Jan 2012
A question of race
01/28/2012 10:56 Filed in: SS&S
My work on the rough draft of Companion is nearly done -- well the hand written version, I will need to type it -- and I am working on the last major section. That section deals with fantasy races.
Though fantasy races do not fit within the standard game of SS&S, Companion is a collection of options. One option that I wanted to give players and GMs was the option of doing more high fantasy with the game. A way to allow this is by giving rules for fantasy races.
How the rules behave now, is that choosing a race is very much like a Modifier. Your race will have you adjust a few stats, give you a couple of bonuses, and help you stand out from the other characters.
Where I am having issues is what type of races to include. Confession time, I am not a great fan of high fantasy. I can appreciate it as a genre but the traditional tropes of the style are lost on me. Still, I am not designing for myself, and I realize that a book like the Companion should appeal to many. That is why I am stuck on what types of races to include. Here is what I got right now:
Not a long list, and I am sure I am missing a few obvious ones. So I turn to you, what other races would you like to see? The only caveat I have is this: No hobbit-like creatures or cat girls.
Suggest away.
Though fantasy races do not fit within the standard game of SS&S, Companion is a collection of options. One option that I wanted to give players and GMs was the option of doing more high fantasy with the game. A way to allow this is by giving rules for fantasy races.
How the rules behave now, is that choosing a race is very much like a Modifier. Your race will have you adjust a few stats, give you a couple of bonuses, and help you stand out from the other characters.
Where I am having issues is what type of races to include. Confession time, I am not a great fan of high fantasy. I can appreciate it as a genre but the traditional tropes of the style are lost on me. Still, I am not designing for myself, and I realize that a book like the Companion should appeal to many. That is why I am stuck on what types of races to include. Here is what I got right now:
- Elf
- Dwarf
- Goblin
- Ogre
- Ratman
- Fairy
Not a long list, and I am sure I am missing a few obvious ones. So I turn to you, what other races would you like to see? The only caveat I have is this: No hobbit-like creatures or cat girls.
Suggest away.
Comments
Some changes
01/27/2012 03:55 Filed in: News
As of this month Rogue Games is now represented Impressions Advertising & Marketing when it deals with distribution. This is a good thing because now it will be easier to get our products in your local game stores. If you are a distributor or retailer interested in wholesale terms, please contact Impressions.
In other news prices for some of the print books will be changing. I have held off as long as I can when it comes to keeping prices on the printed books low, but the fact of the matter is, it is costing me more to print the books with my printing partners. My unit costs have risen and in some cases I have lost money on the books. Over the next few weeks, prices will be changing as follows:
Colonial Gothic Line
Forthcoming
Shadow, Sword & Spell Line
Forthcoming
Note, that these price changes will only effect printed books, PDFs and eBooks will not see a change.
I am sorry about having to raise prices, and it is something I do not like to do. In the end, I have to do it.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, or contact me.
In other news prices for some of the print books will be changing. I have held off as long as I can when it comes to keeping prices on the printed books low, but the fact of the matter is, it is costing me more to print the books with my printing partners. My unit costs have risen and in some cases I have lost money on the books. Over the next few weeks, prices will be changing as follows:
Colonial Gothic Line
- RGG 1776 Colonial Gothic: Rulebook (Old Price $24.99) -- New Price 29.99
- RGG 1779 Colonial Gothic: New France (Old Price $12.99) -- New Price 16.99
- RGG 1778 Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged (Old Price $12.99) -- New Price $16.99
- RGG 1780 Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair (Old Price $13.99) -- New Price $16.99
Forthcoming
- RGG 1754 Colonial Gothic: The French and Indian War (Old Price $12.99) March 2012 -- New Price 17.99
Shadow, Sword & Spell Line
- RGG 3000 Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic (Old Price $12.99) -- New Price 19.99
- RGG 3001 Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert (Old Price $12.99) -- New Price 24.99
Forthcoming
- RGG 3030 Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats (Old Price $12.99) February 2012 -- New Price $16.99
Note, that these price changes will only effect printed books, PDFs and eBooks will not see a change.
I am sorry about having to raise prices, and it is something I do not like to do. In the end, I have to do it.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, or contact me.
Colonial Gothic: The French and Indian War
01/25/2012 11:06 Filed in: Colonial Gothic
Huh?
