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Two examples of race for Shadow, Sword & Spell

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-02-14T18:32:47-06:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about the work I am doing on Shadow, Sword & Spell Companion. In that post I mentioned that how the rules behave now, is that in choosing a race is similar to how you choose a Modifier. Your race has you adjust a few Abilities, give you a few skill bonuses, in some cases a trait, and your character stands out from other characters. For the past few months playtesting has been underway and the results have ten encouraging. Some tweaks and some creativity, and the rules for races have been well received.

So what do the rules look like? Here are two example of the races being used. These are still works in progress, and they still need some work. What they will show you is where the thinking lies and what play testers have been using.

Goblin

Ability Adjustments: -2 Brawn, +2 Quickness
Skill Bonus: Stealth +1, Subterfuge +1
Traits: Bite, Nightvision, Size -1

Half Giant

Ability Adjustments: Brawn +2, Quickness -2, Reason -2
Skill Bonus: Intimidation +2
Traits: Size +1

So looking at this, you notice two things, when the race sections are fully written, there are going to be a lot of choice for GMs when it comes to what type of races they can choose from. The other thing that stands out is the section Traits. Traits are the unique things that make each race standout from each other. These traits are similar to creature traits (as found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert), and when you choose a race, your character gains these traits as well.

There are currently sixteen different races being play tested, some are very familiar (elf and dwarf) some are unique mythological beings (centaurs) while others are unique (the ghoulkin).

So there you go a brief look at what is being play tested. Take these two rough text blocks and play with them and see how they work in your games. If you do use them, be sure to let me know what your impressions are.

Figures of Intrest for Colonial Gothic Fans

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-02-10T12:42:47-06:00

A close friend emailed me this bit of news and I thought I would pass it along.

North Star has a sale on French Indian War figures, and though postage might be a bit high to get them to the US, the figures are pretty nice. I placed an order this morning for some. Here’s the link:

http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?spo=1&page=1

Quiet but working

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-02-08T13:21:48-06:00

Been a busy few weeks. Working on a number of Colonial Gothic projects, but the big one is the most important one – The French and Indian War.

I just started on the rough layout of the book, and it is already shaping up to be a nice looking work. Maps are being done and this will be ready for preorder in a few weeks. I am really working on something that feels right and honors the text. This is a book that has been in the works for awhile, and I really want to do it right. Below is a very rough snapshot of a two-page spread.

This is very much a work in progress. I simply started and the Orphan header on page 12, will not be there. The text in the chapter header on page 13 is temporary. The point of this is to show that the book is coming, and I really cannot wait till you see it.

What else is being worked on for Colonial Gothic? A book for the summer, and it deals with locations. More on that in a bit.

A question of race

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-28T10:56:15-06:00

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:

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.

Some changes

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-27T15:55:29-06:00

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

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

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-25T11:06:39-06:00

I have not talked about it much, but that does not mean work is not being done.

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

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-23T08:49:24-06:00

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.

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.

The Countdown

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-19T11:41:10-06:00

The end?

Back Online, Miss Us?

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-18T18:47:12-06:00

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.

Colonial Gothic Organizations: The Templars Ready for Pre-Order

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-15T14:27:44-06:00

(Chicago)January 15, 2011: Colonial Gothic Organizations: The Templars Ready for Pre-Order

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

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-13T13:19:56-06:00

Preorder will go up this weekend.

Preview of Colonial Gothic Organizations: Templars

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-12T19:25:42-06:00

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.

Go Play Something New

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-09T11:04:43-06:00

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!

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

info@rogue-games.net — 2012-01-04T13:02:02-06:00

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.

Size in Colonial Gothic

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-12-29T13:10:52-06:00

With the release of Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair, a new monster trait has made an appearance, Size. What is it? Glad you asked.

Size

The creature is larger than most. Size has a scale starting at 1, and progressing up to 12. As a creature gets larger, there is an effect on the creature such that they become stronger and heartier, but slower. In addition, if a creature reaches extremely large sizes, it becomes slower in thought as well, thus suffering Reason reductions. The following table shows the effect of Size.

Cost: 5 for each Size.

Subscribe to Rogue Transmissions through iTunes

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-12-29T11:06:36-06:00

As of this morning, you can subscribe to the upcoming podcast in iTunes (that is if you use iTunes). The iTunes subscription will give you both the enhanced and non-enhanced version. To subscribe via iTunes click below:

  
 Subscribe to Rogue Transmissions in iTunes

I am shooting to record the first Transmissions in the next week or so. I just need to get my notes in order. Here is what I have planed for the first one:

Introduction
Colonial Gothic Update
Shadow, Sword & Spell Update
Topic: Design Process

I think this will be about 30 minutes.

The topic was suggested by Gabriel Brouillard (Colonial Gothic: New France and Under Pashuvanam's Lush) and I hope I do it justice.

Busy. Busy. Busy.

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-12-28T10:33:00-06:00

With the holidays, and life, I’ve been busy. Not so busy that I have not been working on various Rogue Games items.

You should notice one of them right now, the first test transmission for Rogue Transmission is up. You can download it over here.

When I have not been doing that – you do not know how many takes it took me for that small transmission – I’ve been layout out the print version of Colonial Gothic: The Templars. It will be going to the printer next week.

If that is not enough, I have been writing both Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion and the next part of Flames of Freedom, Shadows Upon The Hudson. I hope to have some things to share for Companion next week.

If that was not enough to keep me busy, I moved to a new web host this week, and briefly the Rogue Games website was down. That is now done, and hopefully, the site is stable.

New bundle options for Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-12-19T18:47:09-06:00

After a long wait, the Kindle and ePub version of Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair are done and ready for sale.

New bundle options for Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair has been uploaded. Now you can get the book, and your choice of PDF, ePub or Kindle. In addition, ePub and Kindle versions are ready for purchase as well. Visit the Online Store now.

Bloodlines

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-12-12T12:34:29-06:00

Work on Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion is moving along.

Major sections have been written (by hand as is always the case), and some sections have been noted out. Sections that are still waiting to be written, have been put to the side while I finish up reading and research.

This is going to be a book, that has everything I ever wanted to say about fantasy. There are a lot of options, as well as new items waiting to be added to the existing game.

One option I have really grown to like, is an idea I almost left off the book’s outline. That option is bloodlines.

Bloodlines deal with characters being descendants of historical figures, heroes, or even the gods. What the concept allows is for Gamemasters and players to create characters who have a certain spark to them that sets them apart from others. Bloodlines have four types – diluted, minor, major and true – and depending on what type of bloodline your character has, they either have one power or a few they are able to call upon. bloodlines are a way for you to create a character like Hercules, in that you want a character who is the result of a coupling between a god and mortal woman.

The rules for bloodlines call for you to pick, or have your Gamemaster assign to you one of the types. Depending on the type, you have access to either one or three powers (diluted have access to no powers, but still have something that makes them stand out amongst others). Powers vary from such things as uncanny luck, or being skilled in a certain skill. In addition, certain powers are only available to certain bloodlines, and it is by doing this, that the various types bloodlines are separated from each other.

Besides the rules for these bloodlines, rules for how the bloodline is passed down to another character are provided. With this, groups who want to play a more historical campaign of having their characters be descendants of other characters is possible.

It is the generational play which is found throughout the book. Rules for family and family status are provided, and when you combine them with bloodlines, you could play a game where descendants come into and out of play.

Bloodlines. Just one of the many things that will be found in this book.

New look to the Rogue Games website

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-30T13:47:10-06:00

Been a busy week or so. What do you think about the new look?

I am sure there are some things that need tweaking, but I like the overall feel of the place.

The Online Store is next, that is going to be a major project. Why? Moving to a new shopping cart, and changing the entire look and feel of it. What you see now, is only temporally.

Some have asked, why do I change the look of the website so much. The reason, is that I have never been happy with how the site looked. The site has been a constant evolution when it comes to the presentation and layout. Organization is something that that I have never been pleased with. So as the months and years past, I tinker and tweak. I think this is like the eight iteration of the website, and I think I finally have come to a look a like.

Sneak peek of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-28T12:02:05-06:00

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats is currently in editing. Art is coming in. I am starting to think about the layout, and work up page designs and the like. I think this is the book that I will start to change things up when it comes to presentation. Why? This is a monster, threat, book after all, and the entries need to have space.

Speaking of the threats found within the book, here is a new one, ready to be used in your Shadow, Sword & Spell games now, the White Ape.

White Ape

Brawn 8, Quickness 8, Toughness 8, Wits 9, Will 9, Resolve 45, Vitality 40

Skills: Athletics–Climb [+8/+10], Brawl [+9], Melee [+9], Observe [+10], Tactics [+10], Track [+9]

Traits:
▪ Albinism: White Apes suffers from albinism, and as a result their fur is white, and eyes are red. Albinism gains Fear −2.
▪ Fierce: White Apes are naturally aggressive, and once they take damage they must make a Will Test. Failure, they become enraged, and as a result, its Brawn and Toughness are temporarily raised by 2 points each, and its Vitality is temporarily increased by 15 Points. In addition, both its Will and Wits are temporarily lowered by 2 points each. Fierce lasts for 1d12 Rounds, and while in this state, the white apes is immune to all Fear and ignores any modifiers associated with lost Vitality. As soon as the Fierce state passes, the creature’s Abilities return to normal, and the boosted Vitality disappears.
▪ Leaper: White Apes are able to leap incredible distances, and gain +5 bonus on all Athletics (Jump) Tests or any other Tests where the GM rules that this Trait has bearing. They are also able to leap 16 feet every round as an action.

Before the time of the Lost Kingdom, even before the Rise of the Lost Empire, the White Apes possess an advanced civilization which rivaled that of the Serpent People. How, or why, their culture fell, no one knows. Now the White Apes are found scattered throughout The World, but there are persistent reports that living amongst the ruins scattering The Jungles of Moarn is a city populated by the apes. White apes resemble gorillas, but are bipedal, and their hair allows some to past as human. Though they are afflicted with albinos the white apes show no real effects from it.

Website Redesign: Step One is done

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-25T15:23:38-06:00

Step One of the Rogue Games website is done. The pages dealing with the games have been reorganized, and the structure makes a lot more sense. The games have been put into the following categories:

Core
Supplements
Settings (if applicable)
Adventures
Fiction (if applicable)

Next up with be a reorganization of the information pages. This will be followed by building a new section which will be dedicated to the Rogue Games podcast I plan on starting the first of 2012. The last step will be rebuilding and redoing the entire online store.

Yeah, I sort of snuck that in there, didn’t I? There will be a monthly podcast starting the first of the year (2012). The plan is to use it as a place to talk about the games. I am still working out the details, but it will happen.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-19T10:46:54-06:00

The other day I mentioned I would write about the Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion. I said I would do this on Friday, and as what usually happens, I got side tracked with some other things needing my attention. So even though this is a day late, here we go.

Companion was always a book in the works when Basic and Expert was being written. Both Basic & Expert had a clear goal in mind, and everything that went into those two books was put in for a reason. The design goals was focused on creating a pulp fantasy inspired game, that was influenced by the writing of Howard, Smith and Lovecraft. Because of that, certain things were not covered. Some may balk at this, but I really wanted both books to be as slim as they could be, and I did not want to try to make the game as inclusive as it could. Thus Companion was going to be the book that the kitchen-sink would appear.

Fuzzy footed goblins? In Companion.

Psionics? Companion.

Weird styles of magic? Companion.

More options than you can shake a stick at? Companion.

Basically, Companion is an attempt to harken back to an earlier time of game design and game publishing. A collection of add ons that anyone can use, without harming the base game.

Huh?

Think of Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu. No matter what edition of the game that exists, that rulebook is all you ever need if you want to run CoC. For just as long as the rulebook existed, that has always been a Keeper’s Companion and an Investigator’s Companion. These books exist to present new ideas and topics that would not fit within the main rulebook. In many ways they offer a buffet of game ideas that players and Keepers alike can use to expand upon their games. The Call of Cthulhu example is just one example, and many earlier games always followed the companion model, which presented new ideas and topics without cluttering the main rulebook. a companion is not a splatbook, in that there is no meta plot being advanced, official world setting be explored, or marketing blitz being launched. The design idea of a companion is to collect all the odd bits and pieces that would not hold their own release, and present players and gamemasters alike new ideas to explore.

Thus, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion is the book where all the extraneous bits and pieces are going to appear, and allow the players and gamemasters to add new things to their own games, to make them their own games.

Thus if you want to have elfs, dwarfs and the like, Companion has those rules. Does that mean if you rather play pulp fantasy, you can skip this book? Yes and no.

If you love Shadow, Sword & Spell as it is, nothing in Basic and Expert is changed. They game still runs as is. If you want new spells, or new little options that you can plug in, then Companion is an accessory that will allow you to tinker. If you like Shadow, Sword & Spell’s The World, there is more information in Companion, but it is not exhaustive. It is there to give color to the rules and put things into context.

So what does Companion contain? Here is the rough outline as it exists today, November 19, 2011.

Chapter One: Character Options

Honor
Prestige
Legend
Animal Totems
Family and Social Levels
New Backgrounds
Character Templates
Fantasy Races

Chapter Two: Combat Options

Martial Arts
Ariel Combat
Ocean Combat
Chase Rules
Combat Maneuvers & Stunts

Chapter Three: Gear

Gunpowder
Oriental weapons and armor
Other weapons and armor from historical cultures

Chapter Four: Psionics

Chapter Five: Magic

Counter spelling
Necromancy
Summoning
Name Magic - knowing the true name allows for power
Rune Magic
Witches
New Alchemical Arts
New Common Spells
New Arcane Spells
Scrolls and their use
Crystals and gems and using their magical properties
Ritual Magic - Domain scale spells
Ley Lines (maybe)

Chapter Six: Settlements & Domains

Treating settlements as if they are characters
Expanding the events and actions you can do on the domain level.

Chapter Seven: Dimensions and other planes

Possessions and exorcism
Corruption from extra-dimensional creatures
Using planes and dimensions
The cosmology of The World

Chapter Eight: Random Items

Creating random items or power
Creating random tomes

Chapter Nine: New Creatures

New devils and demons
New monsters
Djinni’s
Constructs
Golems
Psionic creatures

Chapter Ten: Campaigns

New types of campaigns
Using Domains as characters and each player plays one

So there you go. That is the outline right now.

Website Redesign Coming

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-16T18:55:45-06:00

Just to give a head’s up. I am shooting for a major website overhaul for next week. Nothing is going away, I just need to do some backend cleaning.

What will change is:

Color Scheme
Look
Page Organization

Why is this taking place? There is a lot of information here, that needs to be organized.

Friday I will have a post about Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion.

Color Maps Uploaded

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-11T11:42:49-06:00

Color versions of the maps found in Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair have been uploaded. You can find them here.

A change takes place

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-10T08:07:00-06:00

I have not talked about this a lot, because, as always, I tend to keep things private. Yet I have been getting emails, and now is the time to address it.

As of this morning, James and I are no longer business partners. There is no drama, no hard feelings, or any anger. We simply found ourselves at a cross roads, and our goals as designers were not the same goals we once had. In addition, the directions we wanted to go, were not the same, and as we always said, if we did not agree on something 100% we would not do it. So that we would have the freedom to do the projects we wanted, we decided that it was time go our separate ways.

So what does this mean?

Nothing.

Rogue Games is still here, will be here, and always will be here. James will just be doing his own thing with his own Grognardia Games. What that means is that Thousand Suns, The Cursed Chateau and the projects that were James’ will be coming out from his own company.

Colonial Gothic and Shadow, Sword & Spell will be coming out from Rogue Games.

I have known James for years, and have worked with him on many projects both with other game companies, and with Rogue Games. I wish him nothing but the best, and I cannot wait to see what he will be producing.

And to answer the question before it is asked: no, Rogue Games is not dead. As you can see there is a lot of product coming out next year, and the plans I have, as well as Graeme Davis has, is many. Many. What are these plans? That would be spoiling the surprises.

Coming March 2012: The French and Indian War

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-07T10:08:17-06:00

Colonial Gothic: The French and Indian WarIT WAS A DIFFERENT TIME.

A time when Washington was a militia colonel.

A time when Franklin was best known as a scientist.

A time when Bostonians drank tea.

A time when the British were the good guys.

Welcome to a new era for Colonial Gothic, as the pages of history are tuned back to a time prior to the American Revolution. In The French and Indian War, players and gamemasters are presented with the tools and sources they need to run their games during this critical time of American history.

Join General Wolfe at the Siege of Quebec. Walk the woods with Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas. Raid with Rogers' Rangers. Or pair this book with the New France sourcebook and fight to drive the British out of North America!

The French and Indian War includes historical background, new rules, adventure seeds, and game statistics for the leading personalities of the period 1754-1763.

Details:
Colonial Gothic: The French and Indian War
ISBN-13: 978-0-9826598-8-5
MSRP: $14.99
Pages: 120 B&W 6”x9” Softcover
SKU: RGG 1754
Available March 2012

A preivew of one of the threats found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-11-04T11:30:09-05:00

Work on Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats is winding down, at least on my end. It goes into editing this weekend, and the book will be ready for pre-order no later than the end of January 2012. Art is being worked on, and in many ways, this is going to be a book that turns out to be far better than I ever thought. I always felt Threats was a good idea, but I hit the wall, creatively with it over the summer, and I almost decided to kill it (that is a story for another day). Long and the short of it, I am glad I came to my sense.
Just to wet your apiece for the threats to be found in the book, here is a preview of one of the creatures. Threats is going to be book filled with a lot of threats. Some of these threats are monsters from myth and classic fantasy. Some of these monsters will be from, and inspired by, the The Writers Three, who influenced the game. A lot will be original. This one is an example of one of the original ones found within the book.

Slime

Brawn 7, Quickness 11, Toughness 7, Wits 3, Will 3, Resolve ??, Vitality ??
Skills: Brawl [+10], Dodge [+10]
Traits:

Damage Reduction: Edge weapons, blunt weapons, cold, water and electricity cause slime only 1 point of damage.
• Drain: Every Round a slime engulfs a creature, they loose 5 Vitality and 1 Toughness. This continues until the creature is freed or dead.
• Elasticity: Slime is able to bend and twist its body in unnatural ways, allowing it to squeeze into and through very tight spaces. Consequently, slime squeezes through an opening or passage one-fifth as wide and tall as its height, in inches, although it does so very slowly compared to its normal movement rate.
• Hug: Slime is able to damage an opponent by engulfing the Hero and contracting its form to cause damage. In order to use this ability, the slime 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 in the slime, the opponent suffers a cumulative -1 to the Test. For example, if the opponent has been in the hug for 3 Rounds he would suffer a -3 to the Test. The damage from this ability is equal to the creature’s Brawn + Toughness.
• Poison: The slime’s touch is poisonous, and those touched, suffer 2 Damage every round for 10 Rounds, and a −1 to all Tests.
• Spawn: Draining all Vitality and Toughness from a creature creates a new Slime.
• Stench: Slime has a terrible odor, and it is so powerful that it makes contact with the creature troublesome. Any within hand-to-hand range of the creature suffer a -1 to all Tests.
• Weakness–Fire: Slimes are susceptible to fire, and fire causes double damage to them.

A strange creature, slimes are a living mold that has gained some form of sentience and having but one drive in life to feed. Ranging in color from white to a deep black, slimes are found in all regions of The World and range in size and shape.

Rogue Games welcomes you to Philadelphia

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-31T11:30:53-05:00

(Chicago) October 31, 2011: Rogue Games announced today that The Philadelphia Affair, and adventure and sourcebook for its acclaimed historical horror RPG Colonial Gothic, is now available for pre-order.

The Philadelphia Affair is the second chapter of the Flames of Freedom campaign. It follows Boston Besieged, which was nominated for a Gaming Genius (Golden Pawn) award in the Best Adventure category and won rave reviews from rpg.net, Roleplayers’ Chronicle, and elsewhere.

Written by Colonial Gothic creator Richard Iorio, The Philadelphia Affair, takes players into the City of Brotherly Love in the midst of the Second Continental Congress. As delegates struggle to forge a new nation out of thirteen fractious colonies, the hunt for a missing person leads to a deadly plot that could destroy the city and cripple the quest for independence.

Available in print and PDF formats, this 112-page book includes detailed source material on the history of Philadelphia and conditions in 1776. Kindle and ebook versions will be available shortly.

The Flames of Freedom campaign will continue in Shadows on the Hudson, which is scheduled for release in late 2012.

To preorder a copy today, and get the PDF version immediately for free, visit the Rogue Games Online Store here.

Details:
Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair
$13.99 (book + PDF)
$6.99 (PDF Only)
Order

here

You might want to check this out

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-30T14:16:01-05:00

Halloween is tomorrow.

Maybe you want to start celebrating a little early.

Welcome to Philadelphia.

Yes, this is part two of Flames of Freedom.

Pre order starts now, officially tomorrow. Books will ship in about two weeks.

Rogue Games Facebook Page

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-29T10:18:38-05:00

Ok, I am building a Rogue Games Facebook Page.

