Support
Is this still on?
06/02/2013 10:50 Filed in: Colonial Gothic | SS&S
Yes, I know I’ve been very silent. Let’s just say I hit a rough patch, and I needed to get myself healthy. Now that it is in the past, it is time to get back to work.
So why haven’t there been as many releases this year?
The hold up has been waiting for Chronicle City to give me a solid schedule. Rogue Games signed with them early this year, and they will be handling our distribution into the Game Market. I've held off coming up with a solid release schedule, because the key part in the equation is Chronicle City printing all books. While I have waited on them, I have been busy at work writing the Companion, as well as Shadows Upon the Hudson for Colonial Gothic.
I want to talk about Companion right now, because this book is in my thoughts a lot.
Why?
This was supposed to be a slim book, but the manuscript has ballooned to such a state, that I am going to split it up into smaller books.
Right now the break down of the book is:
Character Options
Combat Options
Gear
Psionics
Magic
Settlement & Dominions
Dimensions & Other Plans
Random Item's of Powers
Creatures
At last count the word count is close to 250,000 words. If I published this it would be twice the size of the Colonial Gothic Rulebook!
My thought, and Graeme Davis and I are talking about it now, is to break the book up into smaller chunks. What I am thinking is:
Doing this will make things much easier for both me, and the players.
Plus, keep in mind, I am still slowly working on a City book, and a few adventures. If I break up Companion as I did above, I can get the support out quicker.
So what do the rest of you think?
In any case, I am sorry about the silence and the apparent lack of any work. Things are picking up and soon you will not be able to shut me up.
So why haven’t there been as many releases this year?
The hold up has been waiting for Chronicle City to give me a solid schedule. Rogue Games signed with them early this year, and they will be handling our distribution into the Game Market. I've held off coming up with a solid release schedule, because the key part in the equation is Chronicle City printing all books. While I have waited on them, I have been busy at work writing the Companion, as well as Shadows Upon the Hudson for Colonial Gothic.
I want to talk about Companion right now, because this book is in my thoughts a lot.
Why?
This was supposed to be a slim book, but the manuscript has ballooned to such a state, that I am going to split it up into smaller books.
Right now the break down of the book is:
Character Options
Combat Options
Gear
Psionics
Magic
Settlement & Dominions
Dimensions & Other Plans
Random Item's of Powers
Creatures
At last count the word count is close to 250,000 words. If I published this it would be twice the size of the Colonial Gothic Rulebook!
My thought, and Graeme Davis and I are talking about it now, is to break the book up into smaller chunks. What I am thinking is:
Doing this will make things much easier for both me, and the players.
Plus, keep in mind, I am still slowly working on a City book, and a few adventures. If I break up Companion as I did above, I can get the support out quicker.
So what do the rest of you think?
In any case, I am sorry about the silence and the apparent lack of any work. Things are picking up and soon you will not be able to shut me up.
Comments
In the Raw
05/07/2011 01:39
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.
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.
Kindle and ePub versions of Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert Ready
03/18/2011 12:41
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.
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.
eBook Version and our Support of them
12/02/2010 10:04
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.
Putting fears to rest, and an update
10/13/2010 11:37
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:
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.
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.
The Rogue Games Forums
09/13/2010 07:59
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.
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.
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.
[SS&S] Charts
08/24/2010 07:37
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.
New Downloads for Shadow, Sword & Spell
08/21/2010 12:12
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.
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.
Introducing The Tome
08/17/2010 10:54
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.
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.
Introducing Shadow, Sword & Spell: The Scroll
08/12/2010 01:01
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:
In the weeks to come there will be a lot more support rolling out for Shadow, Sword & Spell, namely a wiki.
In the weeks to come there will be a lot more support rolling out for Shadow, Sword & Spell, namely a wiki.
Shadow, Sword & Spell: Follow Ups
07/17/2010 09:21
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.
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.