Zamanora transports players and Dungeon Masters into a world of rural communities, dark forests, and vengeful witches. The setting is designed to support both Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons 5e and 2024 editions, as well as Legend In The Mist, the rustic fantasy RPG from Son of Oak Game Studio that was recently voted the Most Anticipated TTRPG of 2025.

The Zamanora setting draws heavily from Slavic and Balkan folklore, offering players a chance to explore a world where cautionary tales come to life. Players can create characters from fantastical local creatures such as the mischievous Chorts and the spectral Huants. The setting also introduces unique subclasses, including the Bogatyr fighter, Guslar bard, and Hearth-domain cleric, allowing for thematic storytelling deeply tied to the region’s traditions.

Two new magic systems are introduced in Zamanora: Poppet Magic, a manipulative form of spellcasting, and Ceremonial Magic, which enables non-casters to perform magical rituals. These systems provide fresh ways for players to engage with the game world.

The setting features a variety of mythical creatures familiar to fans of Slavic and Balkan folklore, such as the leshy, baba yaga, and kikimora. These beings are joined by a host of other monsters, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and lore.

The Zamanora Kickstarter offers a range of rewards for backers, from digital PDFs to deluxe collector’s editions. Pledge tiers include options for digital content, physical books, and various accessories. The Core, Deluxe, and Collector’s Boxes include items such as dice, a GMless adventure deck, Baba Yaga miniatures, a DM screen, a monster deck, an illustrated slipcase, and a hand-knitted plushie.

A free demo of the Zamanora setting is available for download on the Kickstarter page, allowing potential backers to explore the world before committing to a pledge.

For more information or to support the project, visit the Zamanora: Ballad of the Witch Kickstarter page.

The teaser introduces four champions: The Bloody Cardinal, Jorden Talensen, Sallustis, and La’theal. More details, including reveals and previews, will be shared throughout March and April.

Kestrel Expansion Pack Beta: PanOceania’s Colonial Forces

The Kestrel Colonial Force is featured in this expansion, showcasing PanOceania’s adaptability in addressing the challenges of space colonization. As a leading power in the Human Sphere, PanOceania leverages its resources to maintain its position, and the Kestrel forces exemplify this approach. Equipped with advanced technology, these units are designed to uphold PanOceania’s strategic interests.

White Banner Expansion Pack Beta: Yu Jing’s Strategic Elite

Yu Jing, often regarded as one of the top powers in the Human Sphere, continues to strengthen its military capabilities with the White Banner Army. This force has demonstrated its effectiveness in conflicts such as the struggle over Svalarheima. Combining cultural heritage with modern technology, the White Banner Army represents Yu Jing’s commitment to achieving its goals through disciplined and strategic action.

Shindenbutai Expansion Pack Beta: Tradition Meets Innovation

On the distant planet of Shinju, the Shindenbutai serve as the military arm of Greater Independent Japan. This force blends traditional samurai values with advanced technology, creating a unique and versatile unit. Tasked with protecting Japanese interests in Shinju’s challenging environment, the Shindenbutai offer players a distinctive option for their armies.

Yu Jing Action Pack and PanOceania Support Pack

The Yu Jing Action Pack provides players with additional units to enhance their armies, reflecting the faction’s combination of cultural depth and technological advancement. Meanwhile, the PanOceania Support Pack introduces specialized units such as the Trauma-Docs and Machinists, which focus on medical support and technical maintenance to keep PanOceanian forces operational.

JSA Support Pack: The Auxiliary Regiment

The Japanese Secessionist Army (JSA) gains new support options with the Tokusetsu Butai, or Auxiliary Regiment. This unit provides essential medical and technical services, ensuring that the JSA’s front-line forces remain effective. The pack highlights the JSA’s emphasis on a balanced approach to warfare, where support units play a critical role.

Nomads Action Pack: A Faction of Free Spirits

The Nomads, known for their independent and unconventional nature, join the battlefield with their own Action Pack. Originating from three massive spaceships that travel the Human Sphere, the Nomads challenge established norms and offer a unique playstyle. Their focus on creativity and adaptability makes them an appealing choice for players seeking a different approach to the game.

Among the exhibitors announced are the creators behind some of the industry’s most popular titles, including Gloomhaven from Cephalofair Games, Marvel’s Dice Throne from Dice Throne, and Settlers of CATAN from CATAN Studio. Other notable participants include UVS Games, known for Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria, and Chooseco, the publisher behind the iconic Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks.

This initial announcement highlights just a portion of the over 110 exhibitors expected to attend. The full lineup will include a diverse range of tabletop and video game publishers and developers, with additional reveals planned throughout March and April. Attendees can also look forward to updates on the event’s content schedule, including the popular Storytime keynote, in the coming months.

