End of April: Reminders and Lockage.
7 months ago
– Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 07:30:14 PM
Greetings All!
As stated in the last update, we are chugging along. It’s a lot, but it feels pretty great.
So popping in at the tail end of April with a quick update while I am prepping everything for the release of the Alpha in May. Nothing massive to rock the boat, just reminders.
Backerkit: You are going to see addresses locked today and prep for the listed charge by the beginning of next week. This is necessary for a Digital Release. We are using that for the release of every Alpha Version.
The Charge: This applies to Pre-Order and Tax that have been listed since completing the survey portion of the Backerkit. It has to be charged before I can release it through the digital rewards section of BK. There have also been quite a few of you worried about the looming charge We’ll get that knocked out shortly.
NOTE: This is not including the future Shipping from fulfillment. That will be processed when the actual items are at sea. Separating charges is not ideal, but it's the way of the beast currently.
Hopefully that was quick. I’m still working away. Can’t wait to show you what’s been done and what is headed where! It’s all steps, even if small.
Be Safe & Keep Playing!
- Hos (Dungeon Scribe)
Update for April 1st (Minus the Fools)
8 months ago
– Mon, Apr 01, 2024 at 03:45:02 PM
Greetings All!
Coming down from a week of sinus & allergy issues and some shocking community news that hit pretty close to home. So honestly, apologies for the delay on this. It was originally set for Thursday, and then I couldn’t keep momentum. Physically and mentally, I sputtered out last week.
This won’t be involving any April Fool’s, so please don’t worry about any of that. For those that celebrate, I hope you had a Happy Easter.
To start, the great news is that the pipe issues and construction within the house were resolved two weeks ago between conventions. So happily that is no longer an issue in the schedule, and I’ve been able to regulate much easier. I don’t know if you could see how frazzled I was in the last update, but the double title certainly gives it away in hindsight. So let’s dive into the rest.
Time Split with Loot Tavern:
Everything has been Prepaid, so no worries on this front. Everything from Artist, Manufacturers, and Converters has been set. Freight has money set aside, and shipping charges come when we actually start based on the fulfillment centers. Everything is handled. Nothing is in danger or under threat of price cuts. I’m mentioning this to quell any worries from what follows.
Until Alpha release, Patreon has been put on hold so that I can fully focus on this project and not further split my focus any more than it already has been.
For everything else: Covering burst pipe/flooding and living cost, I've been picking up time with Loottavern. I’ve taken up their Retail & Distribution, which went through a small window of setup and workload to balance with the project. They are incredible, we’ve been friends for ages, and they are great people who have let me split my time 50/50. It’s a perfect fit, and it allows me to support those who depend on me while I also make this.
Conventions:
I greatly overestimated my effectiveness in March with GAMA and then GaryCon. Two conventions (especially a 7 and 5 day) is too much in a month. After GaryCon, the allergies hit my sinuses so hard that I was wiped and just officially recovered yesterday.
Both conventions were incredible. I learned a load and have interest in those who wish to support the products’ next stages. I have no plans on any conventions until GenCon, so my head is down and I am working.
Alpha Releases & Charges:
For the release of all Alpha versions, it will be released via Backerkit. With the conventions and post work, I missed my charge window coupled with the Alpha being subpar to my expectations. I don’t want to keep rushing through and missing schedules, letting you down and knocking the wind out of me with every announcement. I’ve called in additional help and adjusted my schedule to get this streamlined.
April 4th Week: Charges will be processed for sales tax and any other Backerkit adjustments. (This is so you can receive digital files)
Mid May: Alpha Release for Decks and Cards.
This was supposed to be last November. It’s on me that you don’t have it yet. The Alpha will be delivered even if sections need to be added for the Beta. I just want it to be better than it currently is, hence the delay. It’s not something I relish, but it’s far better than churning out something subpar to meet the deadline.
Projects I Love: Monsters of Drakkenheim.
I haven’t done a Project I Love since last September because I’ve not really felt positive about my own progress to share others. I’m willing to disregard that for some good friends who I absolutely cherish and was able to split some time with at GaryCon, the Dungeon Dudes.
Everyone here loves Magic Items, so why not mix that in with a Monster Book?
