Willow “Goldie” Songbird. Tabaxi songstress and headliner at the Glittering Starlight Lounge. She’s a head-turner and knows it, but has no qualms about lifting cash from patrons who see her as nothing but a pretty ornament. She’s also a prior client of Buck’s and remains a valuable informant.

Buck Piper, private eye. Following in his father’s footsteps, Buck joined the academy as soon as he was old enough and made Detective quickly. Frustrated by countless dropped cases due to shoddy police work, he struck it out on his own with his partner Sam and formed Gemineye Investigations.

Hazelnut Bushytail. A talented thief with a heart of gold, Hazelnut lives at the top of an apartment building with residents she’s come to call family. When her home is threatened, there’s no price she wouldn’t pay to keep them safe. Art by @ptgho.bsky.social

Krouri Kukri, heir to the Crier Dispatch newspaper fortune. The Crier has been around since New Warren City was barely a hole in the mountain. Krouri is smart, with an unstoppable desire to reveal the truth. She ventures far beyond where most reporters fear to tread.

Can’t believe I forgot to post this one as well. This is Sparks of Life, one of the characters in my novel. By day, he poses as a wealthy financier. Secretly, he’s an artistic arsonist with the desire to burn away the old so the city can flourish. The tiny blue kitten in his pocket is Kindling

This is Panda aka Trash Panda. Why the raccoon nom de plume? Because this sweet boy will find and carry home a piece of trash every time we go for a walk. Nugget boxes. Beer cans. Sandwich bags. Just now, he trotted home with a glass bottle of Franklin’s lime soda. Treasures exchanged for treats.

He’s a big anxious pitty-mix so no, not really. Has to take meds to mellow him out and the allergy shot is new. He keeps chewing at his tail and rump and reacts hard to scritches there. He’s dosed against fleas so we know it’s not that

Muscle-we didn’t have a standard “muscle” but Hazelnut Bushytail ended up being the deadliest of us all. A orphaned street kid turned proficient thief

Brain-Buck Piper, private eye. An Investigative Rogue with an eye for mystery

Pretty-Goldie. Need I say more?

Earthbound. I wish more RPGs broke the mold like this did. Modern, kooky and just plain fun. When I first played it, I accidentally skipped getting the tune at Lilliput Steps. To this day, I unlock the Milky Well before Lilliput. It’s hardcoded into my route now.

Sometimes, letting the party get off track is okay. Gives you a chance to think up something.

Been a while since I jumped on a bandwagon. To sweeten the pot, every game will come with a personal anecdote as to why it’s on my list.

YOU FOOL

Okay, but I warn you. She’s not to be awakened.

Gonna use this space to shout out a talented artist who brought all these characters into life. @ptgho.bsky.social

Nom nom nom