Privateer Press

Privateer Press was founded in December 2000 by Brian Snoddy, Matt Staroscik and Matt Wilson. All three company founders are game industry veterans; Matt & Matt were two of the minds behind Legend of the Five Rings (among other things), and Brian's artwork has been a fan favorite for years. Matt Wilson is of course a well-loved fantasy & sci-fi illustrator as well, and his and Brian's talents insure that Privateer Press has some of the best art around.

From the beginning, the company's goal was simple -- to produce the best fantasy gaming material available. To accomplish this, the decision was made to develop a new fantasy game world, the Iron Kingdoms. The IK is a fantasy setting with a twist -- the introduction of steam power, firearms and other elements of technology rarely seen in fantasy gaming. Purists need not cringe though, as the Iron Kingdoms remains true to its fantasy roots; swords and sorcery are not displaced by steam and gunpowder, only enhanced. Old friends like elves and dwarves are not abandoned, but forged into new likenesses, fusing old traditions with fresh ideas.

So far the company's designs have been a success. The Witchfire Trilogy and the Monsternomicon have all been met with popular and critical acclaim, and the Iron Kingdoms: Campaign Guide is hotly anticipated. Privateer Press also secured four "ENnie Awards" in 2001, including the prestigious Best Publisher and Best Setting -- not bad for a company less than a year old at the time of the contest.

• Iron Kingdoms Character Guide
  
• Iron Kingdoms World Guide