Dynamite Entertainment, the comics publisher behind hits like The Boys, just announced their plans to help develop a tabletop role-playing game based on ThunderCats, the beloved ’80s animated series (and current Dynamite comic). The game launched today on Kickstarter, and has already raised about $12,000.
In a press release, Dynamite announced that Lynnvander Studios has designed and written the campaign and setting book compatible with the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Lynnvander brought together TTG notables including Tommy Gofton, Devin Wilson, Bryan CP Steele, Josh Derksen, and Adam Petkovic for the project, which follows their previous collaborations with Dynamite, which includes the recent Reanimator game.
Here’s how the publisher describes the game book: “Across nearly 250 pages of mechanics and lore, featuring official artwork and masterful design, gamers can live their own adventures ripped from their Saturday morning memories or the latest blockbuster official comic books from Dynamite. Harnessing the power of Thundrillium, players will sustain their technology, pilot starships through cosmic storms, wield enchanted armaments and ancient spells. On the plains of Third Earth, laser rifles and mystic blades alike clash, wizards and robots duel, and vital resources include both raw courage and energy cells. This indispensable tome brings the action, spectacle, and excitement of ThunderCats to the tabletop setting and game nights for many years to come.
“For hardcore ‘Cats fans, it’s also stuffed full of rich reference material and visions of the franchise, enjoyable in many ways even just for a read! Within, readers will find information on the Code of Thundera, artifacts including the Book of Omens and Eye of Thundera, major history from the Great Migration, war with Plun-Darr, exodus to Third Earth, and the rise of Mumm-Ra.
“Through the character creation process, players can pick from among newly created subclasses like the Mechanist, Path of Collision, College of Omens, Ancient Spirits of Evil and Good Domain, Circle of the Croft, Operator, Warrior of the Claw, Oath of Destiny, Evil-Chaser, Heckler, Metamorphosis Sorcery, Mongor Patron, and Magician. Then a wide variety of character backgrounds are presented, with the “open book” design also allowing creative players to craft their own. Thunderian builds can opt to be strong, fast, tough, clever, wise, or proud in establishing their appearance and abilities. Those looking for some extra fun or unique playstyle can play as Humans, Snarfs, Berbils, Snowfolk, Tuska, and even Mu’Tants (with multiple factions and forms available!). Countless further abilities, stats, and mechanics then follow ensuring each and every adventure offers a unique experience.
“Character bios and full skills and stats are also available for nearly every established character from the existing ThunderCats mythos, either to encounter and ally with during players’ journeys or to adapt their build and embody their favorites. This includes the likes of Lion-O, Cheetara, Bengali, Tygra, Jaga, Lynx-O, Panthro, Pumyra, WilyKat, WilyKit, Snarf, and even plenty of villainous icons.”
Per the announcement, the game book also details settings from Third Earth, New Thundera, and across the cosmos, including other dimensions (which are broken down and able to be explored through gameplay). Players can use a vast range of equipment and vehicles, with them all accessible on adventures. The book comes complete with visuals and a comprehensive index.
The book, now available for preorder on Kickstarter, is available in three editions. The base hardcover version features David Nakayama‘s cover for ThunderCats #1, which kicked off the Dynamite era of new stories in comic books. A limited-edition printing takes Nakayama’s illustration and focuses on Lion-O, puts him in front of a bursting franchise logo, and shines with red accents. And if a deluxe edition is your jam, fans can opt for a top-of-the-line leatherbound edition, featuring the ThunderCats logo on the cover.
The campaign runs though January 16.