Link: Click Here
In Their Words: Monsters of Drakkenheim is a 300+ page 5th edition compatible monster bestiary created by the Dungeon Dudes. The book will offer 150+ monsters, ready-to-run lair encounters and brand new mechanics. With two $1M+ Kickstarters under their belt, the Dungeon Dudes are ready to bring forth a host of Eldritch Horrors to their Ennie award winning world of Drakkenheim.
I hope you check it out, and in the meantime I’m going to dive into art review and layout updates. The fun never stops, and I truly do love working on it. Getting this to peak quality and delivered is pretty much my singular drive to never snooze the alarm.
Be Safe, and Keep Playing!
KS2: CNY & Water Damage Update KS2: CNY & Water Damage Update
10 months ago
– Tue, Feb 06, 2024 at 07:15:55 AM
Greetings All!
Definitely a long awaited update for the Magic Item Tome!
The hiccups that kept dragging my attention away from the previous fulfillment and another major snafu are getting wrapped up, and I’m able to breathe again. I’d like to reiterate again that I am a fool that does this about 95% solo. So when you are messaging, that person on the other side is almost always me, drawing, writings, and replying. Hi!
I know I’ve spoken with many of you directly these last two months, but this is a refresh to those not in the messages, emails, or Discord. I tend to overextend myself, but during this project I’m actively trying to keep a healthy pace. I’m doing pretty well considering some circumstances, which is a big win.
So let’s jump into the updates.
Water Pipe:
A few weeks ago, I woke up to a water pipe burst.
We were unaware of the breakage during the ‘Polar Vortex’ and it only became apparent once the weather warmed later. Luckily it was on the edge of the house so that damage was kept to a minimum with flooding only occurring in the basement.
Which would be where my office is located. I’ve been supervising and the lead contact for repairs but honestly, I’ve lost time. I’m working off hours from the construction crew as they drywall (sheet rock), replace ceilings, paint, pipe repair, and install new insulation. When it’s listed it all out, it definitely was an interesting few weeks. They are currently hammering away upstairs, tracking the cause of the cold air alone took a week just to stop it.
Honestly with everything going on, I almost forgot that this is affecting the schedule and largely blamed myself. I tend to be quieter when things go wrong, so I’m working on that as well. Yeah, water damage sucks and I’m praying to never hear the word “Mold.”
I woke up to my home raining. Now my ADHD gets to enjoy random bangs and room shuffles.
CNY:
It’s officially Chinese New Year, which is a pause to physical samples but a great time for me to button stuff up. While my manufacturing partners take a break, I’m doing my best to put a bow on remaining designs.
Book Layout:
Layout was one of the things that I had always trusted someone else with. However, due to scheduling conflicts and wish to pursue a different industry, I lost my layout designer.
While I am taking up the slack for layout with the Alpha Phase. This happened just before the new year and it really knocked the wind and energy out of me. I can design cards all day and can make a nice page, but my layout for a spread isn’t nearly up to par for my demands.
Luckily, I have some amazing pals who can help out. So, I’m in good hands and feeling better moving forward. I also have some excellent recommendations for taking it off my hands for the Beta.
Alpha Release:
This has been directly affected by the previously mentioned Layout update. I was pretty crushed, but I want to get something out so that we can begin feedback forms and improve this project together.
February is likely going to be dedicated to me getting this back on track (and water tight), so please expect this no later than Mid-March. Again, apologies. I feel terrible whenever I push something back, so I want to be safe with this expectation.
Item Edits:
While the layout stalled, these are actually coming along nicely as per the last update.
The 2nd Round Editor has already rounded the corner on 350 and is coming up on 400. I don’t expect this round of edits to take more than 2 Weeks at his current speed. I’m working around with the new versions to be swapped in upon final.
The Boon & Bonus items have been crafted in the roughest stylings, and are getting hammered out into something more manageable before the editing passes start. Additionally, there are a few other fun ideas that are getting added in the meantime, and I’m trying to see if I can make them fit.
Dice:
This is a stress relief story. That is not vital, but it’s weird all the same.
