Iron Crown Enterprises (ICE) is taking the complexity out of its high-crunch systems by bringing Rolemaster Unified to the digital front line with an imminent release on Foundry VTT.
The move marks a significant shift for the publisher, which is prioritising digital automation to help players manage the intricate mechanics of its flagship roleplaying game. Nicholas, Director at Iron Crown Enterprises, confirmed that the rollout will be staggered to ensure stability, beginning with the RMU Core Law on a Thursday, followed by Spell Law, Creature Law, and Treasure Law on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the following week.
Automation for the Chartmaster
For a system affectionately (and sometimes fearfully) known as “Chartmaster,” the transition to Foundry VTT is more than just a convenience. The platform’s ability to automate the legendary critical hit tables and situational modifiers of Rolemaster Unified could significantly lower the barrier to entry for new players.
Nicholas said in a statement,
My intention is that we will release RMU Core Law on the closest Thursday that our colleagues in Foundry are comfortable with and then release Spell Law, Creature Law and Treasure Law on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the following week. I am deliberately spacing the releases in case we have any immediate post-release bugs.”
The digital push extends beyond Foundry. Existing support via ERA and Roll20 will continue, with Brett from the ICE team tracking every new RMU release to ensure Roll20 analogues remain up to date. For those who prefer to keep their rules on a second screen or in physical form, the current core library is already available at [suspicious link removed].
Expanding the Unified Library
While the software team focuses on VTT implementation, the writing desk at ICE remains busy. The first volume of Creature Law is now available in print following its debut at Gen Con 2025, and the team is now “pressing hard” to complete the second volume.
Fans can also expect the Arcane Companion to enter its first full draft in the coming months, while the Character Companion has undergone a second editing sweep with new material added.
HARP and the Shadow World Conversion
The High Adventure Roleplaying line is also seeing movement. Banecroft: The Mage’s Tale has been updated with RMU statistics and is expected to launch as a PDF at the end of January. Progress is also being made on HARP Steampunk, which has moved into the final rule-adjustment phase, and Something Wicked Something Wondrous, which has seen an expansion of 30,000 words.
Perhaps most significant for long-term fans is the status of Shadow World. ICE has completed a full draft of an RMU conversion guide for the setting. Once released, the company will formally solicit volunteers to help transition the vast library of sourcebooks originally created by the late Terry K. Amthor. This community-driven approach suggests ICE is looking to preserve the setting’s legacy while modernising it for the new unified ruleset.
Conventions and Community
Looking ahead to the summer, ICE has confirmed its return to Gen Con 2026 with a dedicated stand in Entrepreneurs Avenue. The publisher intends to debut at least one new print product at the show, though they are currently playing their cards close to their chest regarding which title it will be. UK fans can also find the team at Dragonmeet later in the year.
As Nicholas prepares for a busy 2026, his personal reading list, ranging from Brian R. Stableford’s Daedalus novels to Juliet E. McKenna’s The Green Man’s Heir, reflects the same blend of science fiction and folklore that has defined the ICE catalogue for decades.
