Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
White Dwarf Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Nest
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions, OSR, & D&D Variants
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
EN Publishing
Twitter
BlueSky
Facebook
Instagram
EN World
BlueSky
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Twitch
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions, OSR, & D&D Variants
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
NOW LIVE! Today's the day you meet your new best friend. You don’t have to leave Wolfy behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' your companions level up with you!
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
*TTRPGs General
Free RPG Day 2024 Guide
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Egg Embry" data-source="post: 9377063" data-attributes="member: 6808965"><p><a href="https://freerpgday.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Free RPG Day</strong></a> is Saturday, June 22, an annual event encouraging fans to visit stores and pick up free adventures, quickstarts, dice, miniatures, and RPGs. </p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]367745[/ATTACH]</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p><p>For tabletop RPG fans, this is the biggest retail TTRPG celebration of the year. Darryl Mott shared the <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/freebies-sales-and-charity-bundles-for-june-16-2024.704790/" target="_blank">list of free items</a> in his column, and, <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/what’s-available-on-free-rpg-day-2023.698058/" target="_blank">as I</a> <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/free-rpg-day-2022-–-the-offerings.689438/" target="_blank">do</a> <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/free-rpg-day-2021-–-what’s-on-offer.683272/" target="_blank">each</a> <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/heres-whats-available-for-free-rpg-day.672477/" target="_blank">year</a>, I’ll talk a bit about what’s available in the <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> kit for 2024 and how popular these settings are. Before we begin, how do you find a FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) that’s participating in <strong>Free RPG Day</strong>? Go to the “<a href="https://freerpgday.com/gamers" target="_blank">For Gamers</a>” page of the <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> website (<a href="https://freerpgday.com/gamers" target="_blank">here</a>) and search by your city and state.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]367746[/ATTACH]</p><h3><strong>FREE THIRD-PARTY FIFTH EDITION BOOKLETS</strong></h3><p>Are you a fan of <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition</em></strong>? If so, you have a variety of adventures to choose from. Each of these adventures offers an experience playing in a company’s signature setting, suggesting why gamers should pick up the full sourcebooks for use in their home games.</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Mayhem at the Truffle Festival: An Obojima Adventure</em></strong> is a <strong>5e</strong> adventure from <a href="https://1985games.com/" target="_blank"><strong>1985 Games</strong></a> for two to four 3rd-level characters.<strong> <em>Obojima: Tales From The Tall Grass</em> </strong>is a <strong>5e </strong>campaign setting. The <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1985games/obojima-tales-from-the-tall-grass-a-5e-campaign-setting" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a> for this book reached over 23,000 backers and $2.6 million. This book gives you a chance to see why so many fans want to play in <strong><em>Obojima</em></strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Heliana’s Guide to Monster Hunting: The Shining Shrine</em></strong> from <a href="https://loottavern.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Loot Tavern</strong></a> is a <strong>5e</strong> monster hunt for 2nd-, 7th-, or 12th-level characters. In this adventure, you experience the secret sauce of this TTRPG, tracking monsters, fighting them, harvesting their remains, and using that carcass for crafting and cooking. That’s right, fight the orc then eat’em. On <strong>Kickstarter</strong>, <strong><em>Heliana's Guide To Monster Hunting: A 5e Supplement </em></strong>reached over 18,000 backers hungry to supply $1.8 million to bring this to life.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://humblewood.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Humblewood</em></strong></a><strong><em>: Shock in Stormcrag</em></strong> from <strong>Hit Point Press</strong> takes place in the anthropomorphic fantasy setting of <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/399157/humblewood-campaign-setting-pdf?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong><em>Humblewood</em></strong></a>. The adventure is for four 6th-level characters. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hitpointpress/humblewood-campaign-setting-for-5e-dnd" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a> for the <strong><em>Humblewood Campaign Setting for 5e</em></strong> book reached over 14,000 backers and a million dollars.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Shards of the Spellforge</em></strong> from <a href="https://koboldpress.com/kpstore/cart/" target="_blank"><strong>Kobold Press</strong></a> is an adventure for use with both <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition </em></strong>and <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2189/kobold-press/category/47923/tales-of-the-valiant?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong><em>Tales of the Valiant</em></strong></a><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2189/kobold-press/category/47923/tales-of-the-valiant?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2189/kobold-press/category/47923/tales-of-the-valiant?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong><em>RPG</em></strong></a>. This one-shot is for four to five 1st-level characters and follows “a trail of malfunctioning inventions to a mysterious machine, the last remnant of a forgotten civilization.” If you want to try out the <strong><em>Tales of the Valiant</em></strong> <strong><em>RPG </em></strong>(a <strong>5EC</strong> or <strong>5e</strong> compatible engine), this adventure is an amazing opportunity. <strong><em>Tales of the Valiant RPG</em></strong> reached over 10,000 backers and $1.1 million on <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deepmagic/tales-of-the-valiant-rpg-launching-black-flag-roleplaying" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>One-Shot Wonders</em></strong> from <a href="https://rollandplaypress.com/products/one-shot-wonders" target="_blank"><strong>Roll & Play Press</strong></a> provides two 1st- and 2nd-level, one 3rd- and 4th-level, and one 5th- and 6th-level encounter settings. This book gives the GM the tools including the set pieces and some random elements to craft an adventure around. On <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rollandplaypress/one-shot-wonders-5e" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a>, the campaign that created the <strong><em>One-Shot Wonders</em></strong> reached 4,000 backers and exceed £176,000.