307 | Castles & Crusades and Gary Gygax's Castle Zagyg with Guest Stephen Chenault
Jul 20, 2024
auto_awesome
Stephen Chenault, from Troll Lord Games, dives into the rich worlds of Castles & Crusades and Gary Gygax's Castle Zagyg. He shares insights on the game's unique Siege Engine system and its evolution over the years. The conversation also reveals the exciting upcoming projects in the works, including the simultaneous release of Castle Zagyg and Barsoom in 2025. Chenault discusses the challenges of integrating iconic characters into RPGs while maintaining their original essence, all wrapped in playful banter about the tabletop experience.
Dungeons and Dragons will make a notable comeback at Gen Con with the release of an exclusive Player's Handbook for attendees.
John Hight's appointment as new CEO of Wizards of the Coast could reshape D&D's digital strategy, reflecting broader industry trends.
Castles and Crusades emphasizes streamlined gameplay through a flexible attribute check system, appealing to players seeking a less crunch-heavy experience.
Deep dives
Dungeons and Dragons at Gen Con
Dungeons and Dragons will have a notable presence at Gen Con, marking a comeback for Wizards of the Coast after years away from major conventions. The release of the 2024 Player's Handbook is scheduled, with a special edition being available only to convention attendees, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the event. Attendees can expect exclusive access to the book if they secure a ticket, which will help manage distribution and prevent reselling. This strategic approach aims to enhance community engagement and facilitate the distribution of D&D materials to its players.
New Leadership at Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast has appointed John Hight as the new CEO, transitioning from Cynthia Williams, who has taken a position at Funko. Hight brings significant experience from managing the World of Warcraft franchise at Blizzard Entertainment, aligning with Hasbro’s interest in strengthening the digital presence of Dungeons and Dragons. Many industry watchers note that this continuity in hiring video game executives reflects Hasbro's strategy to appeal to a broader, tech-savvy gaming audience. This shift raises questions about how the direction under Hight might impact the tabletop roleplaying experience, particularly in the digital landscape.
Discussion on Castles and Crusades
Castles and Crusades, created by Troll Lord Games, is rooted in the open gaming license and aims to provide fast-paced gameplay distinct from traditional Dungeons and Dragons editions. The game utilizes a unique attribute check system for resolving conflicts, which allows for a more flexible and imaginative gameplay experience. The developers highlight that while it maintains similarities with earlier D&D iterations, it seeks to remove rigid mechanics that might inhibit creativity. This approach appeals to players looking for a more streamlined, less crunch-heavy roleplaying experience.
Barsoom Roleplaying Game Development
Troll Lord Games has plans to develop a roleplaying game based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series, integrating elements of fantasy and science fiction. The setting is seen as ideal for roleplay due to its diverse races and engaging storyline, while allowing players to explore the vibrant world outside of the lens of the character John Carter. The development of this RPG is a long-awaited endeavor for fans of both the genre and the existing tabletop community. As the release approaches, excitement builds over how this adaptation will deliver a robust gaming experience coupled with rich lore.
Innovations Without New Editions
Troll Lord Games' approach to updating Castles and Crusades without releasing new editions has been effective in keeping the game fresh and appealing over the years. By adding new art and improving layout while maintaining the foundational mechanics, the company highlights its commitment to existing players who don't feel pressured to purchase new editions. This strategy has been well-received, as it caters to both longtime fans and new entrants to the game. By focusing on content quality and player experience rather than frequent major overhauls, they ensure that the community continues to flourish around this classic RPG.
This week, Morrus, PJ, and Jessica are joined by Stephen Chenault of Troll Lord Games to talk about Castles & Crusades. In the news, Dungeons & Dragons will be at Gen Con, Wizards of the Coast has a new president, a look at the Stormlight Archives RPG, and more!