I know, no earthy shattering news, but I plan on using it as we start the new year.

To view the page, click here.

Now back to finalizing Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair.

(Chicago) October 28, 2011: Rogue Games threatens you with Threats.

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-28T08:29:23-05:00

(Chicago) October 28, 2011: Rogue Games threatens you with Threats.

The World is a danger filled place.

Monsters lurk in the shadows waiting for the moment to strike upon the unsuspecting. The Jungles or Moran teems with threats both mundane and magical. Though most threats are from the physical world, there are many threats originating from nether realms.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats is your guide to the dangers that lurk upon The World. Here you will find numerous monsters, and other dangers inspired by pulp fantasy and myth. Each monster is fully fleshed out, and ready to be used as is. For Gamemasters wanting to create their own unique creatures, new traits are introduced giving you more options in your own creations.

Beside threats of a more mundane sort, you will also find fully detailed threats that serve as the springboard for any campaign. From an ancient dragon who runs a cult, to a giant mustering forces so that he can control all trade through the mountain passes, to a group of thieves who use the cover of a bakery to profit in a special type of “dough,” Threats is your guide to the unique adversaries found in Shadow, Sword & Spell’s The World.

Grab your swords, summon your cohorts, and prepare yourself to face some of the most dangerous threats found in The World today!

Details:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats
ISBN-13: 978-0-9826598-7-8
MSRP: $12.99
Pages: 120 B&W 6”x9” Softcover
SKU: RGG 3030

Out February 2012

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats taught me a few things

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-26T09:08:21-05:00

I’ve mentioned this book on and off for the past year, but finally, after what has taken far longer than I like, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats is going to be released February 2012 (the solicit will be up later today).

So what is Threats? Is it a monster manuel type book? A collection of NPCs? A book helping you create monsters of your own? In order: yes, yes and yes.

Threats is a book I have thought about doing for awhile. I have always wanted to do a book that was focused on creating threats for players that a Gamemaster could pick up and run as is. I wanted a book that was more than just monsters, but animals, plants and the like. Plus I had some ideas for creature traits that I did not have when I was working on Basic and Expert.

So Threats is reaching the end. What will you find in it? Here’s a break down:

Creatures of myth and legend
Creatures inspired by Lovecraft
Devils
Demons
New animals
Plants and insects
Unique creatures
A few mercenary bands
New creature traits
A piece on effective creature design

That’s a lot of items, and the book is packed. It is the type of book I like, by that it has a lot of useful information, enough details about the game’s setting (The World) that inspires you to create your own creations in there, as well as creatures that inspire you to create adventures around them (the dragon Emberstrike is a good example).

So as the title of this post mentions, Threats taught me a few things. So what did I learn?

Patience. This book was hard to write, and not for reasons you think. Coming up with monsters and the like is easy. What is not easy is deciding which ones to include and which ones to drop. What is also hard is deciding on how you want to present information. There are many example of monster manuals, but what I could not find was something like what I wanted to do with Threats.

Threats also taught me when to pull back on detail. At times this book was turning into nothing more than details about The World, and because of this I lost the plot so to speak. So I went back, stripped it all out, and decided to rewrite the book. I rewrote the book five times. It was this process of rewriting that I hit on the perfect mix.

Threats is a good book. It will not change the world, but it is a book I am proud of. It has a lot of cool ideas, and the details I hint at about The World, really have inspired me to create more for this game. Which is a good thing, because I have a lot of ideas.

Update on Rogue Games Distribution

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-19T08:29:21-05:00

As I mentioned a few days ago, starting January 1, Rogue Games will be taking over all distribution of our games. I have been busy talking with distributors, and this has been a very good thing. Yesterday Rogue Games has been set up to distribute through Alliance. I am waiting to hear back from a few others, but the list of distributors our games will be found listed with is growing.

More details to come.

Coming Janurary 2011: The Knight Templars

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-17T14:44:41-05:00

(Chicago) October 17, 2012: Rogue Games Delves into the Knights Templar Secrets.

Coming January 2012, Rogue Games offers for the first time in print, Colonial Gothic: 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.

Details:
Colonial Gothic: The Templars
ISBN-13: 978-0-9826598-6-1
MSRP: $10.99
Pages: 84 B&W 6”x9” Softcover
SKU: RGG 1667

Out January 2012

The Year to Come

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-15T12:23:24-05:00

Graeme and I had a long phone conversation yesterday.

At the end of said conversation we had rethought and remapped the release schedule between now and the end of next year. Said schedule is packed with some cool things. Counting Shadow, Sword & Spell, there are thirteen releases planned. If we take out the Shadow, Sword & Spell releases, we are looking at 11 new books for Colonial Gothic. Some of these books will be familiar, due to the fact they have existed as original PDFs.

We have decided that some of the older PDFs have been showing their age, and are in the process of reediting, and laying them out for print release. By doing this, we can now offer them to gamers who might have passed up on them due to their availability being as PDFs. So which PDFs are being promoted if you will? Here’s the list:

All three will be released throughout next year as new print books.

In addition, a few of the PDFs, will be added to upcoming releases. One of them, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is going to see some major additions. Why? It is important to the first half of Flames of Freedom: Shadows on the Hudson. Some out there got a small taste of this in a few games I have run.

What else is in store? Some very cool things for the summer and winter of 2012. I do not want to spoil it all, but if you love this game, as much as I do, there will be some cool releases which will make you very happy. Looking ahead to 2013 (yeah that far) I know there is at least one book I am writing due out in January 2013.

When I look at Shadow, Sword & Spell, Threats will be out the start of the year, and Companion at the end of the year. As for the middle of the year? Something is coming.

So why have things been a little slow as of late? Life has stepped in the way. The summer was very rough, and a bout of sickness slowed me down. Now that it is over, and a lot of the hurdles have been cleared, things are coming back online. One of the big changes is that Rogue Games will be taking over distribution of our own titles. Come January 1, 2011, we will no longer be represented by Studio 2. As a result of this, I’ve been busy signing with distributors to insure that our games are available, and that no delays happen. How has this gone? I am happy to report very good. I am heartened at the responses I have gotten, and who have decided to pick us up.

January 2012 is going to be a big year for Rogue Games. There is a lot planned and a lot of surprises in store for you through out the year. Have no doubt, that the countdown to 12-12-12 12:12:12 is no joke. Those who know what is coming, are very happy. :)

So that is where things stand. Over the next week I will have posted the schedule for the next six months.

Thank you for your patience and thank you for your support.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: What's next?

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-09T12:08:42-05:00

Subject line says it all.

Things have been slow on Shadow, Sword & Spell as of late, and that is due to the simple fact that I lost the plot.

My entire focus for two years was getting Basic and Expert done, and once done, I felt that I had said everything I wanted to say. I struggled with trying to figure out what I wanted to do, because for me, Basic and Expert was all you really needed.

I worked on a few things, but nothing seemed to click.

So I worked on Colonial Gothic.

When the inspiration struck, I cannot say, but recently I finished the draft of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats, and have been working on Companion. Of the two, Threats is closer to being done, and if all goes well (and it will) Threats will be out early next year. Companion I am not sure yet, because I am still working on it.

With these two titles, I then returned to City and found the hook I lost. I am still not sure on this book, but there are ideas.

With that being said, I am left with a question:

What would _you_ like to see?

Yeah, I want to know. There are so many fantasy games out there, that it is hard to know what way to go sometimes. So in the end, I am left with the simple question, that I want to know what you, the fans and players, want to see. There is a lot of material in notes on The World, as well as rough adventure ideas. I know what I would like to see, but I am not sure what I like, is what you will like.

So here you go tell me what you want to see. I really want to know.

Two Golden Pawns Go To Rogue Games

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-10-01T13:59:58-05:00

A few months ago, we mentioned that we were nominated for a few Golden Pawn Awards. The results are in, and we are pleased to announce that we won two. For what? Take a look:

Golden Pawn Pro Award Winners

Winner of the Best New RPG:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.

Winner of the Best Roleplay Aid Setting, Ambiance, or Expansion:

Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.

First off James and I want to congratulate Greg Videll on being recognized on his win for Thousand Suns: Starships. He worked hard on that book and it warms our hearts to see it recognized.

The win for Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is special to me because of the work put into that game. It motivates me to get back to work on the line and it is the shot in the arm I needed.

To see the rest of the winners visit here.

Congratulations to the rest of the winners.

Containment RPG Kickstarter

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-09-30T09:04:32-05:00

James and I need you help. As of today we have lunched a Kickstarter Project in the hopes that we can produce the following:

"At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is too often not a free one.

One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression.

The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio; fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms.

I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.

I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way."

-- President Harry S Truman, Speech to a Joint Session of the United States Congress (12 March 1947)

The Second World War has ended and a war for the world has begun, a war fought not with armies and fleets but in the shadows and whose battle lines are not clearly drawn. Two years ago, Germany and Japan were the enemies and the USSR an ally, but times change and the West now turns to former Nazis and their expertise in a bid to stop the red tide of Communism from washing across the world.

Containment is an espionage roleplaying game set at the dawn of the Cold War, with players assuming the roles of American, British, or French espionage agents as they grapple not just with Communist infiltration but with the dark legacies of Nazism -- including black magic and super-science. Flexibly designed, Containment supports play either as a straight-up historical espionage RPG covering the years 1947-1953 or as a game of occult conspiracy in the aftermath of World War II.

Written and designed by Richard Iorio II (Colonial Gothic & Shadow, Sword & Spell) and James Maliszewski (Thousand Suns), Containment harkens back not just to an earlier time in world history but also to an earlier time in the roleplaying hobby, when games came complete and ready-to-play in a single box. Containment therefore includes the following:

Rulebook: All the rules needed for play.
Gamemaster’s Book: Everything the GM needs for play: world background, campaign advice, character advancement rules, adventure creation guidelines, and sample threats.
2 Adventures (one a straight up espionage adventure, and the other set in the occult conspiracy)
Dice

If this Kickstarter project succeeds, Rogue Games will not only publish this boxed set, but keep it in print for others to enjoy. Further support for the game, in the form of sourcebooks and adventures, may appear in the future, if there is sufficient interest. If successful, Containment will be released in the following formats:

Boxed Set (includes everything mentioned above)
PDF version (includes everything but the dice)
eBook version of the game (includes everything but the dice)

Here is a breakdown of the proposed budget for the project:

Printing is the estimated cost of printing approximately 500 copies of the boxed set.
Shipping and Handling is the expected total cost of packing, shipping, and handling to send the boxed set to supporters, based on past sales and fundraisers.
Writing & Graphic Design goes to Richard & James (the writers) and Richard (Graphic Designer), to pay them for work they have done, and continue to do, in creating the games Rogue Games publishes.

Rogue Games believes that a complete, boxed roleplaying game is neither a thing of the past nor an expensive pipe dream and asks your help in making Containment possible.

To help us make this possible, visit here to see the reward levels.

In the days to come, James and I will have more information and be vocal during the design process. This is something that we have always wanted to do, a box set, so this is our chance to make this happen.

To back the project visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ri2/containment-the-rpg.

Snippet from Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-09-27T09:25:31-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair, is in layout and the preorder will be going live sometime early next month. As is the case with Boston Besieged, The Philadelphia Affair is a book of two parts. Part one covers the city of Philadelphia itself and is the sourcebook of the city. Part two is the adventure, and it takes your heroes throughout this wonderful city.

The sourcebook portion of The Philadelphia Affair is large. I could have easily written a full book dealing just with source information on the city. Graeme had to work overtime in forcing me to trim out a lot of “stuff” because the book was getting to large. Why did I write so much? A couple of reasons.

The first reason is a simple one, I have been playing in Philadelphia since 1996. Huh? Colonial Gothic, in one for or another, has been a game I have played since 1996. All my campaigns take place in either one of two places: New England or Philadelphia. Philadelphia is such a great city to use for adventures, that the amount of detail I have, has only grown throughout the years.

The second reason is that Philadelphia is without a doubt the most important city in the Revolutionary and Post Revolution period. It is such an important intellectual location, and became the center of the government, that to not cover this city in Colonial Gothic would be a crime. If you are going to set campaigns in this city you need to have as much information as you can get to make it come alive.

Finally the other reason this material got so large is that I love Philadelphia. I love this city, and it is one of the few cities I could see myself happily living in for the rest of my life.

Anyway, what follows is a section from the sourcebook portion of The Philadelphia Affair. This is just one example of the items waiting to be discovered in this book.

Quaker Power Lost

It is ironic that, in a colony founded by Quakers upon Quaker principles, it is these very principles that should lead to the loss of Quaker political power. Although undoubtedly high-minded and worthy, many of these beliefs could not survive contact with the realities of a growing (and increasingly diverse) colony and a time of frequent conflict.

Pacifism was the key driving force for many. No Quaker believed in causing harm to others, and no Quaker, regardless of personal risk, would take up arms even defend themselves or their people. Pacifism was the most difficult tenet to keep, and would shape the debate leading to the eventual abdication of Quaker power in the colonies.
There were two causes of tension. First, non-Quakers who settled in the colony found themselves affected by Quaker beliefs. As it grew in importance Philadelphia, and the rest of Pennsylvania, were impacted by numerous events which made maintaining pacifism difficult or impossible. This is most clearly shown in the conflicts with Native Americans and French forces endured by backwoods Pennsylvania settlers located west of Philadelphia. As attacks raged up and down the Frontier during the conflicts between France and England, the settlers were left to fend for themselves.

Secondly, the Quakers realized quickly that they needed someone to allow them to remove themselves from daily governance, so they created the position of the Deputy Governor. The Deputy, by taking over all colonial administration, also found themselves in charge of all non-Quakers. The Quakers could then profit from the colony, but not govern, while non-Quakers had someone who represented them.

Though governors tired to keep both Quakers and non-Quakers happy, the growing needs of colonial defense became too much to ignore. In 1741 a serious attempt was made to form a militia, but the Quakers responded by withholding the Governor’s pay. In addition Quakers began trying to shift public opinion, especially among the numerous German immigrants, that a militia would lead to the colonists being nothing more than slaves – and after all didn’t everyone come to the colony for freedom? This argument managed to end the issue, for a while.

It was 1745 which marked a change and the beginning of the end of direct colonial rule by the Quakers. With conflict on the frontier at an all time high and England moving in troops to prepare to fight back against the French and their Native allies, the Quakers dug their heels in and refused to raise funds for defense. It was Benjamin Franklin who emerged as not only a critic, but the leader of a political party calling for a compromise. This party argued that it was not only necessary but a duty for the colonial government to protect its people.

For two years the debate raged between the Quakers and Franklin’s party, and a growing anti-Quaker party also arose. In 1747 Franklin published the pamphlet Plain Truth, in which he argued that not only was self-defense important, but that Pennsylvania was the only colony without any plan for it. Franklin argued they a government had a duty to protect all of its citizens, and that no religious belief allowed this duty to be ignored. The funds that the Quaker leadership amassed from the colony went to the betterment of the Quakers and afforded them the opportunity to safely practice their religion in peace, but robbed the colonists of their safety. The only solution, then, was for the Quakers to withdraw from government and allow others to rule, which included taking measures for the defense of the colony. Again, the debate raged on, and more and more innocent people fell victim to attacks.

Then the real challenge came in the form of large scale massacres by the Natives along the colony’s western border in 1755. With the French and Indian War in progress, and General Braddock defeated, the French used Fort Duquesne (later Pittsburgh) as a base to stage attacks on Pennsylvania, goading the Lenape to abandon their alliance with the settlers and join the attack.

The news of the natives’ actions caused confusion. The Quakers always strove to treat the Lenape fairly and honorably. It was the popular belief among the Quakers that any conflict was due to the English — and only the English — treating the natives badly. The Assembly investigated, and instead of providing for defense passed a bill regulating trade with the natives. This angered not only the colonists in the east, but the colonists suffering from attacks in the west.

It was this which intensified the now decade-long debate and brought both sides into conflict. On one side was the non-Quaker Deputy Governor Robert Hunter Morris who argued that the native grievances had nothing to do with the massacres and criticized the Quakers and their adherence to pacifism which left not only the frontier, but the entire colony defenseless. On the other side of the debate were the Quakers who argued that all problems stemmed from the colonists acting wrongly.

As the debate went on endlessly, the frontier colonists had to deal with the growing hostilities. In November 1755, 300 German immigrants living along the frontier arrived in Philadelphia demanding protection and arguing that the west needed to be defended. Though a small militia was raised, the larger issue of defense was left undecided. The situation grew worse in 1756 when the French commandant at Fort Duquesne reported that his forces had “…succeeded in ruining the three adjacent provinces, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, driving off the inhabitants and totally destroying the settlements over a tract of country thirty leagues wide.” In effect, the Quakers were blind to the problems that faced the rest of the colony, and were genuinely surprised by the continued Indian hostility. There were very few Quakers living along the frontier, and the few Quakers slain were thought of as martyrs rather than victims. The low number of Quaker deaths were viewed by many as a testimony to God’s approval of the Quakers and their policies, rather than the result of most Quakers living far from the frontier.

By 1756 three parties had emerged wanting to change the direction of government. One, led by Franklin, included broad-minded Quakers and others who were opposed not only to religious absolutes but also to the kind of oligarchic rule represented by the Quaker monopoly on power. This group wanted a militia in which every man would be required to take part and whose officers would be elected democratically by the soldiers. Quakers would be exempt from joining the militia due to their beliefs, but would be required to help pay for the colonial defense. The second party was led by Israel Pemberton and was a collation of Quakers unrelenting in their pacifism. This party refused to pay any taxes for military purposes. The third party was made up of the proprietors and their governor. This party believed in a militia, but did not agree to the democratic election of officers. In addition, this party was unwilling to bear the costs for all Quakers.

At the start of 1756 the Quakers were still in charge. Even though they comprised less than one-fourth of population, Quakers occupied 28 of the 36 Pennsylvania Assembly seats. Then word of the frontier massacres reached London and the movement to end Quaker rule intensified. The government moved to end all Quaker rule by proposing a ban on any Quakers from holding public office.

Seeing the tide turning against them, the Quakers realized that they needed to act. They had three main motives: a fear of Quakers being disqualified from office; a desire to shift some of the blame for the massacres onto others, especially if the government was in other hands; and a strong desire to be able to return to power.
Making matters even harder was the fact that the Quakers disagreed amongst themselves. Pennsylvania Quakers split from their London counterparts, who urged the total abdication of power. The London Quakers struck a bargain with Lord Granville, Lord President of the Privy Council, whereby their counterparts in Pennsylvania would leave the Provincial Assembly if the Quakers were guaranteed they would not be totally disqualified from holding office.

Messages were exchanged, but the Pennsylvania Quakers would only agree to not hold office during wartime. Everything changed in the late spring of 1756 when the Governor and his council declared war on both the Lenape and the Shawnee. This declaration was made without the Quakers’ approval, and six resigned from the Assembly in protest. A special election was held that saw six of Franklin’s men elected to replace them. In regular elections in October of the same year, sixteen more were elected.

At this same time, two emissaries arrived from London with shocking news: no longer were Quakers allowed to hold office. At a hastily called Quaker meeting all the elected Quakers were strongly urged to step down. Four did, and of the remaining twelve left in office, eight were full Quakers, while four were non-orthodox Quaker sympathizers. Though Quakers of varying devotion still sought and occasionally held office, the Society of Friends publicly stated that they were no longer represented by the government, nor were they responsible for whatever decisions these “back sliders” made. The Quakers renewed their dedication to their beliefs as well as working to stop Quakers from running, though they secretly hoped that once all the troubles ended they could return to power once peace was restored. However, the growing conflict with Britain makes this increasingly unlikely.

The Revolution has brought more conflict to the Quakers, who are determined to remain neutral. Though the American Friends have been urged to do nothing to obstruct the Revolution, many Quakers were scrupulous in their observance of all non-military requirements of the English government, but equally uncooperative toward both the British and American forces. They refused to pay taxes and fines levied by the American government, and were labeled as Tories. They refused to pay tithes to the Church of England, and were labeled as rebels.

Flames of Freedom: Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-09-25T11:17:18-05:00

Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

Spring, 1776. Boston is free. The Second Continental Congress works to create a new nation. But as they debate, shadowy forces prepare to strike back.

Welcome to Philadelphia.

William Penn's model city is one of the richest in the Thirteen Colonies. It stands at the heart of the Revolution. Home to book shops, thinkers, and a growing intellectual class, the city hides those with knowledge of a more questionable nature. With the leadership of the Revolution here, the city is awash with plots, and dangers. It is here that many plots are about to meet - and it is far from certain who will stand the winner.

The Philadelphia Affair is the second volume in the epic Flames of Freedom campaign for Colonial Gothic. In this book you will find our guide to the great city and a ready-to-play adventure which takes up the Heroes' story after the events of Boston Besieged. As Congress works, the Heroes scour the City of Brotherly Love for a friend's missing son. Not all is as it appears, and soon their simple assignment turns into a race against time - to prevent a tragedy that could kill the American independence before it has even begun.

