I tried to find a quote I really liked, that I could verify, to open up this article. Suffice to say it’s changed a bit after the murder of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and that’s not to forget all the others who’ve died in ICE custody in the last year let alone what we likely don’t even know has happened. I’m more angry than sad, so trying to finish this article over the weekend was difficult. Apologies if it feels less than it should, especially after not doing an article for a bit due to the holidays and some crazy busy work travel. However, I’m not sorry that I’m using my writing medium to remind and express my outrage. It has to stop and while maybe I can’t help make that change, or accomplish such through these words, I have to put it down to paper. We play these games to battle evil, to oppose tyranny, to remind ourselves to be good and support heroes.
I saw references to Matt Mercer talking about D&D teaching him empathy or Brennan Lee Mulligan calling out how these games aren’t escapism: they’re pretty much a rehearsal for fighting monsters in real life. That’s where we’re at. Easier for me to say without a family to be responsible for, but if we don’t all come together to oppose, then those in power will continue to use wealth and control systems against us. Capitalism and racism really are the tools of the enemy.
Before I get to the article, I’ll remind you what I reminded my team Monday morning: leaders have to take care of themselves first. It’s the airplane rule of putting your oxygen mask on first so you can help others. Do that. I was taught it first thing in a leadership class at good old University of Rhode Island. Try to find a moment’s peace. Eat a meal. Get what sleep you can. Exercise. It is okay to need to take a moment away, especially from the cesspool of social media. Make time with family and friends, and then maybe find some good new folks out there through volunteering or what have you.
Cause you’re gonna need to be rested, recovering all your spell slots and hit points, to fight those monsters.
Okay one more edit. I promise to talk more on these games later, when I have the spell slots to do so. However, I was/am excited by the gaming I got to do in 2025 and what’s ahead for 2026!
Kingmaker
The Kingmaker game we started back a few years ago is still going strong, and things are escalating. They dealt with the Bloom (I won’t spoiler exactly what happened there) but they dealt with it very quickly, wisely, and proved to their people that they truly are a welcoming community that wouldn’t succumb to goblin racism. I was thrilled by their choices, let alone their intelligence and great battles too! We’re at the point where a city group people has vanished and they’re about to get into a series of battles. It’ll be the end point of this chapter and I’m very excited for what comes next. I’ve been seeding in some elements I’ve gotten from others, some plot points tied to characters, and various companion questions like for Jubilost have arisen. I can’t wait to do more, though we keep having to cancel for weather/absences. Hopefully that’s handled but I do think I’ll have to start just shunting missing PCs off to handle other issues to keep momentum.
5th Conspiracy
I just finished my third season of 5th Conspiracy. That kickstarter / crowdfunding campaign is gonna come soon. I’m continually impressed, not only by the game but how great of a storyteller/player manager Stephen is. Things have been rough in the real world after all, so fighting a really cruel, manipulative tyrant IC can be challenging. I of course am finding it therapeutic, especially as my character Ardent is such a white hat, well-meaning dude. He was an Angel, but he came back to life a Saint with powers to heal and shield others. I did channel a little white fire, but I was saving a vampiress under the control of that tyrant! We ended up keeping everyone who was with us in the final battle alive, but unfortunately our HQ got hit and we found around 10 deceased there. Casualties of not the battle but the war. It was sad, especially considering recent events and this is just a game of supernatural politics. Ardent does not feel like they won.
Urban Shadows
We finished season 1 of our Urban Shadows game with a goblin fete that of course became a combat zone. I have been played a Tainted, basically a demonic (in my case devilish) servant to a greater fiend, Lux. That fiend loves good alcohol, the company of gentlemen, and is a flirtatious incubus type! My character has been ramping power, primarily because he makes deals, helps people, and interacts with many others. However, my fellow players figured out my character Alejandro is a little less evil than maybe they worried he was. In fact, he’s a romantic! I set up a secret with the GM (Daniel of Order of the Amber Die) that the fiend he works for was the love of his life. But ya know those powers that be don’t like great evil fiends finding redemption so he was cursed and forgot Alejandro. Well Alejandro ain’t giving up and he’s gonna be with his guy one way or the other. I might call it Heated Vassalry. BTW if you haven’t watched Heated Rivalry, do. If you’re old enough anyway, but it’s truly heartwarming media that just starts very maturely rated. I hope to see Alejandro again because he needs to save his Lux.
