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Twilight: 2000 4E: An Interview With Free League
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<blockquote data-quote="Egg Embry" data-source="post: 8072992" data-attributes="member: 6808965"><p><strong>Free League’s </strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was" target="_blank"><strong><em>Twilight: 2000</em></strong></a> crowdfunding project is lighting up the RPG section of <strong>Kickstarter</strong>. Having shot past its initial goal, it continues to unlock a stack of stretch goals building out the core RPG boxed set. I’ve spoken with Tomas Härenstam, CEO of <strong>Free League Publishing</strong>, several times before (<a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/tales-from-the-loop-middle-earth-and-free-league-interview-with-tomas-härenstam.671219/" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/interview-with-tomas-härenstam-free-league’s-alien-rpg.666449/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.gama.org/page/around-the-table" target="_blank">here</a>), and wanted to get his take on their latest project. Because this campaign combines a known property with the <strong>Year Zero Engine (YZE)</strong>, we discuss how this game helps to expand the <strong>YZE</strong> while bringing back a classic.</p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]125041[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>EGG EMBRY (EGG): As always, it’s good to talk to you. This time around, we’re discussing </strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was" target="_blank"><strong><em>Twilight: 2000 Fourth Edition</em></strong></a><strong>. For fans that don’t know, what is <em>Twilight: 2000</em>?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS HÄRENSTAM (TOMAS)</strong>: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was" target="_blank"><strong><em>Twilight: 2000</em></strong></a> is a classic RPG released by <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/4/Game-Designers039-Workshop-GDW/subcategory/21_23/Twilight-2000?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong>Game Designers’ Workshop</strong></a> in 1984, set in the immediate aftermath of World War III in the year 2000. Back then, of course, it depicted an apocalyptic future scenario of the Cold War turning hot – in our upcoming edition, it’s alternate history.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: By the by, congratulations on all of the </strong><a href="https://ennie-awards.com/2020-nominees_winners/" target="_blank"><strong>2020 ENnie Award wins</strong></a><strong> as well as the </strong><a href="https://www.geeknative.com/89529/uk-games-expo-awards-2020-winners/" target="_blank"><strong>UK Expo Awards</strong></a><strong>! This was another banner year of awards for Free League Publishing. Add to that the announcement that you’re </strong><a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/tales-from-the-loop-middle-earth-and-free-league-interview-with-tomas-härenstam.671219/" target="_blank"><strong>taking over the Middle-earth RPG license</strong></a><strong> and the debut of the <em>Tales From the Loop</em> series based on Simon Stålenhag's artwork on Amazon Prime [read RPG creator’s thoughts on the series </strong><a href="https://www.highlevelgames.ca/blog/rpg-creators-react-to-amazons-tales-from-the-loop-series" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>] , there’s been a big spotlight on Free League. With Free League’s profile, what made <em>Twilight: 2000 Fourth Edition</em> the right project to pursue now? </strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Thank you! Actually, we have been working on <strong><em>Twilight: 2000</em></strong> for over two years. It’s really a passion project for me personally. As for the company profile, I think <strong><em>Twilight: 2000</em></strong> will make a good addition to our range of sandboxy and survival-focused games like <strong><em>Mutant: Year Zero</em></strong> and <strong><em>Forbidden Lands</em></strong><em>.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: The fourth edition of the game is coming to Kickstarter. It’ll be a boxed set, correct?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Yes indeed, it will be a boxed set filled with books, maps, counters, dice, and more!</p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]125042[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>EGG: You’re using “</strong><a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/free-league-announces-twilight-2000-4th-edition.672077/" target="_blank"><strong>a ‘hexcrawling’ system established in the post-apocalyptic <em>Mutant: Year Zero </em>and survival fantasy <em>Forbidden Lands</em> RPGs (both Silver ENnie winners for Best Rules, in 2015 and 2019), developing it further to fit the gritty world of <em>Twilight: 2000</em>.</strong></a><strong>” Will this use a variant of the <em>Year Zero Engine</em>?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Yes, but <strong><em>Twilight: 2000</em></strong> will use an alternative version of the rules that uses only two dice for most rolls, as opposed to the dice pools of other <strong>YZE</strong> games.