Gloucestershire author takes his world underground

An author and illustrator who designed a series of successful adventure books is taking his unique world underground.

Gloucestershire-based Nic Angell originally published Colostle - a combination of the words colossal and castle - in 2022.

The latest edition takes the reader underground into massive dungeons, where they must fight to survive.

"I'm always a little nervous going into a new expansion as I am very keen to truly expand upon the game," he said.

He added he did not just want to increase the scope and world potential, but also how the game is played.

The original Colostle project was funded after a successful crowd-funding campaign, which raised £45,000.

Colostle is set in a building where cities and mountains can be found in individual rooms.

It is a solo roleplaying game (RPG) where readers journal about their experiences, powered by a standard deck of cards.

The cards each person draws determines which rooms and creatures they encounter during their adventure.

"It is part game, part creative-writing exercise," Mr Angell said.

"I love hearing about Colostle player's adventures and the ideas they have within a world I created.

"It's quite a weird experience as on the one hand they're playing my game, but on the other hand they making up entirely new stuff."

This latest dungeon expansion to the series has already been released to thousands of Mr Angell's loyal fans who support him through an online subscription service.

"The feedback has been really positive," he said.

"I make my books chapter by chapter and release each chapter sequentially so my patrons get to see these new locations and story elements first before the world sees it as a book."

After the success of the book series Mr Angell's dream would be to bring his world to life on television or cinema.

"Colostle has made the biggest splash of all the things I have created, so there is a chance it could be seen by someone who wants to make something of it on the screen.

"I would be over the moon and would be right there with them, making it happen."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.