Lightspress Handbook R1.2
The Lightspress Handbook is an attempt at reimagining what roleplaying can be, challenging the norms and redefining how we think about storytelling in games. Forget the flashy mechanics designed to impress; this book strips things down to what truly matters: playing your characters and crafting their stories. Whether you’re exploring the intricate landscapes of traditional fantasy, venturing into the unknown in space opera, uncovering secrets in a gritty crime drama, or getting lost in the cozy charm of cottagecore fantasy, The Lightspress Handbook offers a universal, adaptable approach that fits almost any genre. It’s especially designed for those who are eager to dive into genres left in the shadows, like dark academia and magical realism.
We haven’t reinvented the wheel here, and that’s by design. There’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking about the mechanics themselves, but what makes The Lightspress Handbook stand out is the attitude and beliefs that drive it. We’re focused on what makes roleplaying fun and creatively satisfying, stripping away the unnecessary and letting you focus on the heart of the game. The core mechanic is deliberately straightforward, designed to fade into the background so you can fully immerse yourself in the story. What truly sets this book apart is its focus on journaling, character development, and the seamless integration of solo play. Whether you want to dive deep into your own narrative or share the experience with friends, these tools help you craft personal, meaningful stories that resonate on a deeper level. With a strong emphasis on player agency and the importance of safety and consent, this book moves away from the combat-heavy traditions of the hobby’s wargaming roots and toward a more collaborative, inclusive, and emotionally engaging experience.
If you’re someone who finds joy in literature, film, creative writing, or just loves the spontaneity of improvising with friends, The Lightspress Handbook will feel like it was made for you. This isn’t about following mainstream trends; it’s about embracing a philosophy that values creativity over complexity and collaboration over competition. The Simple Approach, as we call it, invites you to explore stories that matter to you, with a focus on creating shared experiences that are as fulfilling as they are fun. We’re not here to cater to the masses. This is for those who “get it,” who are looking for something not just different, but deeper, more meaningful, and tailored to their unique vision.
Throughout our books, you’ll find thoughtful discussions on characters, settings, and adventures, but more importantly, you’ll explore the significance of creative collaboration and moving beyond the hobby’s wargaming roots. Lightspress isn’t interested in what’s popular or trendy; it’s focused on helping you and your group tell stories that are personal, impactful, and truly your own. We believe in simplicity and affordability, but most importantly, we believe in putting the spotlight on you and your group’s unique narrative.
Ready to break away from the ordinary and reimagine what your roleplaying experience can be? Grab The Lightspress Handbook today, and start your next adventure with a fresh perspective, a new approach, and all the tools you need to make your stories unforgettable.
A Heartfelt Thanks
To everyone who’s been with us on this journey, thank you. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind everything we do. We’ve come this far because of you, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together. But what really excites us is where we’re headed next, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.
Now, we invite you to dive deeper into The Simple Approach. Take some time to explore it, see what resonates with you, and share it with your friends. The more people who experience it, the more our community grows and thrives. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer who’s seen it all or someone just dipping their toes into roleplaying, there’s something here for everyone. This is about more than just playing a game; it’s about building connections, sharing stories, and being part of a community that values creativity and collaboration.
Let’s keep this momentum going. Together, we can continue to build something special, stories that resonate, inspire, and bring us all a little closer. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us, and we’re grateful to have you with us every step of the way.
Navigating This Book
Alright, so what’s actually in here? Let’s break it down:
The Simple Approach: Our philosophy of roleplaying. We’re all about keeping things straightforward and accessible, with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
Core Mechanic: How everything works, regardless of the setting or genre you’re playing in. This is the backbone of the system, designed to stay out of your way and let the story take center stage.
Hero Points: A tool that puts an emphasis on player agency and encourages collaborative, creative storytelling. Think of these as your secret weapon for making big moments even more impactful.
Characters: Everything you need to know about how characters are created, played, and advanced. We’ll guide you through building personalities that pop and evolve as your story unfolds.
Worldbuilding: Dive into the nuts and bolts of creating settings, establishing the genre, setting the tone, and building a theme. This is where your world and your adventures comes to life.