Written by Richard Iorio II and maps by Gabriel Brouillard (Colonial Gothic: New France and Under Pashuvanam's Lush), The Philadelphia Affair is your guide to the colonies most important city.

Pre-Orders will begin within the next two weeks.

Going into layout this week ...

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-09-22T18:22:04-05:00

Yes, this is Book 2 of the Flames of Freedom campaign. This is going to be worth the wait.

Thousand Suns Revised Preview

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-09-18T10:09:32-05:00

So we’ve been quiet when it comes to Thousand Suns Revised. It is not because we did not want to talk about it, but it was due to us working on it. James, along with Adam Jury, have really been putting in a lot of hours to make sure the book is well worth the wait. As you can see below, I think you will agree, it will be worth the wait.

Preorders for this should be ready no later than next week, maybe sooner.

Enjoy the look, and James will be posting about the revision some more.

Thousand Suns Revised Preview

So, what do you think? Looks good huh?

The Countdown Has Begun

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-09-07T18:50:35-05:00

So what is this all about? You will see. Consider this the start of something fun.

Updates to what is on tap

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-08-30T11:58:09-05:00

With summer coming to an end, it is amazing to see how far we have come this year as a company.

When James and I started this, we never thought we would be here this long. It is not that we doubted what we could do, or the type of games we wanted to not only design, but play. It is just a simple fact that publishing games is a high risk proposition. One mistake can cost you, and no matter how good you think your games, design and products are, if the gamer does not like it, then they will not buy it. It is not small fact that we have made it this long, and though we have made our share of mistakes, we have learned from them, and continue learning from them. So from James and myself, thank you for allowing us to do what we enjoy.

Ok, so that is out of the way, let’s get to the update.

With August coming to an end, four more months ahead of us, what do we have in the works?

Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair: This will be out in time for Halloween. I know it has taken longer than we thought, but this is a massive adventure and is set in Philadelphia. It is a direct tie into Boston Besieged, and if you thought the plot that debuted in that book was a throw away, you are in for a surprise. This is a big book. Half devoted to source material on the most important city of the colonies, and the second half a sprawling, multi-layered adventure set throughout, under, and around this great city. Be warned this is a tough adventure, both in threats and structure. No bull. Anyway, the adventure is going into its final proofing stage, maps are being finished, and the layout is about to begin.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats: If all goes well this will be out year end. I have rewritten this book twice, and the third time is the charm. What does it contain? Well Threats. :)

Information on the website will appear shorty about the above.

Thousand Suns Revised: In its’ final stages. This is a James product, and by that, unless he is happy, the book is not ready. :) It has been gone over with a fine tooth comb. This is well worth the wait. I know we have been slow, but trust me, it is not because we were not working on it.

Next year will see a lot of cool things. Graeme Davis, James and myself have some very cool things we have been working on. In addition, mark your calendar now for 12-12-12 12:12:12. For those with poor eyesight, that is December 12, 2012 at 12:12:12 PM. Something big will be released on this day, and that is all I will say now.

As always, thank you for allowing us to do this. We hope we are keeping you happy.

New Amazon Kindle Editions

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-08-21T18:59:45-05:00

As of today, all books and ebooks that we sell, are now found on Amazon.com’s Kindle Store.

Just today Colonial Gothic: The Grimoire is now up for sale.

New Additions to the Online Store

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-08-20T09:51:22-05:00

This morning, bundle options for Colonial Gothic: The Grimoire have been added to the Online Store. Now you can buy the book and have your choice of the eBook, Kindle or PDF version for free. In addition you can also buy the Kindle or eBook version direct as well.

As for what’s coming up next, the second installment of Flames of Freedom is reaching the finishing line, and so is the next Shadow, Sword & Spell release. More on these two books next week,

Colonial Gothic: The Grimoire Available for Pre Order

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-08-09T08:40:04-05:00

(Chicago) August 9, 2011: Colonial Gothic: The Grimoire Now Available For Pre Order∫

The World is Steeped in Magic.

It is everywhere and courses through all things.

Some claim that Magic is fueled by Ether. Others claim it is a Divine gift granted to those chosen by Providence. Still others claim that Magic is not a gift, but a curse. And some claim that Magic is a tool of the Devil, created to further his Infernal ends on earth.

None of these claims comes close to the Whole Truth.

Magic is a Force of Nature, whose Secrets all may uncover with Time and Wisdom. Yet Magic is also a Danger to those unwilling to treat it with the Respect such a Force deserves.

Despite the Danger, some still dare to take up the Study of Magic and to use its Power. Even in this Modern Age, new Discoveries are made about the Workings of Magic. New Insights reveal Power many deemed impossible. Those Discoveries can be found here: spells, witchcraft, talismans, & relics.

Are you willing to face the Danger and uncover the Secrets of Magic?

Written by Richard Iorio II (Colonial Gothic, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic and Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert), The Grimoire is your guide to the magic found in the world of Colonial Gothic. Between its’ covers you will find powerful new spells, means to contact the mind shattering Elder Gods, relics of mysterious origins, and tomes of ancient knowledge.

Details
$10.99 Book ($5.99 PDF)
120 Pages 6”x9” B&W Softcover

To pre order a copy, and get the PDF right now, visit the online store today!

Kindle and ePub versions of Under Pashuvanam's Lush now available

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-08-07T19:18:40-05:00

The Kindle and ePub versions of Under Pashuvanam’s Lush have been uploaded, and you can now purchase them in the Rogue Games Online Store. In addition you also have your choice of file bundled with the print version.

Coming Next Week...

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-08-06T14:23:30-05:00

The work is done.

On what?

Colonial Gothic: Grimoire.

It took longer than I thought, but the wait is worth it.

The pre-order for the book will go live next week Tuesday. Kindle and eBook versions will be ready a few days later.

In the mean time, take a look at the cover over there to the right.

Coming up next will be Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair. Work on that will be picking up, and I am shooting for a October release. I know things have been a bit slow, but trust me, both books are going to be worth it.

What about Shadow, Sword & Spell and Thousand Suns? Things are coming together quickly as well.

Preview of The Grimoire

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-07-31T13:47:00-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been fast at work putting the finishing touches to the next Colonial Gothic release: The Grimoire.

This book has been in the works for awhile, and it is a compiling of magic. Some of this material has appeared in the now out of print Secrets and Poor Wizard while o the majority is new material. I think the introduction of the book will come in handy. Here you go:

This is a book about magic.

Ok, admittedly, reading this book will not give you the ability to summon daemons, craft love potions, or plumb the depths of esoteric knowledge. Yet, it will present you with a solid collection of ideas that you can easily slip into COLONIAL GOTHIC. The GRIMOIRE is the sum of over five years of playing this game, as well as designing for this game. In that time myself, and others, have created new spells, and found new challenges to spring on unsuspecting players. What will you find here?

In Chapter 1 you will find common and arcane spells. These spells take the game into new realms, and open up numerous possibilities for gamemasters and players alike. From summoning Elder Gods, to being able to travel vast distances, the spells found here are designed to quickly be slipped into your current games.

In Chapter 2 the topic of books are covered. These rules appeared in the now out of print COLONIAL GOTHIC: SECRETES and since their originally printing, they have been changed and tweaked to be easier to use. In addition, no chapter covering books would be complete without numerous books to use. Many of the books found here are real books found throughout history, and some, are wholly creations of the imaginations. As to which are real, and which are “make-believe,” that is up to you to decide.

Chapter 3 introduces the concept of magical talismans. Talismans are objects which are imbued with magical power, and allow those who are not skilled in magic, to be able to call on magical powers.

Chapter 4 covers the topic of relics. Relics are items that have a specialness about them. Think of them as magical items, or objects from mythology.

No book dealing with magic in the world of COLONIAL GOTHIC would be complete without a in-depth discussion on witchcraft. This discussion is found in Chapter 5.

Chapter 6 covers objects of the occult. From cold iron to holy water, these objects give the hunter of the supernatural the edge they need.

Finally in Chapter 7 new monsters are found.

So take a deep breath, whisper a silent prayer, and prepare yourself to plumb the depths of COLONIAL GOTHIC’S occult world.

The book is nearly done. How done? 95%.

All that is left to do is the table of contents, index, a few footnotes and the cover. All of this will be done over the next few days. The book has been thoroughly edited, and is now being looked over to make sure nothing was missed.

In all this is a great book. It looks good, reads good, and has a lot of good ideas.

We get nominated

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-07-15T09:02:14-05:00

Just found out this morning, that we have been nominated for a few awards. The award? The Gaming Genius Awards (http://thegoldenpawns.org/).

So what got nominated? Here you go.

Best New Roleplaying Game System:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.

Best New RPG:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert by Rogue Games.

Best RPG Supplement:

Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: New France by Rogue Games.

Best Adventure Scenario:

Colonial Gothic: Flames of Freedom Boston Besieged by Rogue Games.

Most Innovative New Product:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert by Rogue Games.
Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: New France by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: Flames of Freedom Boston Besieged by Rogue Games.

Best Independent Product:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert by Rogue Games.
Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: New France by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: Flames of Freedom Boston Besieged by Rogue Games.

Best Artwork:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert by Rogue Games.
Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: New France by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: Flames of Freedom Boston Besieged by Rogue Games.

Best Writing:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert by Rogue Games.
Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: New France by Rogue Games.
Colonial Gothic: Flames of Freedom Boston Besieged by Rogue Games.

For the full list, see here.

Good luck to everyone in this.

Currently working on

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-07-07T11:39:09-05:00

Finished the last revision on Flames of Freedom Part 2 yesterday. I am sitting on it for the next seven days and then I will go back and finish it up next week.

With this small break, I can now turn my attention to finishing up the next book for Shadow, Sword & Spell. That book? Threats.

Here is what I have written for the Introduction:

Threats.

For any game, let alone a fantasy game, threats are the primary component to great adventures.

Threats take many forms.

They might be band of thieves plaguing the streets of a city. Or, they might be a loathsome terror whose fangs drip with black poison. A threats can be something as mundane as a plant. A threat can also be as fear inducing as a band of cutthroats terrorizing a farming community.

In Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats you will find a collection of threats running the gamut from monsters of myth to more mundane ones. These threats are ready to run as is. They are fully stated, have hooks, and in some cases adventure plots ready for you to take shape into adventures of your own.

There is going to be a lot of cool things in this book, from new monsters, to fully fleshed out villains, and new traits for monsters of your own design.

First look...

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-07-05T18:25:26-05:00

So this afternoon I received a package from the printer. Said package was the proof of Under Pashuvanam's Lush. Want to take a look? Here you go:

It looks even better in person.

Rogue Games puts Shadow, Sword & Spell: Under Pashuvanam’s Lush up for Pre Order

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-06-28T09:15:30-05:00

(Chicago) June 28, 2011: Rogue Games puts Shadow, Sword & Spell: Under Pashuvanam’s Lush up for Pre Order

Beidha.

The name invokes wonderment. It fuels the imagination of storytellers. It fills merchants with a lust for riches.

Covering most of this land is a thick jungle called the Pashuvanam, or Jungle of Beasts. The jungle deserves its name. Fierce monsters and animals plague Beidhanids and Nipuans alike, sometimes destroying entire villages. Over the last few centuries, most of the dangerous creatures have been driven away from major settlements and main roads, giving the inhabitants a sense of security. Still, stories of unspeakable horrors lurking in the jungle’s depth persist—and are regularly proven true.

Under Pashuvanam’s Lush is your introduction to this land. Here you will find adventure, rumor and mysteries. This adventure takes the heroes from the civilization of this land, through the dark foreboding jungles to ruins long forgotten.

What evil lurks under the lush?

Written by Gabriel Brouillard (Colonial Gothic: New France), Under Pashuvanam's Lush is a departure from our regular books. Why? Not only is it full color, but it opens up a new culture for play. More than just an adventure, this is a sourcebook for the kingdom of Beidha, allowing gamemasters and players to adventure in the jungles and lands of an ancient culture's remains.

DETAILS
$19.99 ($7.99 eBook/PDF)
100 pages, 6x9 Full Color Softcover

To pre order a copy, and get the PDF right now, visit the online store today!

Under Pashuvanam's Lush Preview

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-06-27T09:54:45-05:00

Yesterday I mentioned that we are getting ready to release a new adventure/sourcebook Under Pashuvanam's Lush.

Said release is an experiment of sorts, in that it will be our first full color release.

As of this morning, I have posted a small preview of the book. You can see it here, or below:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Under Pashuvanam's Lush (Preview)

Coming Soon...

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-06-25T09:44:37-05:00

Within the next week or so, a new release will be ready. The release? Under Pashuvanam’s Lush.

What is this? It is a sourcebook/adventure. It is an experiment in a lot of ways. Why?

It is not your typical fantasy setting or adventure. Plus it is our first color book.

Yeah, you read that right. Color.

We thought we would try it, and see what we could do.

So how much, and how big is this book?

Page count. 100 pages.

Price. $19.99

I will keep you posted on when you can purchase it.

New printing options

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-06-24T10:55:08-05:00

As of this morning, Rogue Games now is able to print and ship books from Australia. This is big for us due to the fact since the first of the year we have seen an increase in orders from that country.

What many do not know is that we also ship and print books from the UK, and by doing this we have been able to reduce our costs drastically when fulfilling orders in Europe.

So how does this effect you? You should not notice anything different, other than orders reaching you quicker.

A change in plans

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-06-09T10:44:50-05:00

So the other day (June 7 to be exact) I tweeted two quick tweets (here and here). As promised, here is a fuller explanation.

When working on Shadow, Sword & Spell, I had a couple of ideas for follow up books. One of them was Shadow, Sword & Spell: City. The idea behind this book was simple: provide rules and guidelines for city games. This book was not only going to provide guidelines and help in building a city, but also present a city. My idea was simple, once I introduced a chapter of new rules or guidelines, the following chapter would put that into practice and present some of the city. As I built the outline, the book was going to be close to twenty chapters. Half with city advice, and the other half with the actual city. I was enthused, but the more I worked on this, the more I began to second guess myself, and actually hate what I was working on.

The more I worked on City the more I hated it, and finally I decided to take a break on it. I switched my focus to writing Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats (draft done getting ready to finish this), and dove back into Colonial Gothic projects. Mind you, I still tinkered on City, but my enthusiasm and desire to create a sprawling mess of what would be a shitty book.

Then, I bought this. Upon reading it I had two thoughts:

Holy Shit! Zak (I Hit It With My Axe and D&D With Porn Stars) is a genius and this is pure brilliance.
This is everything I wanted to do, and it is done better.

At first I thought maybe it was just my lack of desire to work on City, but then I reread the book. Actually at last count I have read this think five times. Each time I read it, I realize more and more, this is the perfect city book. Everything I was trying to do with City is done so much better in VORNHEIM. From how to run a city, to a lot of simply cool ideas. For the first time, in a very long time, I found myself excited by a gaming supplement.

So upon finishing the reading for the fifth time, I asked myself a very simple question:

Richard, do you think you can do better than this?

(Yeah, I talk in the third person to myself).

It is a simple question, and upon reflection, I realized that I cannot do better than what Zak has done in VORNHEIM. Even if I thought I could, I do not want to. This is a perfect little book, and covers the areas that I wanted to do. The world does not need another city book. It really doesn’t. Doing one would be an exercise in futility. I have nothing to say on the topic, and I am not going to to a book just to do a book.

So what’s next? City might be dead, but the wealth of city details I wrote will not go to waste. I plan on cleaning things up and over the following weeks start posting the material to The Tome. The wiki has been a joke in that I’ve done nothing to update it for close to a year. That is about to change.

In conclusion, a book that no one has seen might have died in development, but the work will be shared. In addition, hopefully, you will get a copy of VORNHEIM it is that good.

Next Three Months

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-28T10:40:21-05:00

With May coming to an end, and the summer just around the corner, a lot of the projects James and I have been working on are coming to their conclusion. We’ve been busy, and just because we’ve been silent, does not mean, work is not preceding. So what do you have to look forward too? Here is the run down.

Colonial Gothic

The Grimoire: This book covers magic in the work of Colonial Gothic. You will find spells, arts, and other goodies. This should be ready by the end of July.
Flames of Freedom Part 2: This should be ready by the end of August early September. This has gone longer then I thought because of the research. In addition Graeme and I want to make sure that the adventure is ready. There is a lot of things going on in this adventure, and if you thought Boston Besieged was “easy” you are in for a surprise with this part. It is tough and complex.
Project X: This is something I have been working on for close to six months. If all goes well, this will go into playtest at the end of summer. This project will not see release until next year, but it is big.

Thousand Suns

Revised Rulebook: In layout and final tweaks. This one is worth the wait. Honest.

Shadow, Sword & Spell

Threats: Final revision and it will go into editing.
Under Pashuvanam's Lush: In final edits, should be ready by August.
Guild War: A new SS&S adventure, this has been going slower than I like, but it is worth it.

So there you go, the summer run down. Other projects are being worked on, but this is what is ready to be coming down the pike.

Breaking News

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-24T12:29:17-05:00

This will be short and sweet.

You can stop emailing, tweeting, and the like. If you want a GM Screen for our games, we will move it off the maybe list, and move it to the project list. Give me some time to get is thought out and laid out.

The Beggar

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-21T10:05:26-05:00

As mentioned awhile ago, a new series is starting. Said series is known as In the Raw. Here is the first of what I hope to be a regular feature. This continues today with a new template for Shadow, Sword & Spell.

Beggar

Found in all cities of the world, scattered along the street, filing the squares and hiding in the shadows of the alleys are those who’ve slipped through the cracks and eek out a living amongst civilizations scraps. Beggars, due to their living on the streets see and hear many things. They are skilled in scrounging, both for wealth as well as information.

Culture: Civilized

Modifier: Urban

Primary: Nimble

Skills: Acrobatics (Contortion), Bargain (Haggling) Dodge, Observe, Stealth (Shadowing), Streetwise (Scrounging) Subterfuge (Pick Pocket)

Gear: Staff, Clay Bowl

The Bawd

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-16T07:59:12-05:00

As mentioned in the a few days ago, a new series is starting. Said series is known as In the Raw. Here is the first of what I hope to be a regular feature. This continues today with a new template for Shadow, Sword & Spell.

Bawd

Every city found throughout The World, has men and women selling their services as guides and escorts to the newly arrived. Bawds are those who know every nook and cranny of their chosen city, and are so tuned into it they are able to get a person what they need. In addition, bawds allow outsiders to gain access to areas or information they might not know.

Culture: Civilized

Modifier: Urban

Primary: Wits

Skills: Bargain (Bribery), Defend (Parry), Diplomacy (Negotiation), Gaming (Dice), Language (Trade plus one other), Lore (Specific City), Melee (Club), Observe, Streetwise (Criminal Contacts)

The Barber

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-12T19:26:00-05:00

Barber

Found in the City States of Doarn, as well as the League of Merchants, barbers are a group of people skilled in many areas dealing with the body. More that hair cutters, they are dentists, doctors as well as sources of information. Plying their trade in cities, those unable to afford the cost of a physician, often find themselves under a barber’s care.

Culture: Civilized

Modifier: Urban

Primary: Wits

Skills: Bargain (Charm), Brawl (Dirty Fighting), Heal, Melee (Knife), Observe, Physick (First Aid), Socialize (Carousing), Streetwise (Criminal Contacts), Subterfuge (Sleight of Hand), Throw (Knife)

Gear: Knife

The Assassian

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-07T14:09:57-05:00

As mentioned in the last post, a new series is starting. Said series is known as In the Raw. Here is the first of what I hope to be a regular feature.

Character Templates

Character templates are designed to make character creation not only quicker, but easier. They supplement the cultures and modifiers given in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic and Expert by adding more detail according to a more specific character concept.

Players can use character templates for suggestions on spending points on abilities and skills, buying equipment, and creating Hooks for a Hero. GMs can use them as a quick way to create NPCs of a desired type.

Nothing in any character template is mandatory. Their purpose is to aid in character creation, not restrict it. However, when departing from a character template, it can be helpful to think about why this particular character is different from the norm; doing so will help flesh out the character’s background and personality.

Assassin

Though there are those who sell their skills and offer to kill others, and rumors abound that the Veil of Caim hire their services out, there are those who train and enter the ranks of professional killers. Known as assassins, they organize themselves into small guilds and gangs, and ply their trade for a price. Found in all major cities, assassins are dispassionate killers.

Culture: Civilized

Modifier: Decadent

Primary: Toughness

Skills: Archery (Crossbow), Athletics (Climbing), Brawl (Punching), Defend (Parry), Herbalist (Poison Making), Intimidation (Torture), Melee (Knife, Sword), Observe, Stealth (Shadowing), Throw (Knife)

Gear: Short Sword, 3 Knives, …..

Hooks:

It is not personal it is only business.
Your death will bring me great wealth.
Let it not be said, I did not kill my target.
No one weeps for your death.
I have a message for you, it is a simple one: die.

