New Solo Journaling Game! Shards of Remorsica Unfolds on Patreon

Shards of Remorsica | a solo journaling fantasy game for artists and writers | patreon.com/booksofm

Today, I’m pleased to announce a new months-long project unfolding on Patreon. Titled “Shards of Remorsica,” I’m designing a high-fantasy solo journaling game powered by tarot for artists and writers.

In Shards of Remorsica, you play a solo journaling game answering prompts and shuffling cards. Your character is a mythical creature who once thrived aeons ago–but you don’t know which type you are or what magical powers you hold. Reduced to consciousness, you rebuild yourself one day at a time.

As a narrative designer, I’m really excited about this project and its potential for new and existing creators. I hope that you’ll join my Patreon to walk with me on this journey. My first rewards for Patrons were released in May: I’ve offered a draft of the cover and my initial brainstorming notes. There’s a lot more to come!

Patrons will receive a complimentary copy of the game when it’s released. There may be additional rewards as this project progresses. Unlike into shadow: a poetic exploration of personal fears, which was a month-long Patreon project, or Pinching Tarts, a Wonderland-themed game I designed for PocketQuest, Shards of Remorsica’s development will unfold month-by-month until the game has been playtested and polished for publication.

I hope you’ll join me and my existing patrons at patreon.com/booksofm on a journey of mythical discovery.

Until next time,

Monica Valentinelli




This post contains DriveThruRPG.com affiliate links.

The Dagon Collection Nominated for a 2025 World Fantasy Award

The Dagon Collection

Edited by Nate Pedersen, The Dagon Collection has been nominated for a 2025 World Fantasy Award in the anthology category. In 1928, Federal agents raided the lodge of the Esoteric Order of Dagon, a notorious cult that had taken over the town of Innsmouth, Massachusetts. What they discovered there shocked and dismayed them in equal measure. Strange, curious, and devilish items from all over the world had been gathered by cult members on voyages across all the known ― and unknown ― seas. Priceless art, books, weaponry, jewelry, nautical instruments, and coins were all found, along with objects both prosaic and uncanny, with uses that could only be guessed at.

If you’re keen on picking up a copy, PS Publishing is sold out at the moment. You can find the hardcover tome at bookstores and libraries though! Congrats to Nate and my fellow contributors!

Want to read other works by all the nominees? Reactor Mag has the full list of 2025 World Fantasy Award finalists.

50-75% Off Sale on OGL-Affected #TTRPG Titles

Red 20-Sided Dice Illustration from Wikimedia Commons

In light of discussions regarding a leaked draft of the OGL, several gaming publishers have put their games on sale.

Click Here to Save 50-75% off all of my Scarred Lands titles and several other games, adventures, and characters.

I’m not sure how long the sales will last or what’s to come. I do know that licensing is extremely complicated (OGL stands for Open Game License) and often requires an attorney’s review. My DMsGuild titles fall under a separate license, so those are not affected. At the moment, I’m waiting to make any further decisions or comments at this time until the new OGL is released and attorneys have a chance to review it.



[New Release] One Night in the Catacombs Urban Fantasy Party Game

One Night in the Catacombs | a party game for three or more Guests | Monica Valentinelli | Cover Art

One Night in the Catacombs begins with your invitation to a fancy party that takes place in Naples, Italy. You and your friends are influencers invited to explore a newly-discovered section of the Catacombe di San Gennaro at midnight. You are all Guests who begin play as yourselves, just as you are now.

One Night in the Catacombs is a party game for three or more Guests (or players). In this edition, you’ll find:

  • set-up instructions
  • setting
  • rules
  • suggestions for props
  • examples
  • advice for your Maven (or host)
  • customizations for LARP and tabletop play
  • …and more!

As the title suggests, this party game can be played in one evening.

When asked why she set her party game in the catacombs, Monica said:

“After getting caught up on my favorite shows, I wanted to design a fun party game that didn’t take a long time to learn and could be played in one night. When I was brainstorming themes, my first thought was ‘How about necromancy?’ Only, it’s really hard to find an affordable lich these days and teach folks the proper spells in a few hours. Frustrated, I skimmed Twitter and was inspired by #MosaicMonday. The catacombs seemed like a nice, thematic compromise–with huge apologies, of course, to actual archaeologists and historians.”

Worried about dice? Playing cards? Need to skim the rules first? Don’t worry! The setting, rules, and objectives are presented to you as part of your gaming experience. When you download this game, you’ll find you already have everything you need to play.

Your Maven will also find stylistic suggestions to help guide your party with a feather-light or firm hand. And for the gaming aficionado, you’ll read about the game’s design philosophy, player tips, suggestions for props, and a FAQ, too–plus bookmarks!

For more games by the designer, browse games by Monica Valentinelli on DriveThruRPG.com.



Mark the Date for sub-Q Magazine’s February Issue!

Hello readers,

I am thrilled to announce that I have a brand new interactive fiction game coming out in Sub-Q Magazine‘s February 2020 issue!

sub-Q February 2020 announcement

All games in the issue have an environmental theme; mine is a watery one. The working title of my piece is “Underwater Memories”. Stewart C. Baker has been a joy to collaborate with for edits and I’ve been having fun with Twine. I can’t wait to share this story with you.

Curious about interactive fiction? Check out sub-Q’s interactive fiction archives and have fun! These narrative games are a blast to play!

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