by Steam_Sun_Games

When talking about the intelligence agencies update, we described various secret societies operating in Europe. But in Limbo there also are similar organizations with different goals. Many societies of the Web are much more conspiratorial than criminal gangs. Of course, they cannot completely hide their activities and in the city there are many rumors about secret societies that affect urban life.


The public is aware of the existence of the Brotherhood of Six Keys, which brings together the most prominent scientists, inventors, and magemechanics to advance science. In contrast, there are the Clappers - workers who radically oppose the use of new technologies. The base of the rail on which the steam sun moves regularly becomes the object of sabotage by fanatics from the Cult of the Eclipse, a destructive society whose members believe that the Eclipse was the greatest event in the history of mankind. The North-West Society is more like a social club than a secret society, in its true sense, and they believe that the buildings and streets in the city are gradually changing under the influence of mysterious forces, and are investigating this phenomenon. The Order of the Albatross searches the sands of Limbo for knowledge left over from an ancient civilization to use it for the benefit of humanity. Demon haters from the Order of Saint Germain organize public riots and assassination attempts on members of the Diaspora and Embassy. In turn, the intelligence service of the Iron Embassy, Erin Kug-Mush, spread an extensive network of agents throughout the city, that only Custodes Umbra, the chancellor's secret police, can compete with. And finally, we should not forget that intelligence agencies of all more or less significant European countries also operate in the Web.

But not everything is known to the public! While playing in the world of the City of the Steam Sun, you will have to delve into the many mysteries of the Web and learn more about the true goals of some organizations, and perhaps even reveal their real leaders. In addition, when creating a character, you can immediately make them a member of a society or its adherent, which will allow them to possess the appropriate edge and get some help from the organization.

In the future, we will certainly tell you more about the various secret societies in the Web, but only what is known to the average citizen) Don't miss it.

A new episode has been added to the database: WWR 51 ☉ Rascal News w. Rowan Zeoli

A new episode has been added to the database: Ep. 154: Let's go to therapy! (w/ ImaginIf)

A new episode has been added to the database: Behind the Vale 14: Discussing the Dulahan Arc

A new episode has been added to the database: MetAnon Int43 – Brad Kelley | Midwest GameFest

A new rpg publisher has been added to the database: Oban Alterco

A new rpg publisher has been added to the database: Vocal Demand

A new rpg publisher has been added to the database: Turtle and Phoenix Entertainment.

by Rachel

Happy 20th Friday of 2025, everyone!!

And, as always on Friday, the current Friday links: 2025 Friday on Friday: Play Friday EVERY Friday of 2025 and Friday on Friday, May 2025.

I'm tired and just feeling a bit meh right now, but, several projects made forward progress this week. And I have actual next steps plotted out for a few more.

In the meantime, it's Friday once again and as always that means Friday!

Hello again, Level 5!

Game over! Whomp, whomp, whomp. My final score was -46 pts: 15 points from Fighting Cards, -10 points from Aging Cards, 0 points from lifepoints, 0 points for defeating neither pirate, and -51 points from Unbeaten Hazards. Hmmm, not particularly satisfying... so...

After a quick, reset, I paddled my way back out to the island...

and still died.

But I felt better about the 2nd play, so I called it quits for the week. My final score was -34 pts: 16 points from Fighting Cards, -5 points from Aging Cards, 0 points from lifepoints, 0 points for defeating neither pirate, and -45 points from Unbeaten Hazards.

Maybe next week I'll see some pirates again...


Weekly Updates:


