RPG & WARGAME NEWSLETTER #79
October 7, 2024
Greetings, Gamers!
If this week’s newsletter seems to be heavy on crowdsourcing projects, that’s because it is VERY heavy on projects. It seems like once or twice a year, the stars align and everything in my inbox and in my feeds are crowdsourcing projects… and this last week was one of them. Normally I toss in one or two per newsletter, but there are some really GOOD projects that are running right now and I honestly can’t decide which to share and which to postpone. So… here they are (with some non-crowdsourced stuff mixed in). Hopefully one or more of them will grab your interest as they did mine.
RPGs
I’m on the fence about this one - I’ve listened to some of the Welcome to Night Vale podcasts, and they are are entertaining. I’m just not sure I need another RPG rulebook. Who am I kidding!? I’ll probably back it. It’s such a cool setting and concept, and the digital pledge is $25. The fundraising ends on October 30. Click here for more info.
I love the Mothership RPG, and I collect a lot of adventures. Some I run, some I use as inspiration for my own games. There’s a new scenario released for crowdfunding called The Hands That Feed… and it’s definitely Mothership material. From the description: The Hands That Feed is a modular campaign for players who like their crew battered and scared. Crushing corporations dominate shore leave stations while fast-paced missions add harrowing aliens to corporate power struggles.
WARGAMING
I mentioned in a previous newsletter about Tom Tullis at Fat Dragon Games and his announcement of a new starship combat wargame called Battlefront Valkyrie. I’m not allowed to provide details about the game just yet, but Tom did provide me with an advanced PDF copy of the rules… and I’m in! It’s got just the right amount of tactical without going overboard, and I have to admit the STL files for the ships that you’ll print and assemble (super-easy) are very cool to look at. Everything you’ll need to play the game is provided, including STLs for the ships, bases, tokens, dashboards and more. The rulebook is simple and easy to read, too. I’m definitely hoping for more ships in the future (hint, hint, Tom!). The wargame releases in full on October 22. Sign up for FDG’s newsletter to keep informed on this game and more products from FDG.
TERRAIN
Here’s a new Pay-What-You-Want fundraiser for some really nice fantasy terrain. From WonderForge Studio, the Mournvale project will includes three structures (see below image) suitable for 28mm miniature games. The files do look like intact structures, not run down… so you’ll likely have to do some painting and modifications if you want them to look like the decrepit old buildings in the image. More info here.
CROWDSOURCING
I’m very interested in backing this one — a set of 3D printable storage boxes for trading card games. Not sure if they’ll fit my needs, but when the KS launches, I plan on backing if I can find a size and format I like. I’ve bought some Magic the Gathering boxes for my oldest son, and those things are CRAZY expensive. Being able to print out boxes as needed? Yes, please. More info here.
LOVECRAFT MYTHOS
Special thanks to subscriber Ryan G. for pointing this one out to me.
Solo Chtulhu RPGs haven’t really grabbed me, and I do play a lot of Mythos-based board games solo, so this collection called Choose Cthulhu are of interest. The only problem is I can’t afford all of them, so I may have to start at the first book. That said, this fundraiser is for books 7-10. From the announcement: Choose Cthulhu is a collection of solo-adventure gamebooks that offer horror fans an exciting new way to experience the Cthulhu mythos. Based on the works of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, each book in the Choose Cthulhu series puts you at the center of the story as you explore a gothic, haunted New England setting. Throughout each book, you are presented with various options that drive the story forward, as well as game mechanics that require focus, determination, and just a bit of luck. Though be wary – while some paths may help you find answers, others could lead to your demise – or to something far worse.
GASLANDS VEHICLE OF THE WEEK
Matt White has created a great ride for the Gaslands wargame. You definitely don’t want this one tailgating you, and look at that side exhaust!
YOUTUBE
Two videos for you this week — first, this video has a great solution for 3D printing miniatures storage… he also does a good job of explaining Fusion360 in simple terms. I prefer to display my minis so I can see them, but this is also a nice way to transport and protect them.
If you play a lot of games like I do, you may find remembering every rule for every game almost impossible. That means page flipping. But the video below may offer us a solution, and I’m already using it and trying to determine if it really is a game changer for me. Right now, it’s working great. It DOES require me to have my laptop or iPad open to the free-to-use NotebookLM website (it’s not available as an app as far as I can tell), but being able to type in my question and get a rapid response? Just check out the video and see if it works for you. I’d love to hear your comments about it, too.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
My thoughts are with so many of the residents of North Carolina and South Carolina and Tennessee… so much damage and loss of life from Hurricane Helene. If you have a way to help out, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity that is raising funds and donating supplies to those who have lost their homes. Power is out in many areas still, and roads are preventing supplies from getting in. It’s a mess. If you’re a subscriber in the hard hit areas (and have power), do let me know about your status. Stay safe, everyone… and play some games if you can.
See you next week.
Jim
TO MY SUBSCRIBERS
If you know of a local and/or independent gaming convention, email me at jimsworkshop@fastmail.com to get it listed.
You can find my zines and laser-cut terrain at thetabletopengineer.bigcartel.com - 10% off to newsletter readers with code RPGWGNEWS.
Digital copies of all my zines can be found on DrivethruRPG.
My game play-through videos can be found here.
The YouTube Channel name is The Tabletop Engineer Plays