In the Raw

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-05-07T13:39:41-05:00

Things have been busy. Really busy.

Starting today, I plan on starting a series known as In the Raw. This series will be a peak into the notebooks I write in, and give you a taste of some of the things I am working on. The material that will put up will be in a ready to run format. Basically you can take these ideas and run with them as is. The material slated to show up will find its’ way into upcoming projects.

So what do you have to look forward to? Things for Shadow, Sword & Spell, Colonial Gothic, and Thousand Suns. This is material that needs a polish, but it is ready for you to pull apart.

Coming up first is going to be a preview of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Templates. Over the next few weeks, there will be a slew of templates coming your way.

New Bundle Option Test

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-04-22T12:32:41-05:00

Since we’ve started offering the choice between files when ordering books, I’ve gotten a steady stream of requests along the following:

Is there anyway I can buy a bundle and get the PDF for free?

Following up, I discover that the customer wants the ability to buy both a book and a Kindle version, and then get a copy of the PDF for free.

Bundles are something I have never thought about, to be honest. However, I am always willing to rethink my assumptions and try new things.

So starting today I have put up a test:

You can purchases a Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic bundle and a Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert bundle.

The bundle includes the following:

Print version of the book
Kindle version of the book
PDF version of the book

Price?

$19.99

If this test works out well, I will start creating other bundles.

Where the hell have we been?

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-04-08T09:26:55-05:00

So the subject line says it all.

First off, nothing is wrong. James and I have been feeling burned out, and we decided to slow things done a little a bit, in order to stay fresh.

Secondly, I returned to school (first week was this week) and as a result time in a little more tight than normal.

That out of the way, there are projects being worked on. There are two adventures coming up for Shadow, Sword & Spell, a new release for the game coming up this summer, and a demo adventure that just needs to be laid out and posted.

For Colonial Gothic PDFs are coming up, and I am finishing up not only the second part of Flames of Freedom, but a little book titled The Grimoire.

Thousand Suns: Revised is nearing the finishing line and James also has a few PDFs coming up.

So that is the update, now a question:

What would you like to see next? Adventures? Sourcebooks? Use the comments below and let us know.

Website additions

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-22T09:39:39-05:00

A few updates have been made to the old wesbite, here is the run down:

The maps found in Colonial Gothic: New France have been uploaded to Scribd, and they are found here.
A full color version of The Merchant League map found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic has been uploaded and is found here.
A full color version of The World map found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert has been uploaded and is found here.
You can now purchase Shadow, Sword & Spell from e23 and the link has been added.
Links to the KIndle versions, available direct from Amazon, of all the titles have been added.

Other news to come this week.

Kindle and ePub versions of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert Ready

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-18T12:41:50-05:00

Took a little longer than I would have liked, but you can now get Kindle and ePub versions of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert from the Online Store. In addition, you have your choice of bundle: Print + PDF, Print + Kindle or Print + ePub.

Next week I will get a color version of The World’s map, as well as a collection of tables.

With this done, I can get to work on other items.

One of my favorite Alchemical Arts

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-16T05:11:14-05:00

With Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert getting ready to ship out to those who’ve pre-ordered it, as well as to the warehouse to fill distributor orders, I have had a chance to sit back, and look at the book with a better eye. When you are hip deep in the writing, designing, playtesting, and layout, you tend to get tired of looking at the book. It is only natural, and in the case of Shadow, Sword & Spell, even more so. The game has been a large part of me for the past three years.

The Roll Out Continues

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-11T06:03:44-06:00

Slowly the channel is being filled, by that you can now buy Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert from Drivethrurpg.com. Here is the link. As it becomes available at other sites, I will keep you posted.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert Available for Pre Order

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-08T12:37:29-06:00

(Chicago) March 8, 2011: Rogue Games puts Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert up for Pre Order

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert builds upon the rules found in Basic. In Basic, you created your character. You have braved numerous dangers, made many enemies, and probably killed a few of your foes as well. You have gone from not having any or little influence or prestige, to now being a person of renown or infamy. You have survived the trials and ordeals before you.

Through your wits, guile, and fortitude, you have fought back the hordes of unholy terror. You have saved countless men and women from the bonds of slavery. You have discovered hidden treasures, long forgotten tombs, and tomes of arcane knowledge. You have become a hero, an outlaw, even a thorn in the side of the powers that be. Your trials have prepared you, and now, you are ready to inscribe your name in the rolls of history. The world will feel your justice. Your enemies will know your vengeance. Those with the power will now have no choice but to share it with you. You will be a king, and the dynasty you found will endure for centuries.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert answers the question: What’s next? Your hero has grown in power, and now they are ready to tame the world. Building upon the rules found in Basic, Expert adds new opportunities for your game. What you will find here are new options and rules that you can use to expand your current Shadow, Sword & Spell game, as well as allow you to run games grander in scope.

Written by Richard Iorio II (Colonial Gothic) and powered by 12°, Shadow, Sword & Spell has everything you need to run games inspired by the greatest pulp writers of our time.

Available at the end of March, those taking advantage of the Pre Order, get the PDF for free at the time of purchase.

To purchase Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert visit the Rogue Games Online Store.

DETAILS
$12.99 ($6.99 eBook/PDF)
232 pages, 6x9 B&W Softcover

Pre Order Now

Done

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-07T13:56:01-06:00

Right now, my printer is printing out the final version of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert. This final version is the last check to make sure everything is as it should be, as well as give me the final page count. This page count will then allow the Table of Contents to be built. Unless something happens between now and tomorrow, Expert will go into pre-order tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert -- The Preview

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-03T19:45:21-06:00

After what seems like a lifetime, the end is in sight for the work on Shadow, Sword & Spell. This is a game that has been with me, in one form, or the other, for a long time. Work on the game has taken place over a three year period, and now Expert is in the final stages of layout. Want a peak, here you go.

Shadow, Sword & Spell Expert -- Preview

It is bittersweet to be reaching the end.

Why?

This book has been a large part of my life for the past three years. The work in here, to put it simply, is work I am the most proud of. Everything I wanted to say about the “end game” is here. A lot of long conversations went into this with James, as well as a lot of writing, rewriting, rewriting, and rewriting on my part. There is so much in this book, and what is in here, is what I have been using in my games.

So I am happy with this book, but I am sad. Why? It has filled my life for so long, that I now no longer have it to work on. I have a ton of other projects, but the book is done, and now I wait to see what other have to say.

Back

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-03-02T08:26:03-06:00

We are back in the saddle.

The times are changing

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-02-17T09:07:39-06:00

When starting Rogue Games the guiding principle was a simple one: we provide content, and the content we provide should be available to you. That is why we bundle the PDF when you buy the book. That is why regardless of where you purchase one of our games, you will get the PDF for free.

This policy has served us well, and it is one that I am proud of. However I am not happy with it.

With the growth in eReaders, be it the Kindle, Nook, an even the iPad, there is no reason that our games should not be in a format that is suited to these devices. That is why we moved to making our games available for them.

Still I am not happy.

Why?

We could do more.

That is why, starting to day, we are dropping the PDF Guarantee. In place is the Rogue Games eBook Guarantee.

In short the Guarantee adds a few new things:

If you buy a physical Rogue Games book in a store or online, we give you the option of getting the PDF, ePub or Kindle version free of charge. All you need to do is email us proof that your purchased the book, and the file will be sent your way.
You now have the option when it comes to format you would like bundled with your book purchase. When ordering direct from the Rogue Games Online Store, you can now choose to have either the PDF, eBook or Kindle bundled with your book purchase.

In short nothing has changed, we are just giving you more options to choose from.

Starting today the Rogue Games Online Store has changed. You can still buy books and PDFs, but now you also have the option to purchase ePub and Kindle files. In addition, you have a choice of bundling options. The kicker in all of this? Prices are consistent and the same.

As always, more is to come, but this is yet another way for use to provide you the content you want.

Why so silent?

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-02-10T08:18:39-06:00

So it has been a week since the last post. Some people worry that silence means bad things. As I always point out, silence means we are working.

Working? On. What?

A lot.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert is in layout.

The reedit of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is done, and it is now ready for order. In addition the PDFs have been updated.

Speaking of Shadow, Sword & Spell, three new adventures are in editing, and they will start rolling out over the next few weeks. Two of these adventures take place within The Merchant League (see Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic) and the third one takes place in the kingdom of Beidha (see the soon to be released Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert). One of these adventures are written by myself, while the other two are written by names which should be familiar (Brendan Davis and Gabriel Brouillard).

This is not all the things being worked on for Shadow, Sword & Spell. Threats is almost done, and I hope to kick it to editing by the end of the month. City is coming along, and I am hoping once I get the other things off my list the pace will pick up. In addition I am kicking around notes for a couple of other adventures, as well as Companion.

Shifting to Thousand Suns, the Revised Rulebook is in layout. James is working on a number of other items, which I will let him talk about.

As for Colonial Gothic, there is a lot going on. The second part of Flames of Freedom is almost done with editing. A new book is being worked on now, and this is one that will be a collection of magic and the like. This one is being worked on by me. In addition I am finishing up research for the third part (due out next year). I am also working on the Freemason PDF.

If that was not enough, I am reaching the end of the layout of all the eBooks. By month’s end, all current titles will available as not only ePub but for Kindle. These will be sold direct from the Rogue Games Online Store. In addition, we will be moving to the second phase of our bundling. That phase? The option phase.

Huh?

For as long as we have been in existence, if you buy the book, you get the PDF for free. This then moved to buying the book anywhere, even conventions. Now, with the growth of eReaders, and the growing demand for eReader versions, the bundling is going to apply to them as well. Now when you buy a print version of games, you will have your choice of either the PDF, ePub or Kindle version. In addition, just like our PDF Guarantee, if you buy the book, you will get your choice of either file.

Ok, so there is the latest. More to come.

Some Upcoming Colonial Gothic Events

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-02-03T05:24:07-06:00

It has been a quiet week. Between the massive blizzard that hit the Chicago area, as well as James and I being busy on a number of projects.

With the New Year, and convention season soon to be here, I am starting to get emails from people who plan on running some events. When I get the info I will post. Here is one of the first events:

Mepacon Spring 2011 (Clarks Summit, Pa)
April 8-10 at Ramada Inn in Clarks Summit, Pa
http://mepacon.com/

Event: RPG2 Field of Dreams (usually bad ones)
GM: John McGreevy
Time Slot: 1 (Friday, 2 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Max. # of Players: 6
Game System: Colonial Gothic by Rogue Games
Beginners: Yes, characters provided, rules will be taught

Description: Farmers are leaving the area of Sudbury, Pa because of bad harvests and fatally bad health. Someone has to find out what is happening or the town will be abandoned.

Though Rogue Games will not be at Origins, there will be events run there as well.

For GenCon, I am looking for volunteers who would like to run events.

<b>(Chicago) January 24, 2011: Rogue Games Licenses 12° to Battlefield Press, Inc.</b>

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-24T13:10:21-06:00

Rogue Games, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Battlefield Press, Inc. for the use of the 12° System.

Developed by Richard Iorio II and James Maliszewski, 12° is the rule system which drives Colonial Gothic, Thousand Suns and Shadow, Sword & Spell.

"This is a system that James and I believe in," stated Richard Iorio, president of Rogue Games. "The fact that others have grown to enjoy this system makes us both happy. When we started Rogue Games, we never thought other publishers would want to use our rules."

The agreement grants Battlefield Press, Inc. the exclusive use of 12°, and is to be used in Warren Norwood’s Double Spiral War.

“I am excited about being able to release Double Spiral War in a system that is not only fun and interesting, but is flexible enough for the needs of the universe,” says Jonathan M. Thompson, president of Battlefield Press, Inc. “I have waited a long time for the Double Spiral War RPG and 12° is just the system for it. We are looking forward to a long and lucrative working relationship with Rogue Games.”

###

About Rogue Games, Inc.

Founded in 2007, Rogue Games is a partnership between two long time game designers who decided to take the jump into self publishing. Rogue Games is the publisher of the roleplaying games Colonial Gothic, Thousand Suns and Shadow, Sword & Spell, as well as the publisher of a few d20 based supplements.

About Battlefield Press, Inc.

Founded in 2000, they are known for the publishing of pseudo historical and alternate history RPGs based on licensed properties such as Eric Flints 1632 and Luftwaffe 1946. Also their lines include Gaslight Campaign Setting (a Victorian Earth Fantasy setting where the non human races come right of the literature of the period), the Savage Worlds Edition of Terran Trade Authority and the return of their flagship setting - Cityscape: City on the Nexus of the Omniverse. Added to this is the release of the Double Spiral War RPG using the versatile 12° system.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic Reedit Done

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-20T14:11:50-06:00

As of this afternoon the reedited version of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is ready. The proof has been accepted, and the new version is ready for order. All orders that have been taken over the last week have been filled. Thanks for all your patience during this, and I hope it was worth the wait.

With this done, all my attention is getting Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert into layout and to the printer. We are on schedule for that as well.

Site Update and Kindle Update

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-18T06:04:27-06:00

First the good news, all titles are now available for the Kindle on Amazon.

This weeke's update

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-17T08:44:35-06:00

Week begins, and things are already busy. There will be a few updates throughout the week. Here is some to begin your week:

Status Update -- Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-14T08:49:42-06:00

Great news.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is done. The reedit is done. The layout is done. The PDF is done.

Here is what has happened:

The PDF has been updated at the Rogue Games Online Store. If you bought the PDF from us, or got it as part as your bundle from us, you should have gotten the link to download the PDF.
The PDF has been updated at Drivethrurpg.com and RPGNow.com. Those who bought it from there should have a link to download the updated PDF.
The PDF has been uploaded to e23, and once it is ready I will let you know.
The PDF has been sent to IPR, and once it is ready I will let you know.
The PDF has been sent to Studio2, and once it is ready I will let you know.

As for the print version, the file is at the printer and I am waiting for final approval. If you choose to order the book now, I will not ship the book until the new version is ready. We are looking at about a week.

Basic is now done. The reedit has made it clearer. It is a bit bigger, but the price remains the same.

Up next is Expert, which is right one schedule.

By the way, here is the new Character Sheet. Enjoy.

Shadow Sword & Spell Character Sheet

Status Update: SS&S Basic Reedit

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-12T05:44:27-06:00

A quick update.

The layout for the reedited Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is done. It took longer than I thought, but the holidays hit, and everyone on the team got hit with sickness and some other family issues. I am looking over the PDF now, with any luck this will be done by the end of the week. Once that happens here is what takes place:

The PDF version will be updated. Everyone who bought it, or got it as part of the print bundle, will get the reedited PDF.
The print files will go to the printer. Once the files go through the printer’s check, the book will be ready to print.

All goes well, by next week, the reedit will be printing.

So that is where we stand.

Just so you know, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert is about to go into layout. It should be there by this weekend.

Colonial Gothic: New France for sale at Drivethru.rpg

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-11T07:40:12-06:00

Morning.

Busy day ahead of me, so I am going to make this short and sweet.

The roll out of Colonial Gothic: New France has begun. Today it is now up for sale at the following sites:

Buy from Drivethrurpg.com
Buy from RPGNow.com

As it hits other sites, I will keep you informed.

Coming May 2011 Thousand Suns: Revised

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-07T11:59:10-06:00

It is a time of wonder.

Humanity has reached the stars and created a society of glittering sophistication and diversity on hundreds of planets. Poets declaim, lovers rendezvous, and rakes duel with wits and monoblades. Colonists settle virgin worlds, merchant princes vie for emerging markets, and free traders hawk their exotic wares. The Navy rules the jumplines, putting down pirates and charting new star systems. Scientists uncover startling new truths on long-dead worlds and posit revolutionary theories dizzying in their implications. Technology advances at a rapid pace, each year improving the lot of all who accept its boons. None deny the bright destiny Man has seized for himself.

It is a time of upheaval.

The inhabited galaxy—the Thousand Suns—teeters on the brink of chaos. Half a millennium since the Concord, and a generation since the bloody Civil War, the dynamism that ended the Age of Warring States is sorely tested. Diplomats try new gambits, shifting their ground for an unknown future. On dozens of worlds across known space, the lights are going out again and the process of decivilization begins anew. Despots and tyrants who would rather lord it over benighted backwaters than bend their knee to even a distant authority, arise once more. At the edges of explored space, rivals—both human and alien—watch and wait.

It is a time of glory.

Victorious fleets smash enemy armadas in distant star systems. Soldiers parade through liberated planets to alien cheers. Sector governors draw up breathtaking visions of terraforming and orbital cities. New jumplines open to the heart of unex- plored space, daring the bold to venture into the unknown for profit and peril. Surveyors stumble upon lost colonies and puzzle out the mysteries of inscrutable clades. Captains with blazing eyes save worlds from barbarism—and rule them as gods. Daring thieves turn new technologies to unexpected ends or sell them to shadowy cartels on the fringes of known space.

Meanwhile, bold operatives seek out these criminal plans for reprisal. Everything is possible with enough beauty, brains, or blasters, and it’s all within reach of a single jump.

It is a time of adventure.

Newly revised and expanded, this edition of Thousand Suns builds upon what has come before and presents new options and guidelines for running a roleplaying campaign inspired by the classic works of Imperial science fiction.

Price

$24.99 Print
$9.99 PDF
$9.99 ePub
$9.99 Kindle

SKU: RGG 1050
ISBN: 978-0979636110

Coming May 2011

ePub Version of Thousand Suns: Starships Now Ready for Purchase

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-06T06:38:16-06:00

As of this morning, you can purchase and download a ePub version of Thousand Suns: Starships. This version is formatted and can be used on any eReader that uses ePub (iPad’s iBooks and B&N Nook are two example). The Kindle version will be ready in about 24 hours.

Over the next few weeks, the plan is to make ePub versions of all the books available for sale on the Rogue Games Online Store. In addition, you will be able to buy Kindle versions direct from us as well.

The big news, is that I am shooting for a February roll out of giving you the choice of what file you want bundled with your book purchase. Thus if you buy a book and would prefer to have the Kindle version, you will get that. I just need to redesign the Online Store a bit.

Now Taking Pre-Orders for Colonial Gothic: New France

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-04T07:01:03-06:00

(CHICAGO) JANUARY 4, 2011: ROGUE GAMES IS NOW TAKING PRE-ORDERS FOR COLONIAL GOTHIC: NEW FRANCE

France and England have always been rivals.

As it has always been in Europe, so it is in America. From Quebec to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Delta, New France offers a constant challenge to the British colonies. French troops garrison Quebec and Montreal. French forts dot the interior. French Louisiana – in theory, at least – extends from the Appalachians to the Rocky Mountains.

Welcome to New France

In this book you will find a complete description of New France, with information on its political structure, society, and major settlements. There are notes on making French colonial Heroes, including the famous
coureurs des bois – the explorers, trappers, and traders who did much to open up the interior to France. Campaign settings on offer include the
“Golden Age” of French power, the French and Indian War which created British Canada, and the Revolutionary War.

Allons-y! Pour la France – and let us teach these British that they do not own the New World!

Written by Gabriel Brouillard Colonial Gothic: New France opens up the world and shifts attention away from the English Colonies.

The PDF of Colonial Gothic: New France is included with the Pre-Order. All books will be shipped starting on January 25, 2011. To order, visit the Rogue Games Online Store today!

Thinking

info@rogue-games.net — 2011-01-02T07:53:24-06:00

The image above is done by Jeff Preston, and is for Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert.

Regular service will begin again tomorrow.

[SSS] Arcane Spell Preview

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-12-21T10:43:46-06:00

In Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert arcane spells are introduced. Unlike Common Spells (see Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic), Arcane Spells are rare and powerful. Truth be told, all magic is powerful, but what separates Arcane Magic from Common Magic is that these spells date back to a time far in the past.

Those skilled in the Arts of the Arcane Spells are able to perform feats only the Gods can match. Though the power that a sorcerer is able to call upon is great, the price he must pay is even greater. Unlike Common Spells, which can cause a Caster harm if they are miscast, Arcane Spells cost you more than your Sanity – they have the potential to cost you your life.

So what type of spells should you expect with Arcane Spells? Here is one example:

Contact

Range: Within circle

Duration: Rounds equal to half the Caster’s Will

Performed On: Others

Vitality Cost: 12

Sanity Cost: 24

This is a powerful Spell in that it contacts an Elder God, and allows the Caster to commune with and seek advice from this Elder God. This Spell can be taken multiple times, allowing the Caster to contact other Elder Gods. Thus the Caster must have the spell separately for each Elder God.
To cast this Spell requires much from the Caster. First, he must fast for a period of 24 hours, and during that time meditate and prepare himself mentally and physically for the casting. During this time, the Caster must inscribe the appropriate circle for the God he wishes to contact, and this circle must be made from the appropriate components, or the Spell will not work. In addition, the Caster must know the summoning circle for the God he wishes to contact; if he does not, he cannot contact the God. Once the circle is inscribed, the Caster must chant for 10 Rounds, and in that time do nothing but chant. If the chanting is stopped for any reason, either by the Caster or someone else, the spell automatically fails. Once the chanting is over, and the Spell Test is successfully made, the image of the God appears in front of the Caster. The Caster is then able to ask the God for advice, seek their aid, or ask for some boon. The God remains for a number of Rounds equal to half the Caster’s Will (Dramatic Success has the duration last for a number of Rounds equal to the Caster’s Will). Failing to cast the Spell results in the God not appearing, and a Dramatic Failure has dire consequences. First, the Caster has their Sanity permanently reduced by a number of points equal to their Will. In addition, the God, as per the Curse Spell, curses the Caster, the effects of which last until the God deems the Caster has learned their lesson.

