An Egyptian setting of dystopian tech, gods, and monsters for the :Otherscape Mythic Cyberpunk RPG + Neuro:OS, a cyberspace expansion
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Challenges for Cairo Chapter 3: Akhu Database being finalized!
6 days ago
– Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 07:47:37 AM
Hey there harnessed mercs quizzed by crypto sphynxes!
During these last couple of weeks work continued on both Cairo and Neuro and we're happy to announce that, other than one Job that is still being written, writing for the Cairo book is essentially done!
After this Job is fully written, our writers will be able to fully concentrate on writing the remaining portions of Neuro. We'll start sharing parts of Neuro after we finish releasing the Cairo Playtesting Copy in its entirety.
While we hoped that Chapter 3: Akhu Database would be ready to be shared this week, dev has not yet released it for layout as they're still tweaking to make sure that all Challenges in this chapter walk the fine line of being mechanically interesting, well-balanced, representative of the Egypt setting, and most importantly, cool and fun to use (as an MC) or encounter (as a player)!
Chapter 3: Akhu Database
Here's a short summary of some of the things you'll find between the pages of Chapter 3 of the Cairo setting book:
The Akhu and the Jinn
Ahku is a catch-all term used by the people of Cairo for evil spirits and supernatural threats. It includes ghosts and other dead who haunt the living, as well as demons of Duat, and mythological monstrosities.
Jinn are magical beings whose personalities and appearance aren’t that much different from those of humans, but they are spirits able to transform into animals and create various magical effects. They exist both within the real world and in cyberspace.
You've previously encountered Jinn in Chapter 2, where we detail how your players can portray Jinn characters. In Chapter 3 we provide you with examples of Jinn as Challenges which can be encountered both in meatspace and in cyberspace.
Megacity Adversaries
The Challenges that you'll encounter in this section are divided between the following categories:
CYBERSPACE AKHU
CURSED LOCALES
FEARSOME AKHU
SOCIAL PHENOMENA AKHU
NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE
STREET ENCOUNTERS
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Power Sets
This sub-section provides you with ways of turning any encounter or adversary (from the Metro book or elsewhere) using Self, Mythos, and Noise power sets, into something befitting a Cairo Megacity Challenge.
Akhu Vendors & Goods
A list of hard-to-reach or hard-to-find suppliers of unique gear and items, enchanted by gods or tainted by Akhu, or are sold by supernatural beings.
In this section you'll find items that can be procured from the following:
Riah - a Jinn of the trade winds
Statue-Mart - an ushabti-run corner store
Shemsu-Heru Cafe - a tea shop run by near-Avatars
Abqarino's Truck - a salvaged technology vendor
Some more iso-maps
Work doesn't only continue with writing but also with art, where we're commissioning more and more beautiful pieces from various artists. You can expect to see more art from people who've previously created for :Otherscape, such as lead character artist Isago Fukuda or chapter cover artist Daniel Liang.
Though you are very familiar with her exquisite work on Legend in the Mist, we're happy to say that Cairo and Neuro will be the first :Otherscape books to feature some of Alejandra Pinal's incredible art!
Another newcomer to :Otherscape, we've previously shared two of his iso-maps that will be featured in the Cairo campaign Jobs. Here are a few more of these lovely creations by Rodrigo Artuso, who will also be creating the battle maps for the :Otherscape Scene Maps and Tokens accessory.
Created for Job #4 - Sometimes, the knowledge you seek is guarded
Created for Job #5 - What might you find in the basement of an Egyptian mansion?
The next update
Our next update will be two weeks from now on April 10th. We're quite confident that we'll be able to update the Cairo Playtesting Copy by then with Chapter 3: Akhu Database.
After Chapter 3 is added to the Cairo Playtesting Copy we'll work on finalizing and releasing Chapter 5, which contains the Cairo campaign - 6 interconnected Jobs that see the players exploring many districts of the Cairo Megacity, wading through the vast social tapestry of Egypt, encountering many dangerous foes, and trying to thwart the nefarious plans of an Ennead exec seeking to become immortal.
