The Foragers Guild: Gold Edition Is Here, and I’m Not Even Close to Done
The Manifesto | 10 September 2024
The Foragers Guild: Gold Edition has officially landed, so now you can finally stop wondering when your roleplaying sessions will stop feeling like an accounting nightmare. Streamlined, focused, and absolutely not here to pad anyone’s bookshelf—it’s designed to be played, not collected for bragging rights.
But hold on, the party’s far from over. Next up are DoubleZero: Gold Edition and Ghostlight, both coming in hot. Meanwhile, because I can’t resist adding a little more spice to your roleplaying life, I’m also releasing remastered editions of Dark Fantasy titles. Why? Because it’s spooky season, and I know you’ve been itching for something to match the Halloween vibes. These aren’t your grandma’s dusty old remasters, either. They’re brought into line with The Simple Approach and The Foragers Guild, with appendices and the Lightspress Handbook for easy conversion. So yeah, you can run them with whatever system your group’s currently obsessed with.
Still not enough? Good, because Cursed Creatures and Cursed Characters are already out, and they’re not lonely for long—more cursed goodness is on the way. I picked 25 Dark Fantasy titles for re-release, and they’re all perfect for the season. You’re welcome.
So whether you’re all-in with Foragers Guild, messing around with your own system, or just looking to scare your players with some cursed, haunted chaos, I’ve got you covered.
I hope you’re doing well today.
September’s discount code is GOLDEDITION. Use it freely through the end of the month to receive 20% off all purchases in the Lightspress Shop.
New Releases
Here’s what’s new in the Lightspress shop this week!
The Foragers Guild: Gold Edition
Step into the world of The Foragers Guild, where knowledge is treasure and every artifact tells a story. Dive into a story-focused, character-driven roleplaying experience where your decisions shape the path ahead.
The Foragers Guild isn’t just another fantasy setting; it’s a place where the pursuit of knowledge takes center stage. Your characters are members of an esteemed organization dedicated to collecting and preserving artifacts of cultural and historical importance while studying the natural and supernatural creatures that inhabit this detailed world. Read More
Cursed Characters [Remastered]
Cursed Characters is a must-have book for any Dark Fantasy roleplayer. Packed with sinister traits and twisted variants of familiar archetypes, it plunges players deep into a world where power always comes at a price. Whether you're reshaping your hero into a tragic figure marked by fate or crafting an entirely new cursed character, this book offers dark, immersive options to elevate your roleplaying experience. Every trait and character type is designed to fit seamlessly into Dark Fantasy settings, where danger, despair, and eldritch forces loom large over every decision. Read More
Cursed Creatures [Remastered]
Dive into the shadowy depths of Dark Fantasy with Cursed Creatures. This essential book reimagines classic fantasy creatures through a chilling, darker lens, offering a fresh perspective on familiar types. Inside, you'll find detailed subtypes that breathe new life into traditional beings, along with unique traits that amplify their sinister qualities. Read More
Daylight: The Lightspress Blog
In case you missed them, new and notable posts on the blog!
Creative Collaboration
We’re all about story and character, not tactics or rules-lawyering. In our games, players are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and actively shape the story as a group. The gamemaster isn’t a dictator, intent on controlling every element of the game, nor a character-killer lurking behind the screen to catch you off guard. Instead, the gamemaster acts as a facilitator, guiding the narrative while giving players the freedom to explore and contribute. We believe in a collaborative approach that makes everyone at the table feel like they’re part of something special and meaningful, creating a story that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Read More
Different Strokes, Different Folks
We understand that our vision might not align with everyone’s style of play, and that’s perfectly fine. We’re not here to say that your way is wrong or that our way is the only way; we’re simply exploring and embracing different possibilities that resonate with us. The roleplaying industry is vast and diverse, offering a wide array of games that cater to many tastes, and we respect that completely. There’s a place for every kind of game, every kind of story, and every kind of player in this hobby. But for those of us searching for something outside the mainstream, we’re creating the games that reflect our vision, our interests, and our approach to storytelling. Read More
The Myth of Balance
Balance, in our view, isn’t about making sure every character is equally good at combat. It’s about giving each character meaningful things to do that align with their strengths. This approach requires creativity from the gamemaster and critical thinking from the player. Thieves steal, healers heal, bards perform. It’s all about letting characters shine in their respective roles. The old wargame-derived paradigm demands everyone to be a fighter, turning wizards, druids, and clerics into just another form of combatant. Read More
The Power of Traits
Traits are essential elements in roleplaying that define and shape how characters, objects, and the broader world interact within the narrative. A character trait is more than just a description; it's a key element that influences decisions, actions, and the story’s direction. For example, a character might have the trait "Unyielding Determination," which suggests they won’t back down from challenges, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This trait isn’t just a label; it actively drives the character’s behavior and impacts the unfolding events. Read More
Character Trait Ratings
This rating system helps clarify what your character is capable of, providing both players and gamemasters with a clear framework for understanding the character’s strengths and challenges. Each level invites different narrative opportunities, from the struggles of a Beginner to the confidence and influence of an Authority. Read More
Difficulty Ratings
Every challenge or task your character faces has a difficulty rating, indicating how hard it is to succeed. Just like trait ratings, difficulty ratings are scaled from 1 to 5, with each level representing a different degree of challenge: Read More
Thank You
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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.
