| |

Something Rotten: A New TTRPG Adventure Zine Seeks Funding on Kickstarter

ByDaniel Kling Lorentsen

Leeds-based creative duo Troll in the Well has announced the launch of their debut tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) adventure, Something Rotten, now available for funding on Kickstarter. Designed for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5E) and other TTRPG systems, the project is described as a goblin-themed adventure zine that combines humor, creativity, and classic fantasy elements.

The adventure is set in the Inn of Ill Omen, a struggling establishment facing an unusual crisis: a mysterious and overwhelming stench that is driving away customers. Players take on the role of an adventuring party tasked with uncovering the source of the odor. Their investigation leads them through dark forests, deep caves, and into the midst of a goblin cult that worships a dismembered but still-living troll.

The adventure offers multiple paths for players to resolve the situation. They may choose to confront the troll’s semi-sentient limbs, negotiate with the goblin cult, or even reassemble the troll and form an alliance. The outcome depends on the choices made by the players and the creativity of the game master.

Something Rotten is a 48-page, full-color A5 zine that includes tools and resources for both players and game masters. It features creature profiles, mechanics for handling the troll’s limbs, and tables for generating unique goblin cults. The zine also contains side quests, hidden secrets, magic items, and additional content to extend the adventure beyond the main storyline. The adventure is designed to last between two to five sessions, depending on the level of exploration and interaction pursued by the players.

The project is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter until March 5th. Backers can choose between a digital PDF version or a physical zine, with all physical copies including a free digital download. The creators have indicated that the writing and most of the illustrations are complete, with a planned release in summer 2025 if funding goals are met.

Troll in the Well, the team behind Something Rotten, is a writer-illustrator duo based in Leeds, UK. Their shared interest in quirky fantasy and TTRPGs has led to the development of this debut project, which they hope will appeal to both new and experienced players.

Daniel Kling Lorentsen is the editor of Tabletop Gaming News, with a passion for tabletop games that began in the '90s. Starting with Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer, his journey in the gaming industry has been diverse—from working at a prominent gaming store and illustrating RPG books and board games, to consulting hedge funds on RPG trends. Since 2005, Daniel has written extensively about games and managed several gaming websites, applying his deep industry knowledge to keep readers informed about the latest in tabletop gaming.