Ryan Heilman
@ryanheilman.bsky.social
Charles S. Roberts Award winning designer, developer, and graphic designer. Co-owner of Wharf Rat Games.
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
The final player aid for A Forlorn Hope is officially live on BoardGameGeek! 🎨📋
Take a look at the layout and references here: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329.... Let us know if you have any feedback or corrections before we go to print!
Take a look at the layout and references here: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329.... Let us know if you have any feedback or corrections before we go to print!
A Forlorn Hope Final Player Aid | A Forlorn Hope
A Forlorn Hope Final Player Aid | A Forlorn Hope
boardgamegeek.com
September 22, 2026 at 2:10 PM
The final player aid for A Forlorn Hope is officially live on BoardGameGeek! 🎨📋
Take a look at the layout and references here: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329.... Let us know if you have any feedback or corrections before we go to print!
Take a look at the layout and references here: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329.... Let us know if you have any feedback or corrections before we go to print!
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
While we await factory prototype files, the final rulebook for A Forlorn Hope is officially live on BoardGameGeek! 📖🎨
Head over to BGG to read through the rules and drop any feedback, questions, or corrections for us before we go to print.
boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329...
Head over to BGG to read through the rules and drop any feedback, questions, or corrections for us before we go to print.
boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329...
A Forlorn Hope Rulebook Final Verson 1.0 | A Forlorn Hope
A Forlorn Hope Rulebook Final Verson 1.0 | A Forlorn Hope
boardgamegeek.com
September 15, 2026 at 6:57 PM
While we await factory prototype files, the final rulebook for A Forlorn Hope is officially live on BoardGameGeek! 📖🎨
Head over to BGG to read through the rules and drop any feedback, questions, or corrections for us before we go to print.
boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329...
Head over to BGG to read through the rules and drop any feedback, questions, or corrections for us before we go to print.
boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329...
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Check out Wes on Pushing Cardboard. pushingcardboard.com/podcasts/pod...
57 - Wes Crawford, Sam London, Stalingrad Roads - Pushing Cardboard
A place for tabletop gamers to discuss historical boardgames and wargames.
pushingcardboard.com
August 24, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Check out Wes on Pushing Cardboard. pushingcardboard.com/podcasts/pod...
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
⏳ Real-time decisions. High-tension combat. Zero analysis paralysis.
Wes Crawford sat down with @ArmchairDragon to chat about Urgent Commands—our upcoming Battle of the Bulge game! 🎲⏱️
📖 Read the interview: armchairdragoons.com/5q-crawford-uc
Wes Crawford sat down with @ArmchairDragon to chat about Urgent Commands—our upcoming Battle of the Bulge game! 🎲⏱️
📖 Read the interview: armchairdragoons.com/5q-crawford-uc
armchairdragoons.com
August 9, 2026 at 2:12 PM
⏳ Real-time decisions. High-tension combat. Zero analysis paralysis.
Wes Crawford sat down with @ArmchairDragon to chat about Urgent Commands—our upcoming Battle of the Bulge game! 🎲⏱️
📖 Read the interview: armchairdragoons.com/5q-crawford-uc
Wes Crawford sat down with @ArmchairDragon to chat about Urgent Commands—our upcoming Battle of the Bulge game! 🎲⏱️
📖 Read the interview: armchairdragoons.com/5q-crawford-uc
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Still plenty of great deals here in the vendor room at the WBC. Please stop by and say hello.
August 1, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Still plenty of great deals here in the vendor room at the WBC. Please stop by and say hello.
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow in the vendor area at the WBC. Please see map below for our location or just look for the large sign with Rat logo. You can't miss it!
July 29, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow in the vendor area at the WBC. Please see map below for our location or just look for the large sign with Rat logo. You can't miss it!
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🎲 Off to WBC today! Find Wharf Rat Games in the vendor area Thursday–Saturday for demos & chat.
Can't make it to the con? You can still pre-order A Forlorn Hope! 💥
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
Can't make it to the con? You can still pre-order A Forlorn Hope! 💥
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
July 28, 2026 at 11:46 AM
🎲 Off to WBC today! Find Wharf Rat Games in the vendor area Thursday–Saturday for demos & chat.
