For nearly 50 years, art has been an important compent of the Dungeons & Dragons experience. The art style has changed with the game, evolving from simple line art to full-color painted pieces that inspire players and dungeon masters alike. Even though many RPG books emulate the full-color hardback style of D&D there’s also a movement that’s pushing back with a raw, hadmade style.
Exalted Funeral stands as a hub for many of these games. While many role playing games want to aim for epic fantasy in the vein of Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, these games have a much different target. Many want to emulate the down and dirty feeling of an older style of game.
OSR, Weird Fantasy And More
These games, often collected under the term OSR, pit players and Dungeon Masters on a more antagonistic footing. Dungeon Masters are encouraged to throw challenges at players that might best be avoided rather than confronted head on. OSR games lean into the challenge of making the player use their wits to ensure their character’s survival.
Many of the games also lean into weird fantasy that goes beyond the usual elves and wizards. Sometimes it leans into whimsy with adventures set inside the belly of a massive beast or crawling up the side of a beanstalk. Sometimes the books go dark and offer shadowy mazes full of demons from which neither light nor hope can escape. Sometimes it’s a little of both.
The creators also offer options that use D&D Fifth Edition engine. These classics, spells, magic items and adventures all offer something off the beaten path. Perfect selections to give a homebrew a unique flavor or to really change things up after a long Forgotten Realms campaign.
These explorations are backed up by a wild collection of art styles. They can look like everything from a handmade zine that looks like it was handed out at an illegal basement concert to a slick guide that wouldn’t look out of place in a corporate training library. No two seelctions from Exalted Funeral will ever look alike, which is refreshing in a time of IP unity and careful trade dress.
The Endless Summoner Sale
Fans who want to explore the type of games Exalted Funeral have an opportunity pick up a batch of great games during the Endless Summoner Sale. Titles across the site are on sale for 20% off with a select few on sale for 40% off. The sale runs from now until July 31st.
Part of the sale includes a Free RPG PDF Bundle. Fans can download the bundle for free but they can also choose to make a donation to Cat Town which helps improve the lives of shelter cats. The bundle offers a great value at any amount.
For those who truly want to embrace the Exalted Funeral aesthetic the company also offers merchandise like flying disks, beach towels and T-shirts during the sale. A company that pushes their art forward makes a smart choice by offering it on wearables. The popularity of RPGs mean fans want to show off their favorite games even when they’re not playing.
Exalted Funeral offers RPG fans a chance to try something different. It collects dozens of small press authors together to make some truly strange fantasy role playing. For tables that want some style with their substance, it’s a great place to start.
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