Agenda

Questborne Studios presents Brass & Embers, a tabletop RPG set in a land reshaped by rapid technological change, with factions battling for the substance that powers it, sinister mechanical monsters that roam through the wilderness, and the mysterious remains of a forgotten civilization lost to time. This talk explores how the team built a game centered on hope, community, and rebellion during times of uncertainty.
Questborne shares the creative process behind developing Brass & Embers' mechanics, shaping a world steeped in political tension, and translating narrative-driven systems into clear, intuitive play. The session highlights the unexpected differences between designing video games and TTRPGs, the lessons learned through iteration and playtesting, and how the studio has been preparing for the game's upcoming Kickstarter launch in April 2026.
Attendees are invited to step into Calderwick and learn what it takes to bring a new world—and a new RPG—to life.

Takeaway

Attendees gain insight into Questborne Studios' approach to building their TTRPG Brass & Embers—from designing mechanics that reinforce themes of tech upheaval and political tension to refining systems through playtesting. They leave with practical lessons on cross-medium design, collaborative storytelling, and preparing an indie RPG for a crowdfunding campaign.

Intended Audience

This session is for game designers, indie studio heads, writers, and developers interested in worldbuilding, narrative-centered systems, or shifting between video game and tabletop design. It's ideal for anyone curious about building game mechanics connected to an emotionally resonant settings; and the realities of indie development ahead of launch.