A new episode has been added to the database: Ep.26 - The Queen of Three Parts

A new episode has been added to the database: [DND3 Pg 192] I Started Something I Can't Finish [Week 32]

A new rpg publisher has been added to the database: Gamers Cortex

A new episode has been added to the database: Pre-Character Prep

A new episode has been added to the database: UNDERWATER COMBAT (Remastered); Randall Sinks to the Bottom; Hilarity Ensues!

A new episode has been added to the database: 396 - DM Book Club - The Bright Sword

by Rachel

my proofs have shipped!!!! As of 6:22 PM this evening I have a shipping confirmation and tracking number from The Game Crafter! Woot!

Also, in case you missed it: The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund Auction 2026 (ends March 28th) is still ongoing. In fact, it ends tomorrow at 12 noon server time, so you've still got a bit of time to support your fellow gamers and enjoy the auction shenanigans :geek_grin:. As a page master, I've managed to keep (mostly) on top of things.

And- we are going to have a new VGG of the Week!!! Finally! I'm not a horrible fun-killer after all! He just needs a bit to get things in order, so not this coming week, but soon :geek_grin:. You have no idea how happy this makes me (or maybe you do...).

Anyway, the long-suffering Mausritter campaign I'm a part of is also getting going again. We'll save Christmas (or die trying), probably not by Easter, but I think that we'll finally finish our adventure, one way or another, before 2026 rolls to 2027.

And... it's Friday!
Happy 13th Friday of 2026, everyone!! And as always on Friday, here are the current Friday links: 2026 Friday on Friday: Play Friday EVERY Friday of 2026 and Friday on Friday, March 2026.

Hello again, Level 5! I wonder if the 2nd time (in 2026 at least) will be the charm?

Nope! That's a Red Phase loss.

Well, last week I only made it to the Yellow Phase, so maybe next week I'll make it to the Pirates...

My final score was -6 pts: 35 points from Fighting Cards, -20 points from Aging Cards, 0 points from lifepoints, 0 points for defeating neither pirate, and -21 points from Unbeaten Hazards.
---------------------------

Weekly Updates:

Challenge Updates:
:d10-1: 2023 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2024 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2025 Extreme Numerology Challenge: Wrapping up. Microbadges for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be awarded, please stay tuned! 2026 is live: 2026 Extreme Numerology Challenge
GIMP is working and I'm still learning!
:d10-2: Fire in the Library- Summer/Fall 2023 Solo Challenge- Extended!!: Done! Stay tuned for a new series of mini challenges that include some more Weird Giraffe-themed fan promos. COMING THIS SUMMER! (2026)
:d10-3: 2025 Challenge: 25 un(der)played in 25: is Wrapped! If you spot errors or make updates, please geekmail me.
:d10-4: 2026 Challenge: 26 un(der)played in 26: is Active!
:d10-5: A special note on the Friday on Friday challenges: ALL owed microbadges should be system-awarded THIS YEAR. ALL microbadge reimbursements complete! Update: Stay tuned for progress on microbadges!