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: As an 80s RPG, <em>Twilight: 2000</em> had a crunchy system. The internet [of negative things] has “asked” if the new version will have enough crunch. As the lead of the design team, what level of crunch are you aiming for?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS: <em>Twilight: 2000</em></strong> will be the crunchiest <strong>YZE</strong> game yet, for sure – but without getting bogged down in details. We aim for game rules that give an authentic feel to combat and survival, but less granular and detailed than earlier editions. That’s the balance we’re looking for.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: The game takes place in Poland and you’re adding a Swedish setting. As the game is localized to different languages, do you foresee other localized settings being added?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Hopefully yes! Additional settings will almost certainly come along, and we also hope to see a lot of great community content – via our community content program <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/11437/Free-League-Publishing/subcategory/27806_34133/Free-League-Work-Shop?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong>Free League Workshop</strong></a> – in this area as well.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: What do you think fans of <em>Twilight: 2000</em> will be most excited to see in the crowdfunding campaign?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Hm, hard to say – but I definitely feel that there are many players out there who have an emotional bond to the franchise and are happy to see it return. We will do our utmost not to disappoint them.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: You’re working with EN World alum, Angus Abanson (Amargosa Press), Game Designers’ Workshop, Polish RPG publisher Black Monk Games, and Far Future Enterprises on <em>Twilight: 2000</em>. How are you finding working with a squad of publishers?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: It’s been great! Marc Miller from <strong>GDW</strong> and <strong>Far Future Enterprises</strong> manages the license and has been great to work with. Angus will be the lead editor, and <strong>Black Monk</strong> will help us make sure we get the Polish setting right.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]125043[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: Switching gears, can you share a few words about the Middle-earth RPGs. How is that license progressing, are you close to making any announcements or reveals?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Soon, stay tuned during the fall!</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: At the same time I’m sending you these questions, I have questions out to Mattias Johnsson Haake and Jacob Rodgers about Free League’s </strong><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/317720/Ruins-of-Symbaroum-5E--The-Promised-Land?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong><em>Symbaroum RPG</em> for <em>Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition</em></strong></a><strong>. As you’re moving into <em>Adventures in Middle-earth</em> for 5e, are there any discussions about moving additional Free League properties such as <em>Forbidden Lands</em> to 5e?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: No concrete such plans at present, but you never know.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: How has the pandemic impacted Free League’s 2020 plans? Not to be trite, but have you found any wins during the quarantine and difficulties?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Our distribution has been hit pretty hard, it’s been hard to get games out. Both our UK and US warehouses shutdown completely for a while. They are up and running now, but still operating on limited capacity with causes delays. Another result of the pandemic is that we have increased our focus on virtual platforms. The <a href="https://frialigan.se/en/store/?product_id=5118067998857" target="_blank"><strong><em>Tales From the Loop Starter Set</em></strong></a> was recently released on <strong>Roll20</strong>, and more games are coming soon to <strong>Roll20</strong> and <strong>Fantasy Grounds</strong>.</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: During the TFtL series you offered the <em>Tales From the Loop Boxed Set</em> and </strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/tales-from-the-loop-the-board-game" target="_blank"><strong><em>Tales From the Loop – The Board Game</em></strong></a><strong>. How has the response been for each?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Very nice! The <strong><em>RPG Starter Set</em></strong> is sold out and we’re printing more. The board game is still in development of course and will be released next year, it’s looking really good!</p><p></p><p><strong>EGG: Tomas, as always, I want to thank you for your time. Where can fans learn more about your work?