Milan-based publisher Mana Project Studio, the team behind the official Ghost in the Shell roleplaying game and the award-winning Nightfell setting, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Runeway. This journey-focused tabletop roleplaying game explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and chosen family. The project is currently live and has already smashed its initial funding goal of £8,689, securing over £42,000 from backers eager to explore a surreal new setting.
The campaign will close on April 7, 2026, funding the physical production of the core rules, maps, and custom accessories.
In Runeway, players do not take on the roles of traditional combat-focused heroes. Instead, three to seven players explore the surreal world of Weyrd, travelling through vitrified deserts, impossible cities, and technological ruins. The game emphasises transformation and authenticity, encouraging groups to partake in non-violent demonstrations to defend natural magic and update a shared Travelogue with memories, photographs, and music.
Milestones and Runes
A standard session lasts between two and four hours and is framed as a “Milestone.” Each Milestone is broken down into three distinct phases: Getting Ready to Leave, On the Road, and a Well-Deserved Rest.
The narrative progression abandons traditional dice in favour of a tactile rune-drawing mechanic. Players must overcome obstacles known as “Seals” by drawing physical Futhark runes from a cloth bag to unlock fragments of the challenge. These draws dictate whether an action results in a full success, a success with consequences, or a failure.
Mapping Weyrd and Managing Magic
Journey mapping is a physical activity at the table. Each group uses a foldable cardboard map and removable stickers to mark their unique route and generate new locations, ensuring no two versions of Weyrd are ever the same.
Along the road, players will encounter two conflicting forces. Natural Magic is ecological, powerful, and borrowed by Witches from the spirits. Conversely, Artificial Magic is highly technological; Wizards trap spirits inside batteries to power everyday items like walkmans, arcade cabinets, and vehicles. However, excessive use of this artificial power destabilises the Aether, triggering catastrophic events that players must navigate.
For groups wanting to test the mechanics before committing, Mana Project Studio has released a free Starter set to immediately trial the journey system. You can see our thoughts on the mechanics in Geek Native’s Runeway TTRPG Quickstart review.
Reward Tiers
The campaign offers several tiers, with rewards available in both English and Italian.
- Pledge €20 (approx. £18): Still Packing. The digital entry tier.
- Pledge €45 (approx. £40): On The Road. A standard physical tier.
- Pledge €75 (approx. £66): Definitely Not Lost. An upgraded physical and digital package.
- Pledge €99 (approx. £87): Charging Station – Retailers Only. A dedicated tier for retail stores to access the pledge manager.
- Pledge €100 (approx. £87): True Runedrifter. The featured premium bundle packed with physical accessories.
- Pledge €500 (approx. £435): Travelogue Keeper. The ultimate limited-quantity collector’s tier.
The project is all-or-nothing and will close on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. Estimated delivery for physical rewards is June 2027.
