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Transplanar Emporium

@transplanar-empor.bsky.social
38 followers 68 following 41 posts

Erik Dietrich | TTRPG / board game developer | Writer

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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"უსახელოს კაუჭიანი ხანჯალი" It's unclear if the inscription (see alt text) is an existential threat or merely good advice. What is clear is that this single-edged dagger is a ferocious weapon and would probably inspire any surviving targets to invent colorful names for their attacker. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. The title translates to "Hooked Dagger of the Nameless." A single-edged dagger with a spine. The blade has a large barb near the tip, and then widens and narrows again, similar to a leaf blade. The hand guard extends down from the crossguard to almost touch the grip and is decorated with border of fine dots. The grip is braided leather around a wooden shaft. The pommel is shaped like horseshoe.
The inscription along the spine is in Georgian: რა არის სიკვდილზე უარესი ბედი — უსახელოდ და უმნიშვნელოდ დარჩენა (What is a fate worse than death — To remain nameless and insignificant)
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
"Zweihänder eines Landsknecht" Just in time for Michaelmas, this 16th-century two-handed sword has an inscription about the archangel Michael defeating the Dragon. The frontline soldier that wielded this likely also put written prayers for protection inside the leather binding. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A two-handed longsword. The inscription on the blade reads: UND ES ERHUB SICH EIN STREIT IM HIMEL MICHAEL UND SEINE ENGEL STRITTEN MIT DEM DRACHEN UND DER DRACH STREIT UND SEINE ENGEL UND SEIGETEN NICHT (Revelations 12:7-12). The parrying hook and crossguard have flame motifs. The grip has 5 rings and a striped acorn pommel. A blackberry cane crosses the sword: blackberries are associated with Michaelmas.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"Dionysian Makhaira" Though technically the blade curves the other way, we can't help but call this a "satyr saber". And it's about two millennia early to be meant for sabrage. Still, that doesn't mean it couldn't be used to open a wine bottle or six in honor of the Greek god. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A Greek makhaira, which is a short single-edged sword sharpened on the concave side. It has a leather wrapped grip and a pommel in the shape of a goat's head. A grapevine winds around the blade and has two leaves and a small bunch of grapes.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"Coin Sword" This talisman draws on feng shui in its form, as circulated coins absorb positive qi and ward against evil spirits. However, these coins are wrought iron (not copper), which according to European lore protects against fae. Maybe a hybrid approach of a Silk Road merchant? #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A coin sword, which is composed of rows of coins half overlapped and tied together through square holes. The "blade" is 18 coins long, the "crossguard" three wide on each side, plus two to make the guard thicker. The "grip" is five coins and the "pommel" three. The coins themselves are styled after Chinese cash coins, which are round, have a rim along the outside edge, and a square hole in the center.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"cnidarian scourge" Anyone who actually wields this weapon would have to be as heartless metaphorically as the box jellyfish (from which it is inspired) is literally. We received this as a part of a larger shipment of miscellany... maybe we write off the loss and just destroy this one. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A scourge: a short handle attached to multiple thin cords. This scourge alludes to the four-fold symmetry of a box jellyfish - one of the most venomous animals on the planet. Each of the four whips ends with a narrow teardrop-shaped blade with four edges.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
"Tezcatlipoca itezcaitz" With adequate training, divination can be performed by gazing into the polished obsidian surface of this Aztec blade and studying the image. There are debates whether the foresight is made more accurate using your own blood for the sacrifice, or someone else's. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A wide, teardrop-shaped knife. The edges are knapped obsidian. The faces of the blade are reinforced with a wood panel showing two glyphs, representing the Aztec deity Tezcatlipoca and his jaguar form. A large circular opening exposes the polished surface of obsidian, which functions as a mirror. The grip is the top half of a human femor bone.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"Guianan Sapakana" In a word: versatile. The unusually hard wood is sharpened on the edges to slash through leather. The broad face and heft make it a brutal club. And the end pin delivers a devastating killing blow. But let this one touch the river and the orehu will surely drown you. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Wooden club-sword. The blade is shaped like a canoe paddle. Instead of a pommel, there is a thick pin, widest at the base of the grip and tapering to a squared-off "point". 
