The woman who helped invent the “pick-your-path” fantasy genre for a generation of Dungeons & Dragons fans is back. Rose Estes, a foundational figure from the original TSR era, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for her new fantasy novel, Different, accompanied by a line of officially licensed collectable figures.
For those who spent their youth navigating the treacherous corridors of the Endless Quest books, Rose Estes needs little introduction. Her work served as the primary gateway into tabletop roleplaying for millions, translating the complex mechanics of TSR’s games into accessible, branching-path narratives. This new project, titled The Quest Continues, represents a return to form, blending her legacy of interactive storytelling with modern collectables.
A New Story of Misfit Heroes
The core of the project is the novel Different, which explores themes of identity and unconventional heroism. The narrative introduces a cast of characters that subvert classic fantasy tropes:
- Cinder: A young rainbow dragon born black instead of the usual brilliant spectrum.
- Roland: A bugbear who prefers poetry and reflection over the typical violence associated with his kind.
- Sheeple: A loyal, if perpetually confused, companion.
- Storm: A mysterious figure who leads through quiet confidence rather than overt power.
Collectibles
In a nod to the early hobby’s DIY spirit, the project includes a series of high-quality resin figures based on these characters. In true restro-style, the figures are being delivered unpainted.
Rose Estes, author and creator, explained in a statement:
This project is about continuity. These worlds never really left. This is an opportunity to bring them forward, in a form that feels tangible and lasting.”
The decision to leave the figures unpainted is a deliberate choice to mirror the “interactive legacy” of her books, inviting fans to provide the final creative touch. Higher reward tiers include a “Legendary Patron” level, which features a limited-edition figure of Rose Estes herself, designed to be displayed at the centre of the character collection.
The campaign is currently live on Kickstarter, with various tiers offering signed first editions, art prints, and the resin miniature line.