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Fateforge: Epic Tales in the World of Eana: A Journey in Eana - 1</em></strong> from <a href="https://fateforge.org/en" target="_blank"><strong>Studio Agate</strong></a> is a look at the <strong>5e</strong> campaign setting as well as a quick adventure. <strong><em>Fateforge</em></strong> uses a setting specific version of the standard <strong>5e</strong> ruleset where characters are questing for the Fateforge, an opportunity to ascend to godhood. The <strong><em>Fateforge</em> Kickstarters</strong> (<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1176616619/fateforge-a-5th-edition-role-playing-game" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1176616619/fateforge-reprint-the-modular-5e-rpg" target="_blank">here</a>) reached over 2,900 backers and $250,000. The core book won the <strong>2022 Silver Ennie Award for Best Writing</strong>. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/5029/Agate-RPG/category/33029/Fateforge?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Fateforge Tetralogy</em></strong></a> is four books and Pay What You Want for the PDF version at <strong>DriveThruRPG</strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Not a Drop to Drink</em></strong> from <a href="https://www.lokebattlemats.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Loke Battle Mats</strong></a> showcases an adventure and battlemap from their upcoming <strong>Calendar of Many Adventures 2025</strong>. This adventure is for four 2nd-level characters, all provided. The calendar was crowdfunded on <a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/loke-battle-mats/calendar-of-many-adventures-2025" target="_blank"><strong>Backerkit</strong></a> and reached over 700 backers and $17,000. With this one-shot, gamers get to sample one of the twelve 12” by 12” battlemaps from the 2025 calendar. This let’s you get a feel for the quality of the product (Hint: It’s high quality). In Q4 2024, these calendars will be available to purchase. <strong><em>Not a Drop to Drink</em></strong> will help retailers gauge interest in these calendars before ordering. If you enjoy this one, let you FLGS know.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Sink Treasures of Deep Grotto</em></strong> from <a href="https://sinkrpg.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Crimson Herald Games</strong></a><strong>, Samurai Rusk,</strong> and <strong>Hit Point Press</strong> is an introduction to the <strong><em>SINK!</em></strong> <strong>5E</strong> campaign setting which is coming to <strong>Kickstarter</strong> on September 4th. The booklet provides a one-shot and a <a href="https://sinkrpg.com/" target="_blank">link to download</a> four 3rd- to 4th-level pre-gen characters that use their setting-specific subclasses such as Buccaneer Fighter, Mist Breaker Ranger, Spellskin Wizard, and College of Tide Song Bard.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://nordgamesllc.com/shop/?category=card-decks&publisher=nord-games" target="_blank"><strong>Nord Games</strong></a><strong>’</strong> contribution to <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> are several deck of cards that <strong>5e</strong> GMs are going to want to get their hands on: <strong><a href="https://nordgamesllc.com/product/wandering-monsters-deck-dungeon-5e/" target="_blank">Wandering Monsters Deck: Dungeon (5E)</a>; <a href="https://nordgamesllc.com/product/treasure-deck-cr-1-4-5e/" target="_blank">Treasure Trove Deck CR 1-4 (5E)</a>; </strong><a href="https://nordgamesllc.com/product/treacherous-traps-deck-level-5-8-5e/" target="_blank"><strong>Treacherous Traps Deck Level 5-8 (5E)</strong></a>. To appreciate <strong>Nord Games’</strong> products, you need to see them. These decks offer playing cards with either monsters, traps or treasures. Draw a card for an encounter or a reward. The retail products are a good price point, perfect for retailers to display by the register.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]367747[/ATTACH]</p><h3><strong>FREE PATHFINDER, STARFINDER, DCC, & OTHER d20 TTRPG BOOKLETS</strong></h3><p>Beyond <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition</em></strong>, there are more <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> booklets. Let’s start out with the non-<strong>D&D</strong> d20-based products.</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Paizo</strong>, the publisher of <strong>D&D’s</strong> main competitor, <strong><em>Pathfinder</em></strong>, offers two books to choose from. <strong><em>Pathfinder: The Great Toy Heist</em></strong> from <a href="https://paizo.com/store/pathfinder/adventures/standalone/freeRPGDay" target="_blank"><strong>Paizo</strong></a> uses the <strong><em>Pathfinder Second Edition </em></strong>ruleset. This fantasy adventure is for 2nd-level characters. You’ll play as four poppets (animated marionettes) that risk being kicked out of their home if they’re not able to steal back the deed to their toy shop.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">For fans interested in a look at <a href="https://paizo.com/store/starfinder/adventures/standaloneAdventures/freeRPGDayAdventures" target="_blank"><strong>Paiz</strong></a><a href="https://paizo.com/store/starfinder/adventures/standaloneAdventures/freeRPGDayAdventures" target="_blank"><strong>o's</strong></a> <strong><em>Starfinder Second Edition Playtest</em></strong>, the <strong><em>Starfinder: Second Contact</em></strong> offers a dozen creatures compatible with that playtest as well as <strong><em>Pathfinder Second Edition</em></strong>. This preview will help fans and retailers determine their interest levels in the upcoming playtest of <strong><em>Starfinder’s</em></strong> new system and revised action economy.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In terms of identifiable properties, I don’t think any of the <strong>Free RPG Day 2024</strong> products are better known than <strong><em>G.I. Joe / Transformers / Power Rangers / My Little Pony : Unnatural Disaster</em></strong> from <a href="https://renegadegamestudios.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Renegade Game Studios</strong></a>. Using <strong>Renegade’s</strong> <strong><em>Essence20</em></strong> system, you’ll feel the essentials of <strong>D&D’s</strong> core principles along with some options for, say, <strong><em>Transformers</em></strong> transforming, chases, and the power of friendship. This adventure involves a mystery as the heroes discover the sources of an artificial earthquake.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">For <strong>Free RPG Day, </strong><a href="https://goodman-games.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Goodman Games</strong></a><strong>’</strong> is offering a 1st-level <strong>DCC</strong> adventure, <strong><em>Dungeon Crawl Classics: Across the Veil of Time</em></strong>. As with all <strong>DCC</strong> adventures, prepare for gonzo encounters and the possibility of a TPK.