[START TABLE]
Table 4:2 The Elder Gods

Elder God Summoning Circle Component

Azathoth Blood of a lizard
Cthulhu Ink from a squid
Shub-Niggurath Bile of a goat
Hastur Blood of a rooster
Nodens Blood of a raven
Nyarlathotep Bile of an owl, blood of a hawk, and the eye of a cat
Nyogtha Blood of a ram
Tsathoggua The Caster’s blood
Yig Blood of a snake
Yog-Sothoth Blood of a squid and a rabbit
[END TABLE]

50% off Sale At Drivethru in honor of Fritz Leiber

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-12-21T07:02:25-06:00

Starting today and running for the next week, all Rogue Games PDFs are 50% at DriveThruRPG.com.

Why?

In honor of Fritz Lieber.

Born December 24, 1910 and passing away on September 5, 1992, this birthday would be his 100 birthday. Lieber, for me, is perhaps one of the large influences on my design. It was his work which influenced heavily some of the design in Shadow, Sword & Spell, but it is my work on Shadow, Sword & Spell: City where his influence is even more apparent.

Click here to start your buying.

Shadow, Sword & Spell Mass Combat

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-12-15T10:28:23-06:00

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert builds upon the foundation laid in Basic.

As have been stated many times, Basic covers the early adventures of your heroes, and Expert covers the end game.

So, if Expert is covering the end game, the book has to cover certain things. Like what? Here’s the list:

Domain Rules
Henchmen and Retainers
Merchant Rules
Spell and Alchemical Art Creation
Relics
Ancient Tomes
Mass Combat

Expert contains all of this, as well as other things. This post, however, is about the Mass Combat rules.

My goal in designing these rules were simple: allow for large scale army conflict that has the player characters able to take a role. You can quickly run mass combat with these rules, and in playtests I have seen engagements go for no longer than 15 minutes. The criteria mass combat have in regards to a roleplaying game, is much different when you are doing a wargame. Mass combat must be fast, it must allow for a more descriptive nature of things, and more importantly, it must be fast.

Why?

Those who play roleplaying games, for the most part, are not wargammers. Rolepayers do not have the desire to push counters, measure distances, and deal with the complexity wargaming has. I am a wargammer, and for me, more so than roleplaying, wargamming is my favorite thing to do. Just because I enjoy it, does not mean, others will.

So in designing the rules, I worked hard to strip wargaming down to something that can be done in a few minutes. Here is just a small example.

Chapter Seven: Mass Combat

As your Hero grows in fame and prestige, she will eventually come into contact with armies. The world of Shadow, Sword & Spell is a violent one, and various powers clash in battle. The rules governing Mass Combat are straightforward and allow you to quickly run mass combat on the table top. These rules cover small squads as well as large armies. These simple rules are designed to allow both the Gamemaster and players to fight out battles involving these armies quickly and easily.

The first thing to keep in mind is that this system is narrative in scope, and this has been done intentionally. Mass Combat is very complex, and typically involves miniatures, counters, and terrain, as well as a lot of time. This is not a knock against wargames and miniatures. Hell, growing up, wargames and miniature wargaming consumed a lot of my free time. However, for a roleplaying game, the needs are quite different. Often war, or a clash of armies, is just one small facet of an adventure. There isn’t a need to have a detailed, drawn out battle. Instead, Mass Combat for Shadow, Sword & Spell has been reduced down to a few simple dice rolls. This system is designed to allow not only armies but small units to clash. It allows the Gamemaster and players to deal with Mass Combat quickly and efficiently.

Basics

Before going into detail, it’s important to note that all armies have six basic elements. No matter the type of troops, these common elements quickly allow you to assess the strength or weakness of various troops. These elements are: Unit Type, Unit Rating, Quality, Size, Engagement Rating, and Hooks.

Unit Type is simply the type of unit with which one is dealing. The Unit Type can be infantry, cavalry, and the like.

Unit Rating is a simple stat which takes into account a unit’s training, skills, abilities, and the like. Over time, this stat can and does improve.

Quality is not only partially based on the Unit Rating, but it takes into account the weapons, armor, mounts, and any other type of special abilities that the unit might have.

Size is a simple concept, and is mainly comes down to the number of soldiers found in the unit.

Engagement Rating is the number used to see if you win or lose a battle.

Hooks are well, hooks. They are similar to the Hooks that individual Heroes have.

Combat involves two armies declaring tactics, taking the calculated Engagement Scores, a few other factors, and then rolling 2d12. This result is added to the Engagement Score, and whichever side has the highest number, wins. Combat continues until one side is destroyed, retreats or surrenders.

With the basics out of the way, let’s go into detail about how the system works.

...

There is more to this, but this should give you an idea where we are going.

Colonial Gothic: New France -- Work in Progress

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-12-14T12:03:28-06:00

I know for the past few weeks a lot has been posted dealing with Shadow, Sword & Spell. Some might think that means we are not working on other things. That is farthest from the truth. A number of Colonial Gothic projects are in various stages of work. I am editing a draft of a new book, Graeme is working on part two of the campaign, I am researching a new PDF, Jennifer Brozek (Elizabethtown, Plymouth and The Ross-Allen Letters) is working on a new PDF (a number actually), and I am compiling notes for the three books I plan to write for a 2013 release.

If that is not all, layout is moving fast on the first release of 2011, Colonial Gothic: New France. Don’t believe me? Take a look:

Yeah, that is pretty sweet. Oh, the art on page 82? David Deitrick did it. Yeah, that David Deitrick.

So, yes, we are working on some very cool stuff.

SS&S Expert -- Introduction

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-12-07T11:54:52-06:00

Introduction

endgame |ˈen(d)ˌgām| (also end game)

noun

the final stage of a game such as chess or bridge, when few pieces or cards remain : the knight was trapped in the endgame | figurative the retaliatory endgame of nuclear warfare.

As long as fantasy games have existed, players and Gamemasters have looked for the endgame. For roleplaying games, especially fantasy ones, the concept of the endgame has been there since the hobby’s beginnings. After all, when playing your hero, they grow in stature as well as power and influence. It is only a natural desire for a player to want their character to lead mercenary companies, sit on thrones, and work their influence within merchant circles. Many attempts to define the endgame have occurred in the roleplaying game industry, some of these attempts divorcing the slow build and growth of the hero, and instead focusing on the immediate. Two ready examples of this are TSR’s Birthright setting, and REIGN. Both of these games center around rulership, and are great at what they set out to accomplish. However, what has always been difficult is to find games that contain rules or advice centered on taking your own hero and having them rule their own domains, band of cut throats, or... well you get the point.

Shadow Sword & Spell: Expert builds upon the rules found in Basic. In Basic, you created your character. You have braved numerous dangers, made many enemies, and probably killed a few of your foes as well. You have gone from not having any or little influence or prestige, to now being a person of renown or infamy. You have survived the trials and ordeals before you.

Through your wits, guile, and fortitude, you have fought back the hordes of unholy terror. You have saved countless men and women from the bonds of slavery. You have discovered hidden treasures, long forgotten tombs, and tomes of arcane knowledge. You have become a hero, an outlaw, even a thorn in the side of the powers that be. Your trials have prepared you, and now, you are ready to inscribe your name in the rolls of history. The world will feel your justice. Your enemies will know your vengeance. Those with the power will now have no choice but to share it with you. You will be a king, and the dynasty you found will endure for centuries.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert answers the question: What’s next? Your hero has grown in power, and now they are ready to tame the world. Building upon the rules found in Basic, Expert adds new opportunities for your game. What you will find here are new options and rules that you can use to expand your current Shadow, Sword & Spell game, as well as allow you to run games grander in scope.

Shadow, Sword & Spell is a game influenced by The Three – H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith and Robert E. Howard – and the game works as an homage to, and to pay respect to them. Expert, perhaps more than Basic, is heavily influenced by Howard’s (By this axe I Rule) and the later stories of Conan as king. Howard, more than the others, had a firm grasp of showing the possibilities offered in this vein by heroes who rule kingdoms. In his stories, even though the hero is a leader, they still have just as many dangers to face. The stakes become even higher when you have to fight to protect your throne. In addition, Expert focuses on other type of characters who might not be a warriors, and instead make a living through thievery.

What if you are not ready to run a game centered around politics? Have no fear, Expert contains items that are easily added to Basic. New magic, relics, monsters, and the like, are all found here. Think of Expert as your inspiration. Take from it what you want, and ignore areas you are not ready for; this is your game after all, and make of it what you will.

eBook Version and our Support of them

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-12-02T10:04:00-06:00

Yesterday we released a new original PDF (Colonial Gothic Organizations: Vol 1. The Templars).

Starting today you can now buy a version formatted for any eReader.

What’s the difference you ask? Let me explain.

Unlike a PDF, a ePub file, is a file that is formatted to work with such eReaders like a Kindle, Nook, or Sony eReader. A ePub file is even able to be reader is such eBooks apps like Stanza (on the iPhone, iPad, and iPhone Touch). The ePub file is formatted to display in b&w, designed to not task the screen, and have a small file footprint. For devices that use this file, the benefits are many, but the downside is that ePub does a poor job handling layout, full color, as well as a lot of the fancy layout techniques available in physical books.

Since we started, we have always embraced technology and have strived to use it to our advantage. For us, we are not a book publisher, we are a content provider, and our content happens to be roleplaying games. Because of this, we have worked to ensure you have access to the content in as many ways possible. Our games are for sale for the Kindle (here and here), on the iBook Store, and numerous other vendors.

There is more for us to do.

That is why starting with Colonial Gothic Organizations: Vol 1. The Templars ePub versions will be available for sale direct from Rogue Games. The goal is to have ePub versions of all our releases for sale by the end of the January. Then, if all goes well, the same day we release a book for sale, not only will the PDF go up for sale, but so too will the ePub version.

To make it easier, in the coming weeks, the online store will be reorganized, but in the mean time, the two images on the right will clue you in on what version to buy.

As for the future, the goal is to eventually give you the choice between having either the PDF or the ePub version of the file bundled with the purchase of the physical book.

So there you go, the latest.

Colonial Gothic Organizations: Vol 1. The Templars Ready For Purchase.

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-11-30T13:19:36-06:00

(Chicago) November 30, 2010: Colonial Gothic Organizations: Vol 1. The Templars Ready For Purchase.

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.

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.

Written by Graeme Davis

$.99 (eBook)
RGG 1761 PDF 6"x9" 54 pages

You can purchase it today direct from the Rogue Games Online Store.

Dwimmermount's Cover

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-11-26T07:30:48-06:00

We are working our asses off -- James, myself, and the rest of the Fellow Rogues -- and even though the Holidays are upon us, the projects never end.

Colonial Gothic: New France is in layout, SS&S: Expert is about to go into proof reading, SS&S: Basic’s reedit is done and about to go into layout, Thousand Suns: Revised is nearing the end, and Dwimmermount is as well. There is a lot more going on, and my list of projects are out of control. Anyway, it is Dwimmermount which this post is about. To the right is the final cover. I love this.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert Preview --

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-11-22T10:37:25-06:00

Work is moving fast on Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert. Second round of edits are beginning. The book has a lot of options in it, as well as new expansions. There is a lot on this book that I am proud of. Today I want to share a small section from one of the chapters. This section deals with Henchman and Hirelings, and is part of a much larger chapter dealing with the concepts of leadership and domains. What I wanted to do with this chapter, as well as other chapters dealing with the “end game” is make the whole process easy. A lot of the systems deal with rolling either a d12 or 2d12 and modifying it with a number to get a result. Mass combat is a perfect example of this.

So here is a small section straight from Chapter 3. Enjoy.

Henchman & Hirelings

As characters grow and gain experience, their reputations grow as well. Because of this increased reputation they might often be asked to undertake missions, or perform tasks, that are too big for just themselves. Some characters might have their own goals, and in order to accomplish these goals, they might need to hire extra help. Conversely the characters reputation might have others seek them out in hope of joining their cause or swearing allegiance to their banner.

Henchmen and hirelings come from all walks of life and offer characters access to skills that they might nov, or the time time to use. Henchmen and hirelings are more than just tools – however some characters might view them as this – they are trusted confidents, loyal followers or even well respected friends.

Henchmen

Exactly when a hero, or a villain, attracts followers is left up to the Gamemaster. Acquiring followers is an organic outgrowth that follows through play and deeds. A rough rule of thumb is that a hero begins to attract followers once they have made a name for themselves. This can be done after numerous adventures, or after performing tasks that bring them prestige.

How many henchmen can a hero have? A number equal to the hero’s Resolve. For example, your Hero has a Resolve 40. This means that they can easily lead a group of henchmen that numbers up to 40. Keep in mind that just because your hero can have henchmen, it means that they acquire them automatically. They must hire them, persuade them to join their cause, or have a reputation which attracts people to them.

Case in point. Let’s use an example. Growing up on the mean streets and canals of Gravina, Johan the Black took to thieving to survive. As a young lad he became a pickpocket, and eventually learned the skills enabling him to be a burglar. Over time his reputation grows, and because of this, one, then two, partners in crime seek him out to join his “gang.” Johan, whose Resolve is 30, soon finds himself leading a band of 15 thieves. To keep his band together, Johan’s player constantly seeks ways to keep them happy.

So, can you have more henchmen than your Resolve allows? Yes, but to do so requires the hero to make a Diplomacy, Tactics, or Intimidation Test every time he wishes to have his henchmen undertake something. This Test has a penalty depending on how many henchman over their usual maximum total they are leading.

[START TABLE]
Table 3:1 Leadership Penalty
# Over Resolve Penalty
1-5 -1
6-10 -2
11-15 -3
20-25 -4
26-30 -5
31+ -6
[END TABLE]

Note, that the number of henchmen your character has is not the same as the number of families attached in their domain (see below). Henchmen are a whole different beast when compared to ruling a kingdom. Think of Henchmen as trusted agents, lieutenants and people who have been with your hero as they have gained in power and infamy.

Unlike hirelings who get paid (see below), henchmen are not covered by a set pay rate. That does not mean that henchmen do not cost anything, or that they work out of gratitude. Their is an exception among henchmen that they are to be given a place to live, food to eat and a chance to gain wealth via a percentage of spoils. Character who do not take care of their henchmen needs soon find themselves with henchmen harder to lead, prove to leaving, or worse wanting to mutiny.

As a general rule of thumb payment for henchmen can use Tables 2:9 and 2:10 (see pages XXX) as a rough guideline when it comes to henchmen pay.

Hirelings

Hirelings are those who are loyal to your hero due to one fact — they are being paid. Hirelings work for the hero and perform jobs, and it cost a number of Crowns per day to employ a hireling (see Chapter 2).

Group Resolve

Henchmen and Hirelings are collectively known as Retainers, and they have Retainer Resolve, which is a measure of how happy, or angry, they are. Retainer Resolve covers both henchmen and hirelings as a a means to keep track of all retainers moral. The initial Resolve rating is equal to the sum of the the characters’ Resolve multiplied by 5. In addition to Resolve, retainers also have a Resolve Level which is based on the rating, and periodically a Resolve check is made. Whenever a Resolve Check is made, look up the current Resolve rating on the Resolve Level Table which indicates the new Resolve. Remember although Resolve changes frequently, the Resolve Level only changes when a Resolve Check is made — even if the rating moves into a different range between checks.

[START TABLE]
Table 3:2 Resolve Level
Resolve Resolve Level
19 or less Turbulent
20 to 49 Belligerent
50 to 100 Rebellious
101 to 150 Defiant
151 to 200 Unsteady
201 to 250 Average
251 to 300 Steady
301 to 350 Healthy
351 to 400 Prosperous
401 to 450 Thriving
451+ Ideal
[END TABLE]

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert (Preview)

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-11-14T09:51:24-06:00

I am finishing up the last bits on Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert. The book has been edited once already, and I am now making the changes and additions John (our editor) has called for. Once done, I will send the manuscript back to him, and it will go through the second round. From there, it goes to proofreading, and then eventually layout.

I might be bias, but this is a good book. There is a lot of cool additions and options found here. Areas have been expanded, as well as added to. I am really pleased with the rules I’ve created for Domains, Henchmen and War. There are a lot of new spells -- including Arcana -- as well as new monsters. Here is just one example of one of the new monsters.

Basilisk

Brawn 8, Quickness 10, Toughness 8, Wits 7, Will 11, Fear -4, Resolve 55, Vitality 57

Skills: Brawl [+10], Dodge [+10], Shoot [+11]

Traits: Breath: Fire [DV 2(30), R 5/15/30, ROF 1/1], Claws, Fierce, Fear, Gaze [R 50’, ROF 1/1, successful hit, target must make a Toughness Test, with Failure resulting in their being paralyzed for 1 day, Dramatic Failure target dies], Moan — Hiss [Effective only against animals, any animal within a 50-foot radius of Basilisk must make a Toughness Test with Failure causing them to lose half their Vitality, and a Dramatic Failure causes them to instantly die], Weakness — Weasels [a weasel’s attacks cause double damage].

The basilisk looks like a rooster, with the tail of a snake. A fierce creature, it is a danger to all life, and has been known to attack with no regard for itself or its surroundings. Like the scorpion, it prefers dry places, and thus they are native to The Shimmering Sands. Though some think this creature is able to turn a person to stone, that is just a myth. A Basilisk is hatched from a cock's egg — a rare occurrence — and they are susceptible to the attacks of weasels.

Coming March 2011 -- Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-11-08T07:49:54-06:00

Coming March 2011 -- Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert

You have survived the trials and ordeals before you.

Through your wits, guile, and fortitude, you have fought back the hordes of unholy terror. You have saved countless men and women from the bonds of slavery. You have discovered hidden treasures, long forgotten tombs, and tomes of arcane knowledge. You have become a hero, an outlaw, a thorn in the side of the powers that be.

Your trials have prepared you, and now, you are ready to inscribe your name in the rolls of history. The world will feel your justice. Your enemies will know your vengeance. Those with the power will now have no choice but to share it with you. You will be a king and the dynasty you found will endure for centuries.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert answers the question: What’s next? Your hero has grown in power, and now they are ready to tame the world. Building upon the rules found in Basic, Expert adds new options and opportunities for your game.

Price $12.99
SKU RGG 3001
ISBN 97809636196

Release Date March 2011

A burst of information

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-11-03T13:02:45-05:00

November is here. I do not know where this year has gone. Once minute it was January, and now we are nearing the end of the year.

I’ve been busy, here is the rundown.

Colonial Gothic: New France is in layout. I love this book.

A new Colonial Gothic PDF is in editing.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic reedit is moving along. All goes well this will be in layout in a few weeks. I plan on sending this to some proofreaders, but the editing has been very tight.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert is almost done. News on that in a day.

I have to get back to work.

A bad ass unicorn

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-10-28T06:23:58-05:00

Work on Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert is moving along at a very good clip. The first rounds of edits are done, and the revisions the editor wanted to see are being made. I should have this all done, and back to the editor this time next week. Once it is done, it will be in layout and then in stores by February/March 2011. The final pieces of art are coming in as well, and there is a very nice mix of styles and types in the book. Want a example?

That is one bad ass unicorn.

Even better is how unicorns are created.

Yes, created.

Cross the border to New France

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-10-26T07:13:52-05:00

France and England have always been rivals.

As it has always been in Europe, so it is in America. From Quebec to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Delta, New France offers a constant challenge to the British colonies. French troops garrison Quebec and Montreal. French forts dot the interior. French Louisiana – in theory, at least – extends from the Appalachians to the Rocky Mountains.

Welcome to New France

In this book you will find a complete description of New France, with information on its political structure, society, and major settlements. There are notes on making French colonial Heroes, including the famous
coureurs des bois – the explorers, trappers, and traders who did much to open up the interior to France. Campaign settings on offer include the
“Golden Age” of French power, the French and Indian War which created British Canada, and the Revolutionary War.

Allons-y! Pour la France – and let us teach these British that they do not own the New World!

Written by Gabriel Brouillard Colonial Gothic: New France opens up the world and shifts attention away from the English Colonies.

Details:

Colonial Gothic: New France
RGG 1701 $12.99 ($6.99 eBook/PDF)
6x9 BW 100 pages

In Stores January 2011

Putting fears to rest, and an update

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-10-13T11:37:16-05:00

Over at the Shadow, Sword & Spell Forums on the Rogue Council, a post caught my attention.

