Zairoo Kickstarter Reaches Halfway Stage

The Kickstarter campaign for Zairoo roleplaying game is now in its final fortnight.

Described as a ‘Pan-African Fantasy tabletop roleplaying game’, Zairoo is a RPG set in ‘an alternate 17th–18th century where African & New Afrikan Myths come alive’. The game revolves around ‘five vibrant kingdoms’ in which ‘science, spirituality, and the supernatural intertwine’.

In Zairoo, Afrika’s five kingdoms are struggling to ‘rebuild after […] an apocalyptic war against these cosmic horrors’. The game’s rich and colourful lore features steampunk staples such as airborne dreadnoughts and steam-powered weapons whilst also injecting ‘eldritch leviathans’ and ‘forgotten magic’.

Three distinct characters from the Zarioo roleplaying game are depicted, each showcasing unique attire and accessories. The character on the left wears a long, dark robe with vibrant red and blue accents, a feathered headdress, and holds a glowing orb. The central figure is adorned in a red and black outfit, featuring a large hat and a staff emitting wisps of smoke. The character on the right has a more muscular build, dressed in a green and blue ensemble, with tribal jewelry and a large, curved weapon. Each character reflects the game's rich cultural and fantastical themes.

The player characters will hail from one of 12 unique Kin, including Humans (First Kin), Abatwa (Fairy Kin), Ataikin (Bird Kin), and Alokozay (Giant Kin); and character classes such as ǁUab's ǂui (spell-casting scholars ‘who weave spells with an extra finger’), Fasimba (warriors), Olóyè (healers), Gao's ǃõab (warlocks wearing forbidden Onirowo masks) and more.

The game’s mechanics revolve around a simple 3D6 system which also features the cool Tempo system: tests are resolved on a roll of 3D6; if the flow of battle or the narrative is against your character, roll 3d6 and keep the highest roll; if the tempo is against your character, keep the lowest.

Three characters from the Zarioo roleplaying game are depicted, each showcasing unique attire and weaponry. The character on the left wears a dark cloak with intricate patterns and holds a horn, while the central figure is dressed in layered clothing with a white scarf and carries a rifle. The character on the right is adorned in a mix of brown and orange garments, also wielding a rifle, with a confident stance. Each character reflects the game's blend of steampunk and African-inspired aesthetics.

Zairoo is created by a global team of Africans and New Afrikans and evokes a deep love and respect for African history, mythology, and Afrofuturism. Notwithstanding, the game is intended not just for the African community, but by all roleplaying gamers who ‘crave fresh adventures beyond Eurocentric fantasy’.

This fully-funded campaign ends at 5:35 PM BST on Sunday, September 28th.

See the Kickstarter campaign for more details.

Images courtesy of Molombo Thillia Thillot III

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Mastodon17 Sept 2025

Zarioo Kickstarter Reaches Halfway Stage: Blending afrofuturism, steampunk, science, spirituality, and the supernatural - with a side of dreadnoughts, eldritch leviathans and victorian intrigue, of course. #rpg #zarioo #steampunk #kickstarter #afrofuturism #crowdfunding

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