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That's it for today - see you in the next one!
- Omer and the Son of Oak team
Chapter 2 of Cairo added to Playtesting Copy!
20 days ago
– Fri, Mar 13, 2026 at 09:38:02 AM
Hey there midnight smugglers of ancient and mythical wares!
Two weeks have passed and it's time for another update from us. Let's get straight to it!
Cairo:Otherscape Playtesting Copy v0.2 is sending out!
During these last couple of weeks we continued to refine Chapter 2: Khopesh & Shield, which focuses on creating characters or tailoring them to fit the Cairo:Otherscape setting and gives your players a trove of new options for themekits, loadout catalogue items, new specials, and more.
We've added this chapter to the Cairo:Otherscape Playtesting Copy, which is now being sent out to backers!
The Ways of Magic subsection is still being crafted and will be added in a future update. We've decided to give it some extra care to make sure we get it just right.
If you spot typos or any other mistakes, or if you have any other feedback for us, please let us know on the Discord threads below:
But here are some choice spreads from this chapter:
Use Cairo Character Tropes to rapidly create new characters for the Egypt setting.
Choose from dozens of new setting-appropriate themekits for Self, Mythos, and Noise.
Load up on guns, ammo, and even source-touched items with the Cairo Street Catalogue.
The next release
Our next update will be two weeks from now on March 27th. On that update we're hoping to release Chapter 3: Akhu Database, which focuses on Challenges for the Egypt setting book.
We'll continue to refine the Ways of Magic subsection from Chapter 2 and if we feel that it's ready then it will also be included in the next update.
Timeline estimate
We recently had a dev meeting to discuss progress in writing, production of art, and our planned digital release schedule. If everything continues in its current pace, we're on track to finish both books before the end of May with a digital release in early to mid June.
We will continue to keep you posted if anything changes in regards to our expected fulfillment timeline.
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That's it for today - see you in the next one!
- Omer and the Son of Oak team
Crafting of Cairo Chapter 2: Khopesh & Shield continues!
about 1 month ago
– Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 08:09:30 AM
Hey there high-copy pseudo-celebs!
In these last couple of weeks we've continued working on both Cairo and Neuro, and while we're not yet ready to update the Cairo Playtesting Copy with new materials -- there are still a few kinks that our dev team is tinkering with -- we did want to give you a sneak peak of some of the things you'll find in Cairo Chapter 2: Khopesh & Shield.
Chapter 2: Khopesh & Shield
Cairo Character Tropes
Here are some examples of Cairo character tropes your crew might feature:
Scorpion King - An assassin with expertise in deadly and crippling poisons, you’ve been so exposed to deadly chemicals that you’ve grown immune to most. Few are as deadly as you and people in the know start to take notice – out of respect, or fear. Soon others will be coming to you for contract jobs or just to see if the tales of your deadliness can stand the text.
Hookah Lounge Host - Hookah lounges form a crucial role for merc work in Cairo. You and your family own one such lounge, where jobs can be planned and Cyberspace runs can be accomplished amid ample seating and a chill atmosphere. Sure your Harness rigs are cobbled together, but you think of yourself as the ultimate host, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe, with gear that’s suitable for their needs.
High-Copy Pseudo-Celeb - You deserve only the best, but you have to settle for best-looking. You’ve developed an endorsement deal with Helmi Electronics, a first step in your cybercelebrity journey toward greatness. You’re surrounded by flimsy, cheap, but amazing-looking knockoffs, to suit your almost-famous lifestyle and impress the viewers. As you keep saying to yourself, this shallow facade is, of course, nothing like your rich and multilayered soul.
New themekits
Cairo features dozens of new themekits for Self, Noise, and Mythos, here's a taste of what you'll find there:
Mercenary Subculture [AFFILIATION] - You’ve ensconced yourself in Cairo’s merc scene, which is centered around certain hookah bars and night clubs. You know who’s who in the merc world and you’re tapped into the apps and fixers who can get you a Job when you need one. Cairo is home to many of the best mercs in the world, serving as a hub for international crews, so you’re well placed to keep ascending as a professional if you do your job and don’t get yourself killed.