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">TRIVIA: Not to take away from <strong>Free RPG Day</strong>, but did you know that <strong><em>Dungeon Crawl Classics</em></strong> has its own version of <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> called <a href="https://goodman-games.com/blog/category/dcc-day/" target="_blank"><strong>DCC Day</strong></a>? On Saturday, July 20, 2024, participating FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Stores) will offer free <strong>DCC</strong> products as well as <strong><em>Xcrawl Classics</em></strong> adventures and zines to fans. These products come from companies like <strong>Goodman Games, Blind Visionary Publications, Dragon Peak Publishing</strong>, and <strong>Orbital Intelligence</strong>. If you can’t make <strong>Free RPG Day 2024</strong>, check out <a href="https://goodman-games.com/blog/category/dcc-day/" target="_blank"><strong>DCC Day 2024</strong></a>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">From <a href="https://freeleaguepublishing.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Free League Publishing</strong></a> comes <strong><em>Dragonbane: The Sinking Tower</em></strong>. This is a tournament-style adventure and quickstart giving up-to-seven players an introduction to <strong><em>Dragonbane</em></strong>. The latest edition of 40-year-old Swedish TTRPG, <strong><em>Drakar och Demoner</em></strong>, includes seven pre-gens, among them is a mallard (duck person), a highlight of the setting. The <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/drakar-och-demoner-dragonbane" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a> for the core <strong><em>Dragonbane</em></strong> rulebook has over 11,000 backers who pledged SEK 7.8 million (over $700,000).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Hollows Quickstart: The Sins of Grisham Priory</em></strong> from <a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/rowan-rook-and-decard/hollows" target="_blank"><strong>Rowan, Rook & Decard</strong></a> is an upcoming project from the individuals behind <strong><em>Spire, Heart, DIE,</em></strong> and <strong><em>Eat the Reich</em></strong>. As a new product, they went the extra distance and provided the core rules, including combat, printed on the backside of the pre-gen character sheets. If the prior products interest you, the <strong><em>Hollows</em></strong> core rulebook is currently crowdfunding on <strong>Backerkit</strong>, <a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/rowan-rook-and-decard/hollows" target="_blank"><strong><em>HOLLOWS - TTRPG Boss Fights Done Right</em></strong></a>. If you want a PDF of the quickstart, it’s available via the <a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/rowan-rook-and-decard/hollows" target="_blank"><strong>Backerkit</strong></a> campaign.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Rojo: A Kurosawa Inspired Bloodshed</em></strong> from <a href="https://www.needgames.it/" target="_blank"><strong>Need Games</strong></a> is the game for TTRPG artpunk layout fanatics. Those fans that love the look of Johan Nohr’s work on <strong><em>MÖRK BORG</em></strong> and <strong><em>CY_BORG</em></strong>, Brian Colin and Ross Brandt’s layouts on <strong><em>Vast Grimm</em></strong>, Marie Enger’s <strong><em>CASKET LAND</em></strong> and <strong><em>Death to the Wizard Kings: DIY Vat Spawn Kit</em></strong>, and Gavriel Quiroga’s <strong><em>HELL NIGHT,</em></strong> those DIY artbooks with rules. <strong><em>Rojo</em></strong> takes that design sensibility, adds a layer of animated artwork, and offers a quickstart and adventure for 1st-level characters. Provided with pre-gens with the games’ rules printed on the back (the <strong><em>Terror Target Gemini RPG </em></strong>which uses a d20 plus skills against a target number), this is a beautiful book with an adventure based on Akira Kurosawa’s <strong><em>Yojimbo</em></strong>.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]367748[/ATTACH]</p><h3><strong>FREE NON-d20-CENTRIC TTRPG BOOKLETS</strong></h3><p>For <strong>Free RPG Day</strong>, there are TTRPGs that aren’t d20-centric. For gamers interested in systems beyond that polyhedral, there are a variety of options during this year’s event.</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In terms of popular properties among non-d20 based games, the best known may be the <strong><em>Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game.</em></strong> For <strong>Free RPG Day</strong>, you can try out the game using the <strong><em>X-Men Free Expansion Preview</em></strong> from <a href="https://www.marvel.com/rpg" target="_blank"><strong>Marvel</strong></a>. This TTRPG uses Marvel’s original engine, the <strong><em>d616 Role-Playing System</em></strong>. In it, you’ll get a look at the <strong><em>X-Force</em></strong> section of the full sourcebook including their history, some characters, and adventure ideas.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Based on the highest-grossing TTRPG <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/magpiegames/avatar-legends-the-roleplaying-game" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a> of all time – over 81,000 backers who pledged $9.5 million – <a href="https://magpiegames.com/pages/avatar-legends" target="_blank"><strong>Magpie Games</strong></a> provides an adventure to draw players to the gaming table: <strong><em>Avatar Legends: Rebels & Refugees</em></strong>. Set during the 100 Year War Era, you’ll play through the darker times of the war. This adventure uses the <strong><em>Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game</em></strong> system, which is a variant of <strong><em>Powered by the Apocalypse</em></strong> engine. Since the system uses 2d6 for all rolls, <strong>Magpie</strong> is also giving away a pair of <strong><em>Avatar Legends</em></strong> d6s.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://rtalsoriangames.com/" target="_blank"><strong>R. Talsorian Games</strong></a> provides a preview quickstart of their upcoming project, <strong><em>Shadow Scar</em></strong>. Influenced by anime and Asia in general, the game is set in a fantasy 1920s-esque Asia full of powers, animals, spirits, combat, and neon. This quickstart release provides a view into the rules (d6 dice pools counting numbers of successes), pre-gens, and more. Gamers and retailers can use this book, <strong><em>Shadow Scar: Eyes in the Darkness</em></strong>, to gauge interest before the full ruleset drops.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://renegadegamestudios.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Renegade Game Studios</strong></a> has a second offering this year, <strong><em>Werewolf: The Apocalypse: Red Tundra</em></strong>. Using the <strong><em>Werewolf: The Apocalypse Fifth Edition</em></strong> engine, you and your pack return to your Canadian homeland where you discover the rich are shooting wolves for sport. The adventure comes with six pre-gen werewolves that are not going to let these hunts continue.