“City of Skull” offers a vivid exploration of a fantasy world reeling from a cataclysmic war. It features a city dominated by an intricate guild system and haunted by the lore of a slumbering deity. The campaign setting aims to expand the traditional gameplay of Mazes by incorporating new rules for hex-crawling and enhancing the social and narrative aspects of gaming. These enhancements are designed to foster deeper character development and more immersive campaign stories.

In conjunction with the primary campaign setting, 9th Level Games is also launching “Beyond the City of Skull,” an adventure path that takes players beyond the city into a desert shrouded in perpetual eclipse, introducing new challenges and environments.

The crowdfunding campaign provides backers with several rewards, including the core campaign setting, an additional adventure path book, a solo adventure book, a deluxe Maze Controller Screen with a dial, a custom coin set, a Roll20 VTT module for digital play, and an original soundtrack themed around “City of Skull.”

First launched in 2019 as part of Zinequest, Mazes Fantasy Roleplaying is recognized for its elegantly simple rules that allow players to dive directly into the action.

The expansion is anchored by the “Voidrunner’s Codex,” a hardcover volume that introduces new player options, equipment, and psionics. It is accompanied by the “Star Captain’s Manual,” which details the intricacies of starship operations, space travel, and combat, including a comprehensive guide on building custom starships.

Players start their space journey with “Escape from Death Planet,” an adventure set on the perilous jungle world of Ninemoon, challenging them to escape before its destruction. The boxed set enhances gameplay with over 200 tokens, 20 poster maps, and a magnetic narrator’s screen, all packaged in a sleek slipcase designed to facilitate both ground and starship battle scenarios.

Upon the campaign’s conclusion, digital rewards will be distributed immediately, with plans to order the physical sets promptly to minimize delivery times. This approach aims to satisfy backers’ eagerness to start their space-themed adventures as soon as possible.

“Voidrunner’s Codex” offers extensive customization through new heritages, cultures, and classes, including the Psion and Psyknight, which feature a variety of subclasses that provide diverse gameplay strategies. The lore surrounding these elements is rich, setting the stage for a broad range of story-driven encounters and explorations.

The campaign has successfully surpassed its initial funding goal of $6,404, currently standing at $35,860 with 322 backers. The Kickstarter will continue to accept pledges until July 5, giving potential backers plenty of time to contribute and participate in the launch of this ambitious expansion.

Adam Bradford is best known for founding D&D Beyond, the digital toolset that redefined how players engage with Dungeons & Dragons. Under his leadership, D&D Beyond grew exponentially, ultimately catching the eye of Hasbro, which acquired the platform. After his success with D&D Beyond, Bradford took on a pivotal role at Demiplane, where he spearheaded the development of a comprehensive digital tools platform for various tabletop games, further establishing his reputation as a forward-thinker in the industry.

In his new role at SmiteWorks, Bradford will leverage his extensive expertise to elevate Fantasy Grounds’ market presence, enhance user engagement, and improve the overall user experience. His responsibilities will span product development, business growth, marketing, community engagement, and user acquisition. Bradford’s innovative mindset and proven success make him an ideal fit for SmiteWorks, a company dedicated to advancing the digital tabletop gaming experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam Bradford to the SmiteWorks team,” said Doug Davison, President of SmiteWorks USA, LLC. “Adam’s expertise and vision will be invaluable as we work to grow Fantasy Grounds and provide our users with the best possible tabletop gaming experience. We have a lot of great things in the works for Fantasy Grounds and we believe Adam is the perfect addition to help us achieve our goals.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Adam Bradford said, “I am incredibly excited to be joining SmiteWorks and to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of Fantasy Grounds. The virtual tabletop space is evolving rapidly to make playing these games we love more convenient than ever, and I look forward to working with the outstanding team at SmiteWorks to continue driving innovation and growth in the tabletop roleplaying space.”

The box set contains three books totaling 120 pages, pre-generated characters from the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners universe, themed dice, maps, standees, and more. The set is designed to integrate players directly into the storyline aftermath of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners finale.

