Hi all, it’s Jonny. You remember, from The Magnus Archives? So, we’re in the last three days of the crowdfunder for my latest project, PITCRAWLER, and I really, really want it to do well, so I thought I’d do another plug post to try and nudge anyone on the fence about it to back (or to remind folks who were like “oh yeah, maybe I’ll back that later” - now’s the time!).
I’m not going to post a link ‘cause I know that means Tumblr hides posts, but if you google “pitcrawler” then the IndieGoGo campaign should be the first result.
So what is PITCRAWLER?
It’s a tabletop roleplaying game that I’ve been designing with my partner Sasha Sienna (Georgie from Magnus). It’s an over-the-top fantasy game inspired by old adventure gamebooks like Fighting Fantasy or Lone Wolf, with “wizard airbrushed onto the side of a van” vibes (though much less racist/misogynist/colonialist than a lot of the fantasy of that era, and much more queer-friendly).
It’s designed to be played with two players, one adventurer and one gamesmaster, and has a simple system intended to be accessible to new players who might be curious about roleplaying but find the prospect of big games like Dungeons & Dragons a bit intimidating, or who might not be able to get a half dozen friends together, but can probably convince one other person to play.
In it, you play an adventurer trying to make their way in a world ruled by hyper-powerful wizards who have carved reality up into their own weird domain. Thematically, it’s unsurprisingly anti-capitalist, with the wizards very much standing in for weird, out-of-touch billionaires and oligarchs.
Will I like it?
I think so! It’s a fun, light-hearted adventure romp that requires no preparation or experience to play, with loads of random tables and guidance to help new players find their feet. Plus, it’s got fantastically cool old-gamebook art like this!
Look at that boney fellow! He’s having a great time!
How much is it?
The basic PDF version is only £13, with physical copies starting from £26, though there are obviously higher tiers that get you cooler stuff, like journals to record your adventures and tear-off character sheet notebooks!
Can I try it out first?
Yes! There’s a Quickstart Guide available for download on the IndieGoGo page, which gives you the full basic rules and a small selection of backgrounds, expertises, companions etc, as well as four sample adventures!
How long do I have to think about it?
The IndieGoGo campaign finished on Wednesday 25th May, and while there will be opportunities to pre-order it afterwards, backing it now will mean there’ll be more good stuff in the book itself. Our next stretch goal (which we are tantalisingly close to) will add a whole bunch of extra random tables to the book! So if you’re curious or interested, please consider backing it now!
Can I play an adventurer who used to be a Mayor?
Weird question, but yes! You even get a special mayor’s hat as a starting item!
Can my best friend be a goblin who plays the bagpipes?
Uh, again, yes. That would probably be the Musician companion in the full game, and absolutely they can be a goblin if you’d like.
Can-
Look, I’m going to stop you there, if these are the sort of questions that amuse or excite you, I really think you’re going to love PITCRAWLER, so check out the campaign and back it if you can.
Where did you say I could find it?
Just google “pitcrawler” and it should be the first result.
Right. Cool. Wait, why did you post this in “The Magnus Archives” tag?
Well, uh… You see… Um… Look out! Behind you! A wizard!
LAST DAY!
IT’S THE LAST DAY TO BACK THE CAMPAIGN!
Back now or forever hold your peace (well, hold it until we open pre-orders for the finalised book).
But don’t wait for that! Back it now!
I backed this the other day! I’m extremely excited for it AND HERE’S WHY:
One player, one GM: I can play this as-available with folks who may not be willing or able to commit to a larger campaign
Low prep: great for people who stress out about having too much homework (me) or new GMs who want to get their feet wet
(sub-point - these two things together mean I’m excited to have my partner Moss run this for me as a player, which would be pretty new for both of us!)
Random tables: boy oh boy I love me a random table. One of their best features is that they can be totally system-agnostic - I fully intend to crib from Pitcrawler to spin up some content to run in Troika or High Magic Lowlives for a larger group. I’m pretty sure the vibe will be *chef’s kiss*
HEY DID YOU KNOW THEY MADE MORE GAMES? Jonny and Sasha have put together several games at this point, some of which they’ve generously offered for free - I’m hype to play Happy Birthday Dracula (how timely!) or The Dunes of Planet Dune sometime sune soon. Not relevant to this Kickstarter, but I wouldn’t have found them without it.
Anyway that’s why I think you should back this Kickstarter, @spacecowboywhit and/or @dont-stop-her-now and maybe also @answers-without-questions. Talk to you later 💜