Just to put everyone's fears at ease, the game is doing well. James and I are following the same plan that we had set up for Colonial Gothic and Thousand Suns. That plan is a simple one: slow build.

We strongly believe that the main reason most games "fail" is that they are not given time to grow. The market gets flooded with product, and soon, fans become overwhelmed by the amount of "things" they need to play a game. Also, as you pump out more and more product, the product suffers in that, it might not be all good. Or worse, it might be half-assed and not fully thought out. We take a different approach, and that is, take our time, get it right, and release product when it is ready. This is a good and bad thing. It is good, because you do not over promise, and you do not miss deadlines. It is bad, because you need to feed the beast of demand -- if you will -- which is always there.

We've made a lot of mistakes since starting Rogue Games, but we have learned from them all. In addition, for the most part, it is just James and I doing all the writing. There are only so many things we can write, and only so many hours in the day before we get burned out. This is not a complaint, just the truth.

"Get freelancers!" I hear you say. We are and do, but sadly, freelancers flake out, miss deadlines, or worse, fail to even deliver a final product. This is the downside of freelancers, but there is an upside. When you find ones who can hit deadlines, who deliver the work they promise, when they promise, you are happy. You also might be tempted to give them more work then they can handle, so you have to weigh their time as well.

Could we work faster? Sure, but, by working faster, you make more mistakes and really do not give the product a chance to grow.

That being said, we are working, and working hard. How hard, here is the run down for things in the work for Shadow, Sword & Spell:

Next PDF. It is a supplement, and the writer is doing revisions. Once it is done, it goes to editing. It will hopefully be out in a few weeks.
New adventure. I just got a proposal, and rough draft by a writer for a new adventure. It is good. Once I go through it and give him notes, he will get to work finishing it.
SS&S Expert. John is editing it as I write this, and is nearly done with the first pass. I am waiting for a writer to finish a chapter he is writing, but they are on track. Once I finish the Colonial Gothic book I am writing (this week) I will turn my attention to finishing the draft. The book will be out in March.
SS&S Basic Reedit. See above about freelancers. John is on this. This has gone much slower than I would like, but it is what it is.
SS&S Threats. Will be out August 2011. Manuscript needs to be typed, but this will be done by the end of next month.
New adventure/Quickstart. I finished the adventure and it is being play tested now.
SS&S Templates. PDF release, writing it within the next two weeks.
New adventure. I am writing this, adventure is roughed out.
SS&S City. Outline done. Writing, 50%. Due out end of 2011, and manuscript will be done early next year.

So that is the immediate future.

Now I need your help. If you are a writer, or have even thought about trying your hand at this, I am looking for submissions. Said submissions could be for The Scroll, or they could be for adventures. We have two types of submissions: fan submissions and submissions.

Fan submissions are for The Scroll. Details for this are here.

Submissions are submissions for PDF or print releases, and are paid. Details are here.

So what do we pay?

Typically $.02/word payable 60-days upon acceptance for the first contract, 30-days for any other contracts with us.

Ok, so there you go.

Questions? Ask away.

What is this for?

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-10-11T18:40:52-05:00

There are some days when I love being able to do what I do. Checking my email, the following arrived in my Inbox:

It is a image done by Alfredo Lopez Jr.

Said image is for an upcoming release.

Wait till you see the other ones. :)

A new draft

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-10-09T14:50:52-05:00

Fast at work on a new project. Said project is for Shadow, Sword & Spell. Have a look.

This will be out in August.

No, it is not Expert. That is being edited now.

And no, it is not a new adventure.

What is it? Only time will tell.

Tweaking the site

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-10-07T12:58:56-05:00

Since we relaunched this website early this summer, things have been going very well. The site is easier to use, as well as the backend much more streamlined. James, who is much more pickier than I am on things, likes the cleanness of the over all site as well.

As of today, I have been working on making the downloads for each of the game easier. Colonial Gothic’s download page is being reworked, and you can see the results here. I should have this done by tomorrow (all I have left are maps). Once that is done, I will move on to the other game pages.

Once this is done, I am going to have to move on to a much larger project. That project? Revamping the New World Almanack. The wiki is now too large, and I am going to have to move it over to a new format.

Down the line, I want to come up with a mobile version of the site.

What do you want to see?

Cities in Colonial Gothic

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-21T10:57:45-05:00

So I am ending the final work on Flames of Freedom: Philadelphia (official title to come) and one of the things I notice with this draft is how important the city is going to be for not only the adventure, but for the GMs to use in their own adventures. There is a lot of detail in the sourcebook portion, and a lot of the stress I have been under, is condensing all the research into manageable chunks. I am glad I have reworked the draft as much as I have (last count eight rewrites), and it has enabled me to think about the use of cities in not only Colonial Gothic, but roleplaying games as well.

Cities are big (I know, no shock there) and they can be intimidating for GMs when using them. What I have done is rethink the approach, and boil down what is important, and what not is important. Thus, there are sections dealing with Inns, Taverns & Coffee Houses, as well as the City Watch, Streets, Education and the like. I like this, because it enables the GM to take these bits, and use them for their own work.

The good thing about this, is that while I am working on the ending points on this manuscript, I am also working on Shadow, Sword & Spell: City. As I think about cities in the colonial period, I am also thinking about them in the pulp fantasy sense. It is strange to be working on cites as much as I have.

Colonial Gothic Projects, Thoughts, and Ideas

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-15T10:14:30-05:00

Now that I have finished one time sink project (Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert), I can finally return to my first love Colonial Gothic. Between Graeme and I, we have the next two years mapped out and know what books are coming. A lot of these books are in editing, or about to be written. This game takes a lot of time, and namely it is due to the research we put in to make sure we get the history right.

One of the projects I am nearing completion on is the second part of Flames of Freedom. This part takes place in Philadelphia, and I am very much enjoying my time with it. This is probably going to be a big book, just how big, I am not sure.

While I am working on this, I have been noodling ideas for a PDF I want to do. Said PDF will be a collection of floor plans of period houses and the like. The only thing I am not sure about, is what else should this PDF contain.

The other project I have to undertake is a total revamp of the New World Almanack. This has gotten to big, and it needs a major over haul.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand: PDF of Floor Plans. What else would you like to see in something like this?

Your stew is ready

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-14T14:17:55-05:00

Available today is the first Shadow, Sword & Spell adventure.

What mysteries lurk in the shadows? Hired by a wizard in search of his legacy, you will soon discover, that a sleepy town, is not all it appears to be. People are missing, mysteries abound, but at least the food is good.

Written by Richard Iorio II (Colonial Gothic & Shadow, Sword & Spell), The Stew is a descent into cooking, legacy, and a strange cult. Set in a remote region of the Spineback Mountains, the adventure is just one example of the type of adventures you can run with Shadow, Sword & Spell.

You can purchase a copy from the Rogue Games Online Store.

$.99 (eBook)
RGG 3010 6"x9" 50 pages

The Rogue Games Forums

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-13T07:59:56-05:00

Ok, here we go. This is going to be a experiment.

We have created the The Rogue Council. These forums are devoted to all things Rogue Games. These forums have a few rules, and we are going to keep this simple.

Treat everyone with respect.
Be politie to different opinions.
Remember there is no winner or loser in online discussions.
This is like a dinner party. Act like you would if you were at one.
Have fun.

That is all.

So if you want to join, and take part in discussions, here is the link:

http://talk.rogue-games-forums.net/

See you there.

Colonial Gothic: New France

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-09T10:21:53-05:00

France and England have always been rivals.

As it has always been in Europe, so it is in America. From Quebec to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Delta, New France offers a constant challenge to the British colonies. French troops garrison Quebec and Montreal. French forts dot the interior. French Louisiana – in theory, at least – extends from the Appalachians to the Rocky Mountains.

Welcome to New France

In this book you will find a complete description of New France, with information on its political structure, society, and major settlements. There are notes on making French colonial Heroes, including the famous coureurs des bois – the explorers, trappers, and traders who did much to open up the interior to France. Campaign settings on offer include the “Golden Age” of French power, the French and Indian War which created British Canada, and the Revolutionary War.

Allons-y! Pour la France – and let us teach these British that they do not own the New World!

Written by Gabriel Brouillard
Price $12.99
Release Date: January 2011

Types of Settings

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-08T13:48:18-05:00

In Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic we introduced The League of Merchants. this “setting” if you will was designed to serve as the proving ground for heroes. the region is ideal for earlier adventurers and offer many opportunities for Gamemasters to set their own adventurers in, as well as expand to their hearts content. however, over time heroes grow powerful, and they begin to wonder what lies beyond a small region. their desire is to explore.

The pulps, from which much of Shadow, Sword & Spell’s inspiration comes from is rich in the tradition of exploring the world. Think of Howard’s Conan, or Kull and the stories where his heroes explore the larger world and discover adventure. Even in more “modern” works such as Moorcock’s in which Elrich wanders the Young Kingdoms in such of his lost love (Cymoril), his peace (Tanelorn), and for opportunities. World spanning is important, especially if the hero is searching for land to claim as their own, a throne to take, or new markets to buy and sell goods.
Unlike SS&S: Basic, Expert has a setting. Unlike Basic, Expert’s setting is larger and offers many opportunities for GMs to use. Like Basic this setting is only barely detailed. A lot is left blank so you can take it and create what you want. Where we describe aspects of the setting, this is done in broad strokes. We do this for a few reasons.

First a fantasy game without a setting is not useful. A setting helps give context to the rules, but also serves as an example for Gamemasters when creating their own. In addition a setting helps give a tone to a game. Think of Game Workshop’s Warhammer Fantasy Role Play, TSR’s Greyhawk, Dave Arneson’s Blackmoor, or even Judge’s Guild City State of the Overlord (as I type this I realize I have just dated myself). These settings stand the test of time, because of not only the tone, but the hook. The hook for a setting is important, and should be summed up in one succinct sentence. For example, let’s use Warhammer Fantasy Role Play. What is the hook? A grim world of perilous of adventure. That hook is a perfect descriptive element and when kept in mind, helps you create adventures and other items for your players.

Another reason a setting is useful is that it helps set a baseline that players ad Gamemasters can use in their games. This baseline provides not only inspiration for players in creating their characters, as well as for GMs in creating their own adventures.

Finally the other reason to provide a setting is that it is fun top create a world, no matter how large or small it is.

Setting Design

Before diving into the setting let’s talk about the nuts and bolts of setting design. Setting design is easy, as well as offers numerous rewards. However when faced with a blank piece of paper, many world builders fall into two groups:

1. World builders with stage of fight
2. World builders with too many ideas

There might be other groups, but over the years these are the two groups that commonly appear. What follows are the guidelines and lessons we’ve learned over the years. There might be other ways to approach setting design, and our methods are not the only way to follow, but through the years this method has worked for us. Before writing any history, drawing any map, or naming any feature, you need to ask yourself a simple question: What type of campaign do I want?

The answer to this question is important and the answering of it helps guide you in the building of your world.

Is your campaign going to be centered on exploration? if so is it trekking across massive landmasses like some fantastical Marco Polo or Lewis & Clark?

Is this going to center on oceanic exploration where new lands are discovered?

Is war going to be the focus?

Are two kingdoms at war? Cities? Tribes?

The answer to this help guides your in the creation? How? For two kingdoms, you need to come up with the bare bones of who rules, why they are fighting, and what the two kingdoms look like geographically. For two cities, these same questions are useful as well, but you are more confide to the area. For tribes, the area is even smaller.

With the answer to what type of campaign you want, the process of creation begins. Often this is seen as a daunting task. It isn’t. World building is just as enjoyable as creating adventurers, running a weekly game, and devising clever encounters to pit against the player’s characters. where the struggle comes in, is the type of campaign you create. when you boil all the advice down, all the options, and the possibilities, you are left with two types of settings: encyclopedia and sandbox. each has their plusses and minuses, and both are very rewarding.

Encyclopedic settings are setting where you strive to detail everything. Encyclopedic settings are the one that show off the creativity of a Gamemaster and the thought that goes into one often serves as a springboard for other ideas. Another advantage is that the Gamemaster is ready for any question a player asks, and creates a richness of detail that makes the world seem alive. The downside of this is that often the bulk of this material never comes into play.

Though nothing goes to waste, per-say, the details do go to waste if they never leave the confines of note filled notebooks. Players might not even care to ask what the lineage of a certain ruler is. Their concerns are more primal like who is paying them, how do they afford a new sword, or how they can learn a new spell. Examples of Encyclopedic Settings are found in sprawling multi-volume fantasy epics such as Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Raymond E. Feist’s work, and TSR/Wizard of the Coast Forgotten Realms (originally created by Ed Greenwood). These settings are rich and brimming with detail, however, most of this detail is not needed. So, should not create a setting like this? No. Go for it, but keep in mind that often the bulk of your creation is for your own enjoyment.

So if an Encyclopedic Setting is one of the spectrum, a Sandbox is the other.

What is a Sandbox Setting? It is a setting where you purposely leave areas empty. Instead you think about the area where you plan to have your adventures take place, and you flesh it out in broad strokes. One example of this is The Merchant League found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic. That is a sandbox. Only the bare minimum is written up and as your adventurers explore details are figured out. Growth is more spontaneous and details are created as players ask question, or as you need them.

Sandbox campaigns are rewarding in that everyone has a hand in shaping the growth. However some GMs find them daunting because they often have to “wing it.” This is a good thing, because some of the best creations are the ones you make up as you go along. The key to a sandbox is that all you need are a few notes, as well as a notebook which you can jot down what you create.

Shadow, Sword & Spell is a sandbox. It is designed this way to serve not only as an example, but because we want you to make it your own.

Colonial Gothic Thoughts

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-03T10:41:09-05:00

I’ve been working on a project for Colonial Gothic for a while. Said project is part two of Flames of Freedom. This part takes place in Philadelphia, and like Boston, it will have the players moving throughout the city uncovering a mystery. This part of Flames of Freedom picks up the pace of the campaign, and a lot of Colonial Gothic’s mysteries and secrets will begin to be revealed.

I am having a problem with the writing of this. The adventure is good and runs well. Where my issue is in regard to the supplement material for the city itself. Philadelphia is a freaking huge city with a freaking long history. The amount of material is overwhelming, and unlike the other items I’ve written, I am having a problem with knowing what to include and what not to include. This is part of the reason why this book has been so hard to write. The other reason is that I want to do right by Philadelphia.

One of the things most people do not realize is that with Colonial Gothic, we have to not only be true to history, but true to the geographical reality. Philadelphia is real, and real people live there. Residents of the cities we use look to make sure that we get it right. This is what I learned first hand when a residents of Boston looked through Boston Besieged, and shared their pleasure in how we got it “right.”

I am a writer who worries. I do not worry about the writing, or the deadline. I worry about getting it right. This is why Philadelphia has taken me so long. I have to just get it done.

Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged Ready For Preorder

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-09-01T06:53:21-05:00

(Chicago) September 1, 2010: Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged Now Open For Pre-Order.

The siege grinds on, and winter maintains its icy grip. It is 1776.

Welcome to Boston.

While the world watches, and both sides draw up the plans of war, others lurk in the shadows, prowling forgotten tunnels, and battling heroes. Here in one of the oldest cities in the Colonies, an ancient enemy sows the seeds of strife, and a much larger battle is about to begin. While Colonists cry for freedom and Loyalists struggle to reconcile with England, dark enemies gnaw and plague the unsuspecting.

Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged, is the first volume in an epic campaign for Colonial Gothic. In this book you will find our guide to the great city of Boston, and a ready-to-play adventure which sets the stage for the entire Revolution. Secret plots, secret cults, and mysteries abound, as you explore the city of Boston during the last days of the siege. You are at the start of the revolution and will be caught up in a series of events that will take you from one end of the colonies to the other. That is if you survive Boston first.

Written by Graeme Davis and Richard Iorio II, Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged is the first part of a four-part campaign for Colonial Gothic. The campaign written and designed by both Davis and Iorio, will follow the course of the American Revolution, and many of the secrets mentioned in the game are about to be revealed.

In addition to the Pre-Order being open, the PDF is available for immediate purchase. All books will be shipped starting on September 20, 2010. To order, visit the Rogue Games Online Store today!

Details:

Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged
RGG 1778 $12.99 ($6.99 eBook/PDF)
6x9 BW 100 pages

The World

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-31T05:00:09-05:00

This morning I sent off a bunch of files to Gabriel who will be doing more maps for us. The map next on his docket is one for Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert. The map will be for The World.

The World?

Yes, that is the name of the landmass that Shadow, Sword & Spell is set on. Take a look:

Oh yeah, this is a big land mass.

What do the numbers mean?

Those are the locations talked about in Expert. A lot of space is being left open. A lot.

So what are those location’s names?

I will give you one.

1 is The League of Merchants.

As for the others?

I am not telling.

:P

Yet.

Love my job

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-29T11:06:44-05:00

This morning, while my wife was a sleeping (5:30 AM I cannot sleep late) I knocked out some contracts and art descriptions for artists working on a project for us. I used a d12 to assign one specific piece. I did this, because I knew all three of the artists I am dealing with would do a freaking awesome job with the piece. The other art descriptions I picked specifically for each artist. I did this because I know their strengths, and I know their styles would fit what I needed.

I tend to be very loose in the descriptions I write. I do this because I want the artist to feel that they have freedom. Also, I do not want to describe something that is overly complicated. I simply give a few words, maybe a sentence. This works great, because over time, when working with the same artists, they begin to trust and well feel free to let their skill take them to where ever they want to go.

So, for that one piece, I knew whoever would get it would draw something awesome. I rolled, the number came up, and the artist got the piece.

What is the piece?

Here is the description in all of its’ detail:

Cthulhu: Ok, go for it on this one. I want a fucking big ass bad ass Cthulhu looming over a mountain, or emerging from the sea. Go crazy with this one.

Short. To the point.

I love my job.

[OFFICIAL] SS&S Clarity on Skills

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-26T14:11:34-05:00

Clarity on Skills or, those damn Skills

What follows is official. From here on out, this is how Skills work in Shadow, Sword & Spell.

Basics

Before getting to the heart of the matter, here are a few things that should be kept in mind.

Ability

The stats that measure a character (which are typically called Attributes in other roleplaying games) do not have Ranks, they simply have a value.

Rank

The term Ranks is used only with Skills, and is a measure of how skilled a character is with a specific Skill. When a Skill is first purchased, it is said to have been purchased at the Base Rank.

Base Rank

Base Rank is defined as the starting rank of a Skill's starting rank, which is equal to the governing Ability at the time the Skill was first purchased. This is a number that a player wants to keep track of, as it will determine the cost of Skill Rank increases in the future. One cannot automatically assume that a Skill’s Base Rank will always be equal to the governing Ability, as it is possible for an Ability to change in value during the course of a game.

Skill Limits

A Skill cannot have more than 12 Ranks. Characters with Abilities at 10-12 are damn near demi-gods, therefore, when they buy a Skill at Base Rank they are very near to, or at the top of their game. Period.

If a character starts with an Ability at 10, this means that the player character cannot add more than 2 additional Ranks to give his character a Skill with a Rank of 12.

Starting Characters

All characters begin with 35 Points which are used to purchase the five Abilities (Brawn, Quickness, Toughness, Wits and Will).

All characters have 45 Skill Points which are used to buy Skills.

The reason for the lower total is due to the core assumption of SS&S: Basic: this is a game about starting out; you create competent people that still have room for improvement.

Skills

A design goal underlying all 12° System games is that characters will have only a handful of Skills in which they are truly formidable, and a number of Skills in which they are of average proficiency. Keep this in mind.

There are two types of Skills in the games, Untrained (marked as such in the rulebook) and Trained (there is no such category as Trained in the game, but it helps for the purpose of the following explanation, so it is best to think of them as such).

Untrained Skills can be used by anyone without the need to spend Skill Points on them.

Trained Skills can only be used by spending Skill Points on them.

An Untrained Skill for which a player has purchased Skill Ranks also can be called a Trained Skill.

A Skill's Target Number (TN) equals the Skill's governing Ability + the Skill’s Rank.

See the above definition above for a Skill’s Base Rank.

Any character may use an Untrained Skill at any time, but with a -4 modifier to the Target Number. Trained Skills may only be used by those who have purchased Ranks in them (therefore they never suffer the -4 Untrained modifier to the Target Number).

Untrained Skills have a Base Rank equal in number to the governing Ability without the need to spend Skill Points minus the Untrained of -4 (e.g. Brawn 10 = Melee 6 as an Untrained Skill)

Trained Skills have a Base Rank equal in number to the governing Ability only after the player has spent a number of Skill Points equal to the governing Ability (e.g. Quickness 7 = Acrobatics 7 as a Trained Skill only after spending 7 Skill Points).

A player may spend Skill Points on an Untrained Skill to increase the number of Ranks in it (effectively making it a Trained skill). To do this, the player spends a number of Skill Points equal to the governing Ability to purchase the Base Rank. In my the example above, I would spend 10 Skill Points to make Melee a Trained skill, and its Rank would remain 10, the same as when it was Untrained, with the difference being that the -4 modifier does not apply anymore as this is no longer an Untrained Skill.

