Albuquerque, NM – May 22nd, 2025 – The Great See Awaits! Magpie Games, the publisher behind Avatar Legends, Urban Shadows, Root: The Roleplaying Game, and Masks: A New Generation, is thrilled to announce Rapscallion, a pirate-themed tabletop roleplaying game built on the popular Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) system, is now available for preorder! After more than five years of development—including extensive playtesting, writing, design, and illustration—the game can be purchased today ahead of the retail street date of August 20th. All preorders will instantly receive a PDF.
Funded in part by a successful Backerkit campaign that raised over $185,000, Rapscallion invites players into the unpredictable, myth-laden world of the Great Sea. Here, crews of daring pirates navigate ever-shifting waters, confront magical phenomena, and chase treasure and freedom through narrative-driven adventures. At its core, Rapscallion is a story about chaos and choice in a world that refuses to be tamed, a journey taken alongside close friends and family into the heart of the Great Sea.
The game introduces players to a realm where the sea itself is in constant flux—one voyage might reveal a cove of sirens, another a haunted storm or a chasm into the underworld. Each playthrough begins with a sparse map that grows and evolves as players explore, shaping their own version of the Great Sea over time. This setting flexibility, combined with high-concept piratic elements, sets Rapscallion apart from more grounded pirate fare.
Character creation centers around distinctive playbooks that define a player’s archetype, abilities, and narrative hooks. Players might portray a captain possessed by vengeful ghosts, a sea-sorcerer bound by dark bargains, or a navigator who’s literally stolen the heart of the ocean. In addition to ten character playbooks, the game includes three ship playbooks, which represent not only the crew’s vessel but also its personality, strengths, and potential narrative complications.
“It’s been so gratifying to see people finally get their hands on Rapscallion, after a seven-year-long creation process,” says Whistler, the designer, writer and illustrator of Rapscallion. “It’s been a labor of love, and it’s not done. I’m still working on new playbooks, new factions, new ships – and I also can’t wait to see what the players come up with!”
The full product line launching this August includes a 6”x9”, 250+ page, full-color core book featuring the full ruleset, rich lore, and striking illustrations. Magpie Games is also releasing a Rapscallion Dice Pack emblazoned with salty skulls, a dice tray with full colored illustrations, and a Rapscallion GM Screen designed to provide quick-reference tools and immersive artwork at the table. All products will be available in retail stores upon the game’s official release! Preorders will close at the end of July with no online orders being taken until the actual street date of August 20th. Players are encouraged to head on over to Magpie Games and place their orders today.
With its bold tone, evocative setting, and dynamic mechanics, Rapscallion offers something new for both veteran game masters and players hungry for high-seas drama. Weigh anchor and make way! In the name of freedom, family, adventure, and most importantly—treasure!
About Magpie Games
Magpie Games is made up of a dedicated team committed to producing unparalleled gaming experiences whether auteur created projects or intellectual properties beloved by millions. Magpie Games is not only dedicated to making amazing games, but also to making the tabletop roleplaying game industry a more open and inclusive space. They helped found the Indie Game Developer Network (2011) to support small publishers and work regularly with the Game Manufacturer Association (GAMA) on diversity and inclusion efforts across the industry. They are committed to making tabletop gaming a better space for everyone – for colleagues, for fans, and for their employees.