Powerful Soul [EXPOSURE] - Some part of your soul, one of the pieces identified by the ancient Egyptians, is much stronger than that of other people. This manifests in your own unique way, depending on the part that is supernaturally strong (New Source Type: Aspect Of The Soul). This powerful soul can be a burden, causing you to stand out from the crowd and potentially making you a target of the Ennead who seek out such souls.
Aghzal Farady Cloak [AUGMENTATION] - Wearing complex and beautiful fabrics, interwoven with copper wires, you have become an expert on cloaking yourself from signals. You can keep your devices from being tracked or leaving digital fingerprints on Nearspace networks, keep others from hacking your gear and cybernetics, and scramble any outgoing communications. This has its drawbacks, as you are often cut off from comms, drones, and other tech.
Loadout: Cairo Street Catalog
The streets of the Cairo Megacity are home to some of the best markets in the world, here are some of the wares (or favors) you might find there:
Ear of the Sheik El-Hara - Someone has spoken well of you to the Sheik El-Hara, the neighborhood elder. You can meet with them or invoke their authority in local matters, within reason.
CairoTrail - A leaked government database of official and colloquial names, as well as aliases and known addresses. As many residents change and hide their birth names in Cairo (for fear of Jinn and Cairo-OS), this can be critical in tracking people down.
Timsah Lungs - Developed for Timsah workers for underwater construction applications, these lungs allow for underwater breathings and extract magical energies from the Nile and its branches to empower the user’s body and soul.
What do you think this gizmo is?
Ways of Magic
For the first time in use in :Otherscape, and successfully adapted from Legend in the Mist, Chapter 2 of the Cairo setting book will feature Egypt-specific Ways of Magic, to help your table explore the Egyptian magic system of Hekau.
While the basic game elements of :Otherscape – themes, tags, statuses, etc. – already support a wide variety of general spellcasting, you can think of Ways of Magic as a useful framework to help you facilitate these fantastical powers and abilities and to make them come to life during gameplay, providing you with a distinct way to interact with the specifics of Egyptian magic.
This subchapter will explore Egyptian alchemy, astrology, hieroglyphics, and even memetics (Sebayt Memes, as explored in chapter 4).
Cairo/Neuro Dice Update
Work also continues on the physical production front, where we just received our shiny new Cairo Self dice. Previously, we shared a failed at attempt at capturing the essence of the Self "Sand" dice, but now we think that we have it!!
Feast your eyes on this beauty!
The Self Sand die joins its siblings of Mythos and Noise to form a set that we think will grace your Cairo or Neuro :Otherscape game table for many a session!
Here's a reminder of what the other two look like, followed by the original mockup from the Kickstarter campaign.
Original mockup from the Kickstarter campaign
The next update
Our next update will be two weeks from now on March 13th. We're very confident that we'll be able to update the Cairo Playtesting Copy by then with Chapter 2: Khopesh & Shield.
After Chapter 2 is added to the Playtesting Copy we'll be aiming to release Chapter 3: Akhu Database next. This chapter focuses on Challenges for the Egypt setting book -- magical, cyber, and mundane!
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That's it for today - see you in the next one!
- Omer and the Son of Oak team
First parts of Cairo:Otherscape are here!
about 2 months ago
– Thu, Feb 12, 2026 at 10:51:25 AM
Hello there reflex-enhanced market runners!
After resuming work on Cairo:Otherscape in January we're ready to start rolling out finished materials from the Cairo:Otherscape & Neuro:Otherscape campaign.
From now and until the final digital release, we'll send a status update every two weeks to both keep us "on our feet" with a set release schedule, and you fully up-to-date with the progress of fulfillment for this campaign.
With each status update we'll release an updated playtesting copy filled with the latest laid out materials and art, and share some of what we think are the highlights of this newly shared playtesting copy.
Cairo:Otherscape Playtesting Copy v0.1 is sending out!
Before publishing this update, we sent all backers a playtesting copy via DriveThruRPG of Chapters 1 and 4 of Cairo:Otherscape.
