Appendix N Jam 2026: Submitted!

I'm proud of this cover.

Yes, it's that time of year again, and I've submitted my entry for the Appendix N Jam. This year I pulled the title "The Tomb Tappers", and once again, I went completely literal with two different definitions of the word "tapper". Now I'm downloading other entries and rating them.

Speaking of which, if you're also a part of the Jam, you can rate The Tomb Tappers and leave a comment, both of which I would greatly appreciate. If you're not a part of the Jam, go download a copy and challenge yourself to design a gonzo fantasy/sci fi adventure next year.

I had a brainwave when I started jotting ideas down: What if the tappers were aliens who could fold space? And what if there were a few tombs they wanted something out of? And what if I could use the format of the printed pamphlet to simulate that folding space?

So I made three maps by hand on 3x5 graph ruled index cards (using pencil and then Micron 05 and 08 pens, if you =must= know), scanned them in, and spent some time cropping, arranging, and fiddling with the layout to line them up along the folds of the trifold pamphlet. Yes, it doesn't make much sense if you're just looking at the PDF, so I highly recommend printing a copy to play around with. Mostly it works, but there's a border on the printed page which adds white space when splitting up Map 3C. My next printer will reach the edge of the paper for sure.

Map combos for maps 1 and 2.

The Map Supplement

I made a PDF of all possible map combinations as a supplement and uploaded it. I'll make sure it stays free after the store moves away from Pay What You Will. This way, you can hack the maps for a VTT or print them and cut them apart for use at the table. I did that in a hurry, so it's not totally lined up, but it's good enough to get the idea across at the table. I also wrote a few notes for adding hidden treasure to the tombs.

Yes, I made another adventure without combat, which is why I called for "curious adventurers of any level". Maybe I just don't like grinding out combat in my sessions? There's a mystery and something off-the-wall to discover, so I think it works well without combat. Nyaah.

I like The Tomb Tappers. I'm proud I made this thing. It uses the printed form to transform the maps, which is pretty cool. And it's still just a step on the road to the next Cool Thing.

Note to self: Dust off the "transforming map on a hexaflexagon" idea and figure out a game reason for its existence.

OK, I've got editing gigs to find, the third in my Trifold Triptych series to write and publish, and the MoteWright TTRPG to design.

ONWARD!