The face and end pin are carved with shapes evocative of hourglasses, with lines, dots, and semicircles filling the field. The grip is wrapped with twisted cord.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"Oath-making Xiphos of the Black Quartz Sphinx" According to the manual: "Vows made while holding weapon and subsequently broken will incur the wrath of the Black Sphinx, which may include elimination of all memory and evidence of the oathbreaker from all planes of existence." Yikes. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Leaf-blade short sword. Wide part of blade has image of Greek winged sphinx. Grip is cross-wrapped and includes three hexagonal (quartz) gemstones and a large quartz crystal as a pommel. Hilt is geometric with sharp angles and ridges. The center part of hilt is triangular and has the inscription: "Sphinx of Black Quartz Judge My Vow." The text is twisted in such a way that the "a" and "o" of each word overlap.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"Jade Heaven Sword" This weapon combines the ceremonial use of white nephrite jade and advanced Chinese smithing technique, resulting in an incredibly stiff yet lightweight sword. The cross-section of steel is + shaped, reinforced with inlays of durable stone. Surprisingly nimble. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Chinese jian with large ring pommel, inscribed with the bagua trigram symbols. The blade has a high spine almost to its tip. On either side is a long narrow piece of white nephrite jade. Inscribed on the jade, near the hilt, are a set of Chinese characters that indicate the sword was bestowed by the Jade Emperor, who rules over heaven.
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Reposted by Transplanar Emporium
Infinite Citadel @infinite-citadel.com · 22/09/2026
We're less than $1k away from unlocking a Daggerheart compatible adventure zine set in one of the three Hope Dies Last campaign frames! Pledge now and vote for what adventure awaits! ttrpg.fund/hdl
The three cover arts from Hope Dies Last, sliced to emphasize both the villains above and the defiant heroes beneath. "Adventure Zine #1"
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"Meteoric Iron Bearded Axe" At the time this was crafted a millennium ago, extensive lore was needed to explain its "otherworldly" properties. The Widmanstätten pattern might suggest hidden runes for "ice" and "desire", matching its unfamiliar forging behavior and cold working ability #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A bearded axe, showing a crosshatch pattern unique to polished meteoric iron. The shaft is marked with runes reading "May Thor hallow these runes" in Old Norse. The symbol of Thor's hammer is on the cheek of the axe head.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"Herzgespann-Flanschenknüppel" Named after the common motherwort herb, which possesses three-pointed leaves in a four-fold symmetry. This flanged mace from the 1500s is a devastating weapon, even against moderate armor. Its experimental design likely turned heads in more than one manner #swordtember
Pencil sketch.  Flanged mace with four flanges, each shaped like the outline a leaf, with the interior removed. The shaft also has two sets of four sharp points, in line with the flanges. The grip is octagonal, decorated with a wavy pattern. The pommel is a flat circle perpendicular to the shaft, with a tapered point.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
"Trident of the Deepest Sea" Recovered from the Mariana Trench by a local Chamoru oceanographer. This trident is wrapped with a squid arm in a way that resembles the staff of Asclepius. The arm somehow stays perpetually slick and only occasionally twitches. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A trident with cutouts in the base of the fork evocative of filigree or archways. The shaft is wrapped with a very thick squid arm, showing rows of suckers. The title is in Chamoru "Tres-lansa gi i Mas Takhilo' na Tasi"
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
"Sinister Bastard Sword of Mordred" Sinister in this case has dual meaning, including "left-handed", as the inscription is inverted when held on the right. It's unclear if Mordred owned this sword, or if it alludes to his fate. The Welsh reads: Eternal Frost is the Fate of Traitors. #swordtember.