Designer's Corner:
:d10-1: The 7th Seal : No new progress.
:d10-2: Finders Keepers: No new progress.
:d10-3: Charge the Circle: Currently re-working for self-publication via The Game Crafter in mid- 2026! You can follow along with the ongoing graphic development and vote for your favorite versions here: A new edition coming in 2026!. Yes, there are currently some comments/feedback waiting for me that I haven't addressed. I will get there! Promise! I'm just juggling a lot of irons right now. I'm also still trying to figure out a solution for addressing drift. Preferably one that doesn't involve the cards having to stay as print-and-play components...
:d10-4: Bears love Bows: Merry Trashmas edition: Now pitching! Pitch still ongoing??? Bow Tokens are now a thing, but forward momentum has stalled. Reaching out to publisher-that-shall-not-be-named (NDA) again once I get the video done. Also, I may have located not 1, but 2 more potential homes for this game. Stay tuned for further developments.
:d10-5: Really Retail: No new progress.
:d10-6: Barricade Brigade: Tentatively coming to The Game Crafter in late 2026. Needs a lot of work and a new coat of paint :geek_grin:.
:d10-7: The Boxcats of Meowazon : Revisiting, but not a high priority. Though that may be changing due to Bad Comet's cozy family game contest...
:d10-8: Contagion and Calamity: The Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793: formerly Philly Fever 1793: Officially On Hold. Still not a priority at the moment.
:d10-9: Read the Runes: Check out the updated TTS! I need playtesters to help me continue refining this one. I like the current art direction, but this will need more if I decide to go The Game Crafter route... There's also the drift problem... As much as I hate to say it, this might have to stay a print-and-play for now...
:d10-1::d10-0: 10 Minutes to Midnight: I've still got feedback to address over in the WIP thread... but THIS WILL BE COMING TO THE GAME CRAFTER IN 2026! In fact, it's likely to be the main game in my 2nd batch of releases :geek_grin:. I'm excited to see this game develop. It's sooooo much better than when it appeared in the 2024 Solitaire Print & Play Game Design Contest!!!
:d10-1::d10-1: Eight Elephants: Coming soon to The Game Crafter! Prototype has shipped!
:d10-1::d10-2: Surfboard Stealin' Sea Otters: Contest complete! #2 Best Family Game and #8 Best Overall Game! Woot! Post-contest: expect some minor revisions in the next few months, then I plan on pitching the otters and seeing if I can catch some waves...
:d10-1::d10-3: Rolling Runes Game delayed to the 2026 Roll and Write Contest. On Hold.
:d10-1::d10-4: Tricky Treats: Game considered complete and officially Ready for Pitching! I still need a video...
:d10-1::d10-5: Defend your Dreams: (formerly Dreamcatcher Duty): On Hold. Not a priority right now.
:d10-1::d10-6: Squirrelly (formerly Woodland Warriors) : Contest complete! #3 for Best Art! 2 mini expansions available! Ready for pitching! Could use a video when I get around to it... Family games are tricky to pitch and most are too kiddie for release on The Game Crafter...
:d10-1::d10-7: Trick or Treat : On Hold.
:d10-1::d10-8: Last Leaves : This will be my entry for the 2026 Children and Family Game Design Contest (family category). I finally made some breakthroughs this week regarding the leaves and board, so hopefully, I can get this game together in time for the contest.
:d10-1::d10-9: Fireworks for the Fourth: See :d10-5::d10-9: below!
:d10-2::d10-0: Composer's Cat: 2024 In-Hand Game Design Contest: 5th Best Multiplayer Game; 6th Best Innovative Mechanic; 7th Best Use of Theme; and 4th Best Low-Ink Printing! Major revision complete, new video live, Print & Play Assembly Guide now available, and while entered in the 2026 Cardboard Edison, it didn't place as a finalist. I got good feedback, but I'm not sure what's next for this kitty...
:d10-2::d10-1: Unnamed design: Involves the Titanic and Jenny the ship cat... On Hold.
:d10-2::d10-2: Nine Nopes: On Hold.
:d10-2::d10-3: Book it!: On Hold.
:d10-2::d10-4: Librarian's Cat: formerly Palm Library. formerly Littlest Library. 2025 In-Hand Game Design Contest: contest is complete... but I've got plenty of unfinished business to see to and I intend to see it all through, eventually. Please stay tuned!
:d10-2::d10-5: Elements: Coming to The Game Crafter in mid-2026! New cards, done! Now to re-jig the tuckbox and the rules (1 double-sided sheet would be amazing...)
:d10-2::d10-6: Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown : Contest complete! #3 Best Solo Game, #3 Best 2 Player Game, and #4 Best Family Game! Not bad, not bad at all, especially since I fell woefully behind on the comments... I do plan on addressing all of the feedback. And I do want to continue to refine and improve the game. There's a decent little game here and it's worth pursuing. On Hold 'til I get at least 10 games up for sale on The GameCrafter. Ideally, I want to refine this one and putch it to traditional publishers, but, it might end up on The Game Crafter, we'll just have to see...
:d10-2::d10-7: History Heist: On Hold.
:d10-2::d10-8: Lost in the Labyrinth. On Hold.
:d10-2::d10-9: Critter Calls: Ready for pitching!. I'm happy with the TTS and sell sheet, but do want a video. Not a high priority for pitching, but if I see any calls for party games or icebreaker games I will 100% submit it for consideration :geek_grin:.
:d10-3::d10-0: Dragon's Draw: On Hold. Too complex for the Children and Family Game Design Contest here on BGG. It could really use acrylic tiles too... Not a priority, but something to keep simmering on the backburner... Another game with potential for the Bad Comet Contest... maybe...
:d10-3::d10-1: Push to the Peak: On Hold.
:d10-3::d10-2: Cardshop Caretaker: On Hold. Maybe something to pursue for the Bad Comet contest? Unsure, but I need to find a direction for this contest ASAP.
:d10-3::d10-3: Unlucky Spirits, Revised Edition: Uncooperative Spirits campaign in-progress. Revised Edition formally entered in 2026 Two-Player Game Design Contest! Come on folks, take a look and help me get this game off the ground! Yes, I'm behind on this contest. I've got to get the campaign done, but the game still isn't getting any traction and I feel like I'm once again wasting effort. Don't get me wrong: I love the game. I believe in the game. But BGG Design Contests are not helping it... The campaign will get done. I got my playtesting and feedback in by the deadline. I will see this current contest through. But I do need to pivot and figure out a better way forward for Unlucky Spirits. The Game Crafter isn't an option for this one. They can't make the current board (30×30) and don't have good options for the larger albeit modular original design either. This game has to find a home with a traditional publisher or it's not going to make it beyond my kitchen table... Made some additional progress this week on marketing/promo materials, the campaign, and a teaser video!
:d10-3::d10-4: Water always wins: On Hold.
:d10-3::d10-5: Sniper, take the shot!: No new progress.
:d10-3::d10-6: Abydos: Contest complete, game did not place... I'm disappointed, but I'm still committed to getting this game out there. And, yes, it is coming to The Game Crafter in mid-2026, provided that I can find a way to deal with the drift issue... I'm still having trouble with the Mural and cut margins... Charge the Circle poses similar problems, hence delaying both a bit to get a better feel for how best to get The Game Crafter to make them.
:d10-3::d10-7: Nine Tails: Ready for pitching! This one might come to The Game Crafter, but alignment issues are a concern. Plastic cards didn't solve anything, this might be a game for PNP Hero...
:d10-3::d10-8: Puppy Pile: (formerly Dogpile). On Hold.
:d10-3::d10-9: Compound It!: On Hold.
:d10-4::d10-0: My Little Fish Tank: On Hold.
:d10-4::d10-1: Knick Knacks: Lovely Lamps : Sequel to Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown. On Hold.
:d10-4::d10-2: Put a bow on it! On Hold. Hmmmm, something for the Bad Comet contest?
:d10-4::d10-3: Gator Glory! Backburner. Some random ideas. Nothing blogworthy... yet.
:d10-4::d10-4: Eighteen Eggs: Contest complete, game did not place. *sigh*. Rain, Rain Mini Expansion and Player Aids available. The future of this little game... I don't know. It's cute, but it's too kiddie for The Game Crafter. Period. And I haven't come across any publishers looking for solo games for kids... That said, if you see a call for submissions, please let me know! Not writing it off, but pivoting to a more-Game Crafter-friendly design in my forthcoming Snow Squall- similar gameplay, but "prettier" and more geared to the "cozy solo" game trend.
:d10-4::d10-5: Triskell (or maybe Triskellion): name not final: On Hold.
:d10-4::d10-6: Snow Squall: In the vein of Eight Elephants and Eighteen Eggs, but a bit bigger, no timer, and more Game Crafter-friendly art. Not much progress this week.
:d10-4::d10-7: So, you want to be a mage...: On Hold.
:d10-4::d10-8: Cursed Cards: Delayed until the 2026 contest. Again, I like this little game, but I need to concentrate my efforts elsewhere for the time being.
:d10-4::d10-9: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Coming soon to The Game Crafter! Prototype shipped!
:d10-5::d10-0: Monk's Cat: The Book of [Pawprints]: The third game in the Cat Companion Card Game series, sequel to Composer's Cat and Librarian's Cat. My entry in the 2026 In-Hand Game Design Contest! V3 and V3B (alt. art) Print & Plays available! Workshop Assembly Guide available at the end of updated V4 rulebook. New logo! TTS updated! Photo Workshop Assembly Tutorial available!
:d10-5::d10-1: War of the Wilds: On Hold.
:d10-5::d10-2: Unnamed Puzzle Game: multi-level campaign puzzle game in the vein of Abydos, Read the Runes, and Charge the Circle. Fuzzball-inspired. Backburner. Tentative entry in this year's Solitaire Print and Play Game Design Contest...
:d10-5::d10-3: Nine Lives: I haven't heard anything, so I'm assuming this is a no-go. Still, I might revisit this idea down the road.
:d10-5::d10-4: Who's ready for the owlidays?: Will be my entry/one of my entries in this year's 54-Card Game Design Contest!
:d10-5::d10-5: Scratch-off: On Hold.
:d10-5::d10-6: The United Cards of America (America 250 Edition): Coming soon to The Game Crafter! Prototype shipped!!
:d10-5::d10-7: Lincoln's Cat (America 250 Edition): Coming soon to The Game Crafter! Prototype shipped!
:d10-5::d10-8: Liberty, Death, or Taxes (America 250 Editon): Coming soon to The Game Crafter! Prototype shipped!!
:d10-5::d10-9: Fireworks for the 4th: Semiquincentennial Edition: Coming soon to The Game Crafter! Prototype shipped!
:d10-6::d10-0: I sits!: Forthcoming 1st entry in the Fur, Feathers & Fun Contest on The Game Crafter. Stay tuned!
:d10-6::d10-1: Caturday @ the cattery: NEW: Forthcoming 2nd entry in the Fur, Feathers & Fun Contest on The Game Crafter. Stay tuned!
:d10-6::d10-1: Elements 2: NEW: Will be my 1st entry in this year's 54-Card Game Design Contest! Sequel to Elements, draws on the setting/visuals/narrative of Elements and builds on the gameplay of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice with an added rock-paper-scissors-like overlap mechanic. Stay tuned! WIP will go live July 1st to preserve contest eligibility.


