B.A. Shields, celebrated author of the Pandemic Dawn series, Losing Dani Strumm, and his latest historical fiction, Willow Creek, is poised to captivate audiences once again, but this time with a trailblazing twist. Departing from his signature storytelling style, Shields is blending his talent for immersive narrative with the interactive world of role-playing games (RPGs). His upcoming project promises a creative leap into the 18th century, where science fiction meets historical intrigue, all within the framework of a newly developed RPG system titled the Modified Gaming System (MGS).
A New Frontier in Storytelling
While Shields is best known for his richly detailed prose and memorable characters—including Dorothy, the self-aware AI who captured readers’ hearts in his Pandemic Dawn series—his upcoming work takes an innovative approach to engaging audiences. Set in an alternate 18th century, this project explores a world on the cusp of a technological revolution filled with the mythical and fantastical. Here, the boundaries between historical reality and speculative fantasy fiction blur, creating an intricate tapestry of clockwork machines, mythical beasts, hidden societies, and mysterious scientific phenomena.
What sets this endeavor apart is its interactive nature. Rather than solely reading the story, participants will become part of it. Using the Modified Gaming System, readers will craft their own characters and embark on personalized adventures within the same universe, guided by the core narrative Shields has meticulously crafted.
The Modified Gaming System: Merging Literature and Gameplay
The Modified Gaming System is an entirely new platform developed with role-players and readers in mind. The system is designed to offer a balance of structure and flexibility, making it accessible for newcomers while robust enough for experienced gamers. Inspired by traditional tabletop RPG mechanics but with unique innovations, MGS provides:
Customizable Characters: Players can choose from various archetypes, each rooted in the 18th-century setting and infused with speculative elements. Options include enigmatic apothecaries, daring adventurers, rogues, dualists, and secretive alchemists.
Narrative Depth: Shields’ signature storytelling ensures that every Adventure Module, encounter, and choice players make contributes meaningfully to the overarching plot.
Dynamic Gameplay: The system integrates elements of chance, skill, and creative problem-solving, allowing players to shape their journey and outcomes.
Create Your Own Adventures: The Modified Gaming System is packed full of all the information one would need to create their own Adventure Modules as well!
A Unique Sci-Fi Setting
The alternate 18th century of Shields’ creation is steeped in intrigue and innovation. In this world, the Age of Enlightenment takes an unexpected turn with the advent of clockwork technologies unearthed by secret societies in a world filled with mythical beasts. The integration of these discoveries into human civilization sparks both wonder and chaos, setting the stage for conspiracies, moral dilemmas, and thrilling adventures.
Expect to encounter:
Mythical beasts, foes, and artifacts that defy known science.
Clockwork automatons with hidden agendas, including the Clocktower of Time.
Fantastical stories and adventures that laugh in the face of common sense.
Shields’ hallmark attention to detail and character development ensures that even the most fantastical elements feel grounded in the era’s social and cultural dynamics.
A Collaborative Experience
Shields expressed his excitement about this new venture. “I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of stories that evolve through interaction,” he shared. “The Modified Gaming System allows me to create a world where readers aren’t just spectators—they’re participants. It’s storytelling reimagined. As a kid, I loved the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books, and always wished I could do more within the stories as a reader. With the Modified Gaming System, now I can!"
This collaborative experience bridges the gap between author and audience. By creating characters and influencing the story’s direction, participants become co-authors in Shields’ universe. For fans of his previous work, this project offers a chance to engage with his narrative style in an entirely new way.
Launch and Availability
The project is slated for release next year (2025), with plans for a companion book detailing the world’s lore and a downloadable starter kit for the Modified Gaming System. The first publication will have a complete set of basic rules, two playable Adventure Modules, and instructions for creating your own.
As B.A. Shields ventures into this uncharted territory, he invites readers and gamers alike to join him on this bold new journey. Prepare to step into a world where history and science fiction collide, and your choices shape the story. The future of interactive storytelling has arrived.