Scheduled for release in June 2025, The Throne of Thorns II is a 230+ page hardcover book that adapts the third and fourth episodes of the Throne of Thorns chronicle for the 5E ruleset. The campaign is designed for characters of 10th to 14th level and is set against a backdrop of escalating tension and danger. The capital city of Yndaros is in chaos as preparations for a royal wedding unfold, while deadly conspiracies threaten to plunge the Davokar region into war. At the same time, a critical wilderness expedition promises to reshape Ambrian history.

The book includes two full-length adventures, The Darkest Star and Mother of Darkness, which form the mid-section and turning point of the Throne of Thorns campaign. It features nearly 20 color maps detailing various locations, such as towns, forests, and ruins, as well as over 60 stat blocks for non-player characters, including monsters, allies, adversaries, and notable individuals. Additionally, the book provides a collection of handouts to enhance gameplay, offering important information for social challenges and problem-solving.

The Throne of Thorns II requires access to the Ruins of Symbaroum Core Setting books—Player’s Guide, Game Master’s Guide, and Bestiary—to fully utilize its content. Fans of the series can now pre-order the book and gain early access to the alpha-PDF, allowing them to prepare for the adventures ahead of the official release.

Set on Vesta Station, a critical hub between Earth and the Outer Rim of the solar system, Vesta Mandate immerses players in a tense political landscape. A century ago, revolutionaries overthrew the Corporation’s control of the station, but now the Vesta Accords are expiring, and the Corporation is returning with threats of force. As members of the Station’s interim government, players take on the roles of ambitious politicians, each with their own vision for the future. Through scheming, negotiation, and betrayal, they must navigate a web of alliances, secrets, and crises to shape the fate of the colony.

Vesta Mandate is a Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) storygame enhanced with mechanics and procedures that introduce competitive elements, transforming it into a political drama. Drawing inspiration from games like Pasión de las Pasiones, Carved from Brindlewood, Blades in the Dark, and The Last Caravan, as well as media such as The Expanse, Andor, Silo, and A Memory Called Empire, the game delivers a compelling mix of hard sci-fi and political intrigue.

Designed for 3-5 players, Vesta Mandate can be played as a one-shot or a long-term campaign. Players assume the roles of cunning politicians, each with a Hidden Agenda—a secret plan that evolves into a large-scale coup or power grab. Balancing cooperation and betrayal, players must navigate Secrets, Bonds, and Schisms while responding to escalating crises that threaten the station’s survival.

The game introduces several innovative mechanics to enhance its political drama. Hidden Agendas allow players to co-create secret schemes with the GM, which grow into game-changing power plays. Each character has a scandalous past, known as Secrets, created by other players, which can be used as blackmail. Relationships are central to the game, with Bonds representing alliances and Schisms reflecting conflicts that can escalate into full-blown disputes.

The game uses PbtA-style Moves to resolve tense moments. Players roll two six-sided dice (2d6) and add bonuses based on narrative questions, a mechanic inspired by Pasión de las Pasiones. High-stakes Machinations allow players to burn Bonds for dramatic, game-altering effects.

The game includes five ready-to-run modules, known as Crises, such as Neural Poisoning, Corporate Espionage, and Water Riots. These modules are designed for minimal GM preparation and can be played individually or as part of a larger campaign. Additional Crises are planned as stretch goals.

Backers can choose from a variety of reward tiers, starting at $7 for a digital PDF of the game. Higher tiers include a premium hardcover zine, illustrated by Tony Tran, and a discounted bundle with City of Blood and Plaster, Storygames Chicago’s previous ZineQuest project set in Gilded Age Chicago.

The Core Rulebook builds on the foundation laid by the Battle for Nuka-World starter set, which featured three raider gangs from Fallout 4’s popular DLC. The new book expands the game’s scope by introducing four additional factions: the Brotherhood of Steel, super mutants, survivors, and raiders. The 112-page, full-color hardcover provides comprehensive rules, campaign systems, and faction-specific content to deepen the gameplay experience.

Priced at £30 / $37, the Core Rulebook will be available for purchase through the Modiphius webstore and local gaming stores in early summer 2025. It is designed to work alongside the Battle for Nuka-World starter set or the upcoming Tokens and Terrain Pack 1, offering players a complete toolkit for creating their own stories in the Wasteland.

The Core Rulebook includes an introduction to wargaming, core rules for fast-paced skirmish gameplay, and an in-depth scenario system to keep each game unique. The Story Phase section allows players to develop their crew, achieve legendary status, or face the consequences of failure. Faction lists provide detailed profiles for each group, including weapons, perks, and legendary characters.

