Cast Spells and Learn Sign Language in the Magical Underisles RPG Launching July 15
Imagine casting spells and solving puzzles by learning sign language — that’s exactly what Underisles, the latest installment in the Inspirisles tabletop RPG trilogy, offers. Launching on Kickstarter on July 15, this all-ages game blends fantasy adventure with an innovative way to learn British and American Sign Language.
- Underisles Kickstarter launches July 15
- Characters use sign language to perform magic
- Game set in a fantasy British Isles with Pendragons, descendants of King Arthur
- Inspirisles series focuses on belief vs. disbelief affecting magic
- Includes educational tools and collaboration with deaf consultants
Magic Meets Sign Language in a Unique Fantasy World
Rich Oxenham, who previously worked supporting deaf and hard of hearing communities in the UK, combined his passion for sign language and tabletop RPGs to create Inspirisles. The game’s premise is simple but powerful: characters called Pendragons, descendants of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, fight against disbelief draining magic from their world. To restore magic, players build belief through cooperation and kindness rather than violence.
The magic system, called Shaping, is where things get interesting. Players learn to perform elemental magic by using signs from British and American Sign Language. At first, they finger-spell simple words like “fire,” then progress to actual signs and eventually construct full sentences, enabling collaborative spellcasting and problem-solving.
From Kickstarter Success to Expanding the World
The original Inspirisles Kickstarter in July 2020 surpassed its modest £1,000 goal within 10 hours, raising £31,000. This allowed Oxenham and his team to develop custom art and sign language sheets rather than just directing players to external resources. The success encouraged further development, leading to the second book, Overisles, which raised £183,000 and released in 2023.
Now, the trilogy will conclude with Underisles, a dungeon crawl where players explore underground caverns to rescue miners who accidentally unleashed a sleeping threat. All three books will be available in the new Kickstarter, and backers will receive a digital version of the core rules to jump into the game immediately.
Educational and Inclusive Design
Oxenham collaborated with professional deaf tutors to seamlessly integrate sign language learning into gameplay. The game has been adopted in schools and even won the American Library Association’s game award in 2024, alongside Kids on Bikes.
“In some cases, it’s [the kids’] first introduction to deaf culture or any deaf people,” Oxenham said. “The game’s really built to be a healthy introduction and then encourage people to take a professional course.”
The latest campaign also includes stretch goals for a teaching pack developed with deaf consultants, helping educators run roleplaying games while teaching sign language basics. Players can pick up a Shaping deck — flashcards designed to make learning signs easier during play.
Why You Should Check Out Underisles
If you’re looking for a fresh RPG experience that’s easy to pick up, family-friendly, and educational, Underisles offers something special. It’s a fantastic way to learn sign language while enjoying fantasy adventures with friends. Plus, the collaborative magic system encourages teamwork and communication in a unique and meaningful way.
Keep an eye on the Kickstarter launching July 15 to get your hands on this innovative game and support a project that’s making gaming more inclusive and fun for everyone.