</strong></p><p><strong>TOMAS</strong>: Thank you! You can find us on <strong>Facebook</strong> or our <a href="https://frialigan.se/" target="_blank">website</a>.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was" target="_blank"><strong>Twilight: 2000 – Roleplaying in the WWIII That Never Was</strong></a><strong> from </strong><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/11437/Free-League-Publishing?affiliate_id=814082" target="_blank"><strong>Free League Publishing</strong></a></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">End Date: Thu, September 3 2020 3:00 PM EDT.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">“A classic tabletop RPG returns in a new retro-apocalyptic edition, from the makers of the <strong><em>ALIEN RPG</em></strong> and <strong><em>Forbidden Lands</em></strong>.”</li> </ul><p><em>Egg Embry participates in the OneBookShelf Affiliate Program and is an Amazon Associate. These programs provide advertising fees by linking to DriveThruRPG and Amazon.</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Egg Embry, post: 8072992, member: 6808965"] [B]Free League’s [/B][URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was'][B][I]Twilight: 2000[/I][/B][/URL][B] [/B]crowdfunding project is lighting up the RPG section of [B]Kickstarter[/B]. Having shot past its initial goal, it continues to unlock a stack of stretch goals building out the core RPG boxed set. I’ve spoken with Tomas Härenstam, CEO of [B]Free League Publishing[/B], several times before ([URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/tales-from-the-loop-middle-earth-and-free-league-interview-with-tomas-härenstam.671219/']here[/URL], [URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/interview-with-tomas-härenstam-free-league’s-alien-rpg.666449/']here[/URL], and [URL='https://www.gama.org/page/around-the-table']here[/URL]), and wanted to get his take on their latest project. Because this campaign combines a known property with the [B]Year Zero Engine (YZE)[/B], we discuss how this game helps to expand the [B]YZE[/B] while bringing back a classic. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]125041[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [B]EGG EMBRY (EGG): As always, it’s good to talk to you. This time around, we’re discussing [/B][URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was'][B][I]Twilight: 2000 Fourth Edition[/I][/B][/URL][B]. For fans that don’t know, what is [I]Twilight: 2000[/I]? TOMAS HÄRENSTAM (TOMAS)[/B]: [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was'][B][I]Twilight: 2000[/I][/B][/URL] is a classic RPG released by [URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/4/Game-Designers039-Workshop-GDW/subcategory/21_23/Twilight-2000?affiliate_id=814082'][B]Game Designers’ Workshop[/B][/URL] in 1984, set in the immediate aftermath of World War III in the year 2000. Back then, of course, it depicted an apocalyptic future scenario of the Cold War turning hot – in our upcoming edition, it’s alternate history. [B]EGG: By the by, congratulations on all of the [/B][URL='https://ennie-awards.com/2020-nominees_winners/'][B]2020 ENnie Award wins[/B][/URL][B] as well as the [/B][URL='https://www.geeknative.com/89529/uk-games-expo-awards-2020-winners/'][B]UK Expo Awards[/B][/URL][B]! This was another banner year of awards for Free League Publishing. Add to that the announcement that you’re [/B][URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/tales-from-the-loop-middle-earth-and-free-league-interview-with-tomas-härenstam.671219/'][B]taking over the Middle-earth RPG license[/B][/URL][B] and the debut of the [I]Tales From the Loop[/I] series based on Simon Stålenhag's artwork on Amazon Prime [read RPG creator’s thoughts on the series [/B][URL='https://www.highlevelgames.ca/blog/rpg-creators-react-to-amazons-tales-from-the-loop-series'][B]here[/B][/URL][B]] , there’s been a big spotlight on Free League. With Free League’s profile, what made [I]Twilight: 2000 Fourth Edition[/I] the right project to pursue now? TOMAS[/B]: Thank you! Actually, we have been working on [B][I]Twilight: 2000[/I][/B][I] [/I]for over two years. It’s really a passion project for me personally. As for the company profile, I think [B][I]Twilight: 2000[/I][/B] will make a good addition to our range of sandboxy and survival-focused games like [B][I]Mutant: Year Zero[/I][/B] and [B][I]Forbidden Lands[/I][/B][I].[/I] [B]EGG: The fourth edition of the game is coming to Kickstarter. It’ll be a boxed set, correct? TOMAS[/B]: Yes indeed, it will be a boxed set filled with books, maps, counters, dice, and more! [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]125042[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [B]EGG: You’re using “[/B][URL='https://www.enworld.org/threads/free-league-announces-twilight-2000-4th-edition.672077/'][B]a ‘hexcrawling’ system established in the post-apocalyptic [I]Mutant: Year Zero [/I]and survival fantasy [I]Forbidden Lands[/I] RPGs (both Silver ENnie winners for Best Rules, in 2015 and 2019), developing it further to fit the gritty world of [I]Twilight: 2000[/I].