Important Notice to our US Customers:
Whilst we await full clarity on the position of goods entering the US as of Aug 29th, ALL ORDERS TO THE UNITED STATES will be shipped via FedEx (with a min. 2.5kg cart weight) with delivery duties/taxes/tariffs unpaid.
These will need to be paid by the customer once your parcel lands in the US.
Note: FedEx have their own customs clearing so you will not need to worry about the $80-$200 charges for 'duty unpaid' goods reaching US Customs via the US Postal Service. Dismiss
US$130 of RPG gold – er, green…. …But you pay just $14.95 for our Starter Collection of three complete titles, including The Midderlands OSR Setting and Bestiary corebook, The Midderlands Expanded, and the location sourcebook The City of Great Lunden. And if you pay more than the current threshold price ($29.95), you’ll level up and also receive all seven titles in our Bonus Collection, including the seven-scenario collection Adventures in Great Lunden, Fighting Folk and Folk Magic of the Haven Isles, three full-length adventures, and The Midderlands Rivers and Lakes.
Bundle of Holding titles are always absolutely free of DRM, so you can move and copy them freely among all your devices.
Buying early is the cheapest way to get the bonus books. The threshold (average) price will rise during the offer’s run, and you have to pay more than the current threshold to get the bonus books.
As I wind down for a few days over the festive period, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all my friends, colleagues, clients, supporters, reviewers, picker-uppers, and all-round great RPG people. I couldn’t continue to do this without you. Some great things are coming up in 2024 and I can’t wait to share the news about each and every one. I expect to be busier than ever.
I hope you all have a great holiday and that 2024 is the best year yet! Happy gaming!
The first four OSR Shorts releases are now up in digital format over on DriveThruRPG. Written for Swords & Wizardry Complete Revised and using the AELF gaming license. Also easily usable in Old School Essentials (OSE). More is to come!
We are having a MASSIVE 50% OFF sale over at DTRPG!
I don’t run sales on DriveThruRPG very often, but this is a BIG one! Don’t miss out on some highly-acclaimed and award-winning gaming material including ENnie Award-winning and nominated titles. Ends 09:00 CST on Monday 28th August 2023. Get them while they are HOT, HOT, HOT!
The following titles are included!
Setting Materials
The Midderlands – OSR Bestiary and Setting ENnie winning
The Midderlands Expanded ENnie nominated
The City of Great Lunden
The Midderlands – Rivers & Lakes
Midderzine Issue 1
Midderzine Issue 2
Midderzine Issue 3
Midderzine Issue 4
Midderzine Issue 5
Midderzine Issue 6
Midderzine Issue 7
Ascoleth: The Last Great City
Map Symbols & Icons
Havenland Fantasy Map Icon/Symbol Set/Pack
Narrasil Fantasy Map Icon/Symbol Set/Pack
Neath 3D Dungeon Map Components for SketchUp
Myrklund Fantasy Overland Map Icon/Symbol Set/Pack
The Bats of Saint Abbans – Books 1, 2 and 3 plus the Adventure Aid Cards
Rancid Canyons of the Floating Death Sheep (Swords & Wizardry, 5E and DCC versions)
YouTube Content from MonkeyBlood Design
We have really leant into the YouTube content which is hopefully the start of a wider push to create YouTube content rather than having multiple social media apps.
We’ll still keep Facebook and Twitter, but everything else is up in the air, so the best way to keep in touch if you don’t use those is to join our infrequent newsletter (fill out the details below) and/or follow our YouTube channel!
🎄 Celebrate Christmas in July with MonkeyBlood Design! 🎄
🎉 Attention all tabletop roleplaying enthusiasts! The most magical time of the year has arrived, even earlier than usual! Embrace the festive spirit and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of wonder with MonkeyBlood Design’s incredible products, now available at the DriveThruRPG ‘Christmas in July’ sale! 🎉
🌟 Unleash Your Imagination: Explore Unique Worlds 🌟
At MonkeyBlood Design, we believe that every adventurer deserves a world like no other. Our exceptional products transport you to enchanting realms, brimming with imaginative storytelling, immersive settings, and awe-inspiring illustrations. Whether you’re a Dungeon Master seeking captivating campaigns or a player eager to dive into rich lore, we’ve got you covered.
