Martelo Schwarz
Villager
Hi EN World community,
I wanted to share my upcoming Kickstarter project: Ahu's First Patrol, a 5e-compatible solo adventure gamebook that introduces a new setting called Uoru.
What it is: Ahu's First Patrol is a replayable solo adventure gamebook using 5th edition D&D rules. With approximately 170 pages and 350 numbered sections, you'll explore branching routes, make ability checks, manage rations and decisions, and uncover your own path through the realm of Kaung Pi. The book is completely standalone—no Player's Handbook needed—and includes all the rules you need to play.
The Setting: Uoru is a new 5e setting inspired by diverse Asian cultures, where a huge purple moon—the Great Stone—dominates the sky. Kaung Pi is the first realm we explore, blending Indonesian and Nepalese traditions in a Himalayan-inspired landscape where harsh winters shape mountain passes, ancient orders, and the spirits that walk alongside mortals. You'll meet the Harimauja catfolk, encounter ancient spirits, and journey through a land as harsh as it is sacred.
Why a gamebook? I'm a big fan of classic gamebooks like Lone Wolf, and I wanted to introduce this new setting through play rather than a 200-300 page lore dump. The gamebook format lets you discover Uoru naturally through Ahu's story, making choices that matter and facing challenges that test both skill and wisdom.
About me: I'm Martelo Schwarz, and three years ago I published Bugbear Awakening on DMsGuild, which became a Silver Bestseller. After that, I started developing my own setting. Having lived in Indonesia for more than five years and being a trained geographer, I wanted to create something different—a world that draws from Asian cultural traditions rather than the typical European fantasy tropes.
The Project: The Kickstarter pre-launch page is now live, with the campaign launching in February 2026. Most of the content is already written and playtested. The funding will go toward interior art (cover art and 2 interior pieces are already commissioned from the talented Gábor Orosz). Reward tiers start at 5€ for a preview PDF, with full PDF and print-on-demand options available.
What makes it different:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marteloschwarz/ahus-first-patrol-a-5e-solo-adventure-gamebook
Thanks for reading, and I'm happy to discuss the project here!
I wanted to share my upcoming Kickstarter project: Ahu's First Patrol, a 5e-compatible solo adventure gamebook that introduces a new setting called Uoru.
What it is: Ahu's First Patrol is a replayable solo adventure gamebook using 5th edition D&D rules. With approximately 170 pages and 350 numbered sections, you'll explore branching routes, make ability checks, manage rations and decisions, and uncover your own path through the realm of Kaung Pi. The book is completely standalone—no Player's Handbook needed—and includes all the rules you need to play.
The Setting: Uoru is a new 5e setting inspired by diverse Asian cultures, where a huge purple moon—the Great Stone—dominates the sky. Kaung Pi is the first realm we explore, blending Indonesian and Nepalese traditions in a Himalayan-inspired landscape where harsh winters shape mountain passes, ancient orders, and the spirits that walk alongside mortals. You'll meet the Harimauja catfolk, encounter ancient spirits, and journey through a land as harsh as it is sacred.
Why a gamebook? I'm a big fan of classic gamebooks like Lone Wolf, and I wanted to introduce this new setting through play rather than a 200-300 page lore dump. The gamebook format lets you discover Uoru naturally through Ahu's story, making choices that matter and facing challenges that test both skill and wisdom.
About me: I'm Martelo Schwarz, and three years ago I published Bugbear Awakening on DMsGuild, which became a Silver Bestseller. After that, I started developing my own setting. Having lived in Indonesia for more than five years and being a trained geographer, I wanted to create something different—a world that draws from Asian cultural traditions rather than the typical European fantasy tropes.
The Project: The Kickstarter pre-launch page is now live, with the campaign launching in February 2026. Most of the content is already written and playtested. The funding will go toward interior art (cover art and 2 interior pieces are already commissioned from the talented Gábor Orosz). Reward tiers start at 5€ for a preview PDF, with full PDF and print-on-demand options available.
What makes it different:
- Fully standalone—no other books needed
- Asian-inspired setting (South & Southeast Asia)
- Solo adventure format perfect for when you can't get a group together
- Replayable with branching paths and meaningful choices
- Professional layout using LaTeX for a polished look
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marteloschwarz/ahus-first-patrol-a-5e-solo-adventure-gamebook
Thanks for reading, and I'm happy to discuss the project here!