Sorry, I tend to think faster than I type.
What I am talking about is The French and Indian War. Though I have not talked about it as much, this book is making its’ way to final layout. I am happy with the book, and happy to have this project finally reaching its’ end. It has been in the works for awhile and I am going to be glad to have it off my plated.
So what is the book about? This is a comprehensive sourcebook dealing with the war of 1754-1763. More importantly it opens up a new time period for the game. One of my favorite additions to the book, and what is one of my favorite additions to the game, are rules for mass battles. If that is not enough, there is an extended campaign presented as adventure seeds and handout-ready newspaper reports.
Once this book is done, then I will be moving on to Shadows on the Hudson (part three of Flames of Freedom) and the big release of summer which is currently untitled.
In all there is a lot coming out for the game.
Preview of SS&S Threats: The Medusa
01/23/2012 08:49 Filed in: SS&S
Work on Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats is moving along really quickly. The art has all come in, the text is going through one more editing phase, and I am working up the layout of the book. I want this book to be a good one, and I am glad that I took the time to get it right.
There are a lot of cool monsters, animals and “stuff” in this book. There are enough choices in it that a gamemaster will have a lot of options on the type of threats they pit against their players. One of the key things I wanted to do with this book, was to have a wide range of power levels. There are some very lower powered threats, and there are some very powerful threats contained in the book. This is good, because GMs should have choices.
One of my favorite threats is the one below. The art is done by Freddy Lopez Jr. (who has done a lot of nice work for the book), and the creature is one that is inspired by H.P. Lovecraft.
“Medusa’s Coil,” by H. P. Lovecraft and Zealia Bishop was published two years after his death in January 1939 in Weird Tales.
The story is one that I have always liked and though it is not my favorite Lovecraft story, there is a lot to like about it. The key to this story, I feel, is how Lovecraft takes a simple creature from myth, and puts a new spin on it. Though the story starts off a bit archaic, the slow build to the end is one that I always felt worked. I also like how the reveal to what Marceline’s true nature is. This different take on a standard creature is something that effected me greatly, and it is something I try to do in all my games.
Anyway, here is a preview of the Medusa, and you will find it in the forthcoming Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats.
Brawn 5, Quickness 9, Toughness 9, Wits 11, Will 15, Resolve 65, Vitality 35
Skills: Brawl [+9], Diplomacy [+12], Empathy [+11], Intimidation [+12], Observe [+11], Spell – Arcane (Geas +12)
Traits:
Medusas (or gorgons if male) are creatures who appear human, but in fact are not. They are always pale, and have long black hair which reaches the knees. This hair is a living thing which acts on behalf of the medusa as well as on its own. The hair lives on if the medusa is killed, and it pulls itself away from the medusa to attack her killers. The hair is able to live for a number of weeks equal to the medusa’s Will, and it slithers like a snake while it seeks its revenge.
There are a lot of cool monsters, animals and “stuff” in this book. There are enough choices in it that a gamemaster will have a lot of options on the type of threats they pit against their players. One of the key things I wanted to do with this book, was to have a wide range of power levels. There are some very lower powered threats, and there are some very powerful threats contained in the book. This is good, because GMs should have choices.
One of my favorite threats is the one below. The art is done by Freddy Lopez Jr. (who has done a lot of nice work for the book), and the creature is one that is inspired by H.P. Lovecraft.
“Medusa’s Coil,” by H. P. Lovecraft and Zealia Bishop was published two years after his death in January 1939 in Weird Tales.
The story is one that I have always liked and though it is not my favorite Lovecraft story, there is a lot to like about it. The key to this story, I feel, is how Lovecraft takes a simple creature from myth, and puts a new spin on it. Though the story starts off a bit archaic, the slow build to the end is one that I always felt worked. I also like how the reveal to what Marceline’s true nature is. This different take on a standard creature is something that effected me greatly, and it is something I try to do in all my games.
Anyway, here is a preview of the Medusa, and you will find it in the forthcoming Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats.
Medusa
Brawn 5, Quickness 9, Toughness 9, Wits 11, Will 15, Resolve 65, Vitality 35
Skills: Brawl [+9], Diplomacy [+12], Empathy [+11], Intimidation [+12], Observe [+11], Spell – Arcane (Geas +12)
Traits:
- Drain: Those who are caught in the hair of a medusa lose 5 Vitality each round they are trapped.