A player may spend Skill Points on a Trained Skill to increase the number of Ranks in it beyond the Base Rank. Remember that Trained Skills can only be used after being purchased at Base Rank.

To increase a Skill's rank by +1, a player spends a number of Skill Points equal to half the Base Rank for that skill (this is why it's important to record what a skill's Base Rank is). Note that multiple Rank increases may be purchased at the same time, each costing the same.

To illustrate this, let's create a character.

I decide to create a new character, Johan the Dark, a young thief off the canals of Gravinia. I spend my 35 Ability Points as follows:

Brawn 6
Quickness 10
Toughness 7
Wits 4
Will 8

My Background is Civilized and my Modifier is Mercantile. From these two, I derive the following bonuses:

Bureaucracy at Base Rank, Study at Base Rank, Native Language at Base Rank, +1 Action Point, Bargain +1 and Diplomacy +1.

I now spend my 45 Skill Points to buy skills as follows (skills marked * can be used Untrained):

Bargain (8 Base Rank [8 Skill Points Spent] + 1 Rank [Bonus from Mercantile] + 2 Ranks [4 Skill Points for each Rank for a total of 8 Skill Points spent]) = 11 Skill Ranks
Bureaucracy (4 Base Rank [Free from Background] + 3 Ranks [2 Skill Points for each Rank for a total of 6 Skill Points spent]) = 7 Skill Ranks
Diplomacy (8 Base Rank [8 Points Spent)] + 1 Rank [Bonus from Mercantile] + 2 Ranks (4 Skill Points for each Rank for a total of 8 Skill Points spent) = 11 Skill Ranks
Study (4 Base Rank [Free from Background]) = 4 Skill Ranks
Subterfuge (10 Base Rank [10 Skill Points Spent]) = 10 Skill Ranks
Native Language (4 Base Rank [Free from Background]) = 4 Skill Ranks

After all the math, my Skills and their Ranks look like this.

Bargain [+11]
Bureaucracy [+7]
Diplomacy [+11]
Study [+4]
Subterfuge [+10]
Native Language [+4]

So what would the Target Number ([TN)] for each Skill be?

Remember the formula = Ability + Skill Rank = [Target Number]

Bargain (8+11) = [19]
Bureaucracy (4+7) = [11]
Diplomacy (8+11) = [19]
Study (4+4) = [8]
Subterfuge (10+10) = [20]
Native Language (4+4) = [8]

Now, to compare, here are three Untrained Skills, with the TN already factoring in the -4 modifier for Untrained use:

Dodge (10+6) = [16]
Melee (6+2) = [8]
Throw (10+6) = [16]

[SS&S] Charts

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-24T19:37:20-05:00

Posted to the website is a small PDF of all the charts found in Shadow, Sword & Spell. This is not a chart heavy game, but it is nice to have everything in one place. You can download it here, or from the Shadow, Sword & Spell main page.

The Outline. Or in which I share SS&S: Expert with you

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-22T16:22:14-05:00

Now that health is coming back to me, and the damn infections that took root in my sinus and nose is finally going away, I have been able to return to my desk and write. I am playing a lot of catch up right now, in addition still worn out from the plague, but I am slowly getting my writing legs back under me.

I got a lot on my plate, writing wise, and I will be busy writing various manuscripts for not only Shadow, Sword & Spell, but Colonial Gothic and something else which will remain a mystery for a time. I am not complaining about this, I love to write and design, so this is all fun for me.

Today I want to share with you one of the projects filling my time. That project is SS&S: Expert. The book is about 75% done. I am really excited about this book, and I like what we have here. Here is the outline, and it will show you where Expert is going.

I. Chapter One: Skills and Scheming
a. New Options for Skill Buying
b. Schemes and Scheming

II. Chapter Two: New Gear
a. Buildings
b. Services
c. Hirelings

III. Chapter Three: Followers and Domains
a. Hirelings & Henchmen
i. Obtaining
ii. Retaining
iii. Resolve
iv. Types
b. Domains
i. Designing
ii. Costs
iii. Building
iv. Obtaining
v. Maintaining
vi. Income & Expenses
vii. Resolve
viii. Insurrections/Rebellions
ix. Events
x. Natural Disasters

IV. Chapter Four: Magic
a. New Common Spells
b. Arcane Spells
c. New Alchemy Arts

V. Chapter Five: Relics
a. Why Relics?
b. Possibilities of relics in adventures
c. When can you have too many?
d. What is the difference between Relics and items characters create?
e. Should characters be able to create relics?
f. Sample Relics
i. Claw of Crowtan
ii. Eyeglasses
iii. Roland’s Finger
iv. Dagger
v. Boots
vi. Quill
vii. Key
viii. Staff
ix. Sword
x. Ring
VI. Chapter Six: Ancient Tomes & Books

VII. Chapter Seven: Mass Combat

VIII. Chapter Eight: Other Worlds & Dimensions

IX. Chapter Nine: Setting
a. Creating your own Setting
b. Setting – The World
c. Gods

X. Chapter Ten: Creatures Great & Small
a. Monster Creation
b. New Creatures

The key to Expert is pretty simple, keep it simple and show the possibilities. Though the book deals with the “endgame” if you will, what James and I really want to do is give you more options and ideas that you can use in your games, even if you do not want to play the “endgame.” Examples of this is with the new gear in Chapter Two and the magic in Chapter Four. For us, SS&S is about options and possibilities, and this is what this book will be.

New Downloads for Shadow, Sword & Spell

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-21T12:12:03-05:00

Three new downloads are up for you to use. The three downloads were created by Anthony Hunter. The first is a new take on the character sheet that is in landscape. The other two are NPC Cards, which are nice tool, and I wish I thought of it. There are two types of cards you can download, one is blank, and the other is a fillable form.

I’ve been sick for the past week, and I am just feeling better now. Now that I am getting my strength back, I have more time to clear up my SS&S To Do List.

Happy Birthday Old Gent

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-20T09:44:02-05:00

Today is H.P. Lovecraft’s 120 birthday. I wanted to make an epic post about this, but I am currently sick so there goes my plans.

Lovecraft, for me (and I know for James) is probably one of the biggest influences on our writing. Two of our games -- Colonial Gothic and Shadow, Sword & Spell -- were heavily influenced by him. Say what you will about the man, but when he was on, his words were some of the best ever put on to paper.

So raise a glass and toast the man.

Introducing The Tome

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-17T10:54:19-05:00

Starting today we have put up the new online sourcebook for Shadow, Sword & Spell. This sourcebook is known as The Tome.

Like the New World Almanack and the Encyclopedia Galactica, The Tome, is your online source for new rules, options and creations for Shadow, Sword & Spell. This is a place to share ideas, as well as learn more about the world the game is set in. This sourcebook will be updated on a regular basis, and we encourage all to take part. To learn how you can submit your own creations to The Tome, please read our Submission Guidelines.

Right now The Tome is small. This will change over the weeks and months to come.

The End?

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-13T13:59:32-05:00

What is this? Time will tell.

Introducing Shadow, Sword & Spell: The Scroll

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-12T13:01:19-05:00

Starting today, I’ve created a new Yahoo Group dedicated to the game. Like the ones for Colonial Gothic and Thousand Suns, Shadow, Sword & Spell: The Scroll is for you to use and share your ideas, thoughts and creations set in Shadow, Sword & Spell. To join, use the hand box below:

        Subscribe to SSandSscroll
        Powered by us.groups.yahoo.com

In the weeks to come there will be a lot more support rolling out for Shadow, Sword & Spell, namely a wiki.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is now available for purchase.

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-12T12:21:09-05:00

A quick note -- it went live yesterday but the press release went out today.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is now available for purchase.

(Chicago, IL) August 12, 2010: Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is now available for purchase.

Beginning today, August 12, 2010, you can now order Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic direct from the Rogue Games Online Store.

You hail from a world awash in conflict, danger, and threats. You might be a thief due to your knack for picking the pockets of rich merchants in Gravinia while evading the blades of the competition. You might be a raider selling your sword to the highest bidder and fight for any or all as long as the silver flows. You might even hail from mysterious Cal’athar and have an affinity for arcane forces, using them to work spells outside the realm of Man.

In Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic, you create a character embarking on an adventuring career. Some event or desire, drives you to thumb your nose at your lot in life and seek out a destiny of your choosing. Society holds no bounds for you and you choose the life you want to live. Why should the only wealthy be wealthy? Why should only the baron own his own land? You want that — and more — and by Azathoth’s Radiance, you will!

In Basic, your character adventures and grows, becoming not only stronger, but more influential. Over time, a character can acquire not only wealth but power. Your influence and fame enables you to command armies, rule a kingdom, influence society — but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Basic gets you to this point, if you survive it…

Written by Richard Iorio II (Colonial Gothic) and James Maliszewski (Thousand Suns) as well as powered by 12°, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic has everything you need to run games inspired by the greatest pulp writers of our time.

Details:

Price: $12.99 (print)/$6.99 (eBook/PDF)
Page Count: 142 page
RGG 3000 Size: 6"x9" b&w softcover

To purchase a copy of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic visit the Rogue Games Online Store today.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic -- Orders Open

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-10T16:34:25-05:00

Ok, so demand for Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is better than we thought it would be. We sold out at GenCon, and my email and twitter is clogged with people wanting to know when they can get it. All my best laid plans are in a shambles. Why? I cannot wait to get this out any longer.

Starting today, right now, you can order Shadow, Sword & Spell from the Rogues. You can buy the print version for $12.99 or buy the PDF for $6.99. Kindle version and ePub versions are coming, but the book is ready.

So what are you waiting for, get a copy now.

How?

From the Online Bookstore.

GenCon 2010: Sell Outs, Sickness and Overwhelmed

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-10T08:12:44-05:00

Wow.

First off, let me say, I got sick at GenCon on Friday (8/6). I woke up not feeling well, and got progressively worse throughout the day. This pissed me off, because I had a lot of meetings as well as was going to run Shadow, Sword & Spell for Zachary Houghton and his friends and I couldn’t. As the con went on, I got worse. Being sick stinks, but being sick at a con sucks.

I mention this fact of being sick as a way to explain why this might not be as long, or a little less in depth as I like.

Ok, so another GenCon comes and goes, and like the past three, I find myself with the same sense of being overwhelmed and humbled. I know I say this a lot, but it is true. My hobby (as well as James’ hobby) is designing games for people to play for their hobby. We design games. We are passionate about the games that we design. We are passionate about games period. So when you go to a con such as GenCon, you are not ready for the press of people who not only want to buy the things you design, but are enthused by what you design.

As in year’s past, GenCon is the start of Rogue Games’ design year. Our entire schedule and operations revolve around kicking off the year at this show. Why? It is the one place where we can spread the news and show the world what we have in store. GenCon is thus the time to look back and look forward.

Colonial Gothic

We released Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged at the show. I came with 50 copies and we sold out on Sunday. If I was not sure about gamers wanting more published adventures, then I would be sure now. Everyone who bought was happy to see it, and many came back to the booth gushing their praise about it. All I kept thinking was: “If you think Boston is good, wait until you see Philadelphia.”

The rest of the books were in the booth, and sales were very strong. I nearly sold out of everything else, and what really made me smile was people who like the game for the history. Working on Colonial Gothic is fun but draining and that is due to the research. It felt nice for people to notice the effort put in. Another interesting fact is that one of the people who bought the game (every book) is an American Revolution Reenacter. She invited me to a reenact in October and they have promised (or threatened) to get me in period dress. This is something my wife is dying to see.

The big hit was the full color 11”x17” maps of Boston and the Colonies I had for sale. I did not think these would be as much as a hit as they were, and I sold out of Boston and almost all of the colony maps. I plan on doing a reprint of these and getting them up for sale on the website. I am also working on getting some done for retail stores for give aways.

As for the future books, here is the news that everyone found out at the show:

Colonial Gothic: New France -- Next book and this is due out January 2011
Colonial Gothic: French Indian War -- Due out in Spring 2011
Flames of Freedom: Philadelphia -- Due out Summer 2011 (title not set in stone)
There will be a pirate book but not until 2012.
There are more PDFs coming, and Jennifer Brozek (Elizabethtown, Plymouth and Ross-Allen Letters) wants to write more of them.
There is a plan in place to explore the period backward in time, as well as other areas of the world. My goal, and it is one Graeme shares with me, is to show how history can be the spring board.

Thousand Suns

I came to GenCon with 48 copies of Starships and I left with 5. Not only was this book selling, but everything was selling. The big topic of conversation was what the revision is going to be like. I will let James take this over:

When I first conceived of the idea, I mostly wanted to fix some typos, clean up some vague rules, and give the whole thing a new layout and art, because I wasn't happy with the way the original turned out esthetically. This revision was planned to be finished in time for May 2010.

As I worked on it, though, I realized that what the game really needed was to be rewritten. Not *changed* -- I still want a revision that's 95+% compatible with the original -- but more clearly and evocatively written. The original rulebook is longer and more verbose than it needs to be. It's also badly organized and includes more detail than is needed in some areas and not enough in others. So, I decided that rather than just tweak the rulebook I'd rebuild it from the bottom up and that's taking more time than I'd originally thought it would.

Again, let me reiterate that the revision will be 95+% compatible with the original. I'm not creating a new game but I am creating a new rulebook, one that I hope will be easier to understand and to use, as well as nicer looking overall. Fortunately, I've got a lot of ideas on how to do this and the art I've commissioned for the new book is awesome, as is the layout we have in mind. Take a look at the recently released Starships book to get a small taste of my new approach to the game.

The revision will likely come out in early 2011, but I can't set a specific date yet, because this is one of those "it's done when it's done" projects. The current rulebook does what it needs to do and the new book isn't going to change much (aside from the starship rules, which you now have access to through Starships), so there's no rush. On the other hand, I really do want to get a new rulebook out there, because I think Thousand Suns is a great game that's not yet reached its full potential due to poor layout and organization and writing that's not as good as it should be. So I expect we'll see it sooner rather than later.

Ok, so there you go. James is working on it now, and it is moving along really well. My hope is that it will be out next summer. Do not hold me to this, however.

Still, all is not lost. Greg Videll (Starships) and I talked about a Thousand Suns Campaign. We hit upon a good idea and work on this will soon start. In addition Jennifer Brozek and I talked about the game and she is keen on doing some writing as well and we are talking about some PDFs that will be setting specific. James is working on a number of PDFs as well. There is a lot going on behind the scenes.

Shadow, Sword & Spell

Basic is due out next month. Expert is being written now and will be out within 6 months. I am also working on the first supplement City which will deal with urban fantasy in a pulp vein. We will be ramping up support for this game once the game is out, and this includes PDFs. In fact the first adventure is being edited now, and should be out the same time the game is released.

Oh, and we sold out at the con.

(Way to bury the lead).

I came with 50 and left with 0. To say the reaction to this game was intense would be an understatement. I was not really prepared for the reaction the game got. For $12.99 you can have a complete fantasy game. I should have thought about this. I am really proud of this game and I cannot wait to work on it some more.

Rogue Experiments

Coming December 2010 is the following:

Oh and original PDFs are coming soon as well.

;-)

Bits and Mortar

I mentioned this briefly yesterday, and I will have a lot more to say in the days to come, but let me say this. I am really proud of this. Bits and Mortar is something both James and I believe in, and I am passionate about making the PDF Guarantee that we do available to as many retailers as possible. I jokingly called our Friday meeting as the Meeting of the Seven Families (yes I know there are six, it was a joke), but it is very cool to be working with others who share the vision.

Other News and Thoughts

I saw a lot of cool things, bought a lot of cool things, and have a few thoughts that I am still mulling over. I will post them on my personal blog. I will say this, James and I have a lot of plans, and we are as committed to our plans as ever before. We are passionate about what we do, and we both feel very lucky that we can do this.

I ran a pick up game of Colonial Gothic and it was a blast. One of the player’s wife played, and she learned the game within 5 minutes. It was a deadly adventure, but it was fun. Next year I will do more, and I am working on having demos in the booth. Period. It will happen, and there will not be another GenCon without everyone having a chance to play in a demo.

It has been a long four years. We’ve made mistakes, we learned a lot, but in the end we have had nothing but fun. We cannot thank you enough for your support, and for reaction you bring to what we do. We truly are humbled by the reaction to our work. Thank you.

I am back and Sick.

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-09T12:55:07-05:00

GenCon was a huge success. I will post more on this tomorrow. I just wanted to get this up first.

This is something I am very proud to be part of, and helped get started. More on this tomorrow.

See us at GenCon

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-08-02T13:54:34-05:00

I know we’ve been a bit silent as of late, but that is due to getting ready for GenCon. I leave tomorrow. Rogue Games’ booth is 1539. I will be there most of the time, so if you want to stop by and talk feel free to. We have a lot of cool things at the booth this year, and I look forward to sharing some of the cool things we have in store for the next year.

A week to go

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-26T14:02:39-05:00

We are closing in on a week with GenCon starting. The next two weeks are going to be very crazy for me, so you might see a reduction in blog posts and the like.

In other news, I did a interview with Zachary Houghton over at the RPG Blog 2. You can read the interview here.

Thinking about Expert

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-21T13:13:21-05:00

Though Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic is not even in stores yet, my thoughts are still filled with this game. Unlike the other games I’ve worked on this is one that has been with me for awhile. When we released Colonial Gothic in 2007, we really did not know the answer to a simple question: What’s next? We made a fundamental mistake with that game, we did not think things through, and we had no plan. We were young -- well younger and a bit stupid -- thankfully we quickly learned from this mistake. While working on SS&S: Basic, we thought about what was next, and not only outlined but wrote. I know what the next two releases are, as well as the PDF follow ups. This is a good feeling.

So as I work on Expert, I realize that I have more freedom then I thought. Expert is all about possibilities, and now I find myself coming up with the final versions of rules dealing with creating Items of Magic, powerful magic, and dimensional travel. This then leads me to realize this book will not be as large as I thought, and because of this I have more room for other ideas. Freedom is a nice thing.

What's for sale at GenCon this year? Part 3

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-19T10:25:52-05:00

For the past two weeks (here and here) I’ve been writing about all the new releases for GenCon this year. This week I turn my attention to the two youngest of our lines. Though there is one release for each, this is the start of some very cool things for these games.

What’s New?

Let’s get this one out of the way first. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is a picture:

Yeah, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic will be in the booth and this is the first time you will have a chance to not only buy a copy, but look at it. This book will set you back $13, but everything you need is here.

Besides this game, copies of James’ The Cursed Chateau will be there as well. This is the first Old School adventure we released for d20 based fantasy games (*cough* D&D *cough* *cough* Swords & Wizardry *cough*). Stop by the booth and ask me about the upcoming Dwimmermount.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Follow Ups

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-17T09:21:16-05:00

Since announcing Shadow, Sword & Spell close to a year ago, and with the coming release of Basic, I have time to think and plan for the future. A lot of the plans for Shadow, Sword & Spell have been set for awhile, we just did not have time to work on them while we were writing and designing the game. So now I have time, and I can go into the plans.

Basic has a setting in the book, and the setting is very slim and the idea behind it is that a GM gas enough of information on the setting to create their own campaigns. The setting’s goal is a simple one: provide an example on how the rules work and how a pulp fantasy setting behaves. Setting information is found through out the rulebook, and serves as the examples for concepts. The setting chapter is a small, concise chapter that presents you a small slice of the much larger world. When Expert is released, there will be another setting chapter and it will show you a larger slice of the world.

Is this like Thousand Suns meta-setting?

In a way, but what we want to do is build the setting in releases and use it as the example for everything we do. Case in point the two future releases I am writing.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: City

This is a book I have been thinking on and working on even before we settled on the Shadow, Sword & Spell. I have always loved running urban adventures and most of my games revolve around urban adventures. My current Colonial Gothic campaign is set in Philadelphia, and the playtesting I have done for Shadow, Sword & Spell takes place in a city as well. For me, nothing is more than pulp fantasy then urban adventures. So this book is going to center on this type of campaign. From advice and guidance in creating your own cities, to how to make the city come alive, this is the book that deals with it. In order to highlight and provide concrete examples, the book includes a city ready for play. This is how the setting comes into play. You can ignore the city, or use the city, but the book is structured that all the material is useable.

Shadow, Sword & Spell’s Campaign

There is no title for this, but there is a very detailed outline that breaks this campaign up into three parts. The campaign will come out once Expert is released, and the reason, is that this is when the whole world is revealed. The campaign is designed to be sprawling when it comes to travel. Think of some of the best Conan stores, and travel plays a role. The campaign needs a setting, and though it will have one, it can easily be used in the GMs own world. The goal with this campaign is to provide a fun and interesting adventure, not build a mega world.

