What is Wits End Studios?
Wits End is the umbrella brand for all of my personal projects...past, present, and future. There’s always something cooking in this weird old brain of mine. Some ideas have already become real things and some are still in development. Wits End is where you’ll find the projects that have all my heart, soul, and what’s left of my brain.
Upcoming Projects
The Smoking Bones
Coming to your tabletop soon as a series of board games published by Stonemaier Games!
“The world is much bigger and older than you know. And far more magical! But, nowadays, many of the marvels that once brightened our minds are disappearing and our world is dimmer for it!”
“But magic is still out there! Wonders still abound! The question is, do you have eyes keen enough to see them? Or a spirit strong enough to brave them? And most important, do you have a captain bold enough to lead you? Join the SBTC on one of our guided expeditions and let us open your eyes to a larger, older, and far more magical world!”
​
The Smoking Bones centers on the adventures of Captain Red Jones and the Smoking Bones Travel Company as they clash with magic, pirates, and troublesome travelers. In this world, magical landmarks, known as Wonders, dot the map and a flourishing tourism industry has developed around them. But they're beginning to disappear. Red Jones, a man with a complicated magical heritage, makes it his personal mission to find the problem, fix it, and restore the world to its magical glory.
​
The world of Smoking Bones is a long-time labor of love and is currently in development on a couple fronts. Here is the big picture so far...
​
-
The Smoking Bones Saga is a series of illustrated novels set in an alternate Europe, called the Northlands. It's filled with magical wonders, whimsical creatures, and fantastical dangers.
-
The first book in the series has been written, but is still being illustrated. I will be releasing each spread of the book as I complete them. The goal is to be finished with the whole book by the spring 2024.
-
A series of games set in this world are being developed right now by an experienced designer team and Stonemaier Games...its going to be amazing.
-
In addition to the books and the game, I will also be releasing a series of SBTC travel guide books that will give you the inside scoop on the best magical places to visit on your next Grand Tour.
Update: In the last year, I've embraced the reality that I can't possibly create the worlds/stories/games/tools of Wits End AND publish them myself. So, I'm focusing on what I do best and partnering with experienced publishers to get the projects out. This will be the default for all Wits End projects...at least the game specific ones. I'm currently in the discussions with potential publishing partners to help get the new Lightning & Bolt across the finish line and onto your tables!
"Lightning & Bolt is a cooperative tile matching game, with super heroes, robots, and extreme asymmetry. In Lightning & Bolt, one player takes on the role of Lightning, the fast-flying, power-punching superhero, while the other takes on the role of Bolt, her towering robotic sidekick. The city of Midtown is being terrorized by the Evil Doctor, and its up to Lightning & Bolt to swoop in and save the day!
Lightning’s mechanics are fast, simple, light on rules, and high on fun. Bolt’s mechanics are more complex and require more finesse - but once you get Bolt’s engine running and software upgraded, the Evil Doctor had better watch out!
​
Lightning & Bolt is a truly unique gateway game experience for kids and adults!"