Can't make it to the con? You can still pre-order A Forlorn Hope! 💥
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
Can't make it to the con? You can still pre-order A Forlorn Hope! 💥
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
We are very proud to represent Compass Games and Fortress Games at the WBC this year. We will be bringing a fantastic lineup of their titles to our booth.
Here is the full list of games we’ll have available at the show:
👇👇👇
Here is the full list of games we’ll have available at the show:
👇👇👇
July 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
We are very proud to represent Compass Games and Fortress Games at the WBC this year. We will be bringing a fantastic lineup of their titles to our booth.
Here is the full list of games we’ll have available at the show:
👇👇👇
Here is the full list of games we’ll have available at the show:
👇👇👇
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Mountain views, cool temps & non-stop gaming! 🏔️🎲
The Wharf Rat Games crew is heading to Seven Springs for WBC (July 28–Aug 1)!
🗓️ July 28–29: Playing games & relaxing
🛍️ July 30–Aug 1: Vendor Time!
Stop by for demos, games for sale, merch & giveaways! See you there!
The Wharf Rat Games crew is heading to Seven Springs for WBC (July 28–Aug 1)!
🗓️ July 28–29: Playing games & relaxing
🛍️ July 30–Aug 1: Vendor Time!
Stop by for demos, games for sale, merch & giveaways! See you there!
July 20, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Mountain views, cool temps & non-stop gaming! 🏔️🎲
The Wharf Rat Games crew is heading to Seven Springs for WBC (July 28–Aug 1)!
🗓️ July 28–29: Playing games & relaxing
🛍️ July 30–Aug 1: Vendor Time!
Stop by for demos, games for sale, merch & giveaways! See you there!
The Wharf Rat Games crew is heading to Seven Springs for WBC (July 28–Aug 1)!
🗓️ July 28–29: Playing games & relaxing
🛍️ July 30–Aug 1: Vendor Time!
Stop by for demos, games for sale, merch & giveaways! See you there!
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🗺️ The map in A Forlorn Hope is a tactical puzzle!
Across a 9x11 grid, your 9 columns are split into 3 Battalions. Push forward too fast with one unit, and you'll break your Wave—killing your action cards and momentum.
Can you survive No Man's Land? 💥
Across a 9x11 grid, your 9 columns are split into 3 Battalions. Push forward too fast with one unit, and you'll break your Wave—killing your action cards and momentum.
Can you survive No Man's Land? 💥
July 16, 2026 at 9:01 PM
🗺️ The map in A Forlorn Hope is a tactical puzzle!
Across a 9x11 grid, your 9 columns are split into 3 Battalions. Push forward too fast with one unit, and you'll break your Wave—killing your action cards and momentum.
Can you survive No Man's Land? 💥
Across a 9x11 grid, your 9 columns are split into 3 Battalions. Push forward too fast with one unit, and you'll break your Wave—killing your action cards and momentum.
Can you survive No Man's Land? 💥
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🛠️ Digital Component Preview! Custom drawstring token bags for #AForlornHope.
These 150mm x 200mm cotton bags are color-coded, marked with clean graphics, and stenciled text for easy blind draws. Green for Tactics, Brown for Shell Craters! 💥 (Final production may vary)
These 150mm x 200mm cotton bags are color-coded, marked with clean graphics, and stenciled text for easy blind draws. Green for Tactics, Brown for Shell Craters! 💥 (Final production may vary)
July 14, 2026 at 3:57 PM
🛠️ Digital Component Preview! Custom drawstring token bags for #AForlornHope.
These 150mm x 200mm cotton bags are color-coded, marked with clean graphics, and stenciled text for easy blind draws. Green for Tactics, Brown for Shell Craters! 💥 (Final production may vary)
These 150mm x 200mm cotton bags are color-coded, marked with clean graphics, and stenciled text for easy blind draws. Green for Tactics, Brown for Shell Craters! 💥 (Final production may vary)
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out the digital punchboard layout samples for #AForlornHope straight from our graphic designer.
