Vaporous Realms at War Character Profiles (updated)

Bringing the souls of the Vaporous Realms to life on the tabletop

Aug 28, 2024

This page (updated April 26, 2025) is an intro and (at the bottom) an index of Vaporous Realms character profiles for use in tabletop roleplaying (RP) and miniature wargaming. I’ll post a new profile monthly, and I’ll sometimes update older profiles.

What Is the Vaporous Realms at War?

I know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, not to fret. For the tabletop enthusiasts out there, each profile offers character details and stats intended for the Vaporous Realms at War Tabletop Tactical Roleplaying Game (VRWTTRPG if I want to be slightly ridiculous, or VRW for short). This game has matured over the past year to become more than a mere adaptation of existing rules systems to the Vaporous Realms story-world. I’ve sought to make it simpler to learn and play than the popular RPGs and wargames that have inspired me.

If you’re a fan of a popular strategy battle game based on Tolkien’s fiction, you’ll find VRW character attributes synonymous with, and readily adaptable to, that system. (With a little tinkering, you could use many of the combat abilities, too.) The general, noncombat-oriented attributes and abilities in VRW may be applicable to any number of tabletop roleplaying games.

Some VRW publications will include alternate character profiles that includes stats and details necessary to play the fifth edition of a certain immensely popular RPG. Admittedly, it’s not my priority, but if I find there’s sufficient interest, I’m happy to oblige.

Thank y’all for bearing with my circumspect language as I steer well clear of potential copyright and trademark issues. Rule systems aren’t copyrighted, but many related terms and phrases are.

Vaporous Realms at War Resources and Crowdfunding

I wrote a brief introduction to the current Vaporous Realms at War, including a quick-start guide to the tactical battle game, as part of our inaugural (and unsuccessful) “Watchers”-themed Kickstarter (September–October 2024).

Currently, I’ve developed an updated version of the game that better integrates the tactical aspects with the roleplaying aspects. My vision for the game has solidified into one comprehensive rules system with optional aspects, rather than two (or more) parallel rules systems emphasizing different aspects.

The next Vaporous Realms at War publication will be ~~an extended, narrative-heavy starter scenario based on the “Watchers” story~~ a narrative campaign centered on the story of Sceg the Unsullied, a prequel to Dustsong. The book will also include updated rules and guidelines and the necessary character profiles. I’m tentatively planning a Kickstarter (crowdfunding) campaign for late 2025. The PDFs will also be posted here afterward for paid and Founder-level subscribers.

If there’s enough interest in that campaign, I’ll continue to publish resources like rulebooks, campaign expansions, and scenario supplements. When I’ve refined my crafting, felting, and carving skills sufficiently, I’ll sometimes offer whimsical character miniatures, too (via Kickstarter campaigns, in-person events, and potentially an Etsy shop).

Thanks, y’all, for your ongoing support for the Vaporous Realms!