Tabletop game designer Rod Waibel has launched Blackleaf, a fantasy roleplaying game designed to overhaul classic TSR second-edition mechanics using fifty years of retrospective system analysis. Originating from Portland, Oregon, the independent crowdfunding campaign has surged past its initial £373 goal, securing over £12,500 from nearly 200 backers to unlock offset printing for its physical volumes.
The project avoids cosmetic retro-cloning in favour of structural usability. Rather than forcing players to negotiate legacy manuals or ambiguous edge cases, Blackleaf consolidates core operational procedures, resolves historical inconsistencies, and unifies class features onto dedicated reference spreads so that gamers young and grognard can get on with playing.
Cross-edition compatibility and modernisation
Blackleaf adopts second-edition roleplaying game mechanics as its baseline while integrating defining elements from the first edition, including class-level titles and the original monk and assassin classes. To lower arithmetic entry barriers for modern groups, the system implements an optional ascending Armour Class mechanic alongside traditional THAC0 calculations.
A modular “Pick Your Rule” framework governs character lethality and tactical pacing. Referees can alternate between a punishing “Grit” mode, where player character death occurs immediately at zero hit points, and a “Heroic” mode that preserves survival thresholds down to minus ten. Combat resolution offers a choice between streamlined d10 group initiative and individual turn sequences governed by weapon Speed Factors. Long-term progression elements such as stronghold construction, spell research, and magic item creation have been relocated to the Player’s Guidebook, placing campaign-level systems directly where players can consult them. The core volumes also incorporate the War Leader and Warlock archetypes, supported by a standalone primer adventure with pre-generated characters.
Human illustration and offset production
Operating alongside the regional PNW RPG Fest collective, the campaign maintains an explicit human-only art standard. The books feature original, non-generative artwork from established industry illustrators including Kennon James, Rick Hershey, Eric Lofgren, JE Shields, Brian “Glad” Thomas, and Dean Spencer.
After clearing the $10,000 stretch goal, production upgraded from standard print-on-demand fulfilment to offset hardcover volumes handled by a United States printer. Izegrim Creations and Waibel are absorbing the shipping cost differentials associated with offset freight, ensuring backer postage fees remain fixed regardless of destination.
Reward summary and production schedule
Backers can secure the complete three-volume set digitally through DriveThruRPG for approximately £19 ($25), while physical collectors can acquire the offset hardcover trilogy alongside digital editions for approximately £90 ($120). A flexible £1 ($1) entry tier lets backers choose individual books via add-ons.
The campaign operates under an all-or-nothing model and closes on Thursday, 19 November 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Digital files are scheduled for delivery in January 2027, with physical hardcover shipments following in March 2027.