🎲 Elevate Your Gameplay: Masterful Adventures 🎲
Are you ready for thrilling adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further! Our top-notch modules and sourcebooks are designed with meticulous attention to detail, offering intricate plots, intriguing NPCs, and pulse-pounding challenges. Brace yourself for unforgettable moments around every corner as you embark on epic quests like never before.
🖌️ Visions of Beauty: Stunning Art and Maps 🖌️
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking artwork and meticulously crafted maps featured in our products. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring landscapes or the lifelike character illustrations, our talented artists have poured their hearts into each piece. Feel the magic come to life on your gaming table as you explore these works of art.
🎁 Christmas Comes Early: Special Deals and Discounts! 🎁
As part of the DriveThruRPG ‘Christmas in July’ sale, we’re thrilled to offer you deals and discounts on our entire range of products. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to stock up on adventures, supplements, and resources at prices that will make your gaming group cheer!
🚀 Join the Adventure: Dive into MonkeyBlood Design’s Collection Today! 🚀
This ‘Christmas in July’ sale is the perfect time to elevate your tabletop roleplaying experience to new heights. Discover a treasure trove of creativity, excitement, and joy with MonkeyBlood Design’s exceptional products. Unleash your imagination, captivate your players, and make this summer a gaming extravaganza like no other.
🎅 Hurry, the sale won’t last forever! Visit DriveThruRPG now and embrace the magic of Christmas in July with MonkeyBlood Design! 🎅
The master behind Hansor Publishing and The Gaia Complex, Chris Shepperson, has a new KS out for Rectify. An immersive solo horror roleplaying & journaling experience about facing death and atoning for the wrongs of an ill-spent life, and it looks f**king excellent!
Now that you’ve read the proposed OGL 1.2, what concerns or questions come to mind for you? It is not the OGL 1.0a, which provided a much better degree of freedom for creators of all types. OGL 1.0a has been promised to us as never being retractable for 23 years, and as such many have built small livelihoods from it. Those people have been forgotten, stabbed in the back, and now cannot trust the word of Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro. The revisions to the OGL unacceptable. It must remain authorised AND be clearly irrevocable going forward.
After reading the proposed OGL 1.2, how has your perception of the future of Dungeons & Dragons changed compared to before reading OGL 1.2? [x] Much worse
What would be needed to improve your perception of Dungeons & Dragons’ future? Retain OGL 1.0a and make it legally irrevocable. We want it legally bulletproof going forward. We accept that you want to make new editions of the game and protect them and the IP going forward, but this has been handled so badly that the trust has gone and there is no way forward that is going to be acceptable unless the OGL 1.0a remains. I have bought products from every edition of the game since 1985. D&D has been a huge part of my life and I LOVE creating for it. I feel like a faifthul friend has betrayed me. I can never consider supporting Hasbro/WotC/D&D brand products again.
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the content found in the SRD that will be released under Creative Commons? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
Do you have any other comments about the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International and/or the content that will be released under Creative Commons? For the most part, the proposed content released under CC is stuff that cannot be legally copyrighted under US copyright law. It seems like this is a giveaway, but we don’t access to get common races, classes, spells, creatures, items, etc, like under the OGL1.0a and asscociated SRDs (3 and 5). Given the handling of the approach so far, this isn’t really going far enough given the retraction of the OGL 1.0a. It’s seems to be a smoke and mirrors tactic.
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the Notice of Deauthorization? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
Comments: It should be removed. This is the single most problematic issue in this whole situation. Despite the dubious nature of whether this is possible legally, it’s the effect on the amazing creators that have helped support the D&D brand by keeping its name at the forefront of the industry for years. As a creator of products that have supported 5E and associated systems, I have always bought WotC D&D brand products from all editions. Once OGL 1.0a is deauthorised, there are two options; 1) Sign OGL 1.2 or 1.x. This will never happen because of the handling of the situation and the fact it is removing rights I already had. 2) Move all my creative focus away from the D&D brand.
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the types of content covered by the proposed OGL 1.2? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the content ownership rights outlined in the proposed OGL 1.2? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
Do you have any other comments about the types of content covered and/or the content ownership rights outlined by the proposed OGL 1.2? If you have the ability to change/amend/restict the license and/or the associated SRDs then nothing is really protected, and as we have seen with OGL 1.0a, you can change things in ways we really do not like.