Professional Projects:
:d10-1: Explosion in the Laboratory/Fire in the Library (2nd edition): Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled! Campaign complete!
:d10-2: Dreams of Yesterday: Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled! Campaign complete!
:d10-3: In the Shadows: Resistance in France 1943 - 1944: GMT Games: Complete! I still haven't managed to get this back to my table. Gah! In the meantime... see A Solo Sunday Salute - First Impressions - In the Shadows for a preview.
:d10-4: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game: Minerva Tabletop Games: Initial feedback in. First impressions and some extra crumbs: Solo Sundays- First Impressions: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game and Solo Saturdays - Continuing to make Crumbs. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game. Campaign funded! Campaign ongoing. Fingers-crossed that Minerva Tabletop Games comes through... it looks like this is finally in the process of fulfilling...
:d10-5: Crystallo expansions and miniature edition: Light Heart Games: Initial feedback in. Previews and additional adventures shared: A crystal cavern at the garage aka mini Crystallo is here!, First Impressions: Crystallo: Untold Fortune, Solo Saturdays- First Impressions: Crystallo: Den of Dragons, and Solo Stories- Playing with all of Crystallo. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crystallo: Untold Fortune and Crystallo: Den of Dragons. Campaign funded! Campaign ongoing... AND there's GOOD NEWS: Crystallo lives!- Crystallo's new Gamefound
:d10-6: Lost Adventures: Belltower Games: First Impressions and continuing adventures shared: Two-Player Thursdays- First Impressions: Lost Adventures, Two-Player Tuesdays- Getting Lost with Mom, and Solo Stories - Lost Adventures. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It: Lost Adventures. Campaign wrapped! Campaign fulfilled. Campaign complete.
:d10-7: Quirky Bird Games: The zine campaign funded! That's a wrap! Congrats Beth and Angel! Fulfillment ongoing. Keep up the great work!
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Busy, busy, and not slowing down. I can't wait for my proofs to arrive!

