We are continuing to make strong progress, and the end is now clearly in sight. There are still a few variables that need to be locked in, so I want to avoid committing to exact timelines, but we are much closer to the finish than the start.
Editing is moving forward steadily. Our editor is now about 50 percent through the book, with most of that progress covering the core rules. Once that phase is complete, we will update the Quickstart Guide to reflect the final rules instead of earlier versions. This will give new players a much clearer picture of how the game is meant to be played.
The Tarot booklet is nearly complete and will soon move into layout. This is one of the final components needed before we send everything to print.
Behind the scenes, I have also been coordinating with our distributor and printing partners so that when the book is ready, we can move forward immediately without delays.
As a reminder, if you ordered a copy of the book, you should have received a link to the raw, unedited PDF via Itch.io and DriveThruRPG. If you have not received it, please email us at [email protected], and we will get that sorted for you.
If you have had a chance to review the raw PDF, we strongly encourage you to join us on Discord and share your thoughts on the rules, setting, and overall design.
Layout Update
Here are a few more previews of the work-in-progress layout as we await final edits.
We are very excited about how the book is coming together visually, and we think it is going to be something special once finalized.
Design Update
Our design focus is now firmly on future content. We already have several subclasses and additional material in development.
Once the final PDF is locked and sent to print, we will begin rolling this content out through Patreon.
Art Update
Adam has begun work on new illustrations for future releases. Some of these may still make their way into the final book depending on timing.
Two of the current pieces in progress are key faction characters: The Blacktooth of the Court of Rats and The Voice of the Cult of Tenebrous.
Luana has completed the entire Tarot deck. All cards are finished and now waiting for final formatting. We will be showcasing the Tarot deck throughout August on Instagram.
The Blacktooth
The Fool 0
The Magician 1
The High Priestess 2
The Empress 3
The Emperor 4
The Hierophant 5
Gamescom
Play On Words Studios will be at Gamescom this year, meeting with fans, media, publishers, and investors.
If you are attending and have access to the B2C area, stop by the GamingMalta stand: Hall 03.2 | Stand D041g - C040g
We will have new and upcoming projects to show and preview.
Actual Play: House of Skye
Tuesdays at 9 PM Eastern
While you wait for the final PDF, you can see the system in action through our actual play, Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye.
We stream live every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern on Twitch andYouTube. VODs are available on both platforms and on Spotify.
Your support through follows, subscriptions, likes, and shares continues to help us grow the audience for Shadow City.
Surveys
Thank you to the 95 percent of backers who have completed your surveys. We appreciate it.
If you are one of the remaining eleven backers, please complete your survey soon. You can still add items to your order if there is anything you would like.
Please note that we cannot send your raw PDF until your survey is complete.
Pre-Order Store
Closing Soon
We are approaching the point where the book will be locked for final production.
That means the Pre-Order Store will be closing soon.
This is your final opportunity to:
Secure the current version of the book
Pick up exclusive campaign items
Join before fulfillment begins
If you know anyone who has been on the fence, now is the time to let them know.
Things are continuing to move forward. I want to take a moment to apologize for the delays compared to our original estimates. I underestimated how long certain parts of the process would take, but progress is steady, and the team is doing excellent work.
The first pass of the book layout is now complete. Edits and sensitivity reading are ongoing, and once those are finalized, we will lock the layout and formatting for the final PDF and move into print.
All Tarot cards are now complete, and we are finishing the accompanying booklet before it goes to print alongside the books.
As a reminder, if you ordered a version of the book, you should have already received a link to the raw, unedited PDF via Itch.io and DriveThruRPG. If you have not received your link, please email us at [email protected], and we will sort it out for you.
Layout Update
We are excited to share a glimpse of the work-in-progress layout. While nothing is final yet, this should give you a strong sense of the book's direction and overall presentation.
We are very happy with how it is shaping up.
Design Update
Our design focus has now shifted toward support content for the system and the world of the TTRPG.
Once the final PDF is completed and the books are sent to print, we will begin releasing new subclasses, lore, and additional content through our Patreon.
If you have had a chance to review the raw PDF, we strongly encourage you to jump into Discord and share your thoughts. Your feedback right now can still influence the final polish of the game.
Art Update
Adam has completed the illustrations for The Penitent and The Devoted of the Church of Astra. With these finished, all core artwork for the book is now complete.
He is now moving on to artwork for upcoming subclasses that will be released later on Patreon.
Luana has completed all Tarot cards. The full deck is now illustrated and waiting on final formatting for print, along with the booklet.
The Penitent and The Devoted
Actual Play: House of Skye
Tuesdays at 9 PM Eastern
While you wait for the final PDF, you can see the system in action in our ongoing actual play, Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye.
We stream live every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern on Twitch and YouTube. VODs are available on both platforms and onSpotify.
If you are curious about how the system plays at the table, this is the best place to see it in motion.
Surveys
Thank you to the 95 percent of backers who have already completed your surveys. We truly appreciate it.