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://portal.esteren.org/en" target="_blank"><strong>Studio Agate</strong></a> has a second offering as well, <strong><em>Shadows of Esteren: A Journey in the Shadows – 1</em></strong>. This book is a solid adventure introducing the guiding concepts of Esteren. This is a world that’s darker than merely fighting monsters, it’s a world of roleplaying, flashbacks, and character arcs. <strong><em>Shadows of Esteren</em></strong> many crowdfundings reached thousands of backers and nearly a million dollars <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1176616619/created" target="_blank">via crowdfunding</a>. The TTRPG won multiple <strong>Ennie Awards</strong> over the years. If you’re interested in learning more about <strong><em>Shadows of Esteren</em></strong> then check out <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/109112/Shadows-of-Esteren--Book-0-Prologue?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong><em>Book 0 – Prologue</em></strong></a> on <strong>DriveThruRPG</strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://www.cmon.com/" target="_blank"><strong>CMON</strong></a> provides an adventure for the <strong><em>Plague Bearer: Dark Fantasy Roleplaying. Death Out of the Stars</em></strong> puts your characters into a world of zombies. Your only hope? Fleeing to an island with its own curse. To try out this game, the manual includes a QR code to get the <strong><em>Plague Bearer Quickstart</em></strong> rules for free.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Arzium Roleplaying Game</em></strong> introduces the World of Arzium to tabletop RPG. Based on the setting of board games <strong>Above and Below</strong> and <strong>Near and Far</strong>, <a href="https://www.redravengames.com/arzium-roleplaying-game/" target="_blank"><strong>Red Raven Games</strong></a> brings an original system that feels part TTRPG and part board game. In terms of the game engine, this is a game that requires rule fluency. Tests are d10s plus points against a target number. If a player roll of a NAT 6 on their d10 then the GM rolls a d6 to add a complication to the encounter. These extra rules make the game feel like its own project, not a derivative of a “standard” game.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://steamforged.com/pages/runescape-kingdoms" target="_blank"><strong>Steamforged Games</strong></a> brings the <strong><em>RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game</em></strong> with a <strong><em>Quickstart Guide</em></strong>. This guide gives you a pretty in-depth view of this 3d6 fantasy TTRPG including world details. You get the core rules, a taste of the magic and character options, an adventure, and a look at a boss. If you’re a fan of <strong>RuneScape Kingdoms </strong>boardgame, this TTRPG may speak to you.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">One of my favorite TTRPG systems is <strong><em>Polymorph</em></strong>, as I’ve discussed <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/gen-con-2022-mazes-at-midnight.690687/" target="_blank">here</a>. Used for <strong><em>MAZES</em></strong> and other <strong><em>9th Level Games</em></strong>, your character’s abilities are tied to a single die. With each action, you roll the one die against a static chart. For <strong>Free RPG Day</strong>, <a href="https://9thlevel.com/" target="_blank"><strong>9th Level Games</strong></a> provides a 30-minute adventure that is easy to run for <strong><em>MAZES</em></strong> or <strong><em>Return to Dark Tower</em></strong>, both of which use the same fantasy version of <strong><em>Polymorph</em></strong>. The <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> product is for <strong><em>Return to Dark Tower </em></strong>and ties into <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/restorationgames/return-to-dark-tower" target="_blank"><strong>Restoration Games’</strong></a><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/restorationgames/return-to-dark-tower" target="_blank"> board game of the same name</a>. The TTRPG version by <strong>9th Level Games</strong> reached over 1,200 backers and nearly $100,000 on <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/9thlevel/return-to-dark-tower-rpg" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a>. The best part about this adventure? Experienced GMs do not need to know the adventure or the system. Just read the instructions on the pad (maybe 5 minutes), tear out the sheets, and play. It’s extremely easy and fun. If the <strong><em>Polymorph</em></strong> system interests you, check out the <a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/9th-level/mazes-city-of-skull" target="_blank"><strong>MAZES City of Skull - A Low Prep, Rules Light RPG</strong></a> crowdfunding on <strong>Backerkit</strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong><em>Level 1: The Free RPG Day Indie Anthology (vol. 5)</em></strong>, which is also from <a href="https://9thlevel.com/" target="_blank"><strong>9th Level Games</strong></a><strong>,</strong> provides a diverse selection of short, indy TTRPGs. This product appeals to indy gamers looking for new and different ways to play.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://www.wetinkgames.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Wet Ink Games</strong></a><strong>’ Free RPG Day</strong> offer is a quickstart for their anthropomorphic raccoon TTRPG, <strong><em>Garbage & Glory</em></strong>. Using their <strong><em>+One</em></strong> system, you’ll play pre-gen trash pandas eager to get into a dumpster. This is excellent for fans of playing animals that still want some gross in their game. The <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jiangshi/garbage-and-glory" target="_blank"><strong>Kickstarter</strong></a> for the core version of this game reached over 1,400 backers who pledged $50,000.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Unlike many of the products in this kit, this next one is not a booklet, it’s a deck of cards. These cards are square and designed to inspire story ideas. The <a href="https://storyenginedeck.com/products/story-engine-deck-of-writing-prompts-story-ideas" target="_blank"><strong>Story Engine Deck</strong></a> is a set of system neutral cards that, when randomly pulled and connected, can inspire ideas for NPCs, encounters, and plot hooks to save on GM prep time. It’s an interesting product and worth trying out at the store.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]367749[/ATTACH]</p><h3><strong>FREE RPG ACCESSORIES</strong></h3><p>Beyond booklets there’s, well, a limited number of RPG accessories. Here’s the quick list.</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">There’s a <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> dice bag.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Dice trays from <a href="https://www.bcwsupplies.com/brands/bcw-gaming" target="_blank"><strong>BCW</strong></a>. These are beautiful products.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Free RPG Day 2024 Rococo Red Iconic D20</strong> from <a href="https://dispeldice.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Dispel Dice</strong></a>. This D20 is black with undertones of red and would sell for a lot more than free.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>The Legend of Drizzt Dice Set</strong> from <a href="https://siriusdice.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Sirius Dice</strong></a>. A full set of standard polyhedrals. But, really, they had me at “Drizzt.”