What I Didn’t Play
Unfortunately I didn’t really get to 3 game types I wanted to try: Candela Obscura, Eldritch Automata, or anything Essence 20. I’m really reminded of my convo with famed GM Adam from Order of the Amber Die. We only have so much time to play games. Play the games you want. Make them worth it. Well dang it, I want to play them all! I did get a taste of Daggerheart at PAX Unplugged and I’ve been keeping atop of it, but I’d like something deeper with Candela. Hoping for a mini series of a few episodes like they did with the show on Critical Role. Same goes for Eldritch Automata once I can with Gehenna. But Essence 20, that’s two years in a row I didn’t play. I really really must beg Ryan to get me into some playtest, even a one shot. Maybe I can find such at a con. P.S. not going to Gen Con again due to family weddings (yes 2!) in August. I really am interested in the Welcome to Night Vale and that’s been fully fulfilled, so perhaps I can find it now!
Impossible
I’ve actually had to update this area because I just had my pre-session 0 review with our GM. Our Age of Ashes game ended earlier last year and now, I’ve a new game starting that my friend Mike is hosting based in the Impossible Lands. I’ll be testing out the Necromancer, awaiting the final rules with Impossible Magic’s release at GenCon. Someone else will be an Exalted, a Cleric, a Rogue, and a Bard. They found out in their pre-sesison 0 reviews that I’d be a Necromancer so I got to drop the details. I’m quite excited as I’ve always wanted to play one, and never even tried with a Cleric or Wizard. I did briefly play as an Oracle with a fiery/negative energy bend but never an actual necromancer. Pet class here we go! Considering the high magic of Nex and the actual undead focus of Geb, I’m quite excited to explore the magic and implications. It’ll be a fairly mature, gray-morals kind of game, which if you’ve read Impossible Lands really fits the campaign area.
Warrenguard
I’ve told you about Natalie’s amazing Warrenguard game and now the physical books are in! I am talking about a one shot to be held here on the channel. Shh, even the staff didn’t know that til they read this. Let’s see who asks to get involved eh? I really want others to see how amazing this found-family, dragon flight game is and I think that’s a perfect opportunity. If enough people want to play I might even step back so more can enjoy. I of course love Pathfinder2E, but happy to continue to showcase amazing indy games here on Know Direction. I might play a Caretaker if/when I play next. The Old Timer is one I’d like to save for a longer game for when that happens.
Last Kiss
Speaking of amazing indy games, right at the end of November I got that quick one shot of Last Kiss, and kindly Brian has allowed me to join into the next stage of playtesting in a mini season! I get to try a new skin/character type too. Hopefully I’ll get to talk about that soon. Always nice when the GM trusts you to try out the new thing. I did really love the Mothman. This will be five or six episodes, off camera. However, I’ve already talked to Brian about doing a game also live on the channel. So yes, my fellow staff, if you’re reading this… would you like to play a teenager as the end times draw nigh? Now is most definitely your chance! You can go to the backerkit and do a late pledge to play now.
I hope you’re finding some great games for yourself, friends, and family as we go into 2026. Escapism is good, letting it prep you to fight real life monsters even better, but do what’s right for you. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! More than ever please remember to support one another and much love to all!
Investing In:
I wasn’t quite sure what to name my article series when I first started but the idea of showcasing or discussing things that make me excited, that I find new and interesting, or maybe I’m otherwise passionate about seemed to fit with the idea of Investing In something like the Pathfinder 2E mechanic. To use some magic items you have to give that little bit of yourself, which helps make these things even better. I like the metaphor of the community growing and being strengthened in the same way!
I also want to hear what you’re Investing In! Leave me a comment below about what games, modules, systems, products, people, live streams, etc you enjoy! You can also hit me up on social media as silentinfinity. I want to hear what excites you and what you’re passionate about. There’s so much wonderful content, people, groups (I could go on) in this community of ours that the more we invest in and share, the better it becomes!
Sources
Banner – So It Begins meme, Lord of the Rings obviously, specifically The Two Towers. If you didn’t know this, please go watch the trilogy.
- Streets of Minneapolis, Bruce Springsteen
- Kingmaker Adventure Path, Paizo
- 5th Conspiracy, AED Publishing, Stephen Koontz
- Urban Shadows 2E, Magpie Games
- Candela Obscura, Darrington Press
- Welcome to Night Vale Roleplaying Game, Renegade Games
- Warrenguard cover, Luck of the Harbor, Natalie Pudim, art by Natalie Chenard
- Last Kiss cover, Brian Liberge
