Stockholm-based publisher Free League Publishing has announced Legends of Stormbringer, a new officially licensed tabletop roleplaying game based on the dark fantasy works of Michael Moorcock. The game is currently scheduled for a 2027 release and will transport players to the Young Kingdoms, a setting defined by warring deities and tragic heroism.
The project marks a significant mechanical shift for the license, as Legends of Stormbringer will be powered by the rules engine found in Dragonbane. While Dragonbane is celebrated for its accessible and “mirth and mayhem” approach to fantasy, Free League intends to adapt these mechanics to mirror the deadly and dynamic nature of Michael Moorcock’s multiverse.
A key pillar of the new edition is the return of Richard Watts as the lead setting writer. Richard Watts is a veteran of the franchise, having previously defined the tabletop interpretation of the Young Kingdoms through his work on earlier Stormbringer roleplaying games. His involvement suggests a bridge between the classic lore of the 1990s and the modern design philosophy of the Swedish “Year Zero” movement.
The announcement comes at a time when Stockholm has solidified its position as a global hub for independent RPGe development. As the city prepares for major seasonal gaming events, the acquisition of such a high-profile British literary license by a Swedish studio highlights the ongoing international expansion of the Nordic design aesthetic.
Tomas Härenstam, CEO of Free League Publishing, said in a statement:
This has been in the works for several months, and we’re thrilled to finally share the news. We are honoured to bring Elric and the Young Kingdoms to the table once more.”
While the core mechanics are rooted in the award-winning Dragonbane system, fans might be questioning the system fit for such a tonally heavy setting. Dragonbane is often noted for its speed and relatively light-hearted lethality, whereas the stories of Elric of Melniboné are famously steeped in nihilism and cosmic tragedy. The challenge for Tomas Härenstam and Richard Watts will be ensuring the broken-luck and soul-stealing themes of the source material aren’t lost in a system designed for high-paced adventure.
The visual identity of the game will lean heavily into the series’ heritage, featuring artwork by Michael Whelan, the artist responsible for the most iconic Elric book covers. Although the current cover design is a work in progress, the use of Michael Whelan’s portfolio reinforces the project’s goal of satisfying long-term enthusiasts.
Specifics regarding crowdfunding dates and the full creative roster have not yet been disclosed. However, Free League has confirmed that further details will be revealed as development progresses toward the 2027 launch window.
For readers interested in Michael Moorcock’s original literary works before the game’s release, titles are available on ThriftBooks.
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