This new series of ‘Tales to Tables’ partners fresh new comics with immersive TTRPG campaigns
Full disclosure: our EG Family were tested subjects for one of the ‘Tales to Tables’ campaigns, and we didn’t break it (not from lack of trying). In fact, we had loads of fun, finished the campaign, AND our Dungeon Master (the illustrious N.S.Kane) did not run screaming into the night with frustration at our antics. I would consider that a successful game night. When Kane offered me to read over Towers and Tiaras in a similar fashion, I was super-excited to do so. And also very grateful that we hadn’t scared away our favourite DM.
Adapting literature for game designs is not a new thing. But I have never seen a fresh comic published before that came with an instant tabletop role playing game (RPG) campaign attached. If you have, let me know in the comments. In the meantime, I really enjoyed this new approach, especially for those still early in their TTRPG lifestyles.
What is Towers and Tiaras?
How often have you read a story and thought, “Damn. I want to spend more time in this world!” Maybe you want to change the ending, spend more time talking with a character, or simply learn more about that library mentioned on page 32? Towers and Tiaras brings the best of both worlds together as a two-for-one deal. N.S. Kane has created a comic book story, featuring a princess exiled to a tower for defying the marital expectations of her kingly father. But unlike some princesses, Valenora takes advantage of her circumstances and creates her own adventure.
The first half of the book is a 40-page comic, creating the world and story behind Valenora’s adventure. It quickly turns from ‘damsel-in-distress’ to magic and mayhem, filling pages with action and witty banter. Partnering with the talented artist, Martina Montrasi, Kane introduces us to vibrant characters with their own histories in a world open to explore in your RPG campaign. The second half of the book contains everything you need; maps, character statistics, DM guides, and alternate endings. The story is semi-complete within itself, but I love that there is room to expand and create your own campaigns with these characters in the same world.
Towers and Tiaras is currently on Kickstarter, closing on Wednesday, 25 November, 2026. I know personally that there is at least one (1) other comic to be released at a later date, depending on the success of Towers and Tiaras. Kane’s previous comics sell out regularly at various conventions and events, as well as through successful Kickstarter campaigns. You can see more N.S. Kane Comics here. I previously reviewed The Hell Courtesan here, which deservedly won awards for its amazing storytelling. While The Hell Courtesan is definitely adult-only reading, Towers and Tiaras is far more family friendly! Kane’s diverse range of storytelling skills just keeps getting better and better. Her partnership with Montrasi is a great fit for this project, softening the characters and while embracing the magical movements on the page. Montrasi has plenty of experience working with Magic: the Gathering, other children’s comics, and her own webcomic, An Intern’s Tale.
Reading and Roleplaying Go Hand-in-Hand
Okay, I know I’m already preaching to the choir on this, but I need to shout it outside my echo-chamber. Reading and role-playing go hand-in-hand. Both are creative, both are imaginative (no matter the genre), and both encourage you to develop your skills. And this all applies to comic books as well.
On its own merit, Towers and Tiaras is a fun adventure that explores character development in an open-world with room for immersive exploration. And that’s really the key to any good story, isn’t it? Does it entice you to explore further? Does it invite you to dive and immerse yourself in its storytelling waters?
Personally, I think the combination of a comic book with a D&D-style campaign is genius. The style of storytelling creates a visual landscape, giving the characters expression that encourages readers to really think about the circumstances. As an adult, I enjoyed Towers and Tiaras as an adventure-lite read, balancing the action with thoughtful consideration. The characters are individuals, each with their own persona, and they read with unique voices. Towers and Tiaras is child-friendly, without being child-focus. While I am happy to have a copy at home for my own collection, I also see this being a sought-after book in classrooms and school libraries everywhere.
TTRPG in our Schools?! Oh, my!
Call me bias, but I think every school should have a D&D or TTRPG club. EG Nefarious started up a D&D club at his school three (3) years ago. He has just finished his HSC exams, and subsequently handed the management of the club to the next worthy student. It was one of the top three clubs in the school every year so far, supported by teachers and students alike. There are a couple of teachers who rave about the benefits of TTRPG in education: English with creative writing skills, Maths with quick stat calculations, Geography in understanding your landscape, PDHPE with health and healing. You know I’ve talked about this a lot, but I am so happy to see our schools finally adjusting and supporting our teachers who have been singing from the same songbook for years.
If you are a follower of gameschooling, or you are looking for a new way to encourage more reading in your family, Towers and Tiaras is a fantastic introduction. The combination of comic to read and game-plan to follow is like a key to the kingdom. Kane and Montrasi could not make it any easier for you. And with more comics coming in the ‘Tales to Tables’ series, this is a collection you want on your shelves. Do not blame me when your friends keep borrowing it.
Kickstart the Campaign!
Towers and Tiaras is currently running on Kickstarter, ending on Wednesday 25 November, 2026. I can vouch that the book is complete and ready to go once the Kickstarter ends. Mainly, because I have read the book and loved it! Head to the Kickstarter page here for more details.
For more N.S. Kane comics, check out the main website here.
For more Montrasi artwork, check out her main website here.
And for more reviews, stay tuned! I still have PAX Aus games and Aussies books to share with you, plus a long list of suggestions for end of year gift and summer reading. October was a month of rest, but November is a month of busy Busy BUSY!!
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Categories: Book Reviews Play Read Tabletop
Evil Genius Mum
Evil Genius Mum
- Taking over the world, one blog post at a time
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