If you are one of the remaining backers, please complete your survey as soon as possible.
Important: We cannot deliver your final PDF or include your order in fulfillment until your survey is completed.
Pre-Order Store
Closing Soon
We are getting very close to locking the book for print.
That means the Pre-Order Store will be closing soon.
If you or someone you know is still planning to jump in, this is the moment. Once orders are locked, that version of the product and these bundles will no longer be available in this form.
This is your last opportunity to:
Secure the current version of the book
Pick up exclusive campaign items
Get in before fulfillment begins
If you have friends, groups, or local stores who might be interested, now is the time to let them know.
For more behind-the-scenes insights, visit our monthly Dev Blogs, where we explore game design, world-building, and the broader transmedia vision for Shadow City Mysteries.
We continue to edit, sensitivity read, and format the book so it is ready for print. The Tarot deck is also nearing completion, with just four cards left to finish. Once everything is complete, we will be able to share more concrete timelines, shipping estimates, and final shipping costs.
At this point, if you ordered a version of the book, you should have received a link to a raw, unedited version of the PDF via Itch.io and DriveThruRPG. If you have not received your link, please email us at [email protected], and we will get that sorted for you.
⚙️ Design Update
With the core book written and currently in editing, we have shifted focus to new content. Several subclasses are already in development and will be part of upcoming releases.
Once the final PDF is complete and the books are sent to print, we will begin rolling out this new content through our Patreon.
As a reminder, once you have had time with the raw PDF, join us on Discord to share your thoughts and discuss the rules, setting, and overall design.
🎨 Art Update
Adam has completed the illustration of Madame Rose and Esten Skye. He is now moving on to several additional key characters. The extra time in production has allowed us to include more artwork in the final book, which we are very excited about.
Madame Rose
Esten Skye, The Marquis
Luana continues work on the Tarot Deck. All Major Arcana cards are now complete. She is currently adapting some of Adam’s character illustrations into the Court cards for the Minor Arcana.
🎲 Actual Play: House of Skye
Tuesdays at 9 PM Eastern
While you wait for the final PDF, you can see the system in action through our ongoing actual play, Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye.
We stream live every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern on Twitch andYouTube. VODs are also available on both platforms as well as onSpotify.
Your follows, subscriptions, likes, and shares make a real difference in helping more people discover Shadow City. Thank you for your continued support.
📜 Surveys
Thank you to the 95 percent of backers who have already completed your surveys. We appreciate it.
If you are one of the remaining eleven backers, please complete your survey as soon as possible. You can still add items to your order if there is anything you would like.
Please note that we cannot send your raw PDF until your survey is complete.
🛒 Pre Order Store
Open for a Couple More Months
Missed the campaign? The Pre Order Store is still open, but it will not remain available much longer. Once the final PDF is ready, we will lock orders.
This is your opportunity to secure the game, pick up exclusive items, and explore the world of Shadow City. The store remains open for both new backers and retailers.
If you have not yet downloaded the Quickstart Guide for Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game, or if you want to share it with friends, it is available for free on DriveThruRPG.
As we wrap up this crowdfunded project, we will continue expanding the game with new subclasses, lore, and additional content.
Follow us on Patreon to receive ongoing support material and stay up to date with everything happening in Shadow City Mysteries.
🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files
Rise of the Rat King
Step into the role of the Rat King, an underworld mastermind navigating the power struggles of Shadow City. The demo has now been downloaded by thousands of players on Steam.
For more behind-the-scenes insights, visit our semi-monthly Dev Blogs where we explore game design, world building, and our broader transmedia vision for Shadow City Mysteries.
As we mentioned last month, writing is now complete for Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game. The manuscript is currently with our editor. They are one of the top editors in the industry, so our project is a little further back in their queue than we first expected. While that is happening, our sensitivity reader and layout artist are preparing everything so we can move directly into print production and fulfillment as soon as the edits are done.
Because of this delay, we still want you to have the game to play with now. We are working on getting a raw, unedited version of the PDF to you through Itch.io and DriveThruRPG. We expect to have these ready within the next week or so. This is our first time delivering a raw manuscript in this way, so please bear with us. If you have not completed your survey yet, please do so as soon as possible so we can deliver your files. If you have any issues, let us know at [email protected].
The good news is that this extra time gives us the opportunity to include more art in the book that would not have made it in otherwise.
⚙️ Design Update
As we mentioned last month, the rules for Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game are complete. We are now preparing additional content for future supplements and for Patreon releases. Once you have had a chance to look over the raw PDF, join the conversation on Discord to discuss the rules, the setting, and the design.
🎨 Art Update
Adam Schumpert has completed the illustration of our Police Captain and the High Priestess of the Church of Astra. He has a few more key characters to finish next, and thanks to the extra time, we will be able to include additional artwork in the final book.
Luana continues to work on the Tarot Deck. Current cards: Death, The Sun, The High Priestess, and The Hierophant.
