Life without Wizards as Trapdoor take Codename: Morningstar to Kickstarter

This pitch for Codename: Morningstar talks about stories. It’s worth knowing the back story to Trapdoor Technologies before watching the video, I think. It began with Wizards of the Coast appointing Trapdoor to build the D&D 5e digital toolset. We don’t know what happened. There was a change of heart and the two companies stopped working together. Trapdoor did share a fictional story of some ‘aquatic spellcasters’ stealing their magical tools. Perhaps that’s a clue.

Now Trapdoor are looking to continue their project, not with Hasbro’s money but with yours. You can get all the details on Kickstarter.

[Back this Campaign]

I’ll admit that I’m tempted to support this campaign just to help out a spunky little company that’s taken some bad news but is refusing to quit.

Let’s peak at the details though. They’re after $425,000 in backing. That’s a huge amount for a tabletop accessory. There have been attempts before but you may struggle to think of any successes at this level. There’s been some miniature campaigns that have hit this heights. Can you think of any software campaigns?

At the time of writing there are 29 days on the clock, this campaign launched yesterday, and now there’s 200 backers with nearly $11,000 in the pot. If they take $11,000 every day for 29 days then they’ll hit $319,000. Nevertheless; this is do-able. Given the history with Wizards of the Coast the potential for wide spread courage and support is high.

Importantly; Codename: Morningstar looks pretty good!

I game with a tablet. I game with a tablet even when I’m in a rules light homebrew in which dice get rolled once a month. Why? Lots of names, notes and ideas to capture, check on cross reference.

A backing of $25 gets you a full copy of Morningstar with access to all player content and functionality. A backing of $50 gets you a full copy of Morningstar with player and GM content and functionality. You’ll also get a Kickstarter-only adventure to get the campaign starter.

The project page doesn’t mention D&D. Trapdoor say that their Library will be packed full of content written and submitted by homebrew and indie authors.