Our $15K stretch goal upgraded these Tactics Chits to a massive 1.25" size. Specs: 250gsm CCNB + 1.5mm greyboard + 250gsm CCNB for a chunky feel! 💥
Our $15K stretch goal upgraded these Tactics Chits to a massive 1.25" size. Specs: 250gsm CCNB + 1.5mm greyboard + 250gsm CCNB for a chunky feel! 💥
July 12, 2026 at 4:12 PM
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out the digital punchboard layout samples for #AForlornHope straight from our graphic designer.
Our $15K stretch goal upgraded these Tactics Chits to a massive 1.25" size. Specs: 250gsm CCNB + 1.5mm greyboard + 250gsm CCNB for a chunky feel! 💥
Our $15K stretch goal upgraded these Tactics Chits to a massive 1.25" size. Specs: 250gsm CCNB + 1.5mm greyboard + 250gsm CCNB for a chunky feel! 💥
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out the custom wooden standees for #AForlornHope. 36 total pieces across 4 nationalities (French, German, British, American).
They are heat printed on wood with unique art on both the front and back! 💥 (Colors may vary)
They are heat printed on wood with unique art on both the front and back! 💥 (Colors may vary)
July 11, 2026 at 5:53 PM
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out the custom wooden standees for #AForlornHope. 36 total pieces across 4 nationalities (French, German, British, American).
They are heat printed on wood with unique art on both the front and back! 💥 (Colors may vary)
They are heat printed on wood with unique art on both the front and back! 💥 (Colors may vary)
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out this Tabletop Simulator mockup of the custom scoring meeple for #AForlornHope.
Unlocked at $27.5K, it's modeled after the German "Big Bertha" howitzer & will be heat printed on wood for sharp detail! 💥 (Final colors may vary)
Unlocked at $27.5K, it's modeled after the German "Big Bertha" howitzer & will be heat printed on wood for sharp detail! 💥 (Final colors may vary)
July 10, 2026 at 6:03 PM
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out this Tabletop Simulator mockup of the custom scoring meeple for #AForlornHope.
Unlocked at $27.5K, it's modeled after the German "Big Bertha" howitzer & will be heat printed on wood for sharp detail! 💥 (Final colors may vary)
Unlocked at $27.5K, it's modeled after the German "Big Bertha" howitzer & will be heat printed on wood for sharp detail! 💥 (Final colors may vary)
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
🛠️ How does #AForlornHope capture WWI tactics? The Activation Deck!
Cards feature:
🛡️ Cohesion Loss
💥 Hit Infliction
🏃♂️ Movement
Watch for modifiers like (C) Cautious Movement (low-risk, 1-space limits) & (R) Recovery (shake off Pinned Status & keep moving)!
Cards feature:
🛡️ Cohesion Loss
💥 Hit Infliction
🏃♂️ Movement
Watch for modifiers like (C) Cautious Movement (low-risk, 1-space limits) & (R) Recovery (shake off Pinned Status & keep moving)!
July 8, 2026 at 3:55 PM
🛠️ How does #AForlornHope capture WWI tactics? The Activation Deck!
Cards feature:
🛡️ Cohesion Loss
💥 Hit Infliction
🏃♂️ Movement
Watch for modifiers like (C) Cautious Movement (low-risk, 1-space limits) & (R) Recovery (shake off Pinned Status & keep moving)!
Cards feature:
🛡️ Cohesion Loss
💥 Hit Infliction
🏃♂️ Movement
Watch for modifiers like (C) Cautious Movement (low-risk, 1-space limits) & (R) Recovery (shake off Pinned Status & keep moving)!
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Fresh off yesterday's update, look what just hit our inbox from the graphic designer! This is the layout for the A Forlorn Hope's dual-layer battalion boards you unlocked at $17.5k. Look forward to seeing you at the WBC!
July 7, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Fresh off yesterday's update, look what just hit our inbox from the graphic designer! This is the layout for the A Forlorn Hope's dual-layer battalion boards you unlocked at $17.5k. Look forward to seeing you at the WBC!
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
A Forlorn Hope is looking stunning! Files are with the printer. We have a timeline adjustment (targeting Fall/Late Fall 2026)—full details in our link.
🎲 Heading to WBC (July 30–Aug 1)? Come see Wharf Rat Games in the Vendor Area!
Full update: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
🎲 Heading to WBC (July 30–Aug 1)? Come see Wharf Rat Games in the Vendor Area!