[/B][/URL][B]” Will this use a variant of the [I]Year Zero Engine[/I]? TOMAS[/B]: Yes, but [B][I]Twilight: 2000[/I][/B] will use an alternative version of the rules that uses only two dice for most rolls, as opposed to the dice pools of other [B]YZE[/B] games. [B]EGG: As an 80s RPG, [I]Twilight: 2000[/I] had a crunchy system. The internet [of negative things] has “asked” if the new version will have enough crunch. As the lead of the design team, what level of crunch are you aiming for? TOMAS: [I]Twilight: 2000[/I][/B] will be the crunchiest [B]YZE[/B] game yet, for sure – but without getting bogged down in details. We aim for game rules that give an authentic feel to combat and survival, but less granular and detailed than earlier editions. That’s the balance we’re looking for. [B]EGG: The game takes place in Poland and you’re adding a Swedish setting. As the game is localized to different languages, do you foresee other localized settings being added? TOMAS[/B]: Hopefully yes! Additional settings will almost certainly come along, and we also hope to see a lot of great community content – via our community content program [URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/11437/Free-League-Publishing/subcategory/27806_34133/Free-League-Work-Shop?affiliate_id=814082'][B]Free League Workshop[/B][/URL] – in this area as well. [B]EGG: What do you think fans of [I]Twilight: 2000[/I] will be most excited to see in the crowdfunding campaign? TOMAS[/B]: Hm, hard to say – but I definitely feel that there are many players out there who have an emotional bond to the franchise and are happy to see it return. We will do our utmost not to disappoint them. [B]EGG: You’re working with EN World alum, Angus Abanson (Amargosa Press), Game Designers’ Workshop, Polish RPG publisher Black Monk Games, and Far Future Enterprises on [I]Twilight: 2000[/I]. How are you finding working with a squad of publishers? TOMAS[/B]: It’s been great! Marc Miller from [B]GDW[/B] and [B]Far Future Enterprises[/B] manages the license and has been great to work with. Angus will be the lead editor, and [B]Black Monk[/B] will help us make sure we get the Polish setting right. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]125043[/ATTACH][/CENTER] [B]EGG: Switching gears, can you share a few words about the Middle-earth RPGs. How is that license progressing, are you close to making any announcements or reveals? TOMAS[/B]: Soon, stay tuned during the fall! [B]EGG: At the same time I’m sending you these questions, I have questions out to Mattias Johnsson Haake and Jacob Rodgers about Free League’s [/B][URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/317720/Ruins-of-Symbaroum-5E--The-Promised-Land?affiliate_id=814082'][B][I]Symbaroum RPG[/I] for [I]Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition[/I][/B][/URL][B]. As you’re moving into [I]Adventures in Middle-earth[/I] for 5e, are there any discussions about moving additional Free League properties such as [I]Forbidden Lands[/I] to 5e? TOMAS[/B]: No concrete such plans at present, but you never know. [B]EGG: How has the pandemic impacted Free League’s 2020 plans? Not to be trite, but have you found any wins during the quarantine and difficulties? TOMAS[/B]: Our distribution has been hit pretty hard, it’s been hard to get games out. Both our UK and US warehouses shutdown completely for a while. They are up and running now, but still operating on limited capacity with causes delays. Another result of the pandemic is that we have increased our focus on virtual platforms. The [URL='https://frialigan.se/en/store/?product_id=5118067998857'][B][I]Tales From the Loop Starter Set[/I][/B][/URL] was recently released on [B]Roll20[/B], and more games are coming soon to [B]Roll20[/B] and [B]Fantasy Grounds[/B]. [B]EGG: During the TFtL series you offered the [I]Tales From the Loop Boxed Set[/I] and [/B][URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/tales-from-the-loop-the-board-game'][B][I]Tales From the Loop – The Board Game[/I][/B][/URL][B]. How has the response been for each? TOMAS[/B]: Very nice! The [B][I]RPG Starter Set[/I][/B] is sold out and we’re printing more. The board game is still in development of course and will be released next year, it’s looking really good! [B]EGG: Tomas, as always, I want to thank you for your time. Where can fans learn more about your work? TOMAS[/B]: Thank you! You can find us on [B]Facebook[/B] or our [URL='https://frialigan.se/']website[/URL]. [URL='https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/twilight-2000-roleplaying-in-the-wwiii-that-never-was'][B]Twilight: 2000 – Roleplaying in the WWIII That Never Was[/B][/URL][B] from [/B][URL='https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/11437/Free-League-Publishing?affiliate_id=814082'][B]Free League Publishing[/B][/URL] [LIST] [*]End Date: Thu, September 3 2020 3:00 PM EDT. [*]“A classic tabletop RPG returns in a new retro-apocalyptic edition, from the makers of the [B][I]ALIEN RPG[/I][/B] and [B][I]Forbidden Lands[/I][/B].” [/LIST] [I]Egg Embry participates in the OneBookShelf Affiliate Program and is an Amazon Associate. These programs provide advertising fees by linking to DriveThruRPG and Amazon.[/I] [/QUOTE]
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