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the “You Control Your Content” section? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the “Warranties And Disclaimers” section? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the “Modification Or Termination” section? Understanding [4] Satisfaction [1]
Do you have any other comments about the “You Control Your Content”, “Warranties And Disclaimers”, or “Modification Or Termination” sections? If you have the ability to change/amend/restict the license and/or the associated SRDs then nothing is really protected, and as we have seen with OGL 1.0a, you can change things in ways we really do not like.
How would you rate your level of understanding and your level of satisfaction with the Virtual Tabletop Policy? Understanding [3] Satisfaction [1]
Do you have any other comments about the Virtual Tabletop Policy? I’m not best placed to have much comment on this, but any OGL 1.0a restrictions would be a non-starter for me. It seems like you are allowing OGL 1.0a content to be on VTTs, but only things already published. We want to see new (post OGL 1.2 release) OGL 1.0a content on VTTs.
Have you used the OGL 1.0a or previous versions of the OGL to create third party content? Yes
Do you want to create third party content for Dungeons & Dragons in the future? Maybe (Glynn Note:) No comment field on why it’s a maybe. To clarify, Yes if OGL 1.0a remains authorised and is made legally irrevocable. No otherwise.
Would you be comfortable releasing TTRPG content under the proposed OGL 1.2 as written? No
Why do you say that? I will have no trust in Hasbro/WotC unless OGL 1.0a remains authorised and is made legally irrevocable. The new OGL1.2 is much more restrictive. Clause 6f is colossal overreach.
Compared to the OGL 1.0a, do you feel that you would be able to continue developing content the same way under the proposed OGL 1.2? No
Why do you say that? Not at all. It’s not the same agreement. OGL 1.0a was ‘open’ and encouraging to creators. OGL 1.2 is restrictive and not something I would consider to be ‘open’. I’m heartbroken about the thoughts of losing access to OGL 1.0a and asscoiated SRDs in a way that feels like a friend was giving me access and is taking it away. OGL 1.2 feels like someone I dont trust is allowing me access. That’s not the way an ‘open’ licensing agreement should feel.
How would you rate your interest in using the Content Creator Badge as part of your third party works? [3]
Do you have any other comments about Content Creator Badges? No
What other feedback do you have for us (related to the Open Games License or otherwise)? I’ve purchased D&D brand products from all editions of D&D since 1985. D&D has been a reliable best friend.
After working outside of the TTRPG industry for 30 years, anxiety forced me to leave. Creating content for D&D and freelancing for other creators became my way of paying the bills and enjoying my life again. It has been a huge part of my wellbeing.
OGL 1.0a has been the thing that has made that a viable prospect. I make enough to live and really enjoy what I do, and for that I am grateful.
Whilst there are pathways out of this situation that do not involve the OGL 1.0a, it seems like a best friend is leaving me in the lurch. I feel betrayed. I feel like the cold hard corporate world doesn’t really care about the people that have supported the brand (directly and indirectly) for YEARS!
The OGL 1.0a must remain authorised and legally irrevocable, and existing SRDs remain usable to have any attempt to salvage the trust broken by this attempt to remove it.
I hope that this is read, and that someone near the top gets to read this, because we are people with feelings, livelihoods, fears and anxieties. We aren’t just a statistic, however we are presented to you. We are D&D.
Thank you for taking this survey. Your feedback is crucial to our stewardship of the D&D game. The results of this survey will be made available by February 17, 2023.
The OGL 1.0a has supported third party publishers for 23 years. During that time, the license, as well as supporting statements given by Wizards of the Coast, has provided a publishing safe-haven for us to continue creating for our hobby.
In light of recent events, that trust has been shattered. No longer can third party publishers rely on the legal ground of the license or the stated intents of the license holder.
We will never sign up to OGL 1.1 or OGL 2.0 as we currently understand them. It is worth noting that whilst WotC are walking back from their leaked OGL 1.1, OGL 2.0 is not shaping up to be any better for us. The fight against it continues until OGL 1.0a remains unchanged except for becoming legally irrevocable. At that point, we may review our decision to discontinue using the 1.0a license for new products.
You can help continue the fight against the actions of WotC by doing the following:
The efforts of different TTRPG publishers to begin the process to create third party friendly alternatives is heroic. We support them fully in looking after our hobby, whichever path we choose. We watch with interest as some of these licensing/SRD solutions develop.
#OpenDnD. Fight until OGL 1.0a becomes irrevocable.
