AudioRPG and Palladium Books have confirmed a substantial expansion of their production partnership, bringing the 1995 cult classic Nightbane to both high-end physical and digital audio formats. Launching on the crowdfunding platform BackerKit on 19 May 2026, the campaign marks the first time the setting’s sourcebooks will be available as limited edition foil hardcovers.
The project encompasses the original Nightbane core rulebook, along with six essential expansions: Between the Shadows, Nightlands, Through the Glass Darkly, Shadows of Light, Dark Designs, and the Nightbane Survival Guide. Originally published at the height of the 1990s urban horror boom, C.J. Carella‘s setting follows “The Dark Day,” a global event in which the sun vanished for 24 hours, allowing the Nightlords to infiltrate human society. Players take on the roles of the Nightbane: ordinary humans who discovered they could transform into powerful, supernatural monsters.
While the campaign offers “first-ever” physical hardcovers, the most significant technical hurdle involves the translation of the Megaversal system into an audio format. Known for its mechanical density, the Palladium system relies heavily on complex tables, Structural Damage Capacity (S.D.C.) tracking, and multi-page character sheets. AudioRPG intends to bridge this gap with professional narration that serves as both an immersive experience and a tool for session preparation.
Kevin Siembieda, Publisher and Game Designer at Palladium Books, said in a statement:
The 7 limited edition Nightbane foil hardcover books are something every fan and Palladium collector is going to want. I know I do! Palladium Books has never offered any Nightbane sourcebooks as hardcovers. These books are truly something special. And the audiobooks are amazing. I’m wowed by the professional narrations and how they bring each book to life like never before. I love listening to them.”
The Nightbane launch seems to be the vanguard of a broader collaboration. AudioRPG has indicated that audio versions of other flagship Palladium Books titles, including Rifts RPG: Ultimate Edition, Beyond the Supernatural, and Heroes Unlimited, are also in development. This suggests a long-term strategy to modernise the “Megaverse” for a generation of players who increasingly consume roleplaying games content through podcasts and audiobooks.
In addition to the books, the campaign features a thematic dice box and a dedicated Nightbane dice set. The move to BackerKit reflects a growing trend among established tabletop publishers to shift away from traditional retail-first models and fund premium, niche editions directly through their communities.
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