Community Project: The Mageflame Chronicles

Martin Killmann, designer of Dark Pacts & Ancient Secrets and Dark Alleys & Twisted Paths, as well as frequent contributor to Escalation, just launched a new project. This one's a little different than his previous works, because he's seeking help from freelancers. You don't need design credits to participate, either. This could be your opportunity to contribute to a hefty 13th Age project and eventually see your name in print!

Here's what Martin recently said about the project:

Fine folks of 13th Age, let me give a quick update on the Mageflame Chronicles project: This came up as the idea to build a community-created setting around the Mageflame Icons originally created by Cody Swendrowski.

By now, we’ve got a rough idea where we’re going and seven community members creating the first pieces.

The project is open to anyone, so come in, have a look, and start your freelancing resume.

For more information, including compensation per word, how to contact Martin, and were to watch the project unfold, check out the project document.

Sketches from Maximilian Schmuecker's work on the Mageflame icons.

Articles Needed: House Rules

Work on Issue 9 is underway, now that we've completed Issue 8. Before the latest issue had even been finalized, we had received several articles that appear to have a common theme: house rules. So we're going to run with the theme and flesh out the next issue with the fun additions, variants, options, and omissions that make 13th Age unique to you and your table.

Interested in submitting an article? Here are some general categories that might spark your imagination.

• How do you handle icons in your game? This may be the largest element that differentiates one 13th Age group from another. We'd love to hear your ideas. Did you replace them with a different system? Add mechanical benefits that icon advantages grant during combat? Use icon relationships as a replacement or addition to backgrounds?
• Have you added mechanics that were intended to capture the feel of a particular adventure or encounter?
• Have you borrowed a system that you enjoyed in another game and added it to 13th Age? How did you incorporate it?
• Do you handle backgrounds differently? Do you use a skill system from another game?
• Have you used One Unique Things to grant mechanical bonuses to your characters?
• Did you need to change any mechanics to support a different genre, such as mysteries, sci-fi, or gritty, low fantasy?

Take a look at the link at the top right corner of the page for submission guidelines and contact information. Please spread the word and help the community tailor 13th Age so it matches their needs perfectly!

Escalation Issue 8 is Available

I'm pleased to announce that Escalation Issue 8 is now available! You can find it on the Vault of the 13th Age. This issue's theme is Midgard, the campaign setting made famous by the fine folks at Kobold Press. We’re pleased to present the official Midgard icons, written by Wade Rockett, featuring new art that was commissioned for this issue. An introductory adventure features two of Midgard’s most well-known locations: the Margreve Forest and the Free City of Zobeck. Midgard is known for its diverse drakes and dragonkin, so we offer some new variations. Players needn’t fear, because this issue is filled with character options, including ley line magic, alcohol-themed talents, the trollkin playable race, a new take on gearforged, and a collection of Midgard character options from Martin Killmann.

We love to hear feedback, so let us know what you enjoy and would like to see more of in the future. What's missing that you'd like us to include next time? What didn't work so well, and we should consider omitting? This is the community's fanzine, and we want to make it as useful as possible for you.

Please consider submitting articles that expand upon the theme of House Rules for Issue 9. See the information on the right side of the page if you'd like to submit an article or art.

Thanks again to everyone who made this possible!