MimicsNMisfits, an independent tabletop group based in Rotterdam, New York, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for Duality. Led by creator Matt, the project offers a 228-page core rulebook for a 2d6 fail-forward tabletop roleplaying game. Designed to mash up popular genres like Cyberpunk, High Fantasy, Modern Horror, and the Wild West, the system accommodates both speedy one-shots and long-form campaigns.
Currently running on Kickstarter, the campaign seeks to formalise a system that has been in development and playtesting for four years. Following a successful showcase at PAX Unplugged late last year, the team is now raising funds to cover physical printing and broader distribution. Duality aims to put mutual storytelling and character autonomy at the forefront of the tabletop experience, and curious players can even tune in to a live play of a space-horror adventure tonight, April 16th, on the creator’s streaming channels.
The Mechanics of Mashing Genres
Duality uses a 2d6 system for Attack, Generic, or Skill checks, adding relevant abilities or skills to the roll. The core philosophy is a fail-forward approach, ensuring the narrative maintains momentum even when the dice introduce unexpected complications.
Characters are built using a combination of twenty different Archetypes across the four core genres. As highlighted in the campaign’s artwork, players can adopt roles such as The Gearhead, who can fix or break anything with moving parts, The Healer with their restorative tinctures, The Occultist dabbling in supernatural magic, or The Sawbones, a doctor who is handy with a saw. To prevent character overlap and ensure everyone gets a spotlight moment, the game employs a “Unique Feature” system. This mechanic grants characters high-power, breakaway moves tied to their core concept.
The Unique Feature system eliminates any fear that you’re going to be butting heads if you and another player double up Archetypes.”
– Candace, @CandaceTheMagnificent
Accessibility at the Core
A significant aspect of the Duality project is its proactive approach to accessibility in roleplaying games. The creators have actively collaborated with Open The Gates Gaming and the DOTS RPG Project to ensure the system is accessible to a wide range of players.
This commitment manifests in practical game design choices. Duality relies on low-math mechanics and encourages “Theatre of the Mind” gameplay to reduce the cognitive load and physical requirements at the table. The team is also developing screen reader-friendly character sheets and conducting thorough reviews to ensure the book’s layout is colourblind-friendly.
I’m Matt, a queer and neurodivergent creator who loves math, science, and telling stories with friends… Putting together this TTRPG system has been both a privilege, and an incredible undertaking.” – Matt, MimicsNMisfits
Backing the Project
Rather than simply offering a flat list of options, the Duality campaign provides a few focused entry points Beyond the premium physical bundle previously highlighted, the Duality campaign features several other accessible pledge tiers for players and game masters looking to bring this 2d6 roleplaying game to their table. Please note that several discounted ‘Early Bird’ variations of these tiers are also available for early backers.
- Pledge $140 (approx. £104): Storyteller’s Bundle. Geared towards game masters, this tier includes the softcover rulebook, the digital PDF, and a fully interchangeable physical Range Finder equipped with genre-specific inserts for Cyberpunk, High Fantasy, Modern Horror, and the Wild West.
- Pledge $3 (approx. £3): Thank You From Us! Backers at this level will have their names immortalised in the “Supporters Like You” section of the rulebook’s first print run.
- Pledge $30 (approx. £23): Core Companion. This tier secures a physical 6×9″ full-colour softcover copy of the rulebook, featuring a perfect-bound matte finish, alongside the digital PDF.
- Pledge $110 (approx. £81): Librarian’s Bundle. Designed to equip entire gaming groups, this package provides four physical softcover copies of the rulebook and a digital PDF so the whole table is ready to dive in.
The Duality campaign operates on an all-or-nothing funding model. The project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2:02 AM BST. Physical rewards are estimated to be delivered to backers in January 2027.
