The Long Watch

A solo journaling RPG about tending transdimensional Beacons and the weirdnesses that unfold... The first of the Frequencies was discovered in March 1873.  A combination of sound, colour, and time, these Frequencies attracted travellers from across space and dimensions to our little spot of reality. For good…and for not so good. The severely underfunded agency that is known today as The Long Watch installed Frequency technology into existing lighthouses, and continues to appoint sole Beaconers with the solemn duty to keep the Frequencies broadcasting and act as welcoming ambassadors to travellers. Sometimes, Beaconers must also defend our plane against threats...admittedly, some of those threats might be sentient homicidal porridge. Welcome to your outpost. It’s a grave duty, but one that could immortalise you. Right now I'm crowdfunding a physical version of the game, with some improved mechanics on Gamefound as part of this year's RPG Party. Don't worry, the digital version will always be free, and I'll be adding the improved digital rules here. But if you'd like to get the physical zine manual, a journal, some dice, a custom deck of cards, and a bunch of other goodies, head to The Long Watch on Gamefound . The Long Watch is primarily a solo journaling RPG. You will choose your Beacon, and perform each day's duties as a Beaconer: addressing unexpected issues, preparing for the night's watch, dealing with interdimensional travellers, and defending against threats. Every 8th day, the Frequencies shut down, leaving you to repair and replenish, correspond with other Beaconers (other people playing their own solo game), or explore a mystery. Although...please don't play with the molluscs that live inside the mirrors. The mechanics are relatively simple: you'll use either D6 rolls or draw from a regular deck of cards, alongside your own imagination. But the real storytelling is in how you choose to respond to challenges or visitors, the unsettling gifts you receive from grateful travellers, the relationships you build with fellow Beaconers while sharing your unhinged experiences, and the entries you leave each day in your Log. Every Beaconer builds their own unique connection to their Beacon. What will yours be? To play The Long Watch , you will need: "The Long Watch: The Beaconer's Guide to Beaconry" manual 1 x journal and writing implement 2 x D6 dice 1 x deck of regular playing cards (jokers removed) Optionally, you can also create/draw/source: A model of your Beacon The Tributes you receive from grateful travellers A cabinet/box in which to hold the aforementioned Tributes. Snacks. Probably wriggling. Almost certainly squishy. The "Beaconer's Guide to Beaconry" is an essential part of every Beaconer's education. However, we also understand that, once you get into the swing of gameplay, constantly leafing through a manual to remind yourself of each phase action isn't always practical. That's why you can also use The Duty Engine : A piece of arcane technology that acts as a repository for what actions should be taken at each phase of your duties. Hello there, I'm Nerius. I'm a writer, illustrator, animator, and maker of weirdnesses. I didn't decide to make this game because of my creative obsession with lighthouses, the sea, interdimensional oddities, and weird fiction...well...not only because of that. I wanted to make a game that puts your imagination first: the dice rolls, card draws, and other mechanics are all there to randomize effects and help you experience a more unhinged story! Honestly, more than anything I can't wait to see what kinds of Beaconers people decide to become...and what oddities happen in their unique Beacons. I'd love to see what you think about the game (good and bad), and also what stories you're discovering as you play: please do leave comments! I've made this free to download (with optional donation). People playing it is more important to me than people buying it right now. In fact...I plan to print out some manuals and leave them around places like found objects, and invite you to do the same! However, if you can, I really do appreciate all donations. Alternatively, you can shoot coffee directly up my nose here: Ko-Fi . You can expect updates and extra scenarios/resources for this game as time goes on. However, The Long Watch is just one part of a deeper, stranger story. There are other things to come in this shared narrative, including a weird fiction audio series: This Is Elderhaven . Find out about these things first by going to www.studiosquidink.com , following me on Instagram , and diving face-first into my YouTube channel .