Challenge Updates:
:d10-1: 2023 Extreme Numerology Challenge / 2024 Extreme Numerology Challenge : Wrapping up. Microbadges for 2022, 2023, and 2024 will be awarded, please stay tuned! 2025 is coming! I swear!
:d10-2: 2023 Challenge: 23 unplayed in 23: Done.
:d10-3: 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.
:d10-4: 2024 Challenge: 24 unplayed in 24: is Wrapped! If you spot errors or make updates, please geekmail me.
:d10-5: 2025 Challenge: 25 un(der)played in 25: is LIVE!
:d10-5: A special note on the Friday on Friday challenges: ALL owed microbadges should be system-awarded soon-ish. 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: Continued to work on a treasure chest tuckbox.
:d10-3: Charge the Circle: Sell sheet is still in progress. Smaller rulebooks that fit in the box are next on my to-do list. Then more photos.
:d10-4: Bears love Bows: Revised sell sheet still in-progress. I need more/better photos. Then a smaller rulebook that will fit in the dumpster deckbox.
:d10-5: Really Retail: No new progress.
:d10-6: Barricade Brigade: Components available and up-to-date! My entry in the 2024 Wargame Print and Play Contest. No new progress. Yes, there are comments. Yes, I will respond. Yes, I got behind. No, the game is not abandoned! I swear! Contest is now complete, but I've got plenty of unfinished business to see to and I intend to see it all through! THIS GAME, KNICK KNACKS, AND LIBRARIAN's CAT NEED TO TAKE PRIORITY Sell Sheet started. Revised PNP started. I need to address contest/post-contest feedback THIS WEEK. If I can't find a publisher for this one, I'm actually seriously contemplating The Game Crafter... I need to do more research, but Barricade Brigade and Unlucky Spirits are probably my least family-friendly/kid-friendly games and therefore they might (eventually and with more work on my part) be ideal for The Game Crafter...
:d10-7: The Boxcats of Meowazon : Still re-working this game. The boxcats are still not a cooperative union...
:d10-8: Contagion and Calamity: The Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793: formerly Philly Fever 1793: Still working on the board/map. This is an art/graphic design challenge.
:d10-9: Read the Runes: Work on Inscriptions and Keystone Board continues. 2.0 rules still in-progress. I need the Keystone Board and remaining Inscriptions done before I can finish the rules! Please stay tuned to Friday updates and the WIP thread for developments.
:d10-1::d10-0: 10 Minutes to Midnight: Working on the revised rulebook. And a box. And a sell sheet.
:d10-1::d10-1: Eight Elephants: ALL files still available as PNPs and digitally via Tabletop Simulator. Still working on a rulebook that fits inside the box. This is hard.
:d10-1::d10-2: Surfboard Stealin' Sea Otters: Work continues on both otter-themed possibilities.
:d10-1::d10-3: Roll the Runes Formerly Color(a)Cross and Number Lock. Rulebook still in-progress. Playtesting/refining of player sheet continues. Still not happy with how the game looks. Grrr.
:d10-1::d10-4: Tricky Treats: Using this rulebook to help jumpstart Last Leaves' rulebook...
:d10-1::d10-5: Defend your Dreams: (formerly Dreamcatcher Duty): Redevelopment continues.
:d10-1::d10-6: Squirrelly (formerly Woodland Warriors ) : Officially contest-ready! Tuckbox posted too! Voting over! Now eagerly awaiting results! In the meantime, working on a revised rulebook AND I just completed a 5th player expansion with 2 very special promo cards that can be added to any play:

