This month’s Page XX is a bumper January/February edition. Our line-up this month includes the incomparable Robin D Laws with three columns. Two give advice on combat rules in Ashen Stars and the last holds a treasure-trove of writing tips, both for general prose and for roleplaying scenarios. A playtest group has provided us with a detailed report on their experience playtesting DramaSystem. We’ve got a bunch of new playtest opportunities – Robin’s new game, Hill Folk which uses the DramaSystem, Bill White’s New World, a world-building historical fantasy, and The Zalozhniy Quartet, a series of four linked adventures for Night’s Black Agents. Sticking with the vampire theme we have a reminder of the Conspyramid competition and a detailed guide to constructing and collapsing a conspiracy from James Palmer. Will Hindmarch gives us some updates for the opus that is the Eternal Lies campaign and his new post-apocalyptic GUMSHOE game, Razed. We have the monthly round-up of all things Pelgrane from Simon Rogers, the customary Poll, and for the first time we have an open call for artist to submit their work for consideration.
Articles
- The View from the Pelgrane’s Nest by Simon Rogers, news on releases and forthcoming products.
- Five Keys to Punchier Prose by Robin D Laws, writing tips and tricks for scenarios.
- Cannibal Conspiracies by James Palmer, how to turn a conspiracy on its head and bring it crashing down.
- Suppressing Fire in Ashen Stars by Robin D Laws, the first part of a two-part series aimed at increasing combat options in Ashen Stars
- Duking it Out in Ashen Stars by Robin D Laws, the second of the two-part Ashen Stars combat series.
- Eternal Lies Update by Will Hindmarch, playtest reports are in and revisions are being made.
- Razed Update by Will Hindmarch, an explantion of the different modes of play.
- An Introduction to the New World by Bill White, an extract from the forthcoming historical fantasy game.
Extras
- Hill Folk Playtest Report, a detailed report on one of the first playtests for DramaSystem.
- Open Call for Artists, we’ve got more products than ever so we need some new talent.
- Night’s Black Agents Competition, write your own conspyramid for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.
- Playtesting Opportunities, Night’s Black Agents, Drama System and New World.
New Releases
- Terra Nova by Leonard Balsera, this is a scenario for Ashen Stars involving a terrible secret hidden on a deserted luxury liner.
- Lorefinder (PDF version) by Gareth Hanrahan, the rules for a GUMSHOE/Pathfinder mash-up.
The Page XX Poll

I chose generic but I would have six panels at A4 size, as opposed to the usual landscape screens. I find that I like two regular landscape screens. Or co opt the Hackmaster screen for my nefarious purposes.
I would like something for each game, but in the same format as the recent new Call of Cthulhu screen, that is landscape and think, glossy sides.
Will there be ready-made artwork and refeere sheets to insert in the generic screen?
Yes, we would probably supply one set with the initial purchase and the others would be downloadable.
For the first time, this idea sounds interesting.
Ms Lewis’ response clinched the direction of my vote. Thanks for the clarification.
I’ve never used the Trail Keeper’s Screen, though I bought it for the included resources book, which was excellent.