Sunken Library Layout
over 3 years ago
– Wed, Dec 30, 2020 at 09:21:27 PM
I got the edited version of Sunken Library, and it's already in a prelim layout with art spaces. I put in the maps I had, and while there's one more geographic map I need (I may even have it, but I'll talk to Glynn about it), the text and text-flow created usable art spaces. And I still have three pages left blank.
One of those is already reserved for counters...but the other two are going to be used to provide ready-to-go fodder.
Not the more fully realized characters from CC1, but very short stat lines so that the GM doesn't have to generate too many random bad guys. I think this will serve nicely when it comes to some of the encounters where one squares off against some of the many factions that have decided to hunt down and dispatch the PCs with extreme prejudice.
In any case, this is good. I can start with getting art direction in place tomorrow, and kick it off for real.
Merry Christmas: Update
over 3 years ago
– Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 08:26:47 AM
Just a quick update.
- I've finished The Sunken Library, sent it to my editor. She's asking me questions about spell and talent lists and formatting, which means she's nearly done. She's managed to cut a few hundred more words, but nothing like the massive debridement of the manuscript I did before I sent it to her.
- She's planning on sending me the "99%" file later today, possibly tomorrow. That will allow a layout to find art spaces. Then I can first place the maps, figure out how many counters I'll need and of what types, and then spread out the text for max readability and nicely sized art pieces.
- With multiple editing and feedback passes on the draft, once I get art holes (in a few days) then it's just a matter of getting that in place. The good news here is unlike the prior books, counters and main art will come together, so no phased approach there.Speaking of art pieces, I commissioned the counter art for Roc of Sages this morning. Those should be in hand by the end of this coming weekend, and that gives another week-ish until I put them in, do a full "is this ready?" read and get SJGames' permission to distribute. So Roc should be coming soonish.
- Then my attention turns to Catacombs. Again, I have a lot of art for this already, so it's a matter of "what do I have, what do I need?" for the counter art. I've gotten some feedback on this as well, so it'll get a few tweaks, counter art, and then approval.
- I got word the Character Collection books are ready for pickup by UPS at Mixam. No delivery update yet; it can go fast, or it can go slow. But I should have them in hand by next week at worst, and then anyone who's already ordered a physical copy gets theirs shipped.
- Now my only question is what's my next volume...I have ideas.
Final Reminder: Fill out survey if you have not already
over 3 years ago
– Mon, Dec 21, 2020 at 05:39:56 PM
The time has come. I've sent out the final reminder to those 16 people who have not filled out surveys.
Ten of those are $1 "Follow the campaign" pledges. Come Wednesday night, I will cancel those pledges and refund the dollar.
For the six remaining folks, who have pledged from $10 (1) to $135 (2), and a few in between. These pledged will be dealt with shortly before the PDF pre-release for the remaining files is completed. This won't happen until all art is commissioned, for all books, which really ought to be Real Soon Now, but I'll leave things open until then. I hope to have the last book into editing by day's end today, and when I get it back, I'll do layout and get art holes in place. Once those are identified, it's time to close pre-orders and move from "production" to "finishing, printing, and fulfillment."
- Two of you are PDF-only backers, so I don't really NEED anything from you. I'll close out your pledge, deliver the PDF content, and that's that.
- Two are high pledge tiers at $135. I will reach out personally to these folks and see what I can do. If I can't get a hold of you, I'll refund your money. High-tier backers require a shipping address, but your pledge also includes PDFs.
- The last two are folks who want physical goods only who have not filled out the surveys. I'll reach out to y'all as well and see if we can get closure. If we cannot, again, I'll refund your pledge.
Finally coming down to the end. If you're wondering if you're on the list, you'll have received one or more emails from me or Backerkit. If it's not in your inbox or spam folder...you're probably fine.
The Sunken Library: Progress and Pagecount
over 3 years ago
– Sun, Dec 20, 2020 at 06:04:34 PM
Progress and Pagecounts sounds like a new horror RPG to me.
In any case, I expect to finish the first complete draft of the restructured Sunken Library today. It came in well over wordcount for 32 pages, but looking at the cost of editing it down, and what would have to go on the cutting-room floor...it's not worth the hassle.
Plus, turns out that the breakpoints for printing cost and retail price points are ever in our favor. It's like the .40 S&W in GURPS: all the breakpoints go the same way.
In short: Sunken Library will ship at a target 40 instead of 32 pages. Retail price shall be adjusted upwards to $19, though of course that won't impact backer and pre-order pricing at all. The extra page count is very favorable from a printing cost as well, as the 500 required copies of the book hit the place where Mixam shifts over to litho instead of digital printing...basically the print cost delta for 500x32-page and 500x40page books is almost negligible.
I still have work to do. Once I finish getting all the needed content in there, it needs to go into editing and peer review. I'm hoping that doesn't take too long, and we can start the process of getting art at the very end of December. Big books take longer to get art, so expect January to be "art month," and hopefully February will be "print and ship" month.
Later than I'd like...but the results should be a much more player- and GM-friendly adventure series.
Character Collections - in case you want PRINT
over 3 years ago
– Sat, Dec 12, 2020 at 11:24:55 PM
Instead of Kickstarting the new book later, I released the short Character Collections book as PDF, Print, and a Print+PDF bundle today at Gaming Ballistic. I'm not linking to the PDF-inclusive copies because if you backed this Kickstarter OR pre-ordered it, you already have the initial PDF.
I made a few changes to the cover and corrected some errors on the interior. I will update that file when I upload the final, as-printed versions of all five of the More Perilous Journeys books and send the files to the printer. That way I don't overload the download box from Backerkit with (justified) complaints of "now WHAT file am I downloading?"
You can see I fixed up the fact that our good barbarian's face was obscured with the best possible answer: more megahexes.
If you like print books too, you can order a print copy here: Character Collection 1 - Print
I'm told the books will finish printing December 22. I expect to receive them between Xmas and the New Year and I'll ship them out as soon as I get them.
Fair warning: this is a US print run and US shipment. That means international shipping will be really expensive, even though it's a small book, because international shipping from the US is always painful. There should be a chance to get it during a later project with a dedicated UK/EU print run and Eurocentric fulfillment. Stay tuned for that.