One of the key features of the new rulebook is its flexibility. While the Battle for Nuka-World starter set focused on a specific area, the Core Rulebook allows players to set their campaigns anywhere in the Wasteland. New mechanics, such as Hazards and Facilities, enable crews to customize their Home Turfs, while Objectives and Hazards replace specific scenarios, creating countless combinations for varied gameplay.

Players can also hire new Legends of the Wasteland, upgrade weapons, purchase chems, and unlock perks for their crew. The updated Story Phase ensures campaigns are more expansive and interconnected, offering greater opportunities for storytelling and strategic decision-making.

Wrath of the Wyvern introduces a Fate Card system, which replaces traditional dice rolls. This system, powered by the Fury Engine, is designed to create fast-paced, strategic, and cinematic encounters. Players navigate an open-world hexcrawl, making decisions that influence the fate of the Highlands. The game emphasizes replayability, with branching storylines and faction dynamics adding depth to each playthrough.

Combat is a central element, utilizing a custom Tarot-sized card deck to manage attacks, defenses, and special abilities. Players spend Stamina Points (SP) to execute actions and must adapt to the unique behaviors of their enemies. Survival mechanics, such as hunger, exhaustion, and changing weather conditions, further enhance the exploration experience.

The Umbral Highlands are a perilous and richly detailed world. Players will encounter legendary monsters from Scottish folklore, including the Wulver, Ghillie Dhu, and Kelpie, as well as the game’s primary antagonists: the Sons of Rivesk, ancient and formidable wyverns. Each wyvern battle is a multi-phase event, requiring careful planning and strategy.

In addition to hunting wyverns, players can rebuild Crag Keep, the ruined fortress of the Skyfire Order, and recruit allies to aid in their quest. The game also features arcane powers and legendary weapons, offering players opportunities to wield powerful magic and craft unique tools.

Backers of Wrath of the Wyvern will receive a premium package that includes a 140+ page hardcover rulebook, a massive hexcrawl map of the Umbral Highlands, a Wyvern Showdown battlemap, a hero miniature, and access to the Isle of Skye expansion. The game will be available in English, Spanish, Italian, and French, with each translation handled by a native speaker.

The campaign will run until April 3, giving potential backers 28 days to pledge their support.

The How To Host A Murder series is known for its engaging party gameplay, where participants take on the roles of suspects in a humorous murder mystery. Each episode accommodates up to eight players, who use costumes, role-playing, and provided materials—such as a host guide, player manuals, secret clues, invitations, and name tags—to solve the mystery. The core gameplay will remain unchanged, but the relaunch will feature updated aesthetics and packaging.

The initial release will include four classic episodes, each sold separately: The Watersdown Affair, Class of ’54, The Chicago Caper, and Saturday Night Cleaver. Additionally, new episodes based on licensed intellectual properties are in development, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

Warren Holland, CEO of Decipher, commented on the partnership, saying:

“We are pleased to be working with Cryptozoic to revitalize How To Host A Murder with updated packaging and new licensed properties while maintaining the high quality that made it the most recognizable and best-selling dinner party mystery game in the world,”

Cory Jones, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Cryptozoic, added:

“How To Host A Murder is a timeless brand, so we are thrilled our friends at Decipher trusted us to bring the game back into the world. Millions of former players will love experiencing the game again and new generations will discover the fun and intrigue of getting together with friends to solve a murder. The new licensed releases will bring the How To Host A Murder gameplay to beloved IPs, creating an unforgettable and unique experience for fans.”

The relaunch of How To Host A Murder® is planned for late 2025.

SAKE is a tabletop roleplaying game that combines traditional RPG elements with strategic gameplay. Set in an early-modern fantasy world, the game features a detailed d20 point-buy system and includes mechanics for domain-building and overseas trading. Players can assume roles such as rulers, merchant princes, pirate lords, or adventurers aiming to rise to power. The game offers a variety of activities, including dungeon exploration, trade, political intrigue, and warfare, all set against a backdrop of magic and divine influence.

Character development in SAKE is driven by a point-buy system, where players use EXP earned during gameplay to purchase skills and abilities. The game is designed to be modular, allowing players to start with simpler rules and gradually incorporate more complex systems as they become more familiar with the game. The setting is an early-modern fantasy world, blending elements like muskets, plate armor, cannons, and galleys with the rise of capitalism and the decline of feudalism, all enriched by the presence of magic and gods.

While SAKE includes its own setting, the Asteanic World, it is also adaptable to other early-modern fantasy worlds or historical periods. The game supports serious and immersive campaigns, encouraging players to navigate political challenges, make moral decisions, and explore the consequences of their actions.

The full SAKE rulebook, which includes all necessary maps, sheets, and table systems, is now available for Print on Demand. For those interested in trying the game without committing to the full rulebook, the free Basic Edition offers a streamlined version of the rules. This edition provides an opportunity to experience the core mechanics and setting of SAKE in a more accessible format.