March of 2022 marked a significant turning point in my creative journey. I embarked on an exciting new adventure as an RPG writer, contributing to the legendary Ken St. Andre's latest creation: the "Monsterary of Zimrala." For those unfamiliar, Ken St. Andre is a name synonymous with innovation in the RPG world, the mastermind behind classics like "Tunnels & Trolls" and "Monsters! Monsters!"
Let's take a moment to appreciate that legacy. In 1976, Ken St. Andre, the creator of the 2nd oldest role-playing game, "Tunnels & Trolls," expanded his vision with a companion game called "Monsters! Monsters!" This game, focused on playing as the monsters themselves, became a cult classic. Fast forward to 2020, and Ken St. Andre, alongside his team at Trollhalla Press Unlimited, successfully launched a Kickstarter campaign to update and create a new edition of "Monsters! Monsters!" This project resonated deeply with old-school fans, proving that Ken's creative spark continues to ignite imaginations.
Now, it’s time for a bestiary! Ken and his cohorts are bringing you something that fans of Ken St. Andre’s RPG games have been demanding for decades – a bestiary! It's time for the "Monsterary of Zimrala!" This book of monsters boasts over 111 unique, illustrated creatures, from the dangerous Ambaina all the way to the Zimralan Wraith. Almost all these creatures have never before been seen anywhere in
Or any role-playing system & M!M!: We are making this book for the Monsters! Monsters! RPG, but with our experience creating books for other role-playing systems, we are adding special information with each monster that will allow players to use these creatures with their favorite RPG. This way everyone can explore Zimrala and its strange lifeforms.
It's in a new world! But this is much more than your run-of-the-mill bestiary. (That is why we are calling it "The Monsterary of Zimrala.") Ken and his cohorts created a whole new fantasy world for you to explore and adventure in, a world populated with unique monsters, many strange mysteries, and lost civilizations. The book includes a section about the world, its environs, details
A Team of Award-Winning Pros: Almost everyone working on this book has worked on other RPG books and Kickstarters in the past, Including Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls, Grimtooth's Trapsylvania, Citybooks, and many others. Writers and editors include Ken St. Andre, Bear Peters, Stefan Jones, and Debora Kerr. The Monsterary also includes art by Steve Crompton, Liz Danforth, Rob Carver, Phil Longmierer, Tom Ardans, Simon Lee Tranter and others. Many of them have been involved in projects that have won major game industry awards, including Origins Hall of Fame and Best RPG Supplement winners.
The book is also going to include both a GM & Solo adventure that takes place in Zimrala. And you can bet we’ll be adding some additional great surprises as we announce the stretch goals and special add-ons...
This "Monsterary" is designed to be more than just a list of stats. It's a gateway to a vibrant, untamed world called Zimrala, teeming with unique and fascinating monsters. It's a place where imagination runs wild, and the "Monsterary" serves as both a detailed bestiary and a rich campaign setting. Think of it: a world built from the ground up, full of creatures never before seen, all ready for adventure.
And that's where I come in! I've had the incredible opportunity to weave my own creations into the fabric of Zimrala. My beloved Tygerians, a race I've nurtured in my own creative space, have found a new home. I've also had the privilege of establishing the Tygerian Isles, a new archipelago within Zimrala's vast expanse. Imagine these proud, feline warriors now navigating the strange and wondrous landscapes of this monster-filled world!
For me, this isn't just about writing monster stats and descriptions. It's about building a living, breathing world. It's about bringing my own imagination into harmony with the vision of a true RPG legend. It's about giving players new stories to tell, new challenges to overcome, and new monsters to face.
If you're a fan of classic RPGs, or if you're simply looking for a fresh and exciting world to explore, keep your eyes on the "Monsterary of Zimrala." The Tygerians are ready to pounce, and the islands await your exploration. This is a journey I'm incredibly excited to be a part of, and I can't wait to see where the adventures take us!
This project, brought to life through a successful Kickstarter campaign, is a testament to the power of community and collaborative creativity. It's been an absolute thrill to work alongside other talented writers and artists, all contributing to this shared vision.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Tygerian Isles and the Monsterary of Zimrala!
