course of three fast-paced rounds of card drafting.

As players build their nature reserves, they must complete research tasks to earn money and invest in protection for vulnerable and endangered species. Decisions become increasingly difficult as the game progresses, requiring more complex strategies. To win, players aim to build the highest-scoring reserve by introducing animals, completing research, and earning end-of-game conservation awards.

Kavango not only offers an exhilarating gaming experience but also educates players on real-world conservation efforts in southern Africa. Inspired by real-life success stories, Kavango aims to empower players to believe in the power of positive action in conservation.

The game includes 160 beautifully hand-drawn species cards that provide a deep dive into the biodiversity of the Kavango region. These cards, along with 30 action cards, 40 research tasks, 5 landscape boards, and 10 conservation experts, offer a game with high replayability.

Swashbucklers, Prepare for Adventure: Immerse Yourself in New Lands and Mythologies

Chaosium Inc., the company behind the renowned 7th Sea RPG, has just launched two new expansions in PDF format—Land of 1000 Nations and Cities of Faith and Wonder. Both releases promise to deepen the lore and expand the world of Théah, giving players more avenues for exploration, intrigue, and high-seas adventure.

Land of 1000 Nations: Journey to the Woven Land

In a hefty 144-page volume, Land of 1000 Nations takes players to The Woven Land, a distant continent rich in culture, magic, and diversity. This expansion offers a comprehensive look at the various peoples, beliefs, and social structures of this far-flung land. The book boasts an extensive collection of artwork by a diverse group of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists, providing a vibrant and inclusive representation of the Woven Land’s inhabitants.

For those looking to integrate characters from the Woven Land into their campaigns, the book provides new Backgrounds, Advantages, and Fighting Styles. Additionally, the book includes a suite of detailed non-player characters and story seeds to inspire new tales of high adventure.

Cities of Faith and Wonder: A Deep Dive into Theah’s Major Cities

With 216 pages of dense content, Cities of Faith and Wonder focuses on two of Théah’s major cities—Vaticine City and Iskandar. The expansion brings these cities to life with intricate details, uncovering hidden plots, vast conspiracies, and opportunities for adventure.

More than just a city guide, this expansion offers a robust city-building system, allowing players to create their own unique cities, townships, or metropolises from scratch. Whether aiming to add a personal flair to existing locations or to construct an expansive and interconnected hub for an entire story, Cities of Faith and Wonder provides the tools you’ll need.

For those who prefer physical copies, Chaosium offers a special deal: purchase the PDF now, and the cost will be deducted from the price of the physical book when it becomes available.

Crowdfunded within hours, Tawa blends traditional Japanese art with quick, versatile gameplay, promising endless on-the-go entertainment.

The Kickstarter campaign for Tawa, a travel-friendly wooden tabletop game, has garnered immense support, reaching over three times its initial goal with 29 days still left in the campaign. Designed by Mokuomo, Tawa stands as the ultimate travel companion for game enthusiasts and promises to transform idle moments into engaging play.

What sets Tawa apart is its remarkable simplicity—rules that can be grasped within 5 minutes and game rounds designed to last just 10-15 minutes. This quick setup positions Tawa as the ideal pastime for travel downtimes, whether you’re waiting for a flight, sitting in a café, or merely enjoying a relaxed day out.

Not just a one-trick pony, Tawa comes with three distinct game modes—Solo, Competitive, and Co-op—catering to various moods and group dynamics. Its versatile design ensures endless replayability, effectively converting any space into a gaming arena.

Handcrafted from high-quality natural wood, Tawa components are petite enough to fit into the palm of your hand. Its compact form makes it perfect for spontaneous gaming sessions. Adding an extra layer of flair, each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans, from the mini Woodas rocks to the Japanese wooden coins and dice.

In keeping with Mokuomo’s tradition of blending art with entertainment, Tawa is also an exquisite home décor piece. The Japanese-inspired engravings on the box are derived from traditional Japanese art forms, adding a touch of authenticity and elegance to the game set.

Optional Handcrafted Leather Bag

For backers looking to add a dash of style, the Kickstarter campaign offers the option to pledge for a bespoke 100% handmade leather bag designed specifically for Tawa. This accessory not only provides an extra layer of protection but also enhances the overall aesthetic and portability of the game set.

Celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day, Free League and Limithron bring you a tale of treacherous waters, mythical monsters, and limitless loot.

Ahoy, tabletop RPG enthusiasts! Free League Publishing, and game creator Luke Stratton, also known as Limithron, have launched a new RPG that merges pirate fantasy with cosmic horror—PIRATE BORG. Released to coincide with International Talk Like a Pirate Day, the game promises to send you on a whirlwind adventure where your cutlass and flintlock might not be enough to save you from skeletons, the Kraken, or even your mutinous crew.

What is PIRATE BORG?

PIRATE BORG is a spin-off of the critically acclaimed MÖRK BORG RPG and is now available via the Free League webstore, hobby stores globally, and as a PDF at DriveThruRPG. In this RPG, you become a filthy, greedy scoundrel who must loot, kill, and drink rum to survive the brutal world of pirating. Your journey will be riddled with raiding, plundering, and endless high-sea escapades as you vie for fame and fortune—or meet a watery grave.

Game Features

The game comes packed in a 166-page book featuring:

• Eight Character Classes: Choose from a variety of roles to suit your plundering style.
• Naval Combat Rules: Simple yet detailed mechanics to decide the outcomes of ship-to-ship encounters.
• Stats for 18 Vessels: A wide range of ships to captain, from simple rowboats to grand galleons.
• 80+ NPCs & Monsters: Face a multitude of foes, including mythical creatures and disgruntled crewmates.
• 90+ System Agnostic Tables: For generating adventures, obstacles, and treasures.
• The Curse of Skeleton Point: A sandbox-style adventure set in eleven pirate-themed locales.