Adventures & Campaigns: Beat charts structure your stories while giving players the freedom to pursue goals and objectives however they like. Flexibility meets structure here, letting you keep things on track without stifling creativity.
Journaling: Discover how to use journaling as a powerful tool for character development, worldbuilding, and solo play. It’s all about deepening your connection to the story.
Conversion Notes: We’ve included notes on how to adapt The Lightspress Handbook to over a dozen popular and influential systems. If you’ve got a favorite system, chances are we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions: We answer the most common questions that come up. Whether you’re new to this or a seasoned roleplayer, you’ll find the answers you need to get the most out of this book.
What’s Updated in Release 1.2
The Lightspress Handbook is envisioned as a living document, constantly evolving, regularly tweaked, and updated as needed to keep up with changes and feedback. This isn't a one-and-done deal; it's a flexible resource meant to grow alongside the needs of its readers. Below are the latest updates and adjustments, in alphabetical order.
Beat Charts: We clarified a few things, including how to determine the number of beats per adventure and how detailed you should be when putting together your own beat chart.
Bibliography: A list of books that were influential in the creation of The Simple Approach in general and this Handbook in particular. It’s not exactly Appendix N, and it contains some things that you might find confusing, but I assure you, they all contributed to the philosophy and attitude if not the actual mechanics and genre tropes.
Build Points: Yeah, we didn’t bother giving you specific totals in earlier versions because, get this, they vary by setting and genre. The whole point is that there’s no one-size-fits all. We figured you’d just create a few sample characters and, you know, use your brain to figure out what works best. But since some of you need the dots larger and practically touching, we went ahead and added a baseline. You're welcome.
Creating Traits: Less of a how-to and more of a rant that you’re never limited to any list in any book, you can and should create your own, borrow from other games, and assert your creativity and imagination when putting together the character that you envision and want to play.
DoubleZero Conversion: We’ve added notes on converting the old version of DoubleZero to The Simple Approach, which is easy because it’s basically a different core mechanic, some semantics, and a lone instance of basic math.
Frequently Asked Questions: There are more of them, hopefully addressing some of your more insightful, sincere, and sometimes inane queries.
Glossary: The glossary has been updated to reflect a few things added via our most recent books.
Level of Expertise: In previous versions, we made the egregious mistake of using "level of experience" and "level of expertise" interchangeably. Why? Because the original manuscript said "level of efficacy," and frankly, we got sick of giving out vocabulary lessons. So, we're clearing it up now, it’s "level of expertise" from here on out.
Negative Traits: Call them disadvantages, flaws, drawbacks, whatever you like. We’ve added a section to clarify how they can be used, and the role of both the player and the gamemaster in using them effectively.
Trait Costs: We’ve taken extra-special care to devote additional word count explaining that, during character creation, traits cost 1 built point per point of rating. Hopefully, this addenda will clear up any confusion.
143 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Lightspress Handbook is an attempt at reimagining what roleplaying can be, challenging the norms and redefining how we think about storytelling in games. Forget the flashy mechanics designed to impress; this book strips things down to what truly matters: playing your characters and crafting their stories. Whether you’re exploring the intricate landscapes of traditional fantasy, venturing into the unknown in space opera, uncovering secrets in a gritty crime drama, or getting lost in the cozy charm of cottagecore fantasy, The Lightspress Handbook offers a universal, adaptable approach that fits almost any genre. It’s especially designed for those who are eager to dive into genres left in the shadows, like dark academia and magical realism.
We haven’t reinvented the wheel here, and that’s by design. There’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking about the mechanics themselves, but what makes The Lightspress Handbook stand out is the attitude and beliefs that drive it. We’re focused on what makes roleplaying fun and creatively satisfying, stripping away the unnecessary and letting you focus on the heart of the game. The core mechanic is deliberately straightforward, designed to fade into the background so you can fully immerse yourself in the story. What truly sets this book apart is its focus on journaling, character development, and the seamless integration of solo play. Whether you want to dive deep into your own narrative or share the experience with friends, these tools help you craft personal, meaningful stories that resonate on a deeper level. With a strong emphasis on player agency and the importance of safety and consent, this book moves away from the combat-heavy traditions of the hobby’s wargaming roots and toward a more collaborative, inclusive, and emotionally engaging experience.
