Ancient secrets are no longer confined to dusty tomes. The upcoming “Marginal Worlds: Magic Item Expansion Pack” promises to transform your tabletop RPG sessions with a touch of medieval mystique. Set to launch on Kickstarter this June, the deck offers a rare blend of historical enchantment and modern gameplay.

Developed by the team behind the Maniculum Podcast, Marginal Worlds pulls inspiration from the depths of medieval manuscripts, translating their hidden magic into a series of 50 system-neutral magic items. These items are not only playable but come enriched with the history and lore that inspired their inception.

Each of the 50 items in the Marginal Worlds deck has been meticulously hand-illustrated, echoing the artistry of the manuscripts they originate from. Whether it’s a cursed relic or a sentient weapon, the cards include quick-play icons that indicate their specific attributes, easing integration into ongoing campaigns.

The Game Master’s Guide is included in the pack and delves deeper with additional descriptions and lore.

What makes Marginal Worlds particularly appealing is its system-neutral design. Whether you’re a veteran Dungeon Master or a newcomer to tabletop role-playing, these magic items can seamlessly fit into any TTRPG system, including D&D 5th Edition, for which the deck provides a complete appendix.

The Minds Behind the Magic

The project is helmed by Zoe Franznick, a Nebula and Bafta nominated writer known for her work on the critically acclaimed game, Pentiment, and Mac Boyle, a seasoned game designer with a Ph.D. candidacy in Medieval Studies. The artistic flair is courtesy of Soojin Paek, whose previous work on Pentiment earned her nominations for GDC’s Game of the Year and Best Art.

The team at Marginal Worlds is committed to artistic integrity, ensuring that no AI has been used in the creation of Marginal Worlds.

The Kickstarter campaign, set to go live at 10:00 AM PT on June 1, 2024. Be sure to head over to the Kickstarter page to sign up for updates!