We would prefer that third party publishers consolidate around a single replacement license/SRD that serves to replace the current DnD-based SRD/license as closely as possible. We aren’t sure if this will happen or we’ll end up with 15 license/SRDs to choose from that call all those familiar expressions 15 different things. We’ll see.
There are others that suggest that you don’t need a license at all, as long as you don’t infringe copyright or trademarks, and whilst that is true, we need to be mindful of derivative works. In any case, this would exacerbate the multiple expressions issue.
Can we still use terms such as Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, hit points, Armour Class, etc? Do we need to rename them?
Can we still use the same spells? Is the Fly spell still okay if reworded?
Can we use the same monsters? Are Orcs and hobgoblins still okay to use along with their stat blocks?
We don’t believe anyone has tested the extent of acceptable deviations from the current WotC SRD expressions with Wizards of the Coast in a courtroom setting. We won’t be the ones taking that risk at this stage.
What’s Our Plan?
We rely on a great team of freelancers and we want to keep creating great products with them. We want to handle their copyrights correctly and jumping reactively to a license that doesn’t protect their content is irresponsible and wrong. Additionally, we also need to keep the bills paid, the lights on, and computers powered up. In order to do that we need to evolve and future proof ourselves and our freelancers going forward.
As a creator of content primarily for old school retroclones, such as Swords & Wizardry and Old School Essentials, what the other old school third party publishers do is important, not only us, but also the fans of those systems and consequently, our fans!
MonkeyBlood Design & Publishing will see how these emerging licenses and SRDs (System Reference Documents) pan out. We want to use something that honours old school systems and also makes it as simple to use with our existing OGL 1.0a-released content. We want it to be seamless.
Our Products
We have products that are unaffected by the OGL, such as HandyMaps, bookmarks, folded A2 maps, etc. but everything else is published under OGL 1.0a. most importantly…
The Midderlands
The Midderlands Expanded
The City of Great Lunden
and other associated Midderlands products
It looks like we will be able to continue to sell our OGL 1.0a licensed products, but new products must be reassessed.
Going forward, Faecal Lands and Ryecroft will be converted to whatever the new license of choice becomes. Then, we need to reprint The Midderlands (third printing) and we’ll update that to the new license too.
To Close
It’s a time of great uncertainty at the moment, but I’m assured and confident in the ability of our hobby to thrive through change.
Lots of things to tell you about on the blog post today! Hopefully, the shape of things to come in 2023.
DriveThruRPG Massive 50% Off Sale
We are having a MASSIVE 50% OFF sale! I don’t run sales on DriveThruRPG very often, but this is a BIG one! Don’t miss out on some highly-acclaimed and award-winning gaming material including ENnie Award-winning and nominated titles. Ends 7th January 2023. Get them while they are HOT, HOT, HOT!
The following titles are included!
Setting Materials
The Midderlands – OSR Bestiary and Setting ENnie winning
The Midderlands Expanded ENnie nominated
The City of Great Lunden
The Midderlands – Rivers & Lakes
Midderzine Issue 1
Midderzine Issue 2
Midderzine Issue 3
Midderzine Issue 4
Midderzine Issue 5
Midderzine Issue 6
Midderzine Issue 7
Ascoleth: The Last Great City
Map Symbols & Icons
Havenland Fantasy Map Icon/Symbol Set/Pack
Narrasil Fantasy Map Icon/Symbol Set/Pack
Neath 3D Dungeon Map Components for SketchUp
Myrklund Fantasy Overland Map Icon/Symbol Set/Pack
The Bats of Saint Abbans – Books 1, 2 and 3 plus the Adventure Aid Cards
Rancid Canyons of the Floating Death Sheep (Swords & Wizardry, 5E and DCC versions)
YouTube Content from MonkeyBlood Design
We have really leant into the YouTube content which is hopefully the start of a wider push to create YouTube content rather than having multiple social media apps.
We’ll still keep Facebook and Twitter, but everything else is up in the air, so the best way to keep in touch if you don’t use those is to join our infrequent newsletter (fill out the details below) and/or follow our YouTube channel!
The brilliant Dave Wile took a look at The Midderlands Expandedand scored it a COLOSSAL 59/60! You can combine this with the massive DTRPG sales above and snag the glorious Midderlands settings for a pocket full of change!
Watch the video review of The Midderlands Expanded here, and remember to thumbs up the vid and subscribe to the captcorajus channel!
That’s it for now, so have a Happy New Year and see you in 2023.