If you’re someone who finds joy in literature, film, creative writing, or just loves the spontaneity of improvising with friends, The Lightspress Handbook will feel like it was made for you. This isn’t about following mainstream trends; it’s about embracing a philosophy that values creativity over complexity and collaboration over competition. The Simple Approach, as we call it, invites you to explore stories that matter to you, with a focus on creating shared experiences that are as fulfilling as they are fun. We’re not here to cater to the masses. This is for those who “get it,” who are looking for something not just different, but deeper, more meaningful, and tailored to their unique vision.
Throughout our books, you’ll find thoughtful discussions on characters, settings, and adventures, but more importantly, you’ll explore the significance of creative collaboration and moving beyond the hobby’s wargaming roots. Lightspress isn’t interested in what’s popular or trendy; it’s focused on helping you and your group tell stories that are personal, impactful, and truly your own. We believe in simplicity and affordability, but most importantly, we believe in putting the spotlight on you and your group’s unique narrative.
Ready to break away from the ordinary and reimagine what your roleplaying experience can be? Grab The Lightspress Handbook today, and start your next adventure with a fresh perspective, a new approach, and all the tools you need to make your stories unforgettable.
A Heartfelt Thanks
To everyone who’s been with us on this journey, thank you. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind everything we do. We’ve come this far because of you, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together. But what really excites us is where we’re headed next, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.
Now, we invite you to dive deeper into The Simple Approach. Take some time to explore it, see what resonates with you, and share it with your friends. The more people who experience it, the more our community grows and thrives. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer who’s seen it all or someone just dipping their toes into roleplaying, there’s something here for everyone. This is about more than just playing a game; it’s about building connections, sharing stories, and being part of a community that values creativity and collaboration.
Let’s keep this momentum going. Together, we can continue to build something special, stories that resonate, inspire, and bring us all a little closer. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us, and we’re grateful to have you with us every step of the way.
Navigating This Book
Alright, so what’s actually in here? Let’s break it down:
The Simple Approach: Our philosophy of roleplaying. We’re all about keeping things straightforward and accessible, with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
Core Mechanic: How everything works, regardless of the setting or genre you’re playing in. This is the backbone of the system, designed to stay out of your way and let the story take center stage.
Hero Points: A tool that puts an emphasis on player agency and encourages collaborative, creative storytelling. Think of these as your secret weapon for making big moments even more impactful.
Characters: Everything you need to know about how characters are created, played, and advanced. We’ll guide you through building personalities that pop and evolve as your story unfolds.
Worldbuilding: Dive into the nuts and bolts of creating settings, establishing the genre, setting the tone, and building a theme. This is where your world and your adventures comes to life.
Adventures & Campaigns: Beat charts structure your stories while giving players the freedom to pursue goals and objectives however they like. Flexibility meets structure here, letting you keep things on track without stifling creativity.
Journaling: Discover how to use journaling as a powerful tool for character development, worldbuilding, and solo play. It’s all about deepening your connection to the story.
Conversion Notes: We’ve included notes on how to adapt The Lightspress Handbook to over a dozen popular and influential systems. If you’ve got a favorite system, chances are we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions: We answer the most common questions that come up. Whether you’re new to this or a seasoned roleplayer, you’ll find the answers you need to get the most out of this book.
What’s Updated in Release 1.2
The Lightspress Handbook is envisioned as a living document, constantly evolving, regularly tweaked, and updated as needed to keep up with changes and feedback. This isn't a one-and-done deal; it's a flexible resource meant to grow alongside the needs of its readers. Below are the latest updates and adjustments, in alphabetical order.
Beat Charts: We clarified a few things, including how to determine the number of beats per adventure and how detailed you should be when putting together your own beat chart.
Bibliography: A list of books that were influential in the creation of The Simple Approach in general and this Handbook in particular. It’s not exactly Appendix N, and it contains some things that you might find confusing, but I assure you, they all contributed to the philosophy and attitude if not the actual mechanics and genre tropes.
Build Points: Yeah, we didn’t bother giving you specific totals in earlier versions because, get this, they vary by setting and genre. The whole point is that there’s no one-size-fits all. We figured you’d just create a few sample characters and, you know, use your brain to figure out what works best. But since some of you need the dots larger and practically touching, we went ahead and added a baseline. You're welcome.
