Starting Thursday, we’ll be participating in this year’s #RPGaDay.  We’ll have a new blog post every day for 31 days, interpreting the prompts provided by Autocratik and Casting Shadows. And we do mean interpreting; as with past years, there are some prompts that carry assumptions about roleplaying that we don’t adhere to or agree with, and we’re going to talk about that. We’re going to double down on our odd notions about what we think roleplaying is, and we believe it could be. Hopefully, this event will give our odd ideas a little more exposure, and present people with what we feel are valid alternatives to traditional thinking. 

I hope you’re doing well today.

New Releases

Here’s what’s new in the Lightspress shop this week!

Victorian Adventures

Victorian Adventures is a comprehensive guide to creating engaging and immersive roleplaying adventures set in the intricate world of Victorian-era society. This book provides detailed beat charts for structuring your storytelling, ensuring a balanced mix of tension, drama, and exploration. Fully compatible with The Suspicion Engine system published by Lightspress, Victorian Adventures offers the tools to craft compelling narratives that captivate players. Whether uncovering hidden secrets in foggy London, navigating the treacherous waters of high society, or heading off on daring quests across the British Empire, this guide enhances your roleplaying experience with meticulous planning and creative inspiration.

Victorian Characters

Victorian Characters is your comprehensive guide to crafting compelling personalities for Victorian roleplaying games. This book covers a variety of categories, including roles in the story, backgrounds and histories, personality traits, physical traits, motivations and goals, strengths and weaknesses, quirks and habits, values and beliefs, and conflict styles. While system-neutral, it seamlessly integrates with games published by Lightspress. Dive into Victorian society and bring your characters to life with depth and authenticity, ensuring every session is memorable and engaging.

Dracula: A Raven & River Journaling Game

In Dracula: A Raven & River Journaling Game, you'll assume the roles of characters unraveling the mysteries of late 19th-century Transylvania and England. Using playing cards, you'll weave your own tales, draw connections to Stoker's chilling narrative, and perhaps gain fresh perspectives on this enduring classic. Let's explore the origins and cultural impact of this legendary novel.

This Week’s Discount Code

This week’s code is RPGADAY

It will save you 20% off your entire purchase for one week after the date of this newsletter.

The Day-to-Day

In case you missed them, new and notable posts on the blog!

Building Player Characters with Depth

Creating player characters with detailed backstories, motivations, and personality traits can significantly enhance the roleplaying experience in tabletop roleplaying games. Well-developed characters add depth to the adventure and provide hooks for both players and gamemasters to explore. Here are my strategies for crafting these multifaceted characters. Read More

Effective Session Zero Practices

A Session Zero is an essential step in starting a new roleplaying game campaign. It sets the foundation for the game, ensuring everyone is on the same page and that the campaign begins smoothly. Let’s explore why Session Zero is important and what topics you should cover to ensure a successful campaign launch. Read More

The Role of Conflict in Storytelling

Conflict is a powerful tool in roleplaying games that can drive the adventure forward and foster character development. When used effectively, conflict creates tension, challenges characters, and reveals their true nature. Here’s how I approach using conflict in roleplaying games to enhance the adventure and deepen the players’ engagement. Read More

Coming Soon

Here’s what’s currently in the works!

• The Count of Monte Cristo: A Raven & River Journaling Game

• Romance Adventures

• Romance Characters

• Shakespearean Adventures

• Shakespearean Characters

• Ghostlight: A Dark Academia Paranormal Romance Roleplaying Game

• Seven Valleys: A Cottagecore Fantasy Roleplaying Game

• Hard Times: A Dickensian Magical Realism Roleplaying Game

• The Foragers Guild: A Civilized Fantasy Roleplaying Game

Thank You

The Lightspress Manifesto is our official weekly newsletter, delivering information on new and upcoming releases, sales and events, and sources of creative inspiration directly to your email inbox. It's your essential guide to all things Lightspress, and the best part? It's completely free. Stay connected and subscribe to The Lightspress 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.