Play On Words Studios
CREATOR
18 days ago
Project Update: June 2026 Update
Hello Backers and Friends,
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.
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 on Spotify.
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.
Free Quickstart Guide
If you have not downloaded the Quickstart Guide yet, now is a great time.
It is the easiest way to introduce new players to the system and get a campaign started while you wait for the final book.
Join Our Patreon
Once the core book is finalized, development does not stop.
We already have new subclasses, lore expansions, and additional systems in development, and Patreon will be the first place they appear.
If you want:
- New player options
- Expanded worldbuilding
- Ongoing support for your campaigns
Then Patreon is where that content will live.
This is also where the game continues to grow beyond the core book.
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 is already in the hands of thousands of players.
If you have not checked it out yet, now is the time to see how the world of Shadow City plays in a different format.
Shadow City Mysteries: A Clockwork Noir
Unravel mysteries, conspiracies, and supernatural forces in this replayable narrative adventure.
Each playthrough reveals more of the truth behind Shadow City.
Play On Words Studios Dev Blogs
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.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
We are getting close now. The next major milestone is locking the final PDF and moving into print.
We will be back soon with another update.
See you in the shadows,
Christopher Mifsud
CEO and Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game
Christopher Mifsud
CEO and Creative Director
Shadow City Mysteries: The Roleplaying Game
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