And so at last we come upon the last of our Designer Spotlights for CBR+PNK! René-Pier Deshaies is baking some incredible designs over at Fari RPGs, including the BOUNDLESS system which already has an incredible ecosystem of hacks and full blown releases. RP brings us INSURGED, a megaprison scenario for CBR+PNK. Let's get into it...
1. What inspired your Pamphlets?
It’s very hard to even come close to the quality of the work that already exists for CBR+PNK, so when y’all reached out for a collab, I knew I had to make something special. Cyberpunk stories are often about dystopian realities, and many focus on the “one more day to get by in this world” theme. For my module, INSURGED, I wanted something bigger. Something where the characters decide that this is their last run. An all-or-nothing infiltration to take a corp down from within or die trying. If you’ve watched Andor season one and remember the prison arc, that’s exactly what I’m talking about.
2. Describe your Pamphlet in three words, then explain why you chose them.
Hope. Tension. Climax. I think hope, in this case, is tied to hopelessness. Because when you have hope, you’re willing to go to great lengths for what you believe is right or for what matters most to you. I’m a big fan of Star Wars, and Rogue One is a huge touchstone for me on that front.
As for tension, if you know me, you know it’s something I absolutely adore (I mean, just look at Breathless). In this game, I’ve introduced a glimpse of a tension mechanic I’m using in a new project, one I think you’ll want to use in every game you play from now on.
As for climax, this story has an ending. It has to. Things most likely won’t end well, but that’s OK. That was always part of the deal. And after the climax, we get a resolution, until the tension starts ringing again in a new conflict (most likely with new characters).
3. What’s a design element - either as part of your Pamphlet or otherwise - that you’re particularly proud of?
Gosh, I spent so much time on that cover, and it had to be this. There are dozens and dozens of layers in there, with tons of masks, images, elements, and fonts. All stacked one on top of another to create this super weird and eclectic cover picture. I just love it so much, but that’s probably also tied to how long I spent trying to get it just right!
4. Do you have any advice for someone designing their first TTRPG or module?
My best tip for designers and storytellers is to look into what causes them friction and find easy, even silly solutions to those friction points to help them just finish something. What I mean by that is, there are many things we don’t know how to do when we start these kinds of projects. Layout, mechanics, design. But also the software we use, the fonts we rely on, the formats, and so on.
The most important thing is to finish something, even if it’s not perfect, because once you finish something, you’ve learned. You’ve added more tools to your toolbelt, and next time, things will be easier and better. But to finish things, you have to work with as few friction points as possible, so you can focus on one or two of them. Tackle them as small hills, not mountains, and carry that learning forward into your next project.
5. What’s your signature drink in the CBR+PNK universe—and what’s in it?
Ahaha, I didn’t see this one coming. Let’s go with a classic gin and tonic, but use some curaçao to add some color, and throw in some edible glitter (is that a thing? I feel like it is) for good measure. And you have to use sphere ice balls, otherwise, it just doesn’t look as good.
6. Any other projects or thing’s you’d like to plug?
I’m working on a big Soulslike game called Chronicles of the Boundless. We already have 600 signups on the campaign. This game is going to use a brand new system, which I’m very excited about. You can check it out at farirpgs.com/chronicles-of-the-boundless.
I’m also posting multiple interviews with creators from our community and recording design tutorials on my channel, Tabletop Blueprint. Check it out at youtube.com/@farirpgs.
7. Where can people find you?
Bluesky @rpdeshaies.farirpgs.com / @farirpgs.com
Threads @rpdeshaies / @farirpgs
farirpgs.com
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Don''t forget, CBR+PNK: OVERLOAD runs through the month of June 2025!