• Spellcaster
• Squeeze: The hair of a medusa is able to grab and squeeze opponents. In order to use this ability, the medusa must make a successful Brawl Test to grab its opponent. Those trapped can try to break out by making a successful Brawn Test. For every round trapped by the medusa, the opponent suffers a cumulative -1 to the Test. For example, if the opponent has been squeezed for 3 Rounds he would suffer a -3 to the Test. The damage from this ability is equal to the creature’s Brawn + Toughness.
Medusas (or gorgons if male) are creatures who appear human, but in fact are not. They are always pale, and have long black hair which reaches the knees. This hair is a living thing which acts on behalf of the medusa as well as on its own. The hair lives on if the medusa is killed, and it pulls itself away from the medusa to attack her killers. The hair is able to live for a number of weeks equal to the medusa’s Will, and it slithers like a snake while it seeks its revenge.
Back Online, Miss Us?
01/18/2012 06:47 Filed in: News
Sorry about the surprise protest today, I wanted to get the point across about SOPA. I really speak about things like this, but as a company that deals with information, the fact that a law like this is even being considered annoyed me to no end. Just because the strike is over, does not mean the threat to intellectual freedom goes away.
Take the time and read the best three articles that deal with and PIPA: Free Speech, Problems, Security.
Also take the time and sign the petition.
Take the time and read the best three articles that deal with and PIPA: Free Speech, Problems, Security.
Also take the time and sign the petition.
Colonial Gothic Organizations: The Templars Ready for Pre-Order
01/15/2012 02:27 Filed in: Colonial Gothic | News
Available starting today Rogue Games is accepting pre-orders for Colonial Gothic Organizations: The Templars.
From Parzival through Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to The da Vinci Code, the Knights Templar have had an enduring hold over the popular imagination. At dawn on Friday, October 13, 1307, they went from being one of the most powerful organizations in medieval Europe to prisoners and fugitives. They were questioned under torture and their leaders were executed for heresy. Officially disbanded in 1312, the Knights Templar ceased to exist.
The legend of the Templars has proved harder to destroy. Rumors persisted of hidden treasure, of a curse that blighted a dynasty, and of a secret so powerful that it threatened the very basis of the Church. New organizations such as the Freemasons looked back to the Templars, and became shrouded in myth and conspiracy theory themselves.
Written by Graeme Davis (Colonial Gothic: The Gazetteer) The Templars is the first in a series of Colonial Gothic sourcebooks covering secret societies and other organizations.
Within these pages you will find detailed and authoritative information on the activities of the Knights Templar in the world of Colonial Gothic, including their acknowledged and secret histories, their structure and organization, their goals in the Thirteen Colonies and around the world, and the implications of membership.
Although they do not show their hand openly, the Knights Templar remain a force in the world of Colonial Gothic. Their hand is seldom seen, but it pulls on many strings.
To order a copy, and get the PDF of the book immediately, please visit the Rogue Games Online Store. Orders will ship within the next two weeks, and Kindle and eBook versions of the book will be available for purchase shorty.
Details:
Colonial Gothic: The Templars
ISBN-13: 978-0-9826598-6-1
MSRP: $10.99 (Print)/$4.99 (PDF)
Pages: 84 B&W 6”x9” Softcover
SKU: RGG 1667
Cover of Colonial Gothic The Templars
01/13/2012 01:19 Filed in: Colonial Gothic
Preview of Colonial Gothic Organizations: Templars
01/12/2012 07:25 Filed in: Colonial Gothic
Layout for Colonial Gothic Organizations: The Templars is done. The book will be uploaded to the printer this weekend, and thanks to techno wizard of POD, the book will be ready to print within a week. Come this weekend, the preorder will be up as well. I really like the look of this book, and the layout is very clean. I should have the cover done tomorrow, but in the meantime, here is a preview of the interiors. Take a look and enjoy.
Preview of Colonial Gothic Organizations: Templars
This is a tight little book, and even more, as the proofreader Michael Wolf pointed out to me, this is book, even if you do not play Colonial Gothic, that it “…should be an interesting resource even for people who don’t play Colonial Gothic.” Graeme really has written a tight work that covers this important historical group.