Full update: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann Project Update: Update: Digital Proofs, Campaign Scope, and Catch Us at WBC!
Hi everyone,
It’s time for another look behind the curtain of A Forlorn Hope! We have some major production milestones to celebrate, an honest update on our delivery window, and...
www.backerkit.com
July 6, 2026 at 4:57 PM
A Forlorn Hope is looking stunning! Files are with the printer. We have a timeline adjustment (targeting Fall/Late Fall 2026)—full details in our link.
🎲 Heading to WBC (July 30–Aug 1)? Come see Wharf Rat Games in the Vendor Area!
Full update: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
🎲 Heading to WBC (July 30–Aug 1)? Come see Wharf Rat Games in the Vendor Area!
Full update: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Wharf Rat Games is heading to Origins! Find us in the Wargame HQ Wed 6/17–Sat 6/20.
Seats are filling fast—grab yours!
🎲 A Forlorn Hope: Only 2 slots left! (Thurs 2PM)
🎖️ Urgent Commands: Slots open Fri 9AM, 11AM & Sat 4PM.
Come roll some dice with us! 🎲 #OriginsGameFair
Seats are filling fast—grab yours!
🎲 A Forlorn Hope: Only 2 slots left! (Thurs 2PM)
🎖️ Urgent Commands: Slots open Fri 9AM, 11AM & Sat 4PM.
Come roll some dice with us! 🎲 #OriginsGameFair
June 15, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Wharf Rat Games is heading to Origins! Find us in the Wargame HQ Wed 6/17–Sat 6/20.
Seats are filling fast—grab yours!
🎲 A Forlorn Hope: Only 2 slots left! (Thurs 2PM)
🎖️ Urgent Commands: Slots open Fri 9AM, 11AM & Sat 4PM.
Come roll some dice with us! 🎲 #OriginsGameFair
Seats are filling fast—grab yours!
🎲 A Forlorn Hope: Only 2 slots left! (Thurs 2PM)
🎖️ Urgent Commands: Slots open Fri 9AM, 11AM & Sat 4PM.
Come roll some dice with us! 🎲 #OriginsGameFair
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Excited for our upcoming WWI game A Forlorn Hope?
Then you know the genius of designer Hermann Luttmann!
His classic Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition is back for pre-order via Blue Panther until 6/30: www.bluepantherllc.com/collections/...
Then you know the genius of designer Hermann Luttmann!
His classic Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition is back for pre-order via Blue Panther until 6/30: www.bluepantherllc.com/collections/...
Dawn of the Zeds Collection
Dawn of The Zeds is a 1-6 player cooperative survival game set in a zombie apocalypse. The undead are marching on your town. The nightmare ends only if you win. Available for pre-orders on 6/2/2026. S...
www.bluepantherllc.com
June 6, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Excited for our upcoming WWI game A Forlorn Hope?
Then you know the genius of designer Hermann Luttmann!
His classic Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition is back for pre-order via Blue Panther until 6/30: www.bluepantherllc.com/collections/...
Then you know the genius of designer Hermann Luttmann!
His classic Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition is back for pre-order via Blue Panther until 6/30: www.bluepantherllc.com/collections/...
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
⛺ Wharf Rat Games is hitting the road this summer! Come demo A Forlorn Hope and see a sneak peek of Urgent Commands: Battle of the Bulge at:
📍 Origins (June 18-20) in Wargame HQ
📍 WBC (July 30-Aug 1) in the Vendor Area (with games/prizes from Compass & Fortress!) 🎲 3/3
📍 Origins (June 18-20) in Wargame HQ
📍 WBC (July 30-Aug 1) in the Vendor Area (with games/prizes from Compass & Fortress!) 🎲 3/3
May 17, 2026 at 3:55 PM
⛺ Wharf Rat Games is hitting the road this summer! Come demo A Forlorn Hope and see a sneak peek of Urgent Commands: Battle of the Bulge at:
📍 Origins (June 18-20) in Wargame HQ
📍 WBC (July 30-Aug 1) in the Vendor Area (with games/prizes from Compass & Fortress!) 🎲 3/3
📍 Origins (June 18-20) in Wargame HQ
📍 WBC (July 30-Aug 1) in the Vendor Area (with games/prizes from Compass & Fortress!) 🎲 3/3
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
📋 Survey update: We are down to just 15 missing surveys! If you haven't confirmed your shipping address yet, please hit the link below so we can accurately lock in our numbers and get your game to you later this year!
