British game design firm Brittannia Game Designs Ltd (BGD), renowned for their roleplaying game Chivalry & Sorcery, has announced a partnership with award-winning fantasy author Elizabeth Moon to create the first officially licensed tabletop roleplaying game based on her beloved Paksworld series.
This news means fans will soon be able to immerse themselves in the gritty, high-adventure setting of Moon’s novels, following in the footsteps of the quintessential paladin, Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter.
Two Paths to Adventure: 5E and Skillskape
BGD is taking a dedicated approach by developing two distinct game editions. One edition will utilise Wizards of the Coast LLC’s forthcoming System Reference Document 5.2, under the Creative Commons license. This will allow players familiar with the popular 5th Edition ruleset to transition into the world of Paksworld easily.
The other edition will employ a custom version of Brittannia’s Skillskape game engine. Skillskape is designed to offer a versatile and dramatic narrative-focused gameplay experience.
Both editions will share the same artwork and setting details, ensuring a consistent experience of the world of Paksenarrion, with the rules as the primary difference.
A World Beloved by Gamers
The Paksworld novels, starting with The Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy (Sheepfarmer’s Daughter, Divided Allegiance, and Oath of Gold), have long held a special place in the hearts of tabletop gamers. Elizabeth Moon even drew inspiration from her husband’s tabletop roleplaying campaigns when creating the initial trilogy.
BGD’s managing director and chief designer, Stephen Turner, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasising the vibrant authenticity of Moon’s world and the opportunity to bring Paksenarrion’s heroism to the tabletop.
Wizards of the Coast’s SRD 5.2 rules will offer a new, more flexible approach to 5E compatible gaming—and these are the current version of the rules that originally inspired Elizabeth to create Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter.
At the same time, our own Skillskape game engine has been refined over 30 years to present a narrative approach to gaming that is both dramatic and authentic.
Elizabeth Moon shared her enthusiasm, stating,
I’m very excited to see a Paks-related game in the works! I hope people have as much fun playing in Paksworld as I had writing it.”
Coming Soon to Kickstarter
Development of Paksworld: The Roleplaying Game is already underway, and BGD plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign later this year. This will allow fans to support the game’s creation and secure their own copies of this highly anticipated tabletop experience.
The World of Paksenarrion product line will be a new addition to Brittannia Game Designs’ existing offerings, including Chivalry & Sorcery 5th edition and the Essence lines, which have new products planned for 2025.
