Nepenthe Games is based in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and is dedicated to creating innovative, narrative-driven roleplaying games. Nepenthe was started in 2022 by Ian Lemke as the company behind Nevermore: A Roleplaying Game of American Gothic Horror. The Kickstarter launched in November 2022, and the game's hardcover is available as of November 2026. It was a long, winding road, but I learned a lot, and I expect future projects to go more smoothly.

Nepenthe Games is currently owned solely by Ian Lemke. Additional writing, art, editing, and layout for Nevermore were all done on a freelance basis. I'm not currently seeking proposals or writing samples. However, I am interested in connecting with artists for possible future projects. If you feel your art fits Nevermore's style, please reach out to me at ian@nepenthegames.com.

More information about Ian lemke and Nepenthe Games is available here.

I am occaisionally asked why I chose Nepenthe as the name of the company? I can give two reasons. The first being its connection with The Raven and Poe. Nevermore, the word spoke again and again by the raven, is the namesake of the first game we’re publishing, Nevermore: Tales of Gothic America. Poe an his contempories are the foundation upon which this roleplaying game stand. Second, the very definition of nepenthe feels approriate one of the roles RPGs have in our lives. In Homer’s Odyssey nepenthe is a fictional draught that banishes pain and sorrow. A good game can take you away from your cares and provide relief from your daily woes, at least for a time.