Please note that this is a playtesting copy and not a final design. Some elements may still change, typos may still be in the text, art will be added or differently placed, graphic design will be more polished, etc.
We'll also be looking out for your feedback about the released content and will open dedicated feedback forums on Discord as new materials are released. For now, please use the following threads for:
If you did not get your copy, or if you ran into any issues with receiving content updates, please reach out to [email protected] .
Showcasing first iso-maps!
We recently started working with a talented new artist, Rodrigo Artuso, who has already started creating wonderful isometric maps for both Legend in the Mist and now also Cairo:Otherscape.
While no iso-maps are currently included in the playtesting copy -- those will be featured in Chapter 5 (the Cairo Job Series) -- we just couldn't wait to share these beauties with you:
Created for Job #1 (WIP) - Is it just another night in Downtown Cairo?
Created for Job #2 (WIP) - What secrets lie within this heavily-armed oil rig?
Release highlights
Chapter 1 introduces you to the Cairo Megacity in the year 20XX, providing you with all the setting information and cultural background you'll need to take your crew into the bustling streets and market alleyways of the sprawling metropolis, under a scorching North African sun. You'll explore the Megacity's different people, districts, and common scene locations; and even get acquainted with Egyptian gods, spirits, and magic.
Chapter 4 deals with Cairo's Key Players -- the movers and shakers of the Megacity: From the Ennead Consortium who rules Cairo with an iron fist, assisted by the watchful eye of Cairo-OS; to Agdaa' Naas, the people's movement who works to protect and promote the little guy on the street from the tyranny of the ruling class; and from Timsah Irrigatronics who dream to bring back ancient pharaonic rule through the literal reshaping of the Nile and the flow of magic in Egypt; to the slimy "high-copy" and off-brand marketing and salespeople of Helmi Electronics who try to make a buck off of everyone and only care about their bottom-line.
Other than providing useful background information for all the different factions of the Cairo Megacity, Chapter 4 contains Key Player specific story hooks, Challenges, themekits, power sets, loadout catalogs, and more.
The next release
Our next update will be two weeks from now on February 26th, when we'll be hoping to release Chapter 2 - Khopesh & Shield, which is the new player options chapter of the Cairo Setting book.
In it you'll find:
Character tropes and theme kits for use in Rapid Character Creation;
New Specials for characters and crews that can be picked up as upgrades;
The Cairo Street Catalog, with new loadout options, tech upgrades, super-specialized tools, and even weaponized ideas
We're also looking forward to show you more beautiful art from Isago Fukuda (characters and scenes), Daniel Liang (chapter covers), Rasuli Iman Fajri (logos), the aforementioned Rodrigo Artuso (cartography), as well as from other artists.
Timeline estimate
We're still on track for a digital release in May. Generally, things are moving better now with a bigger chunk of the team able to focus on Cairo and Neuro as work on Legend in the Mist is coming to a close.
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That's it for today - see you in the next one!
- Omer and the Son of Oak team
Resuming Dev Work in January!
3 months ago
– Thu, Dec 18, 2025 at 08:06:32 AM
Hello there artifact smugglers on the Nile!
Apologies for the delayed update. As you may know from reading the previous updates, the entire Son of Oak team is currently working to meet a very aggressive deadline for the completion of Legend In The Mist.
Nevertheless, since most of our remaining work is editing and layout, our writing and game design team will be returning to the development of Cairo:OS and Neuro:OS in January 2026. The art team will also be resuming their work after the holidays, led by Isago Fukuda.
With over half of Cairo:OS already written earlier this year, and the digital files estimated release date being May 2026 (as seen on the Kickstarter campaign), we're pretty confident with the current timeline. So get ready for a year of Egyptian goddesses in dusty camos and rogue AIs battling Apotheosis monsters in cyberspace!
Our next update will be on February 12th, to allow some time for us to be able to share some playtesting content with you. Some of the candidates are Cairo Tropes and Theme Kits, or a collection of Cairo:OS Challenges.
