Lightspress Manifesto: 30 March 2023
Lightspress Manifesto: 30 March 2023
New and upcoming releases, what's on sale, and cutting through the noise...
Here's the Scoop:
Cutting Through the Noise
30% off DoubleZero: Piledriver – a professional wrestling setting toolkit
DoubleZero: Morphos – an update
DoubleZero: Professions Update
30% off all Foragers Guild titles.
In Case You Missed It
Coming Soon, the next releases for DoubleZero and Foragers Guild.
Cutting Through the Noise
Alright, listen up folks! As a small creator, I gotta be real with you. I don't run open playtests, and there's a damn good reason for it. Instead, I rely on a small circle of trusted friends and fellow creators to provide me with brutally honest feedback and critique.
Now, some of you might be thinking, "Berin, why don't you want to hear from a larger audience? Isn't that the whole point of playtesting?" And to that, I say, "Hell no!" See, the thing about open playtests is that they can be a real pain in the ass. It takes time to organize, sort through feedback, and pick out the usable bits. And as a small creator, I don't have the luxury of time. I need to be prolific, pumping out new material at a steady clip.
But it's not just about the time, baby. There's also legal liability to consider. Some folks out there want to give me unsolicited ideas that go way beyond "this works" or "this didn't work." And while most people would be cool if I used their idea, there's always a risk that someone would take things to an extreme. And let me tell you, nobody wants a damn lawsuit. Even stupid lawsuits that could allegedly be easily won cost money and take time.
So why bother with open playtests when I can get the feedback I need from a smaller group of trusted confidantes? These are people who I know will tell me the truth, even if it hurts. They're not gonna sugarcoat things or hold back. And that's exactly what I need to keep pushing forward, to keep creating new and exciting material.
Look, I get it. Open playtests might seem like a good idea on paper. But when you're a small creator trying to make a living, you gotta be smart about where you focus your energy. And for me, that means keeping things tight, keeping things closed, and relying on my trusted circle of friends and colleagues to help me hone my craft.
So to all you small creators out there, don't let anyone tell you that you have to do things a certain way. Trust your gut, trust your instincts, and trust the people who've got your back. Because at the end of the day, it's all about making great content and building a community that supports and uplifts one another. And that's a philosophy that I'm damn proud to stand behind.
I hope you’re doing well today.
DoubleZero: Piledriver
A professional wrestling setting toolkit for DoubleZero: Modern Roleplaying
The heat was unbearable as "The Blueprint" Jamaal Bouchard stepped into the ring for his next match. He wiped the sweat from his brow and adjusted his mask, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. This wasn't just any ordinary wrestling match; it was a high-stakes battle against a notorious gang of smugglers who had infiltrated the sport. The stakes were high, and the danger was real. But Jamaal was determined to come out on top, no matter what it took. He was a wrestler by trade, but tonight he was also a hero, fighting to save the sport he loved from the clutches of corruption.
Professional wrestling involves staged athletic performances where wrestlers engage in choreographed matches with predetermined outcomes. It combines elements of athleticism, drama, and spectacle to create a unique form of entertainment that has captivated audiences around the world for decades. Wrestling has a rich history and culture that can be easily adapted to create an immersive roleplaying world. The larger-than-life characters, colorful costumes, and elaborate storylines provide a great backdrop for roleplaying adventures. It is inherently dramatic, with clear heroes and villains, personal rivalries, and intense conflicts that can be used as the basis for exciting roleplaying scenarios. Whether players choose to be wrestlers themselves or take on the roles of managers, promoters, or other behind-the-scenes personnel, there are endless possibilities for drama and intrigue. Finally, it is inherently designed to be entertaining. This makes it a perfect fit for DoubleZero, where the focus is on having fun and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved. Whether players are trying to win a championship belt, take down a rival faction, or simply put on the best show possible, professional wrestling provides a unique and exciting backdrop for modern roleplaying adventures.
DoubleZero: Morphos
Morphos, previously announced as Metamorphosis, is delayed by a few days. It will be released next week, in addition to the previously announced titles on the schedule.
DoubleZero: Professions Update
While they’re not on the official release list, I am working on the DoubleZero: Professions line. I’m expanding them along the lines of the Foragers Guild professions books, with more characters, worldbuilding tips to support the character type, and plot hooks. I’ll push an update for the existing books. The remaining professions from the core book, as well as the new professions from the setting books, will all get released this year. My plan is to not add them to the release schedule, and drop them as they’re ready.
Sales Ending Soon
The following recent releases are still 30% off through this Sunday:
In Case You Missed It
Coming Soon
These are the releases scheduled for the next few weeks. Release dates are subject to change because the future is unwritten and the world is a highly volatile place.
April 4 - Berserkers - a system-neutral fantasy character toolkit
April 6 - Vengeance - a system-neutral fantasy adventure toolkit
April 11 - DoubleZero: Noir - a dark mystery setting toolkit
April 13 - DoubleZero: P.I. - a detective agency faction toolkit
April 18 - Heroic Fantasy - a system-neutral fantasy setting toolkit
April 20 - Mercenary Bands - a system-neutral fantasy faction toolkit
April 25 - DoubleZero: Western - a wild west setting toolkit
April 27 - DoubleZero: Quest - a modern adventure toolkit
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.