New Temeraire RPG Takes Flight on Kickstarter

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First published back in 2006, author Naomi Novik’s Temeraire fantasy book series has since become a massive literary hit, thanks in large part to its unique blend of alternate history, Napoleonic warfare and dragon-based aerial combat.

Now, the books are about to make the leap from the page to the tabletop courtesy of an new Kickstarter from Magpie Games. Temeraire: The Roleplaying Game adapts Novik’s popular novels to Magpie’s newly refined Ædana System, with a free Quickstart Guide that offers more details on the rules and lore of the game.

So just what can fans expect when Magpie’s Temeraire RPG swoops into action? Below, we mount up and take in all the details.

What are the Temeraire fantasy novels about?

Temeraire is a series of best-selling alternate-history fantasy novels written by Naomi Novik in which the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century are waged by cannons, cavalry and intelligent fire-breathing dragons.

The series follows British naval officer William Laurence and the newly hatched dragon Temeraire, with the two mentally bonding and engaging in high-flying dog fights as members of the Imperial Aerial Corps. Over the course of the book series, the two travel throughout the world, facing down corrupt officers, cruel aristocrat and Napeoleon’s own growing legion of dragons.

The core series consists of nine full-length novels, beginning with His Majesty’s Dragon in 2006, and a handful of additional stories and novellas. Notably, in 2006 the books were option by director Peter Jackson for a film adaption, and again later sold to Fox Entertainment in 2022 for a possible animated series.

What is the Temeraire RPG about?

Temeraire: The Roleplaying Game is a narrative-focused TTRPG designed for campaigns centered on draconic military service during the Napoleonic era. Based on the quickstart materials and accompanying play aids, the game emphasizes:

• Mission-based play, with characters undertaking dangerous aerial operations across Europe.
• Shared spotlight between human officers and fully playable dragon characters.
• Emotional mechanics, including Duties, Desires and Devotions that actively shape play.
• Consequences and pressure, tracked through Stress, Scandal, Dishonor and Wounds.

The Ædana System uses pools of d6s, with players generating “hits” to determine outcomes ranging from defeat to triumphant success. Characters can push rolls by invoking their Duties or Desires, but doing so builds long-term burdens that can complicate future missions.

Another key aspect of the game is that dragons are not just mounts, but have their own stats, personalities, ambitions and moral conflicts, making them equal protagonists at the table, with a single player alternating between a human and dragon character.

What are the backer options for the Temeriare RPG Kickstarter?

The primary offerings from the Kickstarter are a 200+ page Core book (which includes the setting and complete rules) and a 100+ page supplement called World of Wings (which includes new locations, NPCs, adventure hooks and character options). The project also includes a number of extras, including a GM screen, dice, art prints, pins and maps. Backer options include:

• Digital Only ($29 USD): Includes PDF copies of the Core Book and the A World of Wings supplement.
• Ensign ($59 USD): A physical hardcover the Core Book, plus PDF copies of the Core Book and A World of Wings.
• Midwingman ($99 USD): Physical hardcover copies of the Core Book and A World of Wings supplement
• Captain ($149 USD): Physical hardcover Core Book and A World of Wings (plus PDFs), a GM Screen and Dice Pack.
• Admiral ($249 USD): Deluxe hardcover Core Book, standard Core Book, A World of Wings, Deluxe Metal Dice, Dice Scroll, standard Dice Pack, GM Screen and PDFs of both books.

Physical copies are expected to arrive to backers sometime in the Fall of 2027.

Final Thoughts

Temeraire: The Roleplaying Game looks like a thoughtful, mechanically elegant adaptation of a much-loved fantasy series. Rather than turning the novels into a simple dragon combat game, Magpie has leaned into what makes Temeraire special: relationships, moral tension and the emotional cost of service during wartime.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this project in the days ahead and will update this page with more information as it’s made available. In the meantime, you can back the project on Kickstarter and download the free Quickstart Guide.