</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://luckyduckgames.com/pad" target="_blank"><strong>Lucky Duck Games</strong></a> is offering pencils that double as d6s. They’re for use in your game or with <strong>Lucky Duck’s</strong> <a href="https://luckyduckgames.com/en/games/749-paper-app-dungeon" target="_blank"><strong>Paper App Dungeon</strong></a>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://wizkids.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Wizkids</strong></a> offers three different <strong>D&D Icons of the Realms</strong> miniatures. If you’re fortunate, you may be able to get a Topaz Dragon Wyrmling, and Amethyst Dragon Wyrmling, or a Strahd miniature. All would be great additions to any game of <strong>D&D</strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://www.foambrain.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Foam Brain Games</strong></a> has a zombie pin that’s a miniature that they dubbed a “pinature.” It comes with an amusing game store encounter written on a card. The package is dubbed the <strong>Lost Tome of Monsters: Free RPG Day Edition</strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Last, but not least, is a complimentary <a href="https://app.roll20.net/why-subscribe-to-roll20" target="_blank"><strong>Roll20 Subscription + Exclusive Playable Content</strong></a> postcard. If you want to try out <strong>Roll20</strong>, this is a good option to sign on.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]367750[/ATTACH]</p><h3><strong>SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024</strong></h3><p>If you’re interested in attending in <a href="https://freerpgday.com/gamers" target="_blank"><strong>Free RPG Day</strong></a>, check out the website to learn which stores are participating (<a href="https://freerpgday.com/gamers" target="_blank">here</a>). Participating <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> stores are not allowed to charge for these free products on June 22. However, many stores limit the number of products you can obtain or require fans to spend a certain amount to get the freebies. Why? Because the <strong>Free RPG Day</strong> kits are not free to the stores, so they have a limited number of ways to make sure every gamer can pick up something from the kit.</p><p></p><p>Looking for a game? For my part, on <strong>Free RPG Day June 22, 2024</strong>, I’ll be at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/realKapowComics" target="_blank"><strong>Kapow! Comics and Games</strong></a> in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re in the area, come out and say hi.</p><p></p><p><em>Egg Embry participates in the OneBookShelf Affiliate Program, Noble Knight Games’ Affiliate Program, and is an Amazon Associate. These programs provide advertising fees by linking to DriveThruRPG, Noble Knight Games, and Amazon.</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Egg Embry, post: 9377063, member: 6808965"] [URL='https://freerpgday.com/'][B]Free RPG Day[/B][/URL][B] [/B]is Saturday, June 22, an annual event encouraging fans to visit stores and pick up free adventures, quickstarts, dice, miniatures, and RPGs. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]367745[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] For tabletop RPG fans, this is the biggest retail TTRPG celebration of the year. Darryl Mott shared the [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/freebies-sales-and-charity-bundles-for-june-16-2024.704790/']list of free items[/URL] in his column, and, [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/what’s-available-on-free-rpg-day-2023.698058/']as I[/URL] [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/free-rpg-day-2022-–-the-offerings.689438/']do[/URL] [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/free-rpg-day-2021-–-what’s-on-offer.683272/']each[/URL] [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/heres-whats-available-for-free-rpg-day.672477/']year[/URL], I’ll talk a bit about what’s available in the [B]Free RPG Day[/B] kit for 2024 and how popular these settings are. Before we begin, how do you find a FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) that’s participating in [B]Free RPG Day[/B]? Go to the “[URL='https://freerpgday.com/gamers']For Gamers[/URL]” page of the [B]Free RPG Day[/B] website ([URL='https://freerpgday.com/gamers']here[/URL]) and search by your city and state. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]367746[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [HEADING=2][B]FREE THIRD-PARTY FIFTH EDITION BOOKLETS[/B][/HEADING] Are you a fan of [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition[/I][/B]? If so, you have a variety of adventures to choose from. Each of these adventures offers an experience playing in a company’s signature setting, suggesting why gamers should pick up the full sourcebooks for use in their home games. [LIST] [*][B][I]Mayhem at the Truffle Festival: An Obojima Adventure[/I][/B] is a [B]5e[/B] adventure from [URL='https://1985games.com/'][B]1985 Games[/B][/URL][B] [/B]for two to four 3rd-level characters.[B] [I]Obojima: Tales From The Tall Grass[/I] [/B]is a [B]5e [/B]campaign setting. The [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1985games/obojima-tales-from-the-tall-grass-a-5e-campaign-setting'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL] for this book reached over 23,000 backers and $2.6 million. This book gives you a chance to see why so many fans want to play in [B][I]Obojima[/I][/B]. [*][B][I]Heliana’s Guide to Monster Hunting: The Shining Shrine[/I][/B] from [URL='https://loottavern.com/'][B]Loot Tavern[/B][/URL] is a [B]5e[/B] monster hunt for 2nd-, 7th-, or 12th-level characters. In this adventure, you experience the secret sauce of this TTRPG, tracking monsters, fighting them, harvesting their remains, and using that carcass for crafting and cooking. That’s right, fight the orc then eat’em. On [B]Kickstarter[/B], [B][I]Heliana's Guide To Monster Hunting: A 5e Supplement [/I][/B]reached over 18,000 backers hungry to supply $1.8 million to bring this to life. [*][URL='https://humblewood.com/'][B][I]Humblewood[/I][/B][/URL][B][I]: Shock in Stormcrag[/I][/B] from [B]Hit Point Press[/B] takes place in the anthropomorphic fantasy setting of [URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/399157/humblewood-campaign-setting-pdf?affiliate_id=814082'][B][I]Humblewood[/I][/B][/URL]. The adventure is for four 6th-level characters. [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hitpointpress/humblewood-campaign-setting-for-5e-dnd'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL] for the [B][I]Humblewood Campaign Setting for 5e[/I][/B] book reached over 14,000 backers and a million dollars. [*][B][I]Shards of the Spellforge[/I][/B] from [URL='https://koboldpress.com/kpstore/cart/'][B]Kobold Press[/B][/URL] is an adventure for use with both [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition [/I][/B]and [URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2189/kobold-press/category/47923/tales-of-the-valiant?affiliate_id=814082'][B][I]Tales of the Valiant[/I][/B][/URL][URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2189/kobold-press/category/47923/tales-of-the-valiant?affiliate_id=814082'] [/URL][URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2189/kobold-press/category/47923/tales-of-the-valiant?affiliate_id=814082'][B][I]RPG[/I][/B][/URL]. This