CBR+PNK: Designer Spotlight - Leonardo Azevedo

Hey everyone! We're back with another designer spotlight for CBR+PNK: OVERLOAD. This time we're featuring the augmented work of Brazilian designer Leonardo Azevedo

Leonardo crafted two different scenarios for OVERLOAD that explore the digital / physical singularity and artificial intelligence. Their work is groundbreaking in its use of augmented reality and digital assets, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tabletop roleplaying. Trust us, they're unlike anything else you've ever seen....

We sat down with Leonardo to learn more about the inspirations behind their scenario and how they managed to blend futurism, cinema, and technology into something entirely new.

1. What inspired your Pamphlets?

My main goal with Sun of a Glitch was to build an urban investigation narrative full of cyberpunk clichés and add twists that make the runners rethink all their goals and alliances. The city, some characters and locations were inspired by many films such as Terminator, Escape from New York, The Warriors and Blade Runner.

Basilisk was primarily inspired by Roko's basilisk and how corporations would put society at risk just to gain more power. I was also influenced by the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and the movie The Fifth Element to develop the aesthetics and the space travel vibe. Some characters and events connect to the pamphlets I made earlier, Mona Rise Megalopolis and Sun of a Glitch, both developed for CBR+PNK too.

2. Describe your Pamphlet in three words, then explain why you chose them.

Sun of a Glitch: Pursuit. Manipulation. Twist. The game is a grand chase through the city, involving alleys, hideouts and subways. The manipulation of truth and its consequences for society are at the heart of the story. When the narrative takes twists, the runners face challenges that lead them to the only possible happy ending.

BASILISK: Replayability. Countdown. Layers. The game offers great replayability by allowing runners to start the game by choosing a contract from three alternatives that will set the entire development of the narrative. Regardless of the contract, runners will embark on a journey with a countdown to the end of all human society on planet Earth. The runners' most difficult choices will be made when they attack the Basilisk's layers.

3. What’s a design element - either as part of your Pamphlet or otherwise - that you’re particularly proud of?
Sun of a Glitch: I'm proud that I was able to use several classic elements of the genre to create a fast-paced narrative where runners must overcome the city, competitors, corporations, AIs, and time itself to make it out alive.

BASILISK: I'm proud of how I managed to make the puzzle with the files accessed via QR Code even more complex in this pamphlet by dividing it into two separate layers.

4. Do you have any advice for someone designing their first TTRPG or module?     Don't create something complex that takes a long time to complete. Analyze your potential competitors and find a common thread that they don't explore. Don't be afraid to show your work to others.

5. What’s your signature drink in the CBR+PNK universe—and what’s in it?             

Phosphorescent Yerba Mate.

A drink created by the Guarani indigenous tribe and improved by the Martian coalition.

Ingredients:

• Yerba Mate from the radioactive pampas.

• H2O extracted from Mars' underground reserves naturally enriched with minerals.

How to prepare:

• Use a cylindrical metal container with thermal insulation.

• Boil the H2O.

• Insert the Yerba Mate into the container until it is 3/4 full.

• Turn the container horizontally until all the yerba mate is positioned on one side.

• Add the boiling H2O until the empty side of the container is filled.

• Attention! Close the container if you are in a zero gravity environment.

• Use a metal straw to drink. Enjoy the energy boost and natural body glow.

6. Any other projects or thing’s you’d like to plug?

                                               
My Itch.io page where you can find all the games I have published: https://leonardo-azevedo.itch.io/

I've also been working on an action-adventure RPG called HOLOPROX for a few years now, inspired by the works of Tsutomu Nihei and Isaac Asimov. I hope to be able to release it sometime in the future when it's ready.

7. Where can people find you?  

                            https://x.com/_130n4rd0
https://bsky.app/profile/holoprox.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/leonardoazevedosoares/
leonardo.adesign@gmail.com

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Thanks Leonardo! Make sure to check out their amazing work on their edge, and don't forget, CBR+PNK: OVERLOAD runs through the month of June 2025!