TUMULUS Issue 2 theme announcement

TUMULUS Issue 1 and Issue 2, maps in TORQ, and Irish Gauge

Jan 02, 2025

Welcome to Exeunt Omnes, the official newsletter for loyal fans and sworn enemies of Exeunt Press, creator of games such as Exclusion Zone Botanist and Eleventh Beast. You can find digital games at games.exeunt.press and physical products at shop.exeunt.press.

TL;DR Summary

🐺 TUMULUS Issue 2 theme announcement
🚗 The use of maps in TORQ
🎲 Recently played: Irish Gauge

🐺 TUMULUS Issue 2 theme announcement

I’m happy to announce that the TUMULUS shipment arrived, and orders have been fulfilled. The first issue looks great, and it’s so exciting to see posts on social media when people receive them (ex. 1, ex. 2, ex. 3). The first batch of orders have been shipped, and new orders are being fulfilled as they come in.1

There are still some TUMULUS Founder subscriptions available!2 Founders receive extras including a numbered print of the first issue cover, an art print by Strega Wolf, printed Theme-O-Matic, Skeleton Code Machine Sticker, and a personal thank you note from me.

Work has already begun on Issue 2 which will ship in March 2025. The issue’s theme is KEEP THE WOLVES AT BAY!

TUMULUS’ second issue will also include a special guest contributor! More details will be released closer to the publication date.

You can subscribe at any time and will receive four issues — one per quarter. Orders placed before March 1 will receive Issue 1 as their first of four issues. Orders placed March 1 or later will receive Issue 2 as their first.

Any questions, please send me an email at games@exeunt.press.

SUBSCRIBE: TUMULUS — Skeleton Code Machine Quarterly

🚗 The use of maps in TORQ

I recently looked at how TORQ by Will Jobst uses maps — specifically fixed-perspective maps that focus on the player(s). Some similarities exist in how both TORQ and Thunder Road: Vendetta (Chalker, Myers, et al., 2023) approach post-apocalyptic road racing. I think they solve the problem in parallel and yet different ways. They might both have roots in side-scrolling video games.

Also, the 2024 Skeleton Code Machine Annual Ready Survey has closed.3 I’ll be analyzing the results over the next few days and will share the results.

READ: Stunts, horsepower, and driving off the map at Skeleton Code Machine

Skeleton Code Machine is an ENNIE-nominated weekly publication that explores tabletop game mechanisms. It’s been called a “Seemingly endless source of gaming ponderings” and a “Goldmine.” Check it out at www.skeletoncodemachine.com.

🎲 Recently played: Irish Gauge

Had a chance to play Irish Gauge (Holland, 2014) again today after having played it for the first time at PAX Unplugged. Happy to report it was just as much fun this time!

Those very familiar with 18XX games might find this game too simple, but for my group it worked well. Simple rules, but enough network building, auctions, and timing considerations to make it a challenging game to win.

I picked up Iberian Gauge (Holland, 2017) at the same time, and am increasingly looking forward to getting that one to the table next. Hopefully soon!

PLAY: Irish Gauge published by Capstone Games

Thanks for subscribing to Exeunt Omnes!

Check out games.exeunt.press for all the latest games and resources!

- E.P. 💀

The exception to this are two orders from Canada. Due to the recent postal strike, USPS is not currently allowing shipments to Canada. I continue to check with my shipping/export provider and will ship those as soon as USPS allows.

Founders are the first 100 subscribers.

You can read about the 2024 survey and see the results from the 2023 survey.