Se7en Sagas

This month has been an exciting one for Se7en Sagas! I recently held a playtest session for Durandal, and I’m thrilled to say it was a great success. Not only was the game well received, but it also introduced new players to the TTRPG world, offering them a first taste of adventure and immersion. Seeing fresh faces light up with excitement as they dove into the world of mythic chivalry was a fantastic experience, and it reinforced the creative direction I’ve taken with Durandal.

You can get the Durandal Quickstart Edition here.

On the production front, I’m working diligently on The Ironbound Express, the latest campaign for Dawnfall. This project combines sci-fi horror elements with a tense, mystery-filled journey aboard a train in a dystopian world, where players face everything from AI-controlled threats to factional intrigue. I’m aiming to release The Ironbound Express in early December, just in time for the holidays, and I can’t wait for players to explore the storylines and challenges in this unique campaign.

You can get the Dawnfall Core Book here.

In parallel, I’m also developing the Durandal core book, which will officially launch on Gamefound in early 2025. This book will expand on the material in the quick-start guide and delve into Durandal‘s world, offering players and Game Masters everything they need to craft their own epic tales of valor, sacrifice, and fate. From lore and mechanics to character creation and campaign guides, Durandal will be a comprehensive journey into a mythic version of the Matter of France.

Why Diceless? The Heart of Effort Mechanics in Se7en Sagas Games

I’ve often been asked why I chose to design Dawnfall and Durandal as diceless games with an Effort counter. While I like to joke that the dice hate me and are plotting my downfall, the real reason runs deeper. In a traditional game with dice, each roll carries the same emotional weight — the outcome is up to chance, and players hope for the best with each roll. In contrast, with the Effort mechanic, every Test grows in emotional impact. Players have to make strategic decisions about when to spend their limited Effort, and the stakes feel higher as the session progresses. By choosing what is most important to their characters, players create a powerful narrative investment that goes beyond pure luck.

Thank you for following along on this journey! Keep an eye out for more updates on The Ironbound Express as we approach its December release, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for early 2025 — the Durandal crowdfunding campaign on Gamefound is just around the corner. By joining the campaign, you’ll not only get early access to exclusive content but also help bring this mythic chivalry world to life – and early followers on the campaign will get a special discount! Stay tuned for more news, previews, and behind-the-scenes insights, and let’s make Durandal a success together!