Malabar Giant Squirrel promo coming post-contest! He's Wild and counts as 1 of ANY color Squirrel.
The expansion is a single sheet of 9 cards that helps keep things balanced with an extra player AND has 2 copies of the wild squirrel.
:d10-1::d10-7: Trick or Treat : No new progress.
:d10-1::d10-8: Last Leaves : Graphics getting closer. Photography now complete. Working on a logo. Rulebook remains in-progress. Components too.
:d10-1::d10-9: Fireworks for the Fourth: I need to finish the sell sheet. And re-do the playmat... Graphic design for the mat is proving to be a challenge...
:d10-2::d10-0: Composer's Cat: New Year's Eve Concert: Lyricist reborn! Former entry in the 2024 In-Hand Game Design Contest! Contest now complete! Composer's Cat placed 5th for Best Multiplayer Game; 6th for Best Innovative Mechanic; 7th for Best Use of Theme; and 4th for Best Low-Ink Printing! Way to go, kitty! All files are still available including the merged print-and-play components file, the piano playable special edition cards for The Parting Glass! (Thanks again, John!), 2 complete songs for solo play, the 2-Player Concert Game, and the 2-Player Duet Game. You can still see what all the fun and singing is about over in the WIP thread! Tabletop Simulator module and Playthrough video available too! Updated/Revised rulebooks for 1) the entire Composer's Cat Game System, 2) the Composer's Cat: New Year's Eve Concert Starter Set, and 3) The 12 Days of Christmas, a Composer's Cat Carol are in-progress and on track for sharing by the end of the month. Revised Deluxe Composer's Cat Music Stand, Deluxe XL Music Stand, Southpaw Music Stand, and Library Cart (Librarian's Cat) are complete! Assembly instructions with photos will be available soon! (finally!) Sell sheet is fine for now, though a Composer's Cat Song List is in the works that will address both currently available materials as well as Test Track compatibility. Several songs are currently being tested as solos, duets, and carols/ensemble tracks. This is taking forever, but hopefully it'll be worth it in the end. Progress continues, albeit slowly...
:d10-2::d10-1: Unnamed design: Involves the Titanic and Jenny the ship cat... No new progress.
:d10-2::d10-2: Nine Nopes: No new progress.
:d10-2::d10-3: Book it!: No new progress.
:d10-2::d10-4: Librarian's Cat: formerly Palm Library. formerly Littlest Library. My entry in the 2025 In-Hand Game Design Contest! Revised rules posted. Print and Play files remain the same. TTS mod in-progress. I know there is feedback on the WIP thread that hasn't been addressed, I plan on catching up on all of my active WIPs in the week ahead. Really! No New Progress. Crap crap crappity crap!?! I REALLY need to prioritize this game this week! Gah! Where does the time go?
:d10-2::d10-5: Elements: Tuckbox-friendly rulebook still in-progress.
: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. Quarters complete! Still working on additional revisions.
:d10-2::d10-7: History Heist: On hold.
:d10-2::d10-8: Lost in the Labyrinth. No new progress.
:d10-2::d10-9: Critter Calls: 2-20 player bluffing, push-your-luck party game: Didn't place in Thundergryph's Thunder Lab: Twist Contest, now available as a WIP here on BGG, complete with rules, components, and sell sheet. Now, hopefully I can attract some more playtesters and continue refining the game. And maybe even find a publisher... The soda can isn't even necessary now :D.
:d10-3::d10-0: Dragon's Draw: Rules, tiles, and cards still in-progress. Playerboards and Cave Upgrades still being revised. Not sure where I'll be entering this one...
:d10-3::d10-1: Push to the Peak: No new progress.
:d10-3::d10-2: Cardshop Caretaker: No new progress.
:d10-3::d10-3: Unlucky Spirits: formerly Lucky 13: Still playtesting in PowerPoint, TTS (private), and with my physical prototype. Rulebook still in-progress. I can't wait to share this one with all of you, Still aiming to have this available for public playtesting by the summer.
:d10-3::d10-4: Water always wins: Still ON HOLD.
:d10-3::d10-5: Sniper, take the shot!: No new progress.
:d10-3::d10-6: Abydos: Testing continues using the Rune Tiles from Read the Runes 2.0 (above). Egyptian theme and art stalled. I need a few days with better light. Gameplay remains about 1/3 of the way there. And I still need to forward my Egyptiaon notes onto Birgit... Gah! Phase 2 of this game AND the graphic design are continuing to give me problems for yet another week.
:d10-3::d10-7: Nine Tails: Currently contest-ready. Tuckbox and custom Rest tokens will be posted post-contest. Currently working on a smaller rulebook that will fit in the box.
:d10-3::d10-8: Puppy Pile: (formerly Dogpile). Progress continues, albeit slowly.
:d10-3::d10-9: Compound It!: No new progress.
:d10-4::d10-0: My Little Fish Tank: No new progress.
:d10-4::d10-1: Knick Knacks: Lovely Lamps : Sequel to Knick Knacks: Shaker Showdown. No new progress.
:d10-4::d10-2: Put a bow on it! Components and rules in-progress! I still need better-looking gift boxes...
:d10-4::d10-3: Gator Glory! Board and components in-progress.
:d10-4::d10-4: Eighteen Eggs (started life as Eight Eggs): this is a solo matching game in the same vein as Eight Elephants but WITHOUT a timer and with some new twists. Rulebook in-progress. Playtesting continues in private TTS.
:d10-4::d10-5: Triskell (or maybe Triskellion):NEW: name not final: just concocted last night. We'll see where this rabbit hole leads...


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...
: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... Deep Water Games/Friendly Skeleton is a right mess! I feel so bad for Liberty and hope that everything works out in the end. Crystallo is still one of my favorite games and the expansions are great! I just wish that things had worked out differently and I hope that everyone gets their games and expansions in the end. Such a shame.
: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!


Still behind on contest playtesting, challenges, and subscriptions, and still attempting to dig myself out :D. At least I'm making some more progress...

16 days to Game Over

Happy Friday and happy playing!
-Rachel

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