👉 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com 2/3
👉 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com 2/3
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann on BackerKit
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
May 17, 2026 at 3:55 PM
📋 Survey update: We are down to just 15 missing surveys! If you haven't confirmed your shipping address yet, please hit the link below so we can accurately lock in our numbers and get your game to you later this year!
👉 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com 2/3
👉 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com 2/3
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Big production milestones for A Forlorn Hope! 🎨 Final art images land this week, and then we shift entirely to polishing the manual before sending the full package to LongPack for the physical prototype! 📦
We're also locked in with Quartermaster Logistics for top-tier fulfillment. 🚢 1/3
We're also locked in with Quartermaster Logistics for top-tier fulfillment. 🚢 1/3
May 17, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Big production milestones for A Forlorn Hope! 🎨 Final art images land this week, and then we shift entirely to polishing the manual before sending the full package to LongPack for the physical prototype! 📦
We're also locked in with Quartermaster Logistics for top-tier fulfillment. 🚢 1/3
We're also locked in with Quartermaster Logistics for top-tier fulfillment. 🚢 1/3
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
A Forlorn Hope update! 🐀⚔️
Final art is in progress! Stretch goals like Scenario 7 mean more content & a better game.
🚢 Shipping/taxes billed late summer.
📋 21 surveys missing! Finish yours so we can ship:
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
Final art is in progress! Stretch goals like Scenario 7 mean more content & a better game.
🚢 Shipping/taxes billed late summer.
📋 21 surveys missing! Finish yours so we can ship:
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
May 2, 2026 at 10:15 PM
A Forlorn Hope update! 🐀⚔️
Final art is in progress! Stretch goals like Scenario 7 mean more content & a better game.
🚢 Shipping/taxes billed late summer.
📋 21 surveys missing! Finish yours so we can ship:
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
Final art is in progress! Stretch goals like Scenario 7 mean more content & a better game.
🚢 Shipping/taxes billed late summer.
📋 21 surveys missing! Finish yours so we can ship:
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
Surveys are LOCKED and we have surprises!
We're including the Custom Insert & Spiral Rulebook in every copy of #AForlornHope. Summer in Sarajevo (our postcard game) has been sent! Check your email for the download. We are on track for Fall fulfillment!
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
We're including the Custom Insert & Spiral Rulebook in every copy of #AForlornHope. Summer in Sarajevo (our postcard game) has been sent! Check your email for the download. We are on track for Fall fulfillment!
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann on BackerKit
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
April 16, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Surveys are LOCKED and we have surprises!
We're including the Custom Insert & Spiral Rulebook in every copy of #AForlornHope. Summer in Sarajevo (our postcard game) has been sent! Check your email for the download. We are on track for Fall fulfillment!
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
We're including the Custom Insert & Spiral Rulebook in every copy of #AForlornHope. Summer in Sarajevo (our postcard game) has been sent! Check your email for the download. We are on track for Fall fulfillment!
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
Reposted by Ryan Heilman
9 days left! ⏳
We’re at 85% survey completion for A Forlorn Hope! Huge thanks to the 487 backers who have already locked it in.
If you’re in the final 15%, head to the link below to finish up before April 15. Pre-orders are also still open! 🎖️
🔗 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
We’re at 85% survey completion for A Forlorn Hope! Huge thanks to the 487 backers who have already locked it in.
If you’re in the final 15%, head to the link below to finish up before April 15. Pre-orders are also still open! 🎖️
🔗 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann on BackerKit
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
April 6, 2026 at 4:06 PM
9 days left! ⏳
We’re at 85% survey completion for A Forlorn Hope! Huge thanks to the 487 backers who have already locked it in.
If you’re in the final 15%, head to the link below to finish up before April 15. Pre-orders are also still open! 🎖️
🔗 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
We’re at 85% survey completion for A Forlorn Hope! Huge thanks to the 487 backers who have already locked it in.
If you’re in the final 15%, head to the link below to finish up before April 15. Pre-orders are also still open! 🎖️
🔗 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com