one-shot is for four to five 1st-level characters and follows “a trail of malfunctioning inventions to a mysterious machine, the last remnant of a forgotten civilization.” If you want to try out the [B][I]Tales of the Valiant[/I][/B] [B][I]RPG [/I][/B](a [B]5EC[/B] or [B]5e[/B] compatible engine), this adventure is an amazing opportunity. [B][I]Tales of the Valiant RPG[/I][/B] reached over 10,000 backers and $1.1 million on [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deepmagic/tales-of-the-valiant-rpg-launching-black-flag-roleplaying'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL]. [*][B][I]One-Shot Wonders[/I][/B] from [URL='https://rollandplaypress.com/products/one-shot-wonders'][B]Roll & Play Press[/B][/URL] provides two 1st- and 2nd-level, one 3rd- and 4th-level, and one 5th- and 6th-level encounter settings. This book gives the GM the tools including the set pieces and some random elements to craft an adventure around. On [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rollandplaypress/one-shot-wonders-5e'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL], the campaign that created the [B][I]One-Shot Wonders[/I][/B] reached 4,000 backers and exceed £176,000. [*][B][I]Fateforge: Epic Tales in the World of Eana: A Journey in Eana - 1[/I][/B] from [URL='https://fateforge.org/en'][B]Studio Agate[/B][/URL][B] [/B]is a look at the [B]5e[/B] campaign setting as well as a quick adventure. [B][I]Fateforge[/I][/B] uses a setting specific version of the standard [B]5e[/B] ruleset where characters are questing for the Fateforge, an opportunity to ascend to godhood. The [B][I]Fateforge[/I] Kickstarters[/B] ([URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1176616619/fateforge-a-5th-edition-role-playing-game']here[/URL] and [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1176616619/fateforge-reprint-the-modular-5e-rpg']here[/URL]) reached over 2,900 backers and $250,000. The core book won the [B]2022 Silver Ennie Award for Best Writing[/B]. [URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/5029/Agate-RPG/category/33029/Fateforge?affiliate_id=814082'][B][I]The Fateforge Tetralogy[/I][/B][/URL] is four books and Pay What You Want for the PDF version at [B]DriveThruRPG[/B]. [*][B][I]Not a Drop to Drink[/I][/B] from [URL='https://www.lokebattlemats.com/'][B]Loke Battle Mats[/B][/URL] showcases an adventure and battlemap from their upcoming [B]Calendar of Many Adventures 2025[/B]. This adventure is for four 2nd-level characters, all provided. The calendar was crowdfunded on [URL='https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/loke-battle-mats/calendar-of-many-adventures-2025'][B]Backerkit[/B][/URL] and reached over 700 backers and $17,000. With this one-shot, gamers get to sample one of the twelve 12” by 12” battlemaps from the 2025 calendar. This let’s you get a feel for the quality of the product (Hint: It’s high quality). In Q4 2024, these calendars will be available to purchase. [B][I]Not a Drop to Drink[/I][/B] will help retailers gauge interest in these calendars before ordering. If you enjoy this one, let you FLGS know. [*][B][I]Sink Treasures of Deep Grotto[/I][/B] from [URL='https://sinkrpg.com/'][B]Crimson Herald Games[/B][/URL][B], Samurai Rusk,[/B] and [B]Hit Point Press[/B] is an introduction to the [B][I]SINK![/I][/B] [B]5E[/B] campaign setting which is coming to [B]Kickstarter[/B] on September 4th. The booklet provides a one-shot and a [URL='https://sinkrpg.com/']link to download[/URL] four 3rd- to 4th-level pre-gen characters that use their setting-specific subclasses such as Buccaneer Fighter, Mist Breaker Ranger, Spellskin Wizard, and College of Tide Song Bard. [*][URL='https://nordgamesllc.com/shop/?category=card-decks&publisher=nord-games'][B]Nord Games[/B][/URL][B]’[/B] contribution to [B]Free RPG Day[/B] are several deck of cards that [B]5e[/B] GMs are going to want to get their hands on: [B][URL='https://nordgamesllc.com/product/wandering-monsters-deck-dungeon-5e/']Wandering Monsters Deck: Dungeon (5E)[/URL]; [URL='https://nordgamesllc.com/product/treasure-deck-cr-1-4-5e/']Treasure Trove Deck CR 1-4 (5E)[/URL]; [/B][URL='https://nordgamesllc.com/product/treacherous-traps-deck-level-5-8-5e/'][B]Treacherous Traps Deck Level 5-8 (5E)[/B][/URL]. To appreciate [B]Nord Games’[/B] products, you need to see them. These decks offer playing cards with either monsters, traps or treasures. Draw a card for an encounter or a reward. The retail products are a good price point, perfect for retailers to display by the register. [/LIST] [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]367747[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [HEADING=2][B]FREE PATHFINDER, STARFINDER, DCC, & OTHER d20 TTRPG BOOKLETS[/B][/HEADING] Beyond [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition[/I][/B], there are more [B]Free RPG Day[/B] booklets. Let’s start out with the non-[B]D&D[/B] d20-based products. [LIST] [*][B]Paizo[/B], the publisher of [B]D&D’s[/B] main competitor, [B][I]Pathfinder[/I][/B], offers two books to choose from. [B][I]Pathfinder: The Great Toy Heist[/I][/B] from [URL='https://paizo.com/store/pathfinder/adventures/standalone/freeRPGDay'][B]Paizo[/B][/URL] uses the [B][I]Pathfinder Second Edition [/I][/B]ruleset. This fantasy adventure is for 2nd-level characters. You’ll play as four poppets (animated marionettes) that risk being kicked out of their home if they’re not able to steal back the deed to their toy shop. [*]For fans interested in a look at [URL='https://paizo.com/store/starfinder/adventures/standaloneAdventures/freeRPGDayAdventures'][B]Paiz[/B][/URL][URL='https://paizo.com/store/starfinder/adventures/standaloneAdventures/freeRPGDayAdventures'][B]o's[/B][/URL] [B][I]Starfinder Second Edition Playtest[/I][/B], the [B][I]Starfinder: Second Contact[/I][/B] offers a dozen creatures compatible with that playtest as well as [B][I]Pathfinder Second Edition[/I][/B]. This preview will help fans and retailers determine their interest levels in the upcoming playtest of [B][I]Starfinder’s[/I][/B] new system and revised action economy. [*]In terms of identifiable properties, I don’t think any of the [B]Free RPG Day 2024[/B] products are better known than [B][I]G.I. Joe / Transformers / Power Rangers / My Little Pony : Unnatural Disaster[/I][/B] from [URL='https://renegadegamestudios.com/'][B]Renegade Game Studios[/B][/URL]. Using [B]Renegade’s[/B] [B][I]Essence20[/I][/B] system, you’ll feel the essentials of [B]D&D’s[/B] core principles along with some options for, say, [B][I]Transformers[/I][/B] transforming, chases, and the power of friendship. This adventure involves a mystery as the heroes discover the sources of an artificial earthquake. [*]For [B]Free RPG Day, [/B][URL='https://goodman-games.com/'][B]Goodman Games[/B][/URL][B]’[/B] is offering a 1st-level [B]DCC[/B] adventure, [B][I]Dungeon Crawl Classics: Across the Veil of Time[/I][/B]. As with all [B]DCC[/B] adventures, prepare for gonzo encounters and the possibility of a TPK. [*]TRIVIA: Not to take away from [B]Free RPG Day[/B], but did you know that [B][I]Dungeon Crawl Classics[/I][/B] has its own version of [B]Free RPG Day[/B] called [URL='https://goodman-games.com/blog/category/dcc-day/'][B]DCC Day[/B][/URL]? On Saturday, July 20, 2024, participating FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Stores) will offer free [B]DCC[/B] products as well as [B][I]Xcrawl Classics[/I][/B] adventures and zines to fans. These products come from companies like [B]Goodman Games, Blind Visionary Publications, Dragon Peak Publishing[/B], and [B]Orbital Intelligence[/B]. If you can’t make [B]Free RPG Day 2024[/B], check out [URL='https://goodman-games.com/blog/category/dcc-day/'][B]DCC Day 2024[/B][/URL]. [*]From [URL='https://freeleaguepublishing.com/'][B]Free League Publishing[/B][/URL] comes [B][I]Dragonbane: The Sinking Tower[/I][/B]. This is a tournament-style adventure and quickstart giving up-to-seven players an introduction to [B][I]Dragonbane[/I][/B]. The latest edition of 40-year-old Swedish TTRPG, [B][I]Drakar och Demoner[/I][/B], includes seven pre-gens, among them is a mallard (duck person), a highlight of the setting. The [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/drakar-och-demoner-dragonbane'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL] for the core [B][I]Dragonbane[/I][/B] rulebook has over 11,000 backers who pledged SEK 7.8 million (over $700,000). [*][B][I]Hollows Quickstart: The Sins of Grisham Priory[/I][/B] from [URL='https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/rowan-rook-and-decard/hollows'][B]Rowan, Rook & Decard[/B][/URL] is an upcoming project from the individuals behind [B][I]Spire, Heart, DIE,[/I][/B] and [B][I]Eat the Reich[/I][/B]. As a new product, they went the extra distance and provided the core rules, including combat, printed on the backside of the pre-gen character sheets. If the prior products interest you, the [B][I]Hollows[/I][/B] core rulebook is currently crowdfunding on [B]Backerkit[/B], [URL='https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/rowan-rook-and-decard/hollows'][B][I]HOLLOWS - TTRPG Boss Fights Done Right[/I][/B][/URL]. If you want a PDF of the quickstart, it’s available via the [URL='https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/rowan-rook-and-decard/hollows'][B]Backerkit[/B][/URL] campaign. [*][B][I]Rojo: A Kurosawa Inspired Bloodshed[/I][/B] from [URL='https://www.needgames.it/'][B]Need Games[/B][/URL] is the game for TTRPG artpunk layout fanatics. Those fans that love the look of Johan Nohr’s work on [B][I]MÖRK BORG[/I][/B] and [B][I]CY_BORG[/I][/B], Brian Colin and Ross Brandt’s layouts on [B][I]Vast Grimm[/I][/B], Marie Enger’s [B][I]CASKET LAND[/I][/B] and [B][I]Death to the Wizard Kings: DIY Vat Spawn Kit[/I][/B], and Gavriel Quiroga’s [B][I]HELL NIGHT,[/I][/B] those DIY artbooks with rules. [B][I]Rojo[/I][/B] takes that design sensibility, adds a layer of animated artwork, and offers a quickstart and adventure for 1st-level characters. Provided with pre-gens with the games’ rules printed on the back (the [B][I]Terror Target Gemini RPG [/I][/B]which uses a d20 plus skills against a target number), this is a beautiful book with an adventure based on Akira Kurosawa’s [B][I]Yojimbo[/I][/B]. [/LIST] [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]367748[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [HEADING=2][B]FREE NON-d20-CENTRIC TTRPG BOOKLETS[/B][/HEADING] For [B]Free RPG Day[/B], there are TTRPGs that aren’t d20-centric. For gamers interested in systems beyond that polyhedral, there are a variety of options during this year’s event. [LIST] [*]In terms of popular properties among non-d20 based games, the best known may be the [B][I]Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game.[/I][/B] For [B]Free RPG Day[/B], you can try out the game using the [B][I]X-Men Free Expansion Preview[/I][/B] from [URL='https://www.marvel.com/rpg'][B]Marvel[/B][/URL]. This TTRPG uses Marvel’s original engine, the [B][I]d616 Role-Playing System[/I][/B]. In it, you’ll get a look at the [B][I]X-Force[/I][/B] section of the full sourcebook including their history, some characters, and adventure ideas. [*]Based on the highest-grossing TTRPG [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/magpiegames/avatar-legends-the-roleplaying-game'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL] of all time – over 81,000 backers who pledged $9.5 million – [URL='https://magpiegames.com/pages/avatar-legends'][B]Magpie Games[/B][/URL] provides an adventure to draw players to the gaming table: [B][I]Avatar Legends: Rebels & Refugees[/I][/B]. Set during the 100 Year War Era, you’ll play through the darker times of the war. This adventure uses the [B][I]Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game[/I][/B] system, which is a variant of [B][I]Powered by the Apocalypse[/I][/B] engine. Since the system uses 2d6 for all rolls, [B]Magpie[/B] is also giving away a pair of [B][I]Avatar Legends[/I][/B] d6s. [*][URL='https://rtalsoriangames.com/'][B]R. Talsorian Games[/B][/URL] provides a preview quickstart of their upcoming project, [B][I]Shadow Scar[/I][/B]. Influenced by anime and Asia in general, the game is set in a fantasy 1920s-esque Asia full of powers, animals, spirits, combat, and neon. This quickstart release provides a view into the rules (d6 dice pools counting numbers of successes), pre-gens, and more. Gamers and retailers can use this book, [B][I]Shadow Scar: Eyes in the Darkness[/I][/B], to gauge interest before the full ruleset drops. [*][URL='https://renegadegamestudios.com/'][B]Renegade Game Studios[/B][/URL] has a second offering this year, [B][I]Werewolf: The Apocalypse: Red Tundra[/I][/B]. Using the [B][I]Werewolf: The Apocalypse Fifth Edition[/I][/B] engine, you and your pack return to your Canadian homeland where you discover the rich are shooting wolves for sport. The adventure comes with six pre-gen werewolves that are not going to let these hunts continue. [*][URL='https://portal.esteren.org/en'][B]Studio Agate[/B][/URL] has a second offering as well, [B][I]Shadows of Esteren: A Journey in the Shadows – 1[/I][/B]. This book is a solid adventure introducing the guiding concepts of Esteren. This is a world that’s darker than merely fighting monsters, it’s a world of roleplaying, flashbacks, and character arcs. [B][I]Shadows of Esteren[/I][/B] many crowdfundings reached thousands of backers and nearly a million dollars [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1176616619/created']via crowdfunding[/URL]. The TTRPG won multiple [B]Ennie Awards[/B] over the years. If you’re interested in learning more about [B][I]Shadows of Esteren[/I][/B] then check out [URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/109112/Shadows-of-Esteren--Book-0-Prologue?affiliate_id=814082'][B][I]Book 0 – Prologue[/I][/B][/URL][B][I] [/I][/B]on [B]DriveThruRPG[/B]. [*][URL='https://www.cmon.com/'][B]CMON[/B][/URL] provides an adventure for the [B][I]Plague Bearer: Dark Fantasy Roleplaying. Death Out of the Stars[/I][/B] puts your characters into a world of zombies. Your only hope? Fleeing to an island with its own curse. To try out this game, the manual includes a QR code to get the [B][I]Plague Bearer Quickstart[/I][/B] rules for free. [*][B][I]Arzium Roleplaying Game[/I][/B] introduces the World of Arzium to tabletop RPG. Based on the setting of board games [B]Above and Below[/B] and [B]Near and