Join us for an exclusive playtest of Fatefully Tragic Hero—a dark fantasy, anime-inspired tabletop RPG where heroism and tragedy walk hand in hand.

When: Tuesday, March 26th, 7:30 PM
Where: Is/Was Brewing — 5121 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

This special one-shot will feature a never-before-seen adventure—the same scenario that will be given away at Gen Con 2025—but you'll have the chance to experience it first, months before anyone else.

In Fatefully Tragic Hero, you play as a Reincarnation—someone who has died in one world and awoken in Aetheria, a realm scarred by the fall of its last great champion. As you grapple with your new heroic path and the gods’ expectations, you'll face impossible choices, forge fragile alliances, and uncover the dark forces pulling the strings behind the world’s unraveling.

This playtest will push the limits of the game’s core mechanics—testing its fast-paced combat system, Heroic Path abilities, and the emotional weight of its Resonance Points. It’s not just about strategy—it’s about how your choices shape the story and the world around you.

Why attend?

• Be the first to experience a brand-new Fatefully Tragic Hero adventure.

• Be the first to try the newest version of Fatefully Tragic Hero!

• Help shape the final game—your feedback will directly impact the upcoming campaign test this August.

Whether you're a veteran playtester or new to Fatefully Tragic Hero, this is your chance to step into the world of Aetheria and test your resolve.

Spots are limited—sign up now and be part of the story before it’s told.

Step into the dark and test your limits at the upcoming Fade to Black playtest—a psychological horror tabletop RPG where fear isn’t just a story element—it’s a mechanic.

When: Tuesday, April 30th, 7:30 PM
Where: Is/Was Brewing — 5121 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

This special one-shot will feature a new, unreleased adventure module—the same exclusive scenario that will be given away at Gen Con 2025—but you’ll experience it first. Before the world sees it, you’ll be the first to face the horrors waiting in the dark.

In Fade to Black, you are a Witness—an ordinary person pulled into the twisted reality of Kyah Peak, a remote town caught in the grip of The Fade. The monsters here aren’t just lurking in the shadows—they’re drawn from your fears, your regrets, and the parts of yourself you try to bury.

The playtest will push the game’s newest mechanics, including:

• The expanded Fragment Leveling System—where growth comes at the risk of drawing The Fade’s attention.

• Stress and Breaking Points—testing how far you can push your character before fear takes control.

• Adaptive Combat—fast, brutal encounters where survival isn’t guaranteed—and running might be your only option.

Why attend?

• Be the first to play a brand-new Fade to Black one-shot adventure.

• Provide direct feedback that will help shape the game’s next round of playtesting.

This is more than just a playtest—it’s a chance to step into a world where every choice pulls you deeper into the dark.

Spots are limited— and only 5 players can play. So, reserve your place, and be ready to face the Fade.

Writing for Design: How to Start Developing Your Own RPG

Hosted by Alex "Minthas" Lake (Minthas) & Jordan Schmidt (Cinderlight Games)

• 📅 Gen Con 2025

• 🕛 August 1st & August 2nd | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Are you sitting on a world-shattering game idea but unsure how to bring it to life? Whether you're sketching out your first RPG system or refining a concept that’s been haunting your notebook for years, this workshop is for you.

Join Alex "Minthas" Lake, Head of Minthas and the creative force behind Deephollow, and Jordan Schmidt, head of Cinderlight Games, the creative force behind Fatefully Tragic Hero and Fade to Black, on an insightful look at the journey from raw inspiration to a fully realized game.

In Writing for Design, we’ll tackle the real challenges of indie RPG development—the moments of creative brilliance, the hard lessons learned, and the strategies that can push your project beyond mere ideation. Expect an engaging session where we’ll discuss:

• Concept to Creation: Transforming loose ideas into solid mechanics and immersive narratives.

• Building the Blueprint: Structuring your RPG’s core systems and themes.

• Navigating Indie Development: The practical (and often chaotic) steps from draft to production.

• Standing Out in the Crowd: Carving a space for your game in the ever-growing RPG landscape.

This isn't just a lecture—it’s a space to spark ideas, ask hard questions, and connect with fellow creators. Whether you're a first-time designer or an experienced writer looking to sharpen your skills, you'll leave with actionable tools and the confidence to push your RPG forward.

Seats are limited—grab your ticket and take the next step in your game design journey. Let’s build something unforgettable.