Pelican House Games is a startup, indie game studio dedicated to crafting immersive, story-driven experiences that challenge the mind and ignite the imagination. We are a small, but dedicated team who came together in 2023 with collaborative ideas; we are fueled by a passion for elegant design, tactical depth, and the joy of play.
We believe that games are more than just entertainment—they’re a shared journey, a canvas for imagination, and a way to bring people together. At Pelican House, every detail is intentional, every mechanic purposeful, and every world alive with possibility.
Pelican House Games was incorporated in 2025 to bring our flagship game – Shoshin: The Path of Ascension – to Kickstarter.
To design compelling tabletop games that inspire connection, spark creativity, and deliver meaningful, unforgettable gameplay. We hold ourselves to a high standard of quality, innovation, and integrity in everything we create.
The indie development team behind Shoshin: The Path of Ascension, committed to innovative gameplay and enduring player experiences!
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL DEVELOPER
A lifelong fan of a myriad of strategy and tabletop games since the early-1990s, JC blends creative vision with structured execution to ensure Shoshin delivers balance, depth, and lasting playability.
DEVELOPER & PRINCIPAL STORYTELLER
A gaming veteran who has played Dungeons & Dragons and RPGs since 1983, he also runs games at local stores in Los Angeles. His creativity and experience add depth and character to Shoshin’s storytelling and design.
DEVELOPER & PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
Retired US Army Veteran, Actor, and Game Developer. A miniatures painter since 1986 and as a lifelong gamer, he runs games across Southern California, inspiring the community with passion and expertise.
ART DIRECTOR
Multidisciplinary Artist, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Character Animator, 3D Sculptor, and Character Artist. Also an Actor and freelance game tester, he provides art direction and inspiration for product development.
LEAD ILLUSTRATOR
Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Character Artist, and Avid Game Enthusiast. With a passion for blending narrative and design, she adds a bold and enduring style to her artwork providing a distinct visual identity.
MEDIA
Freelance journalist and storyteller - equal parts writer, artist, and gamer, she brings a creative voice to every project. A staunch supporter who continues to champion our efforts within the broader tabletop community.
Shoshin: The Path of Ascension is inspired by elements of Japanese history, martial disciplines, and folklore. Because of this, cultural respect is a foundational principle behind how this project has been developed—not an afterthought.
Our commitment includes:
Authentic Representation:
Members of our creative team are of Asian heritage, including Japanese-American and Cambodian-American contributors. Their lived experiences help guide tone, representation, and cultural framing throughout the project.
Consultation & Research:
Where possible, we reference historical source material, academic writing, folklore studies, and established cultural archives (such as Yokai.com and historical research texts). When needed, we seek additional cultural review and paid consultation to ensure depictions are accurate, non-harmful, and not rooted in stereotype.
Attribution, Not Appropriation:
We openly acknowledge the real-world sources that inspire the game world. Wherever folklore, martial traditions, or historical references appear, supplemental notes, appendices, or design commentary will clarify origins so that credit and context remain attached to those ideas.
Fiction With Transparency:
While the world of Shoshin is mythical and not meant to represent any real ethnicity, living culture, or religion directly, we recognize that inspiration carries responsibility. Our goal is to build a fictional setting that honors its source influences rather than claiming them.
Ongoing Improvement:
We welcome feedback—especially from those connected to the cultures represented. If the community identifies areas for refinement or correction, we are committed to listening, learning, and updating future editions.
As a startup indie studio with VERY limited resources, we’ve been transparent on our reliance upon stock images as well as some AI-generated placeholders during storyboarding, prototyping, playtesting and marketing over the past two years to remain within budget constraints and keep the project moving.
That said, our game will NEVER feature any AI-generated art. We are committed to supporting real artists and strengthening the tabletop community where it matters most. Recently, we’ve added a lead illustrator to our team and we’re excited to share a handful of beautiful test sketches which shows the current direction that we are taking for Shoshin’s rulebook:
At Pelican House Games, we’re laying the first stones of something enduring. If you love strategy, storytelling, and beautiful, handcrafted game experiences, we invite you to be part of our journey.
Thank you for being here. Let’s build something extraordinary—together.
Interact with us on our Social Media and help spread the word. Don’t miss out on our next #ShoshinSuperFan contest!
A welcoming hub where fans gather to stay informed, share discoveries, and join the growing movement behind Shoshin: The Path of Ascension.
A visual gateway into the world of Shoshin—from behind-the-scenes previews to stunning art and gameplay moments that bring the saga to life.
This is the place where our community members have the opportunity to shape the future of Shoshin: The Path of Ascension.