Pencil sketch. A "bastard" or hand-and-a-half sword, which has a long hilt and a narrow fully tapered blade. Thin icicles and fog fall from the blade, implying it is very cold. The grip is interlaced leather strips, and it has a large spherical pommel. The inscription is in Welsh +TYNGED•BRADWYR•YW•RHEW•TRAGWYDDOL+
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"Screaming Talons of the Harpy" Bearing much resemblance to Japanese kasurigama, this set of picks can be traced to the Greek island of Delos. The hachet part of the head provides stability so the pick faces the direction of the swing. The notches produce a rather unsettling scream. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A pair of small pickaxes with knurled grips. At the ends, a loop and chain link imply a connection to a longer chain. The heads of each are etched with a feather shape, and a triangular notch produces a screaming sound when the weapon is swung quickly through the air. At the bottom, in Greek, is the label "Screaming Talons of the Harpy"
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"Shortsword & Notable Sigils of Childe Roland" Long dismissed as a metaphor, the Dark Tower is indeed a real place; however, nearly all who have sought the Tower were driven mad in the search. The original owner of these artifacts claims to have found it, at the cost of his sanity. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Shortsword with grip bound with reeds. To the left, an oak leaf with an acorn and a large black feather. To the right, a pair of brass charms in the shape of miniature bare-root alder and willow trees.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"Klo - Forgifter Jernet" The name of this accursed blade could be mistaken for a dedication. Translated, however: Claw, the Iron Poisoner. Its alloy contains elements which, by a mere scratch, will inexorably and irreversibly etch and weaken steel arms and armor. An insidious weapon. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. An unusual broadsword having a point shaped like an arrowhead with backwards-facing hooks. The fuller is inscribed with "KLO - FORGIFTER JERNET" - literally "CLAW - POISONER (OF) IRON". The crossguard is a pair of curled hands with claw-like fingernails. The grip resembles the bones of a forearm, sparsely wrapped with a narrow band of cloth.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"Celtic/Gallic Silver Wand" The seller didn't know what they had either, so the intern took it down as "guardless épée" (not a thing) due to its triangular cross-section. Wheel and triskelion details suggest Celtic origin. Solid silver construction would make it a poor physical weapon. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Metal rod comprising three-quarters triangular cross-section tapering to a point and one-quarter smooth cylindrical grip. Grip is decorated with tiny eight-spoked wheels and triskelion (three-fold spiral) motifs. Base of tapered section near grip has darkened notches or teeth along edges.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"κηρύκειο πτέρυγα-δρεπάνι του ψυχοπομπού" Practical neither as a weapon nor a tool, this scythe-shaped artifact evokes Hermes's caduceus, though with only one wing that has a terrifyingly sharp inner edge. Unclear if it is more likely to guide the target or the wielder to the afterlife. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A scythe with a blade etched to resemble a bird wing. The shaft has longitudinal grooves and is wrapped with a pair of intertwined snakes. The top of the shaft has a smooth sphere, and the bottom a tapered metal cap.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
"Amger n Uḥraz" This sickle was found at the edge of the Saharan Desert. The Altas cedar case is inscribed with Arabic and more modern Tifinagh etched in a brass nameplate. Both suggest this sickle possesses some protective power. The iron blade predates the case by several centuries. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. At the top, a hand sickle with a short wooden handle that has split and been repaired multiple times with wrappings. At the base of the blade (heel) is a glyph resembling the Tifinagh character "yaz", with an additional crossing line and dots inside each curved arm. At the bottom, a wooden box with a sliding lid. Across the center, lengthwise, is an inscription using Arabic characters but Tamazigh words for "Amger n Uhraz" - Sickle of Protection. On a brass plate, on the left end and arranged widthwise (perpendicular to the Arabic script) is Tifinagh characters for the same phrase.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