Creating Traits: Less of a how-to and more of a rant that you’re never limited to any list in any book, you can and should create your own, borrow from other games, and assert your creativity and imagination when putting together the character that you envision and want to play.
DoubleZero Conversion: We’ve added notes on converting the old version of DoubleZero to The Simple Approach, which is easy because it’s basically a different core mechanic, some semantics, and a lone instance of basic math.
Frequently Asked Questions: There are more of them, hopefully addressing some of your more insightful, sincere, and sometimes inane queries.
Glossary: The glossary has been updated to reflect a few things added via our most recent books.
Level of Expertise: In previous versions, we made the egregious mistake of using "level of experience" and "level of expertise" interchangeably. Why? Because the original manuscript said "level of efficacy," and frankly, we got sick of giving out vocabulary lessons. So, we're clearing it up now, it’s "level of expertise" from here on out.
Negative Traits: Call them disadvantages, flaws, drawbacks, whatever you like. We’ve added a section to clarify how they can be used, and the role of both the player and the gamemaster in using them effectively.
Trait Costs: We’ve taken extra-special care to devote additional word count explaining that, during character creation, traits cost 1 built point per point of rating. Hopefully, this addenda will clear up any confusion.
143 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Lightspress Handbook is an attempt at reimagining what roleplaying can be, challenging the norms and redefining how we think about storytelling in games. Forget the flashy mechanics designed to impress; this book strips things down to what truly matters: playing your characters and crafting their stories. Whether you’re exploring the intricate landscapes of traditional fantasy, venturing into the unknown in space opera, uncovering secrets in a gritty crime drama, or getting lost in the cozy charm of cottagecore fantasy, The Lightspress Handbook offers a universal, adaptable approach that fits almost any genre. It’s especially designed for those who are eager to dive into genres left in the shadows, like dark academia and magical realism.
We haven’t reinvented the wheel here, and that’s by design. There’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking about the mechanics themselves, but what makes The Lightspress Handbook stand out is the attitude and beliefs that drive it. We’re focused on what makes roleplaying fun and creatively satisfying, stripping away the unnecessary and letting you focus on the heart of the game. The core mechanic is deliberately straightforward, designed to fade into the background so you can fully immerse yourself in the story. What truly sets this book apart is its focus on journaling, character development, and the seamless integration of solo play. Whether you want to dive deep into your own narrative or share the experience with friends, these tools help you craft personal, meaningful stories that resonate on a deeper level. With a strong emphasis on player agency and the importance of safety and consent, this book moves away from the combat-heavy traditions of the hobby’s wargaming roots and toward a more collaborative, inclusive, and emotionally engaging experience.
If you’re someone who finds joy in literature, film, creative writing, or just loves the spontaneity of improvising with friends, The Lightspress Handbook will feel like it was made for you. This isn’t about following mainstream trends; it’s about embracing a philosophy that values creativity over complexity and collaboration over competition. The Simple Approach, as we call it, invites you to explore stories that matter to you, with a focus on creating shared experiences that are as fulfilling as they are fun. We’re not here to cater to the masses. This is for those who “get it,” who are looking for something not just different, but deeper, more meaningful, and tailored to their unique vision.
Throughout our books, you’ll find thoughtful discussions on characters, settings, and adventures, but more importantly, you’ll explore the significance of creative collaboration and moving beyond the hobby’s wargaming roots. Lightspress isn’t interested in what’s popular or trendy; it’s focused on helping you and your group tell stories that are personal, impactful, and truly your own. We believe in simplicity and affordability, but most importantly, we believe in putting the spotlight on you and your group’s unique narrative.
Ready to break away from the ordinary and reimagine what your roleplaying experience can be? Grab The Lightspress Handbook today, and start your next adventure with a fresh perspective, a new approach, and all the tools you need to make your stories unforgettable.
A Heartfelt Thanks
To everyone who’s been with us on this journey, thank you. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind everything we do. We’ve come this far because of you, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together. But what really excites us is where we’re headed next, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.
