Handiwork Games, the Falkirk-based tabletop publisher, has announced an Autumn 2026 Kickstarter for The Tyrant Philosophers roleplaying game.
Based on the dark fantasy series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, the adaptation is set in the cursed and occupied city of Ilmar. However, the biggest news for tabletop enthusiasts is the recruitment of legendary designers Francesco Nepitello and Marco Maggi, renowned for their definitive work on The One Ring, who join the project as system consultants.
Securing Nepitello and Maggi immediately elevates the project from a standard literary tie-in to a major mechanical heavyweight. They will be working alongside lead designer Morgan Davie, who returns to the Handiwork fold following their successful work on the second edition of a|state. For The Tyrant Philosophers, Davie is adapting the hidden-agenda mechanics originally found in Malcolm Craig’s indie classics Cold City and Hot War. The system is designed to simulate the tense, paranoid reality of a city chafing under the Palleseen occupation, where trust, betrayal, and political rebellion happen in the shadows.
This announcement confirms that we are currently living in a golden age for Adrian Tchaikovsky adaptations. Handiwork’s acquisition of The Tyrant Philosophers sets up a fascinating parallel with rival publisher Rowan, Rook and Decard, who are currently developing the official Children of Time roleplaying game. With two major British design houses tackling different facets of the author’s extensive bibliography, fans are guaranteed distinct, high-quality interpretations of his worlds.
Given Handiwork Games’ proximity to us here in Edinburgh, an Autumn 2026 Kickstarter places them in a perfect position to showcase early, playable previews at major local conventions like Tabletop Scotland at the Royal Highland Centre this September. It is a strategic timeline that allows the studio to build grassroots momentum.
Adrian Tchaikovsky, who is also deeply involved as a setting consultant for the game, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
The world of the Tyrant Philosophers is one of my absolute favourite settings to write in, and stretches so much further than you see on the page. I’m absolutely delighted that players are now going to get the chance to explore it for themselves.”
Jon Hodgson, Managing Director of Handiwork Games, added:
As a long time fan of both The Tyrant Philosophers series and the work of Adrian Tchaikovsky, I’m so just excited to pull together a truly amazing team to bring this setting to the gaming table. You’re going to love it.”
The publisher promises a “tour de force” of in-world imagery, with art from series cover artist Joe Wilson and Jon Hodgson himself.
Quick Links
- Back this Campaign when it launches: www.TheTyrantPhilosophersRPG.com (pending)
- Publisher Website: www.handiwork.games
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