Feeding the Urge

Ok, so the above two titles are in the works, and will have setting information, the urge is always there to create more material than you need. World building is fun, and sometimes the fun forces you to write and design things that you do not need, nor you want to publish. That is is why there will a wiki designed for Shadow, Sword & Spell, similar to the New World Almanack and the Encyclopedia Galactica this wiki will be the place where a lot of the smaller setting ideas James and I have will end up. For those who are interested in this setting, this is going to be the spot to visit. Some of this material might end up in releases, but who knows. In the end this will be the repository for ideas we have that do not fit in the books.

So that is where we stand as of today. As always a lot of this might change over time. Yet, the above is solid enough in place I feel safe in sharing it.

Welcoming a new game to the family

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-15T09:27:39-05:00

This morning James and I welcomed a new bouncing baby RPG to the Rogue Games family. He measures, 6”x9” and weighs in at 143 pages. We have named the game, Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic. Here are pictures:

I know, a bit over the top, but this has been a very stressful few weeks. During this time, there has been a job lost, sick family members, and a lot of “stuff” going on that was distracting. The fact that we got not one, not two, but three books done and out during that time amazes me.

So Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic exists and it will be at Rogue Games’ booth at GenCon 2010.

In a fantasy state of mind

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-14T13:26:19-05:00

You would think after getting Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic done and to the printer, that I would take a break from fantasy and work on other things. Well, I am working on other things, but I am still working on fantasy. Past two days I have finished the outlines on three projects for Shadow, Sword & Spell:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert
Shadow, Sword & Spell: City
Shadow, Sword & Spell’s campaign

Yeah, that is a lot of projects, but I enjoy the work. What amuses me that if it was five years ago I would not be dealing with fantasy at all. I was burned out. Then I begun working on Colonial Gothic and Thousand Suns, and I found myself longing for some fantasy. So for the past few days I have once again immersed myself in the realms of fantasy.

Today I’ve done a lot of work and thinking about magic. Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert is going to have new spells as well as alchemical arts. In terms of spells, there are new Common ones, as well as Arcane ones. The Arcane ones are powerful and fit the scope of the source material we pull from. As far as alchemy goes, I am doing some things that I could not get away with in Colonial Gothic.

The thing is, I stress about magic in this game. The reason is that pulp fantasy has magic, but the magic found there is powerful and typical out of the scope of most people. Now as much as I would love to have no magic in the player’s hands, I realize that this would not make a fun game. So I worry about making magic too powerful, but not powerful enough.

So I stressed about this for about a week, making magic magical. Then I get hit with the idea and make a break through. I call James to bounce the ideas off of him, and, like what always happens the talk makes me rethink the ideas. However, the ideas are now better.

The point of all of this?

It is nice having friends.

I close the book. Literally.

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-13T11:55:08-05:00

The image to the right is one example of how I write rough drafts. All my drafts are written by hand, no matter what the length of the finished project will be. I have written about this in numerous places, but I prefer to write all my drafts in longhand. There is something about the feeling of writing something by hand, that allows me to focus and create what I need to create.

So this morning, the book to the right was closed and I finished the adventure I plan on running for people at a GenCon pick up game. The adventure is something that has been kicking around in my head for a while and deals with something I’ve been wanting to try for a while. A large chunk of this eventually will make its’ way into the third part of Flames of Freedom, but for now the adventure will, hopefully, become a very good memory for the ones playing this.

What's for sale at GenCon this year? Part 2.

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-12T11:57:55-05:00

Last week, I mentioned that I’d be posting what is going to be for sale in the Rogue Games booth at GenCon this year. As you remember Rogue Games has a booth (Booth 1539) this year, and we are a full slate of new titles. Last week I talked about Colonial Gothic. This week’s topic? Thousand Suns.

What’s new?

Thousand Suns: Starships. A nice sexy little book, all about, well, starships. Price? $12.99. In addition the author, Greg Videll, will be in the booth.

In addition to this new book, the rest of the line is there. Speaking of Thousand Suns, this is your chance to ask me about the revision in the works, as well as the slew of books being worked on as well.

Once More From The Top

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-10T12:35:34-05:00

Earlier this morning I posted about putting downloads for the new games. With the help of Greg Videll (the author of Thousand Suns: Starships) three cheat sheets have been created. Each sheet gives you quick reference to all the important information you need for the new options introduced in the game. You can get them from our Scribd site, or from here.

Slowly Coming Online

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-10T10:01:35-05:00

With Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic due out next month at GenCon 2010 (and in stores late August/early September) I am slowly getting the downloads ready for the game. This morning I’ve uploaded the character sheet (you can get it here) and will get the maps that appear in the book uploaded as well.

The Primer was put up on our Scribd site, as well as blogged about earlier this week.

Researching. Or the differences between the games.

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-09T11:05:23-05:00

In the past I’ve talked about how much research I do for the games I work on. Some people question the need for this, because I write games and not “books.” I typically roll my eyes at this notion. For me, why should I not do my research when I work on a project? Yes, it is easier to “make things up,” but in the end it takes more work.

Creating a setting requires you to think of it in its’ entirety. You need to have logical consistency as well as maintain the continuity you setup for said setting. For example, in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic we created a setting to be used for the context of the game. The decisions James and I had on this were long, and the centered around the basic concept of what we wanted from the game. James wanted to have a game that was nothing but a toolkit. This stems from his self marinating in the world of Classic D&D. As much as I am a fan of this style of gaming, I have come to realize that for most, they want the setting, or at least the start of a setting. Gamers do not have as much time as they use to create the settings. This is not a bad thing, and it is something, we as gamers need to come to terms with.

So with Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic I argued that a setting was needed, and it was needed for a reason. The reason? To show how the rules work, and what the game should be. This is what I learned with Colonial Gothic, gamers need guidance in what the game should be, and the best way to do this is give as many setting examples as possible. This is one reason I pulled the trigger on Colonial Gothic’s Flames of Freedom campaign, and this is why I argued that we needed some form of a setting in SS&S.

SS&S has the same problem James faces with Thousand Suns. That problem is that a setting of some type needs to be crafted. This, from a distance seems like not that big of a problem, but it is. You need to have a sense of what you want to create. You need to make sure it is not a derivative and is original. More importantly you need to create it. The pressure for this is great, because you are doing it in front of gamers. You do not have the luxury to tweak with it in the background and keep it to yourself. In addition, you have to get it right out of the gates. You do not have the luxury of hiding your design mistakes or you missing internal consistency.

In some ways with the Colonial Gothic process is easier. Why? Because I have history to work with it, and I can use the history to inspire the setting. When you have a historical period to deal with, the temptation is to play it loose and fall back on the belief that the game is not historical but is just a game. When you deal with history, you owe it to not only the gamer, but the history, to get it right. That is why I do m research, and spend more time on it, then the writing. I want to get it right.

So that is why I have the pile of research in the picture. That is just the research for the Philadelphia portion of Flames of Freedom. That is why I’ve been doing this research for close to a year, and have already begun the process for Part Three and Part Four.

2010 ENnies

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-09T09:35:42-05:00

The 2010 ENnie Nominations were announced this morning.

Colonial Gothic got an Honorable Mention nomination for Best Writing. Thank you.

Also congratulations to all the other nominees.

Richard's Hit List

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-08T13:22:39-05:00

Yesterday we posted James’ Hit List. As promised, here is what I am working on at the moment.

Dwimmermount PDFs: I am going to be doing the layout and art direction for these. I’m already sketching ideas out. These are James’ babies and I am doing what he tells me.
Colonial Gothic PDFs: Not only am I researching one, but I am overseeing the creation of three news written by others. The one I am researching and planning on writing deals with Freemasons. I have no plan idea when this will be ready, but I am shooting for the end of the year. As for the other three, Graeme is writing on and this one will deal with another secret society. This will be a fall release. The other two are setting PDFs similar to Elizabethtown and Plymouth. Why no new adventurers? Two reasons:

- 1. No one has sent in any proposals to write them.
- 1. I’ve been busy writing the Flames of Freedom campaign.

Flames of Freedom: I am working on a lot of things for this. The campaign is going to be in four parts (part one is due out September) and I am either researching or writing two of the next parts. Part 2 is going to be in Philadelphia. The adventure portion is done (I still need to revise it and tie up loose ends, but the guts are there. I am researching the sourcebook portion now and that will be written in the fall. Part three is in outline stage, and I know where the adventure is going to go. The third part will take place in New York. The fourth, and final part, is sketched out, but not solid yet. I know it will take place in the south, but I need to see where the adventure goes as I write it.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert: 50% written, but I need to rethink a few things. Expert is growing a little bit, as far as scope, but the book is still what it was planed to be -- end game. I have two writers working on a portion of the book (the mass combat system) and James is working on his portions. This is going to be a very nice addition, and in many ways it is easier to work on than Basic. Basic required a lot of research and reading (wait till you see the Bibliography), and Expert is not going to require as much.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: City: This is one of the first supplements for the game, and it deals with urban pulp fantasy. The supplement is in outline stage, and I should have that done in a week or so. Once done, I will start writing it.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Campaign: James and I talked about this for awhile, and we decided to pull the trigger. There is going to be a campaign for SS&S and I have outlined it three times. I am almost happy with where it is, and once we agree, we’ll get to writing.
Thousand Suns: This is James’ and whatever help he needs, he gets. I’ve helped already on the revision, and I plan on doing some more.

There you go. It seems like a lot, but I am currently unemployed from my day job, so I have more time to devote to projects. There might be other things I’ve forgotten, but the above is what is filling my time now. Well, what is filling my time now is GenCon prep, but you get the point.

James' Hit List

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-07T15:18:49-05:00

For those who wonder what James and I are working on, here is James’ Hit List. Basically, this is what he is working on right now.

Dwimmermount: This will detail six levels of my campaign's megadungeon, but I'm presenting it in a style somewhat akin to Mike Carr's In Search of the Unknown. So, you'll get maps, background, wandering monster tables, room descriptions, new magic items, etc. along with advice/suggestions/commentary on how to place them within the overall complex. There will be a few "set piece" rooms, like the Moon Pool and the Cleric Tree, as well some keyed monster encounters, but, by and large, it'll be a "megadungeon starter kit" rather than something more ready to use "out of the box."
Dwimmermount PDFs: Quite a few people have asked me to collect and expand upon some of the rules and setting information from my Dwimmermount campaign. I originally didn't think much of this idea, but I've warmed to it over time, particularly since it lets me keep the megadungeon product free of some (though obviously not all) of the setting specificity that might limit its appeal. So, I'm working on the first of several short PDF products that present my house rules and setting information for use with Labyrinth Lord. The first will treat dwarves and gnomes and I have ideas for others about elves, goblins, alternate classes, and the like.
Labyrinth Lord, the Dwimmermount Edit: This is something I may make available just as a free text file and it might be sometime before it's fully done. Basically, it's a reorganized version of the LL rules that reflects all the little idiosyncrasies of the way I run my game, like the altered saving throw charts, the "target 20" hit system, the revised spell and monster lists, and so forth. It's not meant to be a full treatment of everything from my campaign rules-wise, but instead a look at how I've adapted the basic rules of LL to suit what happens at my table.
Thousand Suns Revision: As some of you may already know, I wrote a SF RPG called Thousand Suns several years ago. While I am happy with what I created, I think the game needs to be better and more concisely presented. It's a simple, expansive game that's overwritten and desperately needs better organization. So, that's what I'm planning to do: give the game a solid spit and polish to make it as good as it should have been the first time out of the gate.

This is just a small sampling of his current work load. As for me, I’ll post my Hit List tomorrow.

The Primer for Shadow, Sword & Spell

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-07T10:23:08-05:00

So this morning I’ve uploaded the third new book we’ve are publishing. This is three books in four weeks.

Like we do with every game, there is a Primer in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic. Why now take a read?

Shadow, Sword & Spell -- Basic -- The Primer

Encyclopedia Galactica Update

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-06T12:27:46-05:00

Though it has been awhile, as of today the Encyclopedia Galactica has been updated. In addition, it has been fixed and a lot of errors that were goofing things up int he background has been fixed. There are new items on the wiki written by Greg Videll (Thousand Suns: Starships). Now that the wiki has been fixed I hope to have more updates to it regularly.

A small note as well, we are always looking for submissions to this wiki.

What's for sale at GenCon this year? Part 1

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-06T11:12:24-05:00

With GenCon now but a month away, I thought it would be cool to once a week highlight what is going to be for sale at the Rogue Games booth (Booth 1539) this year. When we debuted at GenCon in 2007 we had one title. This year?Nine titles and three are brand new. I am stunned. So this week, I am going off the series with the game that started it all: Colonial Gothic.

What’s New?

Though the Gazetteer has been out since Spring, it is new for GenCon, and might be new for some of you. Price? $12.99.

The other new book, as you can see from the picture is Flames of Freedom: Boston Besieged. This is the first part of the Colonial Gothic campaign. Price? $12.99.

Besides these two books, the rest of the Colonial Gothic line will be there as well. Just like last year, if you buy a book, you will get the PDF for free. As we did last year, we will ask you for your email address, and then after the show, the PDFs will be emailed. Customers last year got their PDFs the Monday after the show.

Now, there is also going to a cool item for sale. The item? A poster map of the 13 Original Colonies.

Said poster is printed on card stock, and is priced at $2.00. Supplies for this is limited. I do not know if this is going to be sale on the Rogue Games Online store, so this might be the only time this is for sale.

So there you go. Next week? Thousand Suns.

The Declaration of Independence

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-04T11:04:30-05:00

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. - Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signers of the Declaration are:

Georgia

Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

North Carolina

William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

South Carolina

Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Massachusetts

John Hancock
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry

Maryland

Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia

George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Pennsylvania

Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

Delaware

Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

New York

William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

New Jersey

Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

New Hampshire

Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple

Rhode Island

Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

Connecticut

Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire

Matthew Thornton

The Book Exists

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-02T20:03:38-05:00

Though I am currently without a day job, I seem as if I am still busy. With what? New books. Here is one that I got in the mail today. It is the proof copy of a new Thousand Suns title. That title? Thousand Suns: Starships. Check it out:

As I mentioned earlier this week, you can pre-order the book now. It will be in stores this month. You can pick it up at GenCon in a few weeks.

Handling Player Investigations in Colonial Gothic

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-07-01T10:33:10-05:00

In a game like Colonial Gothic, one of the first questions many ask is: how do you handle investigations?

The first thing you need to get your hands on is limiting options. Unlike modern settings (I will throw Call of Cthulhu Gaslight into this broad category as well) during the 18th century investigators will not have access to the tools they are use to having. There are very few libraries they can walk into and research, mail takes a very long time to reach its' destination. Though newspapers exist, they are found mainly in the larger urban areas, and when available outside of these areas, the news is usually at least a few days old. What I do is follow the model laid out in Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" as well as the movie "Brotherhood of the Wolf."

Investigation is going to involve a lot of interviewing, as well as snooping. Books, which are rare due to expense, need to be obtained or found. For my campaign the players have developed a large source of contacts allowing them to call upon them for aid and information. One player has went out of her way to establish contacts with people in other Colonial cities (due to adventuring) and keeps in touch with them regularly -- more on this in another blog post -- allowing her to have sources of information in specific cities, as well as sources via post. Using her contacts, as well as the other contacts of the players, my group have ways to gain information, and I have a way to pass on clues as well as spur adventure.

Besides contacts, another thing to keep in mind is that investigations require Diplomacy or Intimidation Tests which allow for learning clues and information. Most of the time players forget this, but the use of these skills often turn up just enough information to move forward. ANother skill to use Spot and these tests allow for the discovery of physical evidence.

Though you cannot run CSI type events in Colonial Gothic, you can allow for body searches to discover how victims have died. I want to go back to books for a second. Though public libraries do not exist, some of the Colonial colleges did have them, but they are not massive. To access them you need to have a contact that will let you in, or be a graduate from said college. There are two other ways to gain access to research books: reading societies and personal libraries.

Reading societies are small social circles of people who pool their books together, and allow members to borrow tomes. Yearly membership dues are typically a few shillings, as well as a having a collection of books, but members gain access to the groups books. Private libraries, are another form of reading societies, but only allows members to enter and read. Typically these libraries are connected to a college or private group. These type of societies offer many opportunities for roleplaying as well as adventure hooks.

As for personal libraries, they are just that, personal libraries. Books cost a lot, but a hero with their own library do not have the issues of access. However, the downside is that it is difficult to carry a personal library on adventures, Heroes then need to pick and choose which tomes to bring with them, or always return to their library to conduct research.

My best advice, is to look at how Poe, Doyle, and Lovecraft handle investigations, but keep in mind the low tech of the period.

Rogue Games is a Sponsor

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-06-30T10:55:12-05:00

As of today, June 30, 2010, Rogue Games is proud to be a sponsor of the Role Play Media Network. James and I are happy to be doing this.

I know, a short and too the point announcement. What can I say, I hate beating around the bush. :)

Thousand Suns: Starships Ready For Pre-Order

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-06-29T09:18:24-05:00

The following is news that makes me smile. I am sure this will make you smile as well.

(Chicago & Toronto) June 29, 2010: Thousand Suns: Starships is available for pre-order!

Beginning today, June 29, 2009, you can now pre-order Thousand Suns: Starships direct from the Rogue Games Online Store, and in doing so, you get a free copy of the PDF now. Be the first to design cutting edge ships to ply the space lines of the Thousand Suns.

Thousand Suns: Starships is a supplement that provides expanded options for starships — construction, operation, combat, and more. Fully compatible with the revised Thousand Suns Rulebook, Starships gives players and Game Masters alike the tools they need to build and utilize any starship they can imagine, from fast, maneuverable fighters to mammoth dreadnaughts. Designed to add depth without unnecessary complexity, Starships is an invaluable resource for any Thousand Suns campaign.

Details:

Price: $12.99 (print)/$6.99 (eBook/PDF)
Page Count: 170 page
RGG 1040 Size: 6"x9" b&w softcover

GenCon Items

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-06-28T13:19:58-05:00

GenCon is nearly here and as always I find myself getting a lot done.

There will be a lot of cool things for sale in the booth this year, and I hope to have a full list ready in a few days. One thing for sure, I know there will be a small print for sale. Said print is a full color version of the map found in the Colonial Gothic: Gazetteer. In addition, just like last year, we will be collecting email addresses and sending you your PDF copy of any print purchases you make. This worked out great last year, and I am sure it will work out just as good this year.

Now off to get some items done.

Please pardon the dust

info@rogue-games.net — 2010-06-28T12:22:27-05:00

Ok, the Rogue Games website is still under going the redesign. The blog is now here. All the kinks should be worked out by today.

Rogue Feed

Two examples of race for Shadow, Sword & Spell

Goblin

Half Giant

Figures of Intrest for Colonial Gothic Fans

Quiet but working

A question of race

Some changes

Colonial Gothic: The French and Indian War

Preview of SS&S Threats: The Medusa

Medusa

The Countdown

Back Online, Miss Us?

Colonial Gothic Organizations: The Templars Ready for Pre-Order

Cover of Colonial Gothic The Templars

Preview of Colonial Gothic Organizations: Templars

Go Play Something New

Coming Up This Month

Size in Colonial Gothic

Size

Subscribe to Rogue Transmissions through iTunes

Busy. Busy. Busy.

New bundle options for Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

Bloodlines

New look to the Rogue Games website

Sneak peek of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats

Website Redesign: Step One is done

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Companion

Website Redesign Coming

Color Maps Uploaded

A change takes place

Coming March 2012: The French and Indian War

A preivew of one of the threats found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats

Slime

Rogue Games welcomes you to Philadelphia

You might want to check this out

Rogue Games Facebook Page

(Chicago) October 28, 2011: Rogue Games threatens you with Threats.

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Threats taught me a few things

Update on Rogue Games Distribution

Coming Janurary 2011: The Knight Templars

The Year to Come

Shadow, Sword & Spell: What's next?

Two Golden Pawns Go To Rogue Games

Golden Pawn Pro Award Winners

Winner of the Best New RPG:

Shadow, Sword & Spell: Basic by Rogue Games.

Winner of the Best Roleplay Aid  Setting, Ambiance, or Expansion:

Thousand Suns: Starships by Rogue Games.

Containment RPG Kickstarter

Snippet from Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

Quaker Power Lost

Flames of Freedom: Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

Flames of Freedom: The Philadelphia Affair

Going into layout this week ...

Thousand Suns Revised Preview

The Countdown Has Begun

Updates to what is on tap

New Amazon Kindle Editions

New Additions to the Online Store

Colonial Gothic: The Grimoire Available for Pre Order

Kindle and ePub versions of Under Pashuvanam's Lush now available

Coming Next Week...

Preview of The Grimoire

We get nominated

Currently working on

First look...

Rogue Games puts Shadow, Sword & Spell: Under Pashuvanam’s Lush up for Pre Order

Under Pashuvanam's Lush Preview

Coming Soon...

New printing options

A change in plans

Next Three Months

Colonial Gothic

Thousand Suns

Shadow, Sword & Spell

Breaking News

The Beggar

Beggar

The Bawd

Winner of the Best Roleplay Aid Setting, Ambiance, or Expansion: