Nepenthe Games is an independently owned company, is dedicated to creating original, story-driven tabletop RPGs. Our first project, Nevermore: A Roleplaying Game of American Gothic Horror, releases in November 2026.
Ian Lemke, owner and design lead at Nepenthe Games LLC, has been in game design for over 30 years. He has worked on ttRPGs such as Changeling: The Dreaming, Wraith: The Oblivion, Vampire: The Dark Ages, Mind's Eye Theatre: The Masquerade, Star Trek Adventures, Talisman Fantasy Adventures, and The Expanse RPG. He has also been a zone lead for Elder Scrolls Online and the Fallen Earth MMO.
Inclusiveness
At Nepenthe Games, we believe games are for everyone. Our mission is to create experiences that offer escape, connection, and joy—spaces where players can leave everyday burdens behind and simply play. That mission is only possible when every person feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
We are committed to building an inclusive studio and community that embraces people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, cultures, and experiences. This includes (but is not limited to) race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, neurodiversity, socioeconomic background, and body type. We have a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment and bigotry. We will remove any expression of such behavior or beliefs from our website, social media, Discord channels, crowdfunding campaigns, or sponsored events, and we will block or ban those responsible. We also try our best to listen and improve. We can't promise to always be perfect, and we welcome opportunities to improve. We always welcome feedback from our community, and it helps us do better!
Nepenthe Games is a place where differences are not just accepted—they strengthen the worlds we build together. Whether you're a player, a collaborator, or part of our team, you belong here. Everyone is welcome at the table.
THIS IS A NO AI ZONE!
Nepenthe Games believes games are an expression of human experience: imagination, empathy, pain, struggle, and joy. AI cannot feel any of these. For this reason (among many others), we don't allow AI in any part of the creative process. The writing, editing, art, layout, and every part of the creation is created by humans.
ian@nepenthegames.com
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