Available for pre-order are the physical box set, a digital version accessible via DriveThruRPG, and a Roll20 module, all aimed at enhancing the tabletop experience of the Cyberpunk universe.

Features of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Mission Kit

The kit includes new gameplay elements such as quickhacks and a variety of cyberware options like Gorilla Arms and Mantis Blades. It also features “The Jacket,” a mission that occurs after the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners series, offering multiple potential outcomes based on player decisions.

Additional content includes detailed backgrounds for characters such as David Martinez, Lucy, and Rebecca, enriching the game’s lore. The kit also provides a timeline that connects the “Red Decades” to the 2070s era, offering a comprehensive overview of the setting’s historical context.

Compatibility and Upcoming Releases

The Edgerunners Mission Kit is compatible with the Cyberpunk RED ruleset, functioning as a supplement to the existing game rather than a new version of the rules. This ensures that the kit can be integrated into both new and ongoing games.

R. Talsorian Games is also preparing for a busy release schedule with titles like “Shadow Scar” by Cody Pondsmith and “Fossilized Violence” by James Hutt on the horizon. Another upcoming release, “Tales of the Red: Forlorn Hope,” will feature six new gigs in a campaign centered around the iconic Forlorn Hope bar.

The event’s key revelation was the introduction of Starfinder Second Edition, initially announced at Gen Con 2023. This update aims to align Starfinder more closely with the mechanics of Pathfinder Second Edition. The launch of the Starfinder Playtest Rulebook, expected at Gen Con 2024, will start a comprehensive playtest phase, including content for six classes, ten ancestries, and a variety of new technological and magical options.

On the Pathfinder front, the convention showcased the forthcoming Pathfinder Player Core 2, the final installment in the Core Rulebook series, which integrates extensive player feedback and updates. The Pathfinder War of Immortals rulebook was also announced, setting the stage for a new meta event in the Golarion universe following the death of the god Gorum, which disperses mythic powers across the world.

Additional updates included the Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries, which will explore changes in the divine landscape after the War of Immortals event, and the announcement of Godsrain: A Pathfinder Novel, which follows Pathfinder’s heroes as they face new mythic challenges.

Paizo also revealed Pathfinder Quest, a new cooperative board game set to launch on BackerKit this fall. This dungeon crawler is designed for quick, campaign-style play and is aimed at both new and veteran players.

The convention additionally featured the premiere of the trailer for The Gamers: Dorkness Falls, the concluding installment of The Gamers film series, which follows the protagonists as they navigate their most perilous adventure to date.

QUEERZ! allows players to assume the roles of super sentai heroes, engaging in battles against the Justice Knights, adversaries influenced by a harmful substance known as Ignorance. The game emphasizes themes of acceptance and empathy, as players work to understand and heal the biases of the Justice Knights through narrative-driven gameplay.

The game utilizes the tag-based engine from City of Mist, enabling players to combine unique abilities with core moves such as Slay, Strike a Pose, and Be Vulnerable. This integration aims to deliver a mix of action, lightheartedness, and drama, inspired by the LGBTQ+ culture and history reflected in the manga.

The QUEERZ! project was brought to life by a team of LGBTQ+ creators and allies, including Keith Asada, Robin Caulfield, and Alison Cybe. The game includes characters from the original QUEERZ! manga like Teddy Woof and Absolutely Fabulous, along with art that complements the game’s inclusive theme.

The QUEERZ! Basic Box offers a starter kit for players and the game master, including dice, character folios, maps, character cards, and tracking cards. The QUEERZ! Creator Guide provides expanded rules for customizing the game experience, and the QUEERZ! Adventure Anthology features five unique adventures developed by the game’s diverse creative team.

The heart of “The Arcaneum Infinitum” is its collection of 160 magic items, each crafted to add more depth and intrigue to gameplay. These items move away from the mundane, providing new opportunities for storytelling and challenges. Alongside these items, the book offers eight new subclasses that open up fresh gameplay options and help players craft unique adventurers.

