The Blue Way

The Blue Way will begin crowdfunding on June 16, 2026. Follow the prelaunch page on BackerKit to be alerted when the campaign goes live! https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/central-michigan-university-press/the-blue-way-a-game-of-lost-stories

You are one of the Sàthani. Your name, your tongue, your faith, your land, your position in your village – this is who you are. Amongst you are leaders, farmers, healers, warriors, and even witches. A year ago, Dusia invaded. There was a war and Dusia won. Your village now belongs to Lord Gjerch Bravn and his wife, Lady Kløyk Bravn. The Dusians want to bring peace, order, and a sense of normality to the village by the standards of Dusia. Only you stand between the invaders and your community. What will you give to stop them? 

In this game from Jason Morningstar, face down your greatest enemy with only one weapon to wield: yourself. With such limited ammunition, every choice counts. In a group (or solo) explore the story of Sàthani resistance against their Dusian conquerors. Shape your map, breathe life into your characters – and prepare for the fight of their lives. Your character sheet is the anchor of your experience, providing the core mechanics, your inspiration for storytelling, and elements which inform the map you will create. 

Each turn, the hard choice is in your hands: bend or break? Tear pieces from your gridded character sheet to combat the latest demands from the lord and lady of the manor – or swallow their orders and dread what happens next. With each stand, your shrinking sheet reflects a transformation within your character. 

Make no mistake: this is a dark game. The fruits of your struggle may be small. But they will matter. 

If you’ve never played The Blue Way… 

– This game is rewarding, challenging, and sad. You will be glad you played it, but the content is not light. 

– That said, it is accessible for first time and experienced roleplayers! Especially if you like The Quiet Year, you’ll enjoy the map creation and storytelling in this game. 

If you’ve played The Blue Way as a Bully Pulpit Games Drip Project, this new edition…. 

– Features Samuel Araya’s haunting art woven into the game components. 

– Supplies multiple gameplay sessions with a tearaway pad full of character sheets! 

– Extends the feel of the game into your play space by oozing darkness from the box art. 

Educators! Look here! 

– Use The Blue Way Curriculum Guide to spark longer conversations with your students. 

– Play with new alternate decks of cards for a tailored educational experience. 

– Tie The Blue Way to your history lessons for an in-depth investigation of the past. While the Sàthani and Dusians are fictional groups, The Blue Way scenario was inspired by real historic events. 

– Trust that the content has been peer-reviewed by subject matter and game design experts to ensure that it will perform well in both the classroom and living room. Central Michigan University Press’ Scholarship & Lore: Games for Learning series carries the distinction of being the only academic press which publishes peer-reviewed tabletop games.