Game Over On borrowed time...

Happy Friday and happy playing!
-Rachel

Thank you for reading my blog. If you liked it; then please click the green thumb [microbadge=23724] at the top of the page. If you really liked it; then please subscribe.

A new episode has been added to the database: This Hour Has 22 Cryptids - Episode 1: Creep Talk

A new episode has been added to the database: Damn Fine Coffee Ep. 15 | RPG March Madness

A new episode has been added to the database: Critical Hit #826: Downtime—Haunted Island - Part 2 (LNRS01-E14)

by Bruce McG

I have it on good authority that March may have come in like a lion but it's going out like a slow loris.



Yeah, that tracks.

New releases at your FLGS (sourced by Leisure Games)

5e Game System Product (D&D 5th Edition Compatible)
⭐ Tini Quests - Of Clowns and Kobolds - Yokaiihime

The Crawling Chaos
⭐ The Crawling Chaos - Planet Smasher Games

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
⭐ Cthulhu by Gaslight: Dust and Blood - Chaosium

RiverBank
⭐ Betweentimes & Haphazardy Cards - Kobold Press

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)
⭐ Sea Wardens of Cothique - Cubicle 7 Entertainment

Wrath & Glory
⭐ Darktide: Extraction - Cubicle 7 Entertainment

New PDF releases @ DriveThru

5e Game System Product (D&D 5th Edition Compatible)
⭐ Blade, Bone, & Benefit - Logan Laidlaw

Generic / Universal
⭐ 100 Worldbuilding Questions To Ask For A Fantasy City - Azukail Games
⭐ The Tournament Generator Jousts, Intrigue & Blood - Doppelgänger Publishing

Loner
⭐ Loner: Norse Saga - Zotiquest Games

Many Sought Adventure
⭐ Temple of Jubilex - Kabuki Kaiser

Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE)
⭐ Scarred Lands Creature Collection 1 - Aegis Studios

Shadowdark RPG
⭐ Crypt of Death - Raging Swan Press

A new episode has been added to the database: Wheel of Time Genesys 083 - Between Two Waygates