Lightspress Manifesto: 23 March 2023

New releases, word-of-mouth, and what's coming next!

Mar 23, 2023

Here's the Scoop:

Hidden Gems: Why Word-of-Mouth Matters
30% off Dark Fantasy – a system-neutral fantasy setting toolkit
30% off Blood Clans – a system-neutral fantasy faction toolkit
A Dark Fantasy Reading List
30% off DoubleZero: Action Figures – a military adventure setting toolkit
30% off DoubleZero: Greed – a modern adventure toolkit
In Case You Missed It: The Holy Trinity of Roleplaying
Coming Soon, the next releases for DoubleZero and Foragers Guild.

Hidden Gems: Why Word-of-Mouth Matters

Let me tell you something, folks. In the world of tabletop roleplaying, there's nothing more important than word-of-mouth. It's the lifeline that keeps the community alive, and it's how you discover the hidden gems that would otherwise go unnoticed.

I know this firsthand. I've been playing for decades, and I've seen countless amazing creators and materials fade into obscurity simply because nobody knew about them. But when word-of-mouth kicks in, everything changes. Suddenly, that obscure indie RPG you've been playing with your friends becomes the talk of the town. People start buzzing about it on social media, forums, and podcasts. And before you know it, it's getting the recognition it deserves.

But word-of-mouth isn't just important for creators. It's equally vital for players. Let's face it, tabletop roleplaying can be overwhelming. There are so many systems, settings, and sourcebooks out there that it's impossible to keep up with all of them. That's where word-of-mouth comes in. When you hear someone raving about a particular game or module, it piques your interest. You start asking questions, doing research, and before you know it, you're hooked.

Too many folks just default to D&D like it's the chicken nuggets of the roleplaying world. You know what you're getting - something meh, but safe. But let me ask you this: do you really want to play it safe your whole life? Hell no! You're missing out on the good stuff.

That's where recommendations come in, my friends. They're like the secret sauce that takes your experience to the next level. It's like finding that hidden gem of a restaurant that serves up the best damn food you've ever tasted. You're not just settling for chicken nuggets anymore, you're indulging in the prime rib of roleplaying.

Word-of-mouth isn't just about quantity. It's about quality. It's not enough to simply spread the word about every game or module out there. We need to be discerning. We need to be critical. We need to use our voices to amplify the voices of those who truly deserve it.

So, if you're a roleplaying enthusiast, I implore you to use your voice. Talk to your friends. Share your favorite stuff on social media. Write reviews. Join forums and communities. And when you find something truly special, shout it from the rooftops. Because that's how we build a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community. And that's how we ensure that the creators and content we love continue to thrive for years to come.

I hope you’re doing well today.

Dark Fantasy

A system-neutral fantasy roleplaying sourcebook.

The sky was a deep, ominous shade of purple, as if the very heavens were preparing for an impending storm. The air was thick with the stench of death and decay, a tangible reminder of the horrors that lurked within the shadows. The small village of Silent Run had always been a place of mystery and superstition, but tonight it was something more. A palpable sense of fear had settled over the town, as if the very fabric of reality was about to unravel. And in the center of it all stood a figure, cloaked in darkness, his eyes gleaming with an unholy light. This was the Dark One, and he had come to claim his prize.

Dark fantasy incorporates elements of horror and the macabre. It features a bleak, gritty, and morally ambiguous world, filled with supernatural creatures, magic, and a sense of impending doom. Stories may explore themes of death, suffering, evil, and the struggle between good and evil. It is a popular choice for fantasy roleplaying because it allows for a wide range of character and story possibilities. The darker tone and mature themes can create a sense of urgency and danger in a campaign, making for an exciting and engaging experience for player characters. It also provides a rich and complex world to explore and interact with, with opportunities for intrigue, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. This can make for a more immersive and satisfying roleplaying experience, as players are given the freedom to explore their characters' motivations in a world where nothing is black and white.

This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to bring your dark fantasy visions to life. Whether you're a guide looking for a change of pace or a player searching for a world where you can truly relax and immerse yourself, this toolkit is the perfect resource to help you build a world that's both magical and terrifying. So why wait? Start your journey into the heart of dark fantasy today!

Blood Clans

A system-neutral fantasy faction sourcebook.

In the vast, untamed wilderness, where the trees towered towards the heavens and the beasts roamed free, there were the blood clans. These fierce warriors lived by their own code, bound by their honor and loyalty to their kin. They were a people who had never been conquered, who had never bowed to any outside ruler, and who had fought off countless threats from neighboring kingdoms and empires. In their eyes, the land was theirs to roam, to hunt, and to protect from all who dared to challenge them. And so it was that when a new threat emerged from the shadows, they stood ready to defend their home with all the might and ferocity of their barbaric hearts.

A blood clan is a group of fiercely independent and nomadic berserker people who live outside of settled civilization. They are often seen as wild, uncivilized, and primitive by outsiders, but to the clans themselves, they are a proud people with their own unique customs, traditions, and beliefs. They are known for their ferocity in battle, using their brute strength, and powerful weapons to overcome their enemies. They live off the land, hunting and gathering to sustain themselves, and often worship their own gods or spirits, which are deeply ingrained in their culture. The members of a berserker blood clan value honor and loyalty above all else, and they will fiercely defend their own against any threat, no matter how great. Though they may seem uncivilized to some, they possess a deep connection to the natural world and a spiritual connection to their ancestors, which makes them a formidable force to be reckoned with.

A Dark Fantasy Reading List

On my other blog, BooksMoviesCoffee, I’ve published a post with some dark fantasy reads. They were influential to me and could inspire your own worldbuilding and adventures. Check it out here.

Sales Ending Soon

The following recent releases are still 30% off through this Sunday:

30% off DoubleZero: Action Figures – a military adventure setting toolkit
30% off DoubleZero: Greed – a modern adventure toolkit

Coming Soon

These are the releases scheduled for the next few weeks. Release dates are subject to change.

March 28: DoubleZero: Piledriver – a professional wrestling setting toolkit
March 30: DoubleZero: Morphos – a modern adventure setting toolkit

I’m in the process of finalizing the release schedule for the second quarter of 2023 (April, May, and June). On March 28^th, I’ll announce what’s coming in April, and provide release dates.

Lightspress Media is a tabletop roleplaying company with a lo-fi approach. Utility of content takes precedence over ostentatious production value. Graphic elements should enhance the message of the text, not act as page filler and eye candy. Physical books need to be compact, portable, and sturdy. This minimalist aesthetic results in powerful toolkits both useful and affordable. Tabletop roleplaying isn’t the book. It’s the creativity and collaboration that takes place around the tabletop.