Far[/B], [URL='https://www.redravengames.com/arzium-roleplaying-game/'][B]Red Raven Games[/B][/URL] brings an original system that feels part TTRPG and part board game. In terms of the game engine, this is a game that requires rule fluency. Tests are d10s plus points against a target number. If a player roll of a NAT 6 on their d10 then the GM rolls a d6 to add a complication to the encounter. These extra rules make the game feel like its own project, not a derivative of a “standard” game. [*][URL='https://steamforged.com/pages/runescape-kingdoms'][B]Steamforged Games[/B][/URL] brings the [B][I]RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game[/I][/B] with a [B][I]Quickstart Guide[/I][/B]. This guide gives you a pretty in-depth view of this 3d6 fantasy TTRPG including world details. You get the core rules, a taste of the magic and character options, an adventure, and a look at a boss. If you’re a fan of [B]RuneScape Kingdoms[I] [/I][/B]boardgame, this TTRPG may speak to you. [*]One of my favorite TTRPG systems is [B][I]Polymorph[/I][/B], as I’ve discussed [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/gen-con-2022-mazes-at-midnight.690687/']here[/URL]. Used for [B][I]MAZES[/I][/B] and other [B][I]9th Level Games[/I][/B], your character’s abilities are tied to a single die. With each action, you roll the one die against a static chart. For [B]Free RPG Day[/B], [URL='https://9thlevel.com/'][B]9th Level Games[/B][/URL] provides a 30-minute adventure that is easy to run for [B][I]MAZES[/I][/B] or [B][I]Return to Dark Tower[/I][/B], both of which use the same fantasy version of [B][I]Polymorph[/I][/B]. The [B]Free RPG Day[/B] product is for [B][I]Return to Dark Tower [/I][/B]and ties into [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/restorationgames/return-to-dark-tower'][B]Restoration Games’[/B][/URL][URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/restorationgames/return-to-dark-tower'] board game of the same name[/URL]. The TTRPG version by [B]9th Level Games[/B] reached over 1,200 backers and nearly $100,000 on [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/9thlevel/return-to-dark-tower-rpg'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL]. The best part about this adventure? Experienced GMs do not need to know the adventure or the system. Just read the instructions on the pad (maybe 5 minutes), tear out the sheets, and play. It’s extremely easy and fun. If the [B][I]Polymorph[/I][/B] system interests you, check out the [URL='https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/9th-level/mazes-city-of-skull'][B]MAZES City of Skull - A Low Prep, Rules Light RPG[/B][/URL][B] [/B]crowdfunding on [B]Backerkit[/B]. [*][B][I]Level 1: The Free RPG Day Indie Anthology (vol. 5)[/I][/B], which is also from [URL='https://9thlevel.com/'][B]9th Level Games[/B][/URL][B],[/B] provides a diverse selection of short, indy TTRPGs. This product appeals to indy gamers looking for new and different ways to play. [*][URL='https://www.wetinkgames.com/'][B]Wet Ink Games[/B][/URL][B]’ Free RPG Day[/B] offer is a quickstart for their anthropomorphic raccoon TTRPG, [B][I]Garbage & Glory[/I][/B]. Using their [B][I]+One[/I][/B] system, you’ll play pre-gen trash pandas eager to get into a dumpster. This is excellent for fans of playing animals that still want some gross in their game. The [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jiangshi/garbage-and-glory'][B]Kickstarter[/B][/URL] for the core version of this game reached over 1,400 backers who pledged $50,000. [*]Unlike many of the products in this kit, this next one is not a booklet, it’s a deck of cards. These cards are square and designed to inspire story ideas. The [URL='https://storyenginedeck.com/products/story-engine-deck-of-writing-prompts-story-ideas'][B]Story Engine Deck[/B][/URL] is a set of system neutral cards that, when randomly pulled and connected, can inspire ideas for NPCs, encounters, and plot hooks to save on GM prep time. It’s an interesting product and worth trying out at the store. [/LIST] [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]367749[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [HEADING=2][B]FREE RPG ACCESSORIES[/B][/HEADING] Beyond booklets there’s, well, a limited number of RPG accessories. Here’s the quick list. [LIST] [*]There’s a [B]Free RPG Day[/B] dice bag. [*]Dice trays from [URL='https://www.bcwsupplies.com/brands/bcw-gaming'][B]BCW[/B][/URL]. These are beautiful products. [*][B]Free RPG Day 2024 Rococo Red Iconic D20[/B] from [URL='https://dispeldice.com/'][B]Dispel Dice[/B][/URL]. This D20 is black with undertones of red and would sell for a lot more than free. [*][B]The Legend of Drizzt Dice Set[/B] from [URL='https://siriusdice.com/'][B]Sirius Dice[/B][/URL]. A full set of standard polyhedrals. But, really, they had me at “Drizzt.” [*][URL='https://luckyduckgames.com/pad'][B]Lucky Duck Games[/B][/URL] is offering pencils that double as d6s. They’re for use in your game or with [B]Lucky Duck’s[/B] [URL='https://luckyduckgames.com/en/games/749-paper-app-dungeon'][B]Paper App Dungeon[/B][/URL]. [*][URL='https://wizkids.com/'][B]Wizkids[/B][/URL] offers three different [B]D&D Icons of the Realms[/B] miniatures. If you’re fortunate, you may be able to get a Topaz Dragon Wyrmling, and Amethyst Dragon Wyrmling, or a Strahd miniature. All would be great additions to any game of [B]D&D[/B]. [*][URL='https://www.foambrain.com/'][B]Foam Brain Games[/B][/URL] has a zombie pin that’s a miniature that they dubbed a “pinature.” It comes with an amusing game store encounter written on a card. The package is dubbed the [B]Lost Tome of Monsters: Free RPG Day Edition[/B]. [*]Last, but not least, is a complimentary [URL='https://app.roll20.net/why-subscribe-to-roll20'][B]Roll20 Subscription + Exclusive Playable Content[/B][/URL][B] [/B]postcard. If you want to try out [B]Roll20[/B], this is a good option to sign on. [/LIST] [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]367750[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [HEADING=2][B]SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024[/B][/HEADING] If you’re interested in attending in [URL='https://freerpgday.com/gamers'][B]Free RPG Day[/B][/URL], check out the website to learn which stores are participating ([URL='https://freerpgday.com/gamers']here[/URL]). Participating [B]Free RPG Day[/B] stores are not allowed to charge for these free products on June 22. However, many stores limit the number of products you can obtain or require fans to spend a certain amount to get the freebies. Why? Because the [B]Free RPG Day[/B] kits are not free to the stores, so they have a limited number of ways to make sure every gamer can pick up something from the kit. Looking for a game? For my part, on [B]Free RPG Day June 22, 2024[/B], I’ll be at [URL='https://www.facebook.com/realKapowComics'][B]Kapow! Comics and Games[/B][/URL] in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re in the area, come out and say hi. [I]Egg Embry participates in the OneBookShelf Affiliate Program, Noble Knight Games’ Affiliate Program, and is an Amazon Associate. These programs provide advertising fees by linking to DriveThruRPG, Noble Knight Games, and Amazon.[/I] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
*TTRPGs General
Free RPG Day 2024 Guide
Top