Now, we invite you to dive deeper into The Simple Approach. Take some time to explore it, see what resonates with you, and share it with your friends. The more people who experience it, the more our community grows and thrives. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer who’s seen it all or someone just dipping their toes into roleplaying, there’s something here for everyone. This is about more than just playing a game; it’s about building connections, sharing stories, and being part of a community that values creativity and collaboration.
Let’s keep this momentum going. Together, we can continue to build something special, stories that resonate, inspire, and bring us all a little closer. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us, and we’re grateful to have you with us every step of the way.
Navigating This Book
Alright, so what’s actually in here? Let’s break it down:
The Simple Approach: Our philosophy of roleplaying. We’re all about keeping things straightforward and accessible, with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
Core Mechanic: How everything works, regardless of the setting or genre you’re playing in. This is the backbone of the system, designed to stay out of your way and let the story take center stage.
Hero Points: A tool that puts an emphasis on player agency and encourages collaborative, creative storytelling. Think of these as your secret weapon for making big moments even more impactful.
Characters: Everything you need to know about how characters are created, played, and advanced. We’ll guide you through building personalities that pop and evolve as your story unfolds.
Worldbuilding: Dive into the nuts and bolts of creating settings, establishing the genre, setting the tone, and building a theme. This is where your world and your adventures comes to life.
Adventures & Campaigns: Beat charts structure your stories while giving players the freedom to pursue goals and objectives however they like. Flexibility meets structure here, letting you keep things on track without stifling creativity.
Journaling: Discover how to use journaling as a powerful tool for character development, worldbuilding, and solo play. It’s all about deepening your connection to the story.
Conversion Notes: We’ve included notes on how to adapt The Lightspress Handbook to over a dozen popular and influential systems. If you’ve got a favorite system, chances are we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions: We answer the most common questions that come up. Whether you’re new to this or a seasoned roleplayer, you’ll find the answers you need to get the most out of this book.
What’s Updated in Release 1.2
The Lightspress Handbook is envisioned as a living document, constantly evolving, regularly tweaked, and updated as needed to keep up with changes and feedback. This isn't a one-and-done deal; it's a flexible resource meant to grow alongside the needs of its readers. Below are the latest updates and adjustments, in alphabetical order.
Beat Charts: We clarified a few things, including how to determine the number of beats per adventure and how detailed you should be when putting together your own beat chart.
Bibliography: A list of books that were influential in the creation of The Simple Approach in general and this Handbook in particular. It’s not exactly Appendix N, and it contains some things that you might find confusing, but I assure you, they all contributed to the philosophy and attitude if not the actual mechanics and genre tropes.
Build Points: Yeah, we didn’t bother giving you specific totals in earlier versions because, get this, they vary by setting and genre. The whole point is that there’s no one-size-fits all. We figured you’d just create a few sample characters and, you know, use your brain to figure out what works best. But since some of you need the dots larger and practically touching, we went ahead and added a baseline. You're welcome.
Creating Traits: Less of a how-to and more of a rant that you’re never limited to any list in any book, you can and should create your own, borrow from other games, and assert your creativity and imagination when putting together the character that you envision and want to play.
DoubleZero Conversion: We’ve added notes on converting the old version of DoubleZero to The Simple Approach, which is easy because it’s basically a different core mechanic, some semantics, and a lone instance of basic math.
Frequently Asked Questions: There are more of them, hopefully addressing some of your more insightful, sincere, and sometimes inane queries.
Glossary: The glossary has been updated to reflect a few things added via our most recent books.
Level of Expertise: In previous versions, we made the egregious mistake of using "level of experience" and "level of expertise" interchangeably. Why? Because the original manuscript said "level of efficacy," and frankly, we got sick of giving out vocabulary lessons. So, we're clearing it up now, it’s "level of expertise" from here on out.
Negative Traits: Call them disadvantages, flaws, drawbacks, whatever you like. We’ve added a section to clarify how they can be used, and the role of both the player and the gamemaster in using them effectively.
Trait Costs: We’ve taken extra-special care to devote additional word count explaining that, during character creation, traits cost 1 built point per point of rating. Hopefully, this addenda will clear up any confusion.
143 pages. PDF and epub files included.