Indie Board Games by Chuck Whelon

Welcome to the indie board games page of Planet Urf, the creative universe of cartoonist, author, and game designer Chuck Whelon. This is where fantasy, humor, and strategy come together around the tabletop. For me, designing a board game is just another way to tell a story. Whether through cartoons, children’s books, or interactive puzzles, I’ve always loved creating worlds filled with character, comedy, and adventure. Board games give me the chance to bring those worlds to life in a way that friends and families can experience together.

Legitimacy: The Game of Royal Bastards

The crown jewel of my board game work so far is Legitimacy: The Game of Royal Bastards. It’s a fantasy strategy game filled with humor, chaos, and more than a little sibling rivalry. Players take on the roles of royal heirs competing for the throne after the old king passes away. The catch? Every heir is a bastard child, so legitimacy is up for debate!

The game combines dice rolling, card play, and plenty of unexpected twists. You’ll journey across a whimsical fantasy land, encounter quirky characters, and face challenges that require both luck and strategy. True to its name, Legitimacy doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s designed to make players laugh, argue, and plot their way toward the throne, all while enjoying the absurdity of the quest.

As with all original board games, the art is just as important as the mechanics. I illustrated the cards, board, and rulebook in my signature cartoon style, blending fantasy tropes with tongue-in-cheek humor. Every detail, from the magical items to the ridiculous monsters, was created to spark imagination and add personality to the gameplay.

Why Indie Board Games?

In the world of tabletop gaming, “indie” means more than just independent publishing. It means freedom to experiment, to play with genre, and to bring personal creativity directly to the table. Unlike mass-market games, indie board games can take risks, mix humor with strategy, and create experiences that feel fresh and original.

For me, that independence meant being able to design Legitimacy without compromise. I wanted a game that reflected my sense of humor and my love of fantasy storytelling. Indie publishing allowed me to handle the art, design, and creative direction myself, making the final product a true reflection of my vision.

Minion Games & James Mathe

I was fortunate to collaborate with the late James Mathe of Minion Games, one of the true champions of the indie board game world. Together we developed Legitimacy and Those Pesky Humans, both full of humor and quirky fantasy themes that matched my artistic style. Beyond those titles, I also had the pleasure of illustrating several other Minion Games releases, including Grave Business, Nile, Sturgeon, and Battle Merchants. Working with James was an inspiring experience—he gave countless independent creators a platform, and I’m proud that my artwork and game designs are part of his lasting legacy.

Goodman Games

Alongside my own projects, I’ve also worked with Joseph Goodman and Goodman Games for more than two decades, contributing cover art, cartoons, illustrations, and detailed maps for their celebrated Dungeon Crawl Classics and XCrawl Classics product lines. These collaborations have allowed me to bring my love of fantasy worlds into the realm of role-playing games, where my art helps set the tone for adventures that thousands of players experience around the table. It’s been an honor to be part of a community that values creativity, imagination, and the spirit of old-school gaming.

Games as Storytelling

What excites me most about designing board games is the way they tell stories. A game isn’t just rules and pieces—it’s a framework for shared adventure. Every time players sit down with Legitimacy, they create a new story together. Rivalries flare, alliances form, and hilarious situations unfold, all driven by the characters and choices in the game.

That’s what sets creative board games apart. They aren’t just about winning or losing—they’re about laughter, surprises, and memories. For me as an artist, seeing players interpret my drawings and ideas in their own unique way is the ultimate reward.

Looking Ahead

Legitimacy is just the beginning. I continue to explore new concepts for tabletop play, from puzzle-driven mechanics to narrative adventures that blur the line between comics and games. The possibilities are endless, and the indie games community is one of the most inspiring, supportive spaces I’ve ever been part of.

If you love discovering unique fantasy board games, keep an eye on this space. Planet Urf is home to more than just books and cartoons—it’s a growing world of interactive storytelling.

Join the Adventure

I invite you to explore Legitimacy and share your own experiences. Whether you’re a longtime tabletop gamer or just looking for a fun new way to spend time with friends and family, my goal is to make games that are as funny as they are strategic.

Thank you for supporting indie creators and keeping the spirit of tabletop gaming alive.