Alana Joli Abbott is the author of two novels, Into the Reach and Departure, and is the writer for Cowboys and Aliens: Worlds at War. Her work has been featured in roleplaying games, including Chronicles of Ramlar and Steampunk Musha. Her love for fantasy and science fiction has led her to many diverse pursuits, including traveling to visit ancient ruins in Turkey, Greece, Ireland, the UK, and Mexico, singing madrigals, studying stage combat, and practicing kempo karate with her husband. She lives near New Haven, CT.

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Serenity Adventures

I've been a fan of Firefly since before the sadly-cancelled Joss Whedon show even hit the airwaves. (I was on a test panel that got to preview a trailer for the show the winter before it came out.) When I heard that Margaret Weis Productions had the license for the Serenity RPG, I lined right up to contribute. My first chance was in the adventure collection, Serenity Adventures, which won a 2009 Origins Award.

You and your crew are out in the black, doing whatever it takes to get by. This series of adventures is designed to be dropped into any ongoing Serenity campaign, and uses the CORTEX rules system.

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Steampunk Musha

Rick Hershey had been working on the concepts behind Steampunk Musha for years when he brought me on write the actual RPG. We started out designing it in the Iron Gauntlets system, but a conversion is underway for d20 and possibly 4e. One day, perhaps we'll have comics out as well.

Imagine an island where tradition wars against technology. The last of the samurai have nowhere to turn, and yakuza thugs and street fighters now hold the respect of the streets. Shangti Cowboys have showed the island the power of firearms, and Mechanists have proven the triumph of machine over superstition. But the old ways linger. Kabukika, warriors of the theater and users of magic, hold onto their traditions, as do the Nikobo, who find that as the land travels farther from its traditions, its spirits grow restless....

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Gallia: Land of Chivalry, Intrigue, and Romance

Gallia is the first book I ever had a contract for, and is roughly what convinced me to really put in the effort to become a writer. Though it's just a little e-book with limited sales, it has a very special place in my heart for that reason.

A setting for d20 fantasy, inspired by the myths and legends of medieval France, this highly detailed sourcebook for GMs is packed with NPCs, monsters, magic items and equipment, intriguing places, and more flavor than a piping hot pot of bouillebaise! Discover the rules for jousting tournaments, the chivalry of knights and courtly love. Indulge in local lore and gossip of such legendary characters as Charlemagne, Ricky of the Tuft, Analise the Ugly, Renart the Fox and Blue Beard.

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Balok's Books of Banter: Battle Cries

I also contributed to Balok's Books of Banter: Battle Cries, the second of a new series of books penned by the low-caste, high-minded demon—Balok the Strange. He has searched the planes for all manner of odd bits of information, quirky trivia, and bizarre ideas. This book catalogs the words of the brave—or not so brave—before leaping into the fray of battle. Filled with dozens of humorous “last cries,” this book is sure to put a smile on your face...or provide a meaningful epitaph for a favorite character.

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