The Manifesto | 17 September 2024

Once again, someone has asked me why I don't do a Kickstarter. It’s like clockwork. People seem to think Kickstarter is the magical answer to all business problems. "You could afford art," they say. Yes, because that’s clearly the only reason I publish books without pictures. Let’s gloss over the entire Lightspress ideology.

Here’s the deal: I want to make something, and then sell you the thing that exists. Simple. I don’t need or want the logistics of managing a physical product. Let’s be honest, the last thing I want is to turn my workspace into a storage warehouse for inventory. That’s right, the glamorous life of roleplaying book publishing comes with enough cardboard boxes without me adding inventory stacks. I don't want to spend my days slapping postage labels on things or making weekly trips to the post office.

But wait, there’s more. Kickstarter has expectations beyond "just sell the book." Suddenly, I’d be on the hook for stretch goals, which means things like custom dice, miniatures, posters, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and tote bags. I mean, am I a roleplaying publisher, or did I accidentally sign up to run a PBS pledge drive? Should I be offering you a tote bag for your support at the $50 level? Or perhaps a mug that says, “I supported this campaign and all I got was this lousy coffee cup?” That’s not my style.

So no, I won’t be doing a Kickstarter. I’ll stick to making stuff I care about, selling it directly to you, and avoiding the sideline gig of hawking branded merch. I'll leave the dice and tote bags to the experts at your local public broadcasting station.

I hope you’re doing well today.

Red Right Hand

I was aware that the bloody hand imagery had multiple political connotations long before I redesigned the remastered Dark Fantasy line covers. Somehow, it never occurred to me at the time I was immersed in the work. Having since had my “oh crap” moment, I am redesigning the covers. No one has complained, it was an error that I caught on my own once my brain slipped into gear, and out of a sense of consideration for the serious causes of those using that imagery, two of which I actively support (and, hence, why I should have made the connection immediately), I will avoid its use going forward.

New Releases

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

Cursed Grimoire [Remastered]

Cursed Grimoire is your ultimate spellbook for dark fantasy roleplaying, packed with nearly 400 spells to add a chilling edge to your game. From sinister curses to forbidden rituals, these spells offer endless possibilities for those who dare to wield them. Whether you're summoning eldritch forces or bending shadows to your will, this grimoire is the perfect tool for any sorcerer, warlock, or necromancer looking to dive into the darker side of magic. Get ready to unleash the arcane!

This book has been remastered and expanded to align with The Simple Approach, enhancing its ease of use while staying fully compatible with The Foragers Guild and all other Lightspress games. It’s also designed to be system-agnostic, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly with any roleplaying system or setting using the free conversion rules available in the Lightspress Handbook. Read More

Worlds of Abjuration

Worlds of Abjuration is your guide to building immersive settings where abjuration magic takes center stage. Whether you're creating realms fortified with protective wards, or societies that thrive on their ability to repel evil forces, this book gives you the tools to make abjuration magic a core part of your roleplaying setting. Packed with practical advice, tips, and examples, Worlds of Abjuration helps you develop vibrant locations, powerful supporting characters, and engaging plot hooks—all designed to showcase the magic of defense, negation, and protection. Get ready to explore worlds where the power of abjuration shapes the very foundation of fantasy! Read More

Daylight

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

Beat-Based Difficulty

The difficulty of tasks can change as the story progresses. As tension builds and the challenges become more intense, your character will face increasingly difficult tasks. Read More

Roll and Resolve Actions

When your character attempts something challenging, here’s how to handle it step by step: Read More

Understanding Outcomes

Every action has consequences, whether you succeed or fail. These consequences are called outcome ratings, and they determine what happens next in the story: Read More

Earning Hero Points

Hero Points aren’t just handed out for nothing; they’re earned through actions that align with the setting’s genre, themes, and your character’s concept. The more you engage with the story and stay true to your character’s role, the more Hero Points you’ll accumulate. Gamemasters can award Hero Points to players for particularly great roleplaying, clever ideas, or actions that enhance the narrative. Players can also give Hero Points from their own pool to other players, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Read More

Using Hero Points

Hero Points can be spent in a variety of ways, giving you the flexibility to influence the game before, during, or after a roll, and even when it’s not your turn. The key is to ensure that the points are used in a way that’s relevant to the current scene. Read More

Thank You

The 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 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.