Bolthaven Folio #1: Coming Soon

Draft of Bolthaven Folio #1

I've been fighting with myself for a long time. I'm just an editor (even though it's never "just" editing). I'm not a game designer (even though I've been doing it since I started playing, and I even have a card). I'm not good enough (even though friends keep asking for me to run more games for them).

It took time and effort, but I can finally talk over my Brain Weasels.

I have ideas. Given the 240ish posts here about Fellport over the past 2 years, apparently I have plenty of ideas. That's never been the issue. Developing the idea and sticking with it until there's something solid that can stand on its own has been my stumbling block. Now, I think I have something worthwhile. I thought I'd start a series of zines to start getting these ideas out into the world, called Bolthaven Folios.

I've got a final edit to do before I export the first Folio, but I can almost taste the final product. It offers an option for making magic items (or technical devices) that don't quite behave the way they should. I have about a dozen ideas for Folio topics, and the next one (Ensemble Magic for Bards) is drafted. So stay tuned.

What's Bolthaven All About?

I've written some design guidelines on the Bolthaven Folios Page, but in a nutshell, each Folio contains an optional system to bolt onto a trad RPG ruleset. Intended primarily as a GM tool, each one outlines a tiny subsystem to add a new dimension to your regular game. Hopefully, you'll find it useful and/or cool.

The options listed in each issue can work as is, but they benefit from you adding some creativity to the mix. Any list of options aren't intended as limits, but as starting points for you to add your own personal spin. If you want to introduce a Galvanic Overthruster to your game, just add it and leave my list of suggestions behind.

I have no idea how often new issues will appear, doubly so since my work life is currently freefalling all around me, but new issues are coming. Stay tuned. I hope you pick up a copy and enjoy it, and if you feel so inclined, please leave a comment or (even better) a review. I'd love to hear your feedback, and you'd be helping out an old-timer new to publishing.

Thank you!