🎲 Actual Play: House of Skye
Tuesdays at 9 PM Eastern
While you wait for the early raw PDF, watch the rules in action in our ongoing actual play Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye. We stream live every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern.
You can join us live on Twitch and YouTube. VODs are also available on both platforms and on Spotify. Your follows, subscriptions, likes, and shares help more people discover Shadow City. We truly appreciate all of your support.
📜 Surveys
Thank you to the 95 percent of backers who have already completed your surveys. We truly appreciate it.
If you are one of the remaining eleven backers, please complete your survey soon. You can still add items to your order if there is anything you would like.
Please note that we cannot send you the raw PDF until your survey is complete, so do make sure to finish it sooner rather than later.
🛒 Pre Order Store
Open for a Few More Months
Missed the campaign? The Pre Order Store is still open, but it will not remain open for much longer. Once the book is ready in its final PDF form, we will lock orders.
This is your opportunity to grab the game, pick up exclusive items, and dive into the world of Shadow City. The store remains open for new backers and retailers.
If you have not downloaded the Quickstart Guide for Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game, or if you want to share the game with your friends, you can download the Quickstart for free on DriveThruRPG.
💥 Join Our Patreon
As we finish the work on this crowdfund, we will continue creating new subclasses, lore, and additional content for the RPG. Follow us on Patreon to receive new material for your games and updates on all Shadow City Mysteries projects. This is where you will find ongoing support content until our next supplement release.
🐀 Shadow City Mysteries: Case Files
Rise of the Rat King
Take control of the Rat King, an underworld mastermind navigating the power struggles of Shadow City. The demo has now been downloaded by thousands of players on Steam.
Ahead of Steam Next Fest in February, we are preparing a quality-of-life and feature update. After that, the full release of Rise of the Rat King will follow along with a demo for the next Case File.
Unravel mysteries, conspiracies, and supernatural forces in this replayable narrative adventure. As a detective in Shadow City, each run reveals more of the truth.
For more behind the scenes insights, visit our monhtly Dev Blogs where we explore game design, world-building, and our larger transmedia vision for Shadow City Mysteries.
Happy New Year! We hope you had a restful holiday season and are ready for everything 2026 has in store.
We’re thrilled to share that the writing for Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game is complete. The manuscript is now with our editor and will soon move into sensitivity reading and layout. The final PDF will be in your hands shortly after, followed by print production and fulfillment.
⚙️ Design Update
Done! Aside from editorial adjustments, the rules are complete. Once the PDFs go out, we’ll begin releasing supplemental content through our Patreon and storefront to expand and deepen the setting. Follow along for even more Shadow City Mysteries goodness.
🎨 Art Update
Adam Schumpert is working on the final character art for the book, especially portraits tied to the House of Skye actual play and a few remaining major NPCs.
Meanwhile, Luana Zahra continues illustrating cards for the Tarot Deck. The latest additions include The Chariot and The Hanged Man.
📜 Surveys
Thank you to the 95 percent of backers who have completed your surveys. If you're one of the remaining 12, please complete yours soon. You can still add items to your order, but orders will be locked in about a month, so don’t wait too long.
🛒 Pre-Order Store – Final Final Chance
Missed the campaign? There’s still time. Our Pre-Order Store is open for a short while longer and will close once the PDF is ready.
This is your chance to pick up the game, grab exclusive content, and step into the world of Shadow City. The store is open to new backers and retail partners.
🎲 Actual Play: House of Skye – Tuesdays at 9 PM Eastern
While you wait for the final version of the book, come watch the rules in action. Our actual play series Shadow City Mysteries: House of Skye airs live every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern.
We just wrapped Session 12, with our players preparing to level up to 3. Catch us live on Twitch and YouTube, or watch the VODs and listen on Spotify. Every subscribe, follow, like, and share helps more people discover the world of Shadow City Mysteries.
📘 Shadow City Mysteries Quickstart Guide – Free Download
If you haven’t grabbed the Quickstart Guide yet, now’s a great time. It’s perfect for introducing new players or getting your own campaign started while you wait for the full release.
Even as we wrap this crowdfund, we’re continuing development. Our Patreon will feature new subclasses, lore, and mechanics to enhance your Shadow City campaigns. This is the best way to keep your game fresh between releases and ahead of our next supplement.
Step into the underworld of Shadow City as the Rat King, carving out power and influence among the city’s criminal elite. The demo has now been downloaded by thousands across Steam, itch.io, and Patreon.
We’re currently preparing a quality-of-life and feature update for Steam Next Fest in February, followed by the full release of Rise of the Rat King and a demo for the next Case File.
Unravel conspiracies and confront supernatural threats in this replayable narrative adventure. As a hardboiled detective in Shadow City, each case leads you deeper into the darkness.
Want a deeper look into our creative process? Our semi-weekly dev blogs dive into game design, world-building, and the transmedia vision behind Shadow City Mysteries.
