One of the best parts of going to American conventions is the chance to catch up on Cozy Companion without stupid international postal charges. So, one of the highlights of my recent trip to Origins Game Fair was getting my grubby paws on Issue #7, so that I can tell you all about it. But there was another highlight which is relevant that I want to mention. Grace Collins, head human at Snowbright Studio, won the Origins Award for Best Game-Related Writing with their story Shadow in the Night Part 2, from Cozy Companion #2. The award was well deserved, and their acceptance speech was probably the most heartfelt of the evening. The story was incredible and, as I mentioned in my review of that issue, I want that specific story to continue.
Why is that relevant? Well, besides the obvious chance to link back to a previous review, and a chance to congratulate Grace publicly, there are a few reasons. First, it was Issue #2. The first of a thing is an accomplishment, the second is a milestone. Today’s review on Issue #7 marks a similar milestone of entering the second year of publishing Cozy Companion. Secondly, Shadow in the Night takes place in the world of the ink and this issue is very ink-heavy.
Regular readers here may have noticed that, despite my excitement and appreciation of ink, I’ve never reviewed it. Someday I’m sure I will, but I want to give it more than just the minimum of the time and attention it deserves and that’s not an option right now. One of the things I love about ink is the distinctive black-and-white art style. But this issue’s 14 page adventure, Puppets of the Obur, takes that to a new level. It adds red to the colour palette of the game and the world. You’ll notice the word red is even written in the colour red. Anytime something red is mentioned in the adventure, it is similarly formatted. It’s a very cool aesthetic. It also pops in the art, which is still black and white but things like puppet mouths or a specifically Red Lantern are red. The issue’s cover has black and white ink art but layered over a predominantly red background. As with my previous Cozy Companion reviews, I’m not going to risk spoilers by going into much more detail than that. It is noted that the adventure is a continuation of the Morning Cathedral adventure from Issue #3: Spooky Season and is “more intense than other non-spooky adventures that [Snowbright] has printed in the past.” Puppets of Obur can thankfully be played as its own stand-alone adventure, since Spooky Season is one of two issues that I have been forced to review out of order, because of reasons.
The adventure is followed by a recipe for Puppet Smile Sandwiches, which are “inky black cocoa cookies and a velvety red espresso filling” and they look sooooooo good. Perfect to accompany an ice creamy Affogato that is a favourite at the Cleveland cat-cafe AffoGATO, which is the focus of this month’s shop feature later in the issue. The Crafting Corner activity is also ink-related, making bottles of (inedible) wax-sealed elixirs to use as props in the game.
The whole issue isn’t about ink, however. There are interviews with game designer, Catherine Croft, and the above mentioned AffoGATO. Adding to the Lore of the Verdant Isles we are treated to a handful of backyard tea pets for Teatime Adventures and the upcoming Tea Pets games. Plus, the story Roses for Two, continues from the last issue.
With the new Time Tails RPG on the horizon, history educator Dan Safko has been working on a series of articles called the Time Travel Guide, this month featuring the Agricultural Revolution (2000 – 7000 years ago) where he takes a look at several fascinating historic Mesopotamian figures and notable locations around the globe. Last month his article focused on Victorian England, which tied into the included Time Tails adventure. That article was great, specifically because it tied in. But tied in also means tied down, and without the restraints of a connecting adventure he was free to look at a time and place less well represented in North American pop culture. I hope to see more obscure history come to the forefront in future issues.
Cozy Companion truly is a magazine for everyone, and that is on even greater display this month, with the darker ink adventure contrasted by things like Ask Dr. Squeak, in which noted scientist Dr. Squeak Mousekewitz answers questions sent in by inquisitive mouselings. The premise is cute, but the science is real. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve said this, but Snowbright’s dedication to community and education is positively inspiring. Some of it is very much aimed at kids, which is fabulous if you have them. But most of the content is geared towards adults, with a family-friendly approach. It’s absolutely wonderful and I’ve loved every issue.
You can all sorts of cozy things from Snowbright Studio online at www.snowbrightstudio.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/SnowbrightStudio.
TheRatHole.ca does not accept payments for our reviews but may have received a promotional copy of this product for review.