Roadwarden’s Creator: Aureus of Moral Anxiety Studio – A Master of Table-Top Games
The fascinating story behind the creation of Roadwarden, the highly anticipated historical fantasy RPG of 2022, goes far beyond typical game development. Aureus, the Polish writer and designer responsible for Roadwarden, is not just a passionate and innovative game creator; he is also an avid player of table-top games. It is through his immersive experiences in these pen-and-paper sessions with friends that many ideas for Roadwarden were born. One such idea revolves around the concept of money and wealth in the game, which Aureus shared with me during a rainy October afternoon Zoom conversation.
Aureus recounted a particular table-top campaign he ran where, after numerous sessions, the player party found themselves in dire poverty. In their desperate quest for riches, they stumbled upon a collapsed village and discovered a functioning cart. Without hesitation, they began piling anything of value they could find onto the cart, intending to sell it all once they reached a civilized area. However, this reckless behavior proved to be their downfall. The objects they collected had little resale value, and the weight of their loot-laden wagon hindered their progress on the treacherous paths they traversed.
Tragedy struck when bandits ambushed the adventurers and made off with their beloved wagon. Aureus clarified that he did not intend to sabotage the players’ progress; it was simply a stroke of bad luck. However, this unfortunate event became the catalyst for an open-ended tale centered around the perils of unchecked materialism. The players’ sole objective became the recovery of their wagon, leading to a series of enthralling encounters and challenges.
This anecdote exemplifies Aureus’ unique perspective on the value of money in games like Roadwarden. Instead of treating money as a mere resource for player advancement, he emphasizes its contextual significance within the world of the game. The worth and meaning of currency vary depending on individual characters, communities, and circumstances. Money in Roadwarden has a story and embodies different values to different people. It is not a one-size-fits-all concept but a malleable element that intertwines with specific story threads.
It is this attention to detail and specificity regarding money that sets Roadwarden apart from other role-playing games. While many RPGs focus on accumulating wealth, they often fail to infuse the act of earning money with meaningful significance or dramatic depth. Money becomes a means to an end, a transactional tool for player progression, devoid of any real presence or impact on the world and its inhabitants. Roadwarden subverts this convention by breathing life into every coin, imbuing it with a story and personal value.
In Roadwarden’s medieval wilderness, each coin holds a tale. Its origin, its significance, and its worth are influenced by various factors: the occupation and upbringing of those involved, their beliefs and affiliations, their social status, and their perception of the player character. Money is not universally valued; some prefer bartering, while others attach strong emotions to certain commodities. There are no generic merchants in Roadwarden; every interaction is unique and shaped by the specific values and perspectives of each character.
This nuanced approach to money not only creates a rich and immersive setting but also humanizes players who are often reduced to content extraction machines in loot-driven RPGs. Roadwarden navigates a world where attention to individual people and communities is key, as opposed to mindless grinding and accumulation. The absence of conventional methods to acquire wealth forces players to make thoughtful decisions and rely on their own resourcefulness. Time is also a crucial factor, as the game imposes a time limit for exploration, adding a sense of urgency and preventing players from relying solely on repetitive income-generating activities.
Aureus began developing Roadwarden in 2018, and from its inception, he aimed to move beyond the typical quest-for-reward structure found in many RPGs. Completing quests in Roadwarden does not guarantee a monetary payout; instead, it opens doors to new opportunities, such as gaining access to shelter or earning the trust and respect of the game’s inhabitants. Aureus envisioned quests as catalysts for character growth and world-building, shaping the player’s journey and leaving lasting impressions on the game’s universe.
Roadwarden’s approach to magic is equally as imaginative and refreshing. Rather than conforming to tired clichés, Aureus ensures that magic in the game aligns with the cultures and beliefs of the fictional world. Magic is not a uniform concept but a multifaceted force that varies from settlement to settlement. Some view it as a practical tool for everyday tasks, while others perceive it as a core part of their community’s identity and spirituality. Magic in Roadwarden is intricately connected to culture, and its influence and potential are shaped by the unique perspectives and values of different characters and communities.
In Roadwarden, Aureus found inspiration in his experiences as a table-top player, delving into the darker and more complex aspects of supernatural abilities. Magic is not depicted as a simple solution or convenient assistance; instead, it reveals unexpected consequences and unravels the intricate dynamics between characters. Aureus shared the example of a player who inadvertently amplified the bravery of an innkeeper’s wife, leading to her descent into madness. These individual stories highlight the specific and unpredictable nature of magic in Roadwarden, where spells are integral choices that shape the narrative, rather than mere generic abilities.
Roadwarden’s treatment of money and magic is an embodiment of Aureus’ commitment to detail and his desire to create a game that transcends convention. By infusing meaning and significance into the act of earning and utilizing money, Roadwarden transforms the player into a fellow traveler, a friend at the table, rather than a mere participant in a world-conquering or level-up pursuit. This delicate approach elevates the game’s setting, characters, and narratives, captivating players and immersing them in a world that feels alive and dynamic.