Adding to the gameplay experience are eight short adventures that integrate seamlessly into ongoing campaigns or serve as exciting stand-alone sessions. These adventures are structured to introduce the new magic items organically, enhancing both the narrative and the strategic aspects of gameplay.

To further enrich the gaming experience, Arcane Affinity has included several add-ons. A GM Screen with interchangeable inserts features essential game information and stunning artwork. For a more tactile experience, beautifully illustrated item cards and detailed battlemap posters are also available, helping to visualize game scenes and items vividly.

The campaign has attracted a promising level of support, with $4,517 pledged towards a $12,500 goal. With 70 backers on board and 27 days remaining in the campaign, which ends on June 26. Supporters are encouraged to visit the Kickstarter page where they can also access a free sample of the book’s first adventure.

In “Pathfinder Quest,” players assume the roles of various characters, each with customizable ancestries, classes, and skills. The game unfolds across eight of twelve possible adventures, with the outcome of each influenced by player decisions and dice rolls, ensuring a unique experience with each playthrough.

The game set includes an Adventure Book that details each potential adventure and a Challenge Book that reveals the outcomes of player decisions. Additionally, the set contains map tiles, custom dice, hundreds of cards, monster pawns, and selected miniatures.

“Pathfinder Quest” will be available for pre-order via a crowdfunding campaign on BackerKit, launching this fall. Interested parties can sign up on the Pre-Launch page to receive updates and news about the game. Early backers will receive a special metal coin as a bonus.

Backers of the campaign will receive the PDF version of Replicant Rebellion ahead of its official release. Those who pledge for physical items within the first 24 hours will also receive an exclusive art print featuring Martin Grip’s cover art.

The Kickstarter campaign includes an Asset Pack for use with both Replicant Rebellion and the original Blade Runner RPG. This pack provides physical and digital handouts and tools for creating custom Case Files and Operations.

In this expansion, players will manage their own crew, taking on missions such as aiding fugitive Replicants, sabotaging corporations, dealing with law enforcement, and navigating gang conflicts. The game explores the moral complexities of the Blade Runner universe, challenging players to maintain their cover and avoid detection.

The creative team for Replicant Rebellion includes returning members Tomas Härenstam as game director and lead designer, Joe LeFavi as setting writer, and Martin Grip as cover artist. New contributors include Eren Arik as lead interior artist and Johan Nohr, known for his work on MÖRK BORG and CY_BORG, who adds a unique touch to the game’s interstitials.

Replicant Rebellion provides an in-depth look at the history and organization of the Replicant Underground within the Blade Runner universe. It includes detailed guidelines for running a Replicant Underground campaign, introducing new character archetypes and rules for maintaining covers and managing heat from the law. The expansion also features several complete Operations for players to undertake.

The Kickstarter campaign has raised $195,954 from 2,454 backers, significantly surpassing its initial goal of $23,617. The campaign will run until June 13, with 15 days remaining.

“Fabled Empire” offers an array of new monsters, each depicted in full-color artwork that brings these fantastical creatures to life. The supplement goes beyond mere adversaries by incorporating villains with backstories, motivations, and stat blocks, ready to challenge players in any game setting. Unlike typical monsters, the denizens of “Fabled Empire” serve as non-player characters that enhance the narrative depth of the game, complete with their own stat blocks.

The magic items in “Fabled Empire” draw inspiration directly from fairytales, featuring enchanting artifacts such as magic slippers and mystical tinderboxes. These items are designed to add a layer of magic and intrigue to gameplay. Additionally, the supplement provides extensive player options, including new backgrounds that infuse character creation with fairytale-inspired elements, along with new equipment, spells, and feats.

In an era leaning towards AI-generated art, “Fabled Empire” supports artists by committing to real human talent. The project emphasizes the employment and fair compensation of artists and writers, ensuring that each element of the supplement reflects genuine creativity and craftsmanship.

The Kickstarter campaign for “Fabled Empire” is scheduled to launch in June, offering both digital and hardcover print editions at special introductory pricing. Head over to the Kickstarter page to be notified when “Fabled Empire” launches.