Preview of Colonial Gothic Organizations: Templars
This is a tight little book, and even more, as the proofreader Michael Wolf pointed out to me, this is book, even if you do not play Colonial Gothic, that it “…should be an interesting resource even for people who don’t play Colonial Gothic.” Graeme really has written a tight work that covers this important historical group.
Go Play Something New
01/09/2012 11:04 Filed in: News
New Year, New Game Indie Bundle!
Ring in the New Year with 17 PDFs including 10 complete indie and small press game systems to bring to your table. The New Year, New Game Indie Bundle also features a print and play board game, a guide to using conventions to get your foot in the gaming industry door, and several indie gaming supplements!
It's a New Year – why not try a new gaming experience, direct from the creators?
For less than a pair of movie tickets and some popcorn, treat yourself and your gaming group to over $50 worth of games! Hours and hours of engaging and thought-provoking fun, for only $25.00! Take advantage of it now because when January ends, this bundle does too!
Go Play Something New!
To purchase the bundle, click here.
It's a New Year – why not try a new gaming experience, direct from the creators?
For less than a pair of movie tickets and some popcorn, treat yourself and your gaming group to over $50 worth of games! Hours and hours of engaging and thought-provoking fun, for only $25.00! Take advantage of it now because when January ends, this bundle does too!
- Hollowpoint from VSCA Publishing
- Deluge from VSCA Publishing
- Toys for the Sandbox: Apothacary from Occult Moon
- Mi Gato se Incendia! (My Cat is on Fire!) by Benjamin Gerber
- Argyle & Crew: Adventures in the Land of Skcos and two new scenarios by Benjamin Gerber
- Mirkmoot’s Magical Accouterments for Creatures Great and Small by Benjamin Gerber
- Mirkmoot's More Magical Mayhem for Creatures Small and Great by Benjamin Gerber
- Shadow, Sword & Spell: Under Pashuvanam's Lush from Rogue Games, Inc.
- Conventions for the Aspiring Game Professional by Jess Hartley
- Instant Antagonist: The Creepy Cottontail from FR Press
- Open Core Roleplaying System Classic from Battlefield Press
- Toypocalypse from Top Rope Games
- Old School Hack by Kirin Robinson
- Kicking Historical Asses from Machine Age Productions
- Homicidal Transients from Left of the Moon Games
Go Play Something New!
To purchase the bundle, click here.
Coming Up This Month
01/04/2012 01:02 Filed in: News
Happy New Year.
Now that the holidays are over, it is time to kick things into gear. This is going to be a productive month, and there is a lot going on.
First up will be the printed version of Colonial Gothic: The Templars. The layout is done, and this will go up for pre-order next week. I am waiting for one batch of proofreading comments, and the cover is about 50% done. This is a nice little book, and for those who bought the original PDF/eBook release, will like the changes that have been made.
Edits for Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats are in, and the art is coming in as well. I really like this book, and though I wish I got it done sooner, I think all the time I spent writing — and rewriting — it paid off.
Graeme is putting the finishing touches on Colonial Gothic: The French & Indian War book. I am working up page designs and I want to really make this book feel a little bit different.
If that was not enough, I will be recording the first real episode of Rogue Transmissions.
As you can see, busy month. Not on this list is a few of the things I am working out that will be coming out at year’s end. In all, it is going to be busy, but a fun time.
Now that the holidays are over, it is time to kick things into gear. This is going to be a productive month, and there is a lot going on.
First up will be the printed version of Colonial Gothic: The Templars. The layout is done, and this will go up for pre-order next week. I am waiting for one batch of proofreading comments, and the cover is about 50% done. This is a nice little book, and for those who bought the original PDF/eBook release, will like the changes that have been made.
Edits for Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats are in, and the art is coming in as well. I really like this book, and though I wish I got it done sooner, I think all the time I spent writing — and rewriting — it paid off.
Graeme is putting the finishing touches on Colonial Gothic: The French & Indian War book. I am working up page designs and I want to really make this book feel a little bit different.
If that was not enough, I will be recording the first real episode of Rogue Transmissions.
As you can see, busy month. Not on this list is a few of the things I am working out that will be coming out at year’s end. In all, it is going to be busy, but a fun time.