Actual Play Shows During SAG Strike, Planescape's Level Bump, Fledge Witch English Dub - TTRPG News 7/20/23

Welcome back to another edition of StartPlaying’s TTRPG news! We’re here to bring you the biggest stories in tabletop gaming, and every week we pick out a handful of the most impactful and interesting happenings. This time around, we learn more about how the ongoing Hollywood strike might cross over into TTRPG media. Also, Dungeons & Dragons shares Planescape details, A cozy Japanese game sets its sights West, and Root is on sale. 

Critical Role, Dimension 20, And Other Actual Plays Can Still Stream During Strikes

The Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are on strike, putting a halt on any active production of Hollywood projects while they fight for better treatment from studios. Yet while movies and TV might be on hold, actual play TTRPG shows are good to go. 

Polygon spoke to representatives from several big name podcasts and streams who confirm that their shows are not produced under the striking unions. Even Critical Role, which has SAG actors in its cast, does not need to stop. The company did express solidarity with the striking actors, but will still stream weekly as usual for the time being. Dimension 20, since it is released through the Dropout streaming service, is stopping production while it figures out how its performers’ connection to SAG is affected by the strike. In the meantime, however, Dropout has enough pre-recorded content to last the rest of the year.  

D&D’s Planescape Adventure Goes From Levels 3-10 Then Jumps To 17

A new D&D Beyond post provides details about Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse. The October 17 release will repeat the Spelljammer: Adventures in Space format of three books in a boxed set. One will be a setting guide to Sigil with new spells and feats, another will be a monster manual with rules for giving monsters a planar power-up, and the last will be a 96-page campaign. The campaign will be the most game-changing, as it “takes characters from 3rd to 10th level, with a thrilling bump to 17th level!” How that bump is achieved is unknown, but it is an intriguing way to add more high-level content.

Fledge Witch Announces English Release After Huge Japanese Debut

Fledge Witch: The Magical Apprentices of Elemeria is a Japanese TTRPG done in the style of cute witch stories like Little Witch Academia or Kiki’s Delivery Service. The GM plays a head witch that guides apprentices through their study of magic, with the focus being on learning magic rather than combat or conquest. The lovely art and wholesome vibes catapulted Fledge Witch into selling out its original print run in days, reports Dicebreaker. As a result, a Kickstarter for an English-language version with new art and adventure content is planned for later this year. 

Root Bundle Is A Lot Of Animal Adventure For $15

If your group is looking to get away from the dungeons, they might appreciate this bundle. Based on the popular board game, Root: The Roleplaying Game puts players in the role of adorable animals fighting to restore peace to their forest. The Root Bundle of Holding offers the core book, two expansions, and four quickstart adventures all for $15. It’s a great way to get started and keep playing, plus 10% of your payment will go towards the Direct Relief charity. 

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That brings this batch of news to a close! Have a fun weekend, stay in the air con and play TTRPGS!