Out of the Woods

In this episode of Effekt, host Matthew welcomes Matthias Johnson to discuss the upcoming 10th anniversary edition of Simbaroom, a major reorganization of the game's scattered rules and lore. The focus shifts from the previously planned Coriolis content to a deep dive into the new city-state campaign setting centered on the Wendelin realm, a rational society that once thrived on alchemy and astromancy. The setting has been devastated by a sudden elven invasion 27 months prior, resulting in a post-apocalyptic landscape where the once-protected city-states now face corruption, morphosis, and mysterious elven witchcraft. Matthias reveals that the new edition will feature a restructured core rulebook, updated stat blocks, and a new mechanic for morphosis—distinct from corruption—allowing players to experience both simultaneously. The Kickstarter will fund five hardback volumes, including a comprehensive Davokar setting book, and the game remains compatible with older editions. The episode also touches on the creative freedom granted to fans through the free tabletop license and the team’s decision to prioritize English-only release due to resource constraints. The tone is enthusiastic and nostalgic, celebrating the game’s legacy while embracing bold new directions. Key takeaways include: 1) The new Simbaroom 10th anniversary edition is an inventory and reorganization of existing rules, not a new edition, ensuring compatibility with older books; 2) The new city-state setting introduces morphosis as a new mechanic, representing raw creation and a direct contrast to corruption; 3) The elven invasion has reshaped the world into a post-apocalyptic frontier, with players exploring ruins and uncovering the truth behind the chaos; 4) The Kickstarter will include a consolidated Davokar lore book, making it easier for GMs to access all setting material in one volume; 5) The game will remain accessible to existing players, with no need to purchase new core books if they already own the original; 6) Free League is encouraging community-driven content through the open license, fostering a vibrant fan ecosystem; 7) The new edition will feature updated visual design, clearer stat blocks, and improved usability; 8) While no official Swedish edition is planned, the team values the creative challenge of writing in their native language and may revisit the idea in the future.