"Seed Sower and Dibber" The sower is inscribed with spelt or some other grain, presumably to invoke a deity of harvest. The bronze dibber is a formidable piercing tool, though likely more effective against soil than flesh. That said, blood is a potent nitrogen source for plant growth. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Garden tools marked with "Figure" notation, resembling a diagram in a reference book. Figure A-1 is a seed chute: a narrow wooden tool with a v-groove and ridged back. The tapping stick Figure A-2 is rubbed against the ridges to vibrate and drop small seeds from the groove. The handle of the chute is decorated with eight spelt seeds arranged in a star pattern. Behind is a large conical tool Figure B with a transverse handle: a dibber. This tool is pushed into soil to make holes of repeatable depth for planting bulbs. The dibber is marked every ½ inch for depth.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"Magnolia Sabre" Every century or so, Her Imperial Majesty will send us her favorite sword to be professionally cleaned, the pearls secured in their settings, and the edge honed. **NOT FOR SALE** However Her Imperial Majesty is happy to give you a closer look during a sparring session. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. A saber crossed with its scabbard. The title is: "Magnolia Sabre of Her Imperial Majesty the Golden-Eyed Commander of Wishes." The sword has a hand guard shaped like a magnolia bloom, and the grip has rows of pearls. The scabbard is topped with another magnolia bloom. Along its length are the phases of the moon, many seed pearls, and the symbol of the Empress, the Auryn: a pair of intertwined snakes. A rope made a fine threads is attached to a loop on the side of the scabbard, and ends in tassels.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
"KALEDVWLCH / VCHELVRYD" Unfortunately our intern signed for this delivery before we could stipulate the sword be removed before receipt. However, legend suggests that the one who removes the sword may be crowned the true Monarch of Britain. Anvil and sandstone plinth included as a set. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Simple longsword embedded vertically in iron block anvil. Inscription on sword is KALEDVWLCH, the Welsh name for Excalibur, King Arthur's famous sword. On the roughly stone plinth under the anvil are three lines of text:
"SCITO QUID VALEAS CORAM DEO"
(know your worth before God - Latin)
"UCHELFRYD"
(ambition - Welsh)
"HUMILITAS FICTAS SUPERBIA EST"
(false humility is pride - Latin)
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
"Claw of the Sphinx" The unusually wide copper blade dates this weapon to roughly 4500 years ago during the 4th Dynasty of Egypt, when the Great Sphinx was constructed. Some supernatural intervention has kept the metal from verdigris tarnish. The grip is ivory, wrapped in goat leather. #swordtember
A pencil sketch of a dagger. The dagger has a uniquely wide triangular shape, more resembling a mason's trowel or cake serving utensil. It is secured with three rivets across the width of the hilt. A falcon glyph on the pommel represents the god Horus. The smooth grip is wrapped with a strip of leather. On the blade, an inscription in Egyption hieroglyphs reads from right to left "Claw (of) Metal (of) Horus of the Horizon", referencing one of the New Kingdom's names for the Great Sphinx.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"Sickle of the Witch" This herbalist's hand sickle is made of cold (wrought) iron with a leather sheath. The handle is ivory and carved with leaves of medicinal plants. The seller claimed it would never need sharpening if wiped with blood under a full moon: this has not been confirmed. #swordtember
Pencil sketch. Hand sickle has a straight handle carved with the leaves of goldenseal, ginseng, and bloodroot. A charm shaped like an echinacea flower is attached with a short chain to the end of the handle. The sheath is curved like the sickle blade and is closed on the edge with three clasps with toggle closures. The tip of the sheath is reinforced with a short piece of horn.
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Reposted by Transplanar Emporium
Pangur Ban Collective @pangyban.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
GALACTIC DAWN IS LIVE ON KICKSTARTER! Check us out if you like worldbuilding, GM-less, or faction games! Time to vibrate unproductively in my chair for the rest of the day. www.kickstarter.com/projects/pan...
kickstarter.com
Galactic Dawn: A Collaborative Worldbuilding TTRPG
Build the pillars of galactic civilization. Vie for a place amongst the stars.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
"Scabbard of the Lionhearted / Sword of Mercy" These artifacts are provided freely to whomever would wield them, so long as they are returned. The scabbard imbues the wearer with courage - so long as the sword remains sheathed. When drawn, the sword inspires a sense of compassion toward others.
A pencil sketch of a sheathed broadsword. The hilt of the sword is decorated with a wrapping of ribbon. The pommel has a sun motif. The sheath has a prominent lion's head (too small to be real) and metal reinforcements in the middle and tip.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
"Imp" This pair of leaf daggers showed up at the Emporium without a return address. They seem to be well-made, but have the unfortunate tendency when separated to scream. Sold together. #swordtember
A pencil sketch of a pair of leaf daggers. The guards are shaped like antlers. The grips are carved with impish faces and bound wirh braided leather. The pommels are talons gripping a crystal sphere.
