Punk is Dead - a songwriting TTRPG - ENnies Emporium Reprint

Earlier this year, I was asked to be involved in the ENnie's Emporium because my game Punk is Dead won an ENnie.

I have an uncomfortable relationship with awards. Sure, they feel good for a bit, but they are not why I create games. At the risk of sounding ungrateful to the Judge who was kind enough to spotlight Punk is Dead, I'm not here for external validation. I selfishly create games that I want to see in the world and a wonderful side-effect is that they bring joy to lots of other people.

That said, it was kinda nice to get some industry recognition.

So, why am I back here looking for legal tender in exchange for my game? Firstly, because I was asked to. Secondly, so I can keep doing it. Simple as that. Creating games and stories gives me meaning to my life. Not money. But I do need money to do those normal things we all have to do like eat and pay rent. I also run a publishing business that pays other creators. So I need money. Anyway, take a look at what I'm offering here, see if it's your bag. If not, we're good. Go support another creator because they likely need money too.

* Thanks to Amy Winehouse for this banger of a lyric.

 

Before we start, here is a picture of the actual book. It's not something in development, it's an actual physical thing that is out in the world.

Other teabags and sugar brands are available.

I've been told that it's better to have more pictures than text which sucks because I'm a writer. That might not be how things go down here.

The skinny on the game is that it's a Mörk Borg-based TTRPG, with a songwriting element, that sees you and your friends role-play as a punk band touring a fantasy version of the UK. During your travels, you will encounter problems and solve them through diplomacy or throwing barstools. Scooby Doo with mosh-pits is the vibe.

I know you have questions about the songwriting, but we'll get into that shortly. First here is some biblionerd stuff about the book's physical attributes.

It's a 90 page hardback, produced at the same size as a 7-inch vinyl cover (about 180mm). It has the same Pantone colours as the Sex Pistol's album, Never Mind the Bollocks (I don't care if you don't think they are punk, you're not the boss of punk) and has lovely silk 120gsm paper on the inside to show off the human slop composed of bastardised photographs and my words.

 

You can, but that's not important. It's a game about being punks which means doing what you can with what you have. Also, the songwriting aspect is not essential to play the game, but you are really missing out if you don't give it a go. Firstly, you can gain creativity points to spend on failed rolls. Secondly, it's great fun.
You don't have to write full songs, even coming up with quirky song titles for your first EP will do the trick.

This section is just one overwritten motivational poster. 

 

The game is set in the UnUnited Kingdom. Not a really innovative name considering the way things are going, but let's not get political in a punk game, eh? The UuK is divided into five realms which gives you a diverse array of scenarios and vibes as your move between venues. All of the realms are outline in their own sections of the book.

Yoga mats and coasters. We're not heathens. 

 

 

Character creation takes about 5—10 mins and you can be one of seven roles:

Yep, because I added three hip-hop roles, and if you think hip-hop isn't punk, I don't care because you are wrong.

 

50 points if you know what that tool at the top is for. 

The main skill check is d20 +modifiers to hit a difficulty rating. If you've played any games that involve underground caverns and fire-breathing winged beasts, that will be familiar to you.

If you've played Mörk Borg, you will know how quick it is to learn the mechanics and get on with the storytelling. 

 

We've got plenty of add-ons, both related to this game, along with a host of other TTRPG experiences. Moreover, because we have capped shipping rates, you can load up your pledge and get more value.

GAMES, GAMES, GAMES...

Bag as many as you like when you pledge with no extra postage costs! 

 

So, this will be shipping either in late July or September. WTF is that supposed to mean? Well, it all depends on how many people jump in on it. We've got a limited supply of the first print, so if we get more backers than product we have, I'll print more which will add about 5 weeks onto the dates. I'll also ship everything at the same time, so if we go over our stock limit everyone has to wait. Let's see how serious we all are about socialism.

The good news is that we have capped shipping rates. They are a bit higher than previous campaigns because rich old farts keep messing with the world and making things unpredictable. Anyway, here you are:

UK = £5  / EUROPE: £12  / USA & CANADA: £15 / ROW: £20

We pay EU taxes.

You won't be charged shipping when you pledge, we'll do that a couple of weeks out from the time of shipping and we'll give you a nudge before to ensure it's not a nasty surprise.