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Reposted by Transplanar Emporium
Crossed Paths @crossedpaths.co.uk · 05/09/2026
Journaling downtime is one of our favorite things thing to do while playing Brambletrek! Sometimes it's the small moments like cooking with friends that can help you reflect on your adventures. 🐭💜⚔️ #solottrpg #ttrpg #oc #fantasy #tabletop #tabletopgames #backerkit #fantasyart #brambletrek
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Fabian Blake(he/him)Rose tint my world @glitzydemon.itch.io · 22/08/2026
tukla čirikli - "bird buddies" is a cosy game where friends make and send birds to each other, each bird carrying a quest. I designed it with my 11 year old to celebrate and preserve our Roma tradition of sacred embroidery. Deep meaning lies in every stitch💖 glitzydemon.itch.io/tukla-irikli...
glitzydemon.itch.io
tukla čirikli - Bird Buddies by Fabian Blake
Make birds to deliver quests to your friends!
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
"Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačhípi" (Sun Dance) The Lakota practice the Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačhípi as an annual sacred ritual. The ceremony was long banned by US & Canadian governments as a form of cultural repression and erasure. The wáǧačhaŋ, ptepásansa, and míla hákske are important symbols. #swordtember
A pencil sketch. From left to right: wáǧačhaŋ (cottonwood leaf), ptepásansa (bison skull), and míla hákske (long, wide double-edged knife with a wooden grip)
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
"Bulwark del Rodelero" Rodeleros were used by the Spanish army to break up interlocked stalemates of pikemen and to protect soldiers with firearms in close-quarters combat. A practical armament for a very particular point in history. #swordtember
Pencil sketch of a sword crossed with a small round shield. The hilt has bands of ridged detail and a rounded pommel. The shield has a seven-fold pattern of triangles around a smooth center, and the edge is decorated with square rivets.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
"Blades of the Perfumer" While jasmine and frankincense are some of the most highly prized fragrances in the world (and have been for millennia), the tools used on the plants from which they are derived are rather humble. #swordtember
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
"Sword of the Fool" In tarot, the Fool can represent spontaneity, innocence, a chance at love, and new opportunities. This is a fencing foil, entwined and decorated with roses, with a feathery pommel - a foolish, romantic, and wholly impractical weapon. #swordtember
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Reposted by Transplanar Emporium
Mike Underwood @mikerunderwood.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Atlas of Adventure is here! This book brings you 30 new Daggerheart-compatible environments across all four tiers of play. Get your copy at DriveThruRPG: www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5... Itch: michaelrunderwood.itch.io/atlas-of-adv... Heart of Daggers: heartofdaggers.com/products/atl...
Cover for Atlas of Adventure, a book of Daggerheart-compatible environments. 

Against a white background, an illustration of four heroes crossing a bridge in a perilous environment rendered in shades of pink and black.

Text logo reads "Atlas of Adventure"
Text at the bottom reads "From one of the designers of Daggerheart" "Mike Underwood"
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
The Magus Non Gratus TTRPG development continues apace! A one-line teaser: "Mages studied the arcane to unlock secrets of the universe... and gain power over anyone they deemed unworthy. But they became architects of their own destruction." As always... more to come!
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
We will be doing our best to have these in stock at the Emporium by the appropriate days. Please check back each day in #Swordtember to see what is available.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Keeping the Transplanar Emporium inventory under any semblance of organization is an ongoing effort we'll provisionally dub "experimental taxonomy". How does one lay out a shop in which *anything* could be stocked? Especially when there aren't duplicates: not even words repeated.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Logo of "Escape from RIA". Circle bordered by six glowing symbols. Background looks like leather or parchment with water damage.
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Transplanar Emporium @transplanar-empor.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The Transplanar Emporium is working on some new projects: Magus Non Gratus, Escape from RIA, and Strange Bedfellows. Updates and sneak peeks soon!
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