In a turn of events that I certainly didn’t have on my bingo card, my sample dice were seized by customs. I was informed that the box was flagged for having half a quart of ‘Research Reagent’ and returned to the shipper. Which, in turn, vanished into the great unknown…
I saved a screencap, because I myself was flabbergasted. I also initially thought it was 500L and I was in trouble with customs somehow.
The manufacturer should be sending the next round of sampling after CNY. It’s not a terrible concern. I was just hoping to show them off.
Tax & Shipping Charges:
Pre-Orders and Tax will be processed when the Alpha Releases so that people are able to access their digital file through Backerkit. There will be an announcement 2 Weeks before, but I don’t foresee this happening before Mid-March.
Again, I am playing it safe and attempting not to over-promise.
So while I'm head down working, reach out. You can message me here, join the Discord to message me there, or even contact customer service, which will be forwarded to me too. I love to hear from you, and it makes me feel far less isolated. I’m crafting this with commitment and the dedication to get it right, so I value your input.
Thank you for reading that sizable update. I hope the next update comes from much dried circumstances.
Be Safe, and Keep Playing!
December Part 1: A not so 'Micro' Update
11 months ago
– Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 04:19:39 AM
Greetings All!
Here is a not so Micro Update, I wanted to give a state of the project while everything was still in motion. There is a lot, so please bear with me. It adds up quick.
Scrambling is a lifestyle these days.
PAXU:
This just wrapped up a week ago in Philly and it was an incredible time. I cannot express the joy it brought to me to talk directly to backers as well as have decks on display. For those of you that made it to the booth, thank you for truly making the convention for me!
I ended up catching a nasty fever (thankfully not covid) by the time I got home and just now getting around to the update. It's my fault for that. The outline was done before the convention but solo boothing was a ride I was not prepped for.
I pretty much fell apart the moment I got home. I was able to beat the fever by Monday but I'm really tired of lost time here.
Most Importantly - Items:
The Main 500: It's the meat of the project.
By the end of this week, 400 of the 500 will have finished their first final edit pass. This is just slightly farther than it was at the end of October, we hit a snag during the first pass with the professional editor. After this first pass makes it through all 500, we will be set for the Alpha release. So we are rapidly approaching getting that wrapped up for sharing.
I would have liked this to be wrapped up by the end of November, but my tried and true editor has been entrenched in their own solo project. I know what it's like to over commit, it gets to the best of us. So we are making due with over extended workloads, pushed deadlines, and good vibes. They’ve been trusted with my content for years, and are essential to the final product. I am not going to rock the boat now, trust that they are kicking it into high gear.
So while they are finishing the last 100 with the goal set for this month. I have the 2nd Pass beginning from 1 to 400 to follow right behind them. 250 of these are just a sign off on previous work, making sure they still gel with the project. This should help cut down on some of the time lost.
Boons & Extras:
The additional Boons and additional items outside of the 500 scope have been shifted into their own category. Progress is there but less crucial than the core items in terms of review and timeline.
They are getting their day in the sun, just not yet. More details on the originals + new items in the next update hopefully.
Art and Assets!:
The 3 Patrons:
I know this is just a stretch goal, but oh boy is it my type of goal. I cannot wait to share these with you. The artist has been knocking out the full page illustrations for the TRIO. It’s been nothing short of spectacular.
There is also an additional take of them in battle mode for the stats breakdowns that I am getting cooked up. Be Hyped!
Comic Pages:
I am very happy with the talent signed on and working, as well as those on the cusp of convincing. I love comics. I would like to get it to 6 artist’s individual takes on the tales, though we are dancing at a perfectly fine 4 currently.
Item Art:
Yep, also me. I love tweaking item art, but I am not doing that currently. Almost all of this (95%) has been signed off in my tracking sheet and reserved for only tweaking if I see fit during the production shutdown in Jan-Feb.
Even then, it’s just because I can and if there is bandwidth to revisit. This is done if something catches my eye or doesn’t meet the quality of other items.
Right now, I a full project manager and fulfillment hats.
The Book Covers: A Tale of 2 Editions.
Standard Tome: This design is locked in and I am working on getting production sampling as soon as able. This is to ensure the gold and individual items truly pop even on the standard. (These tend to be lumped together with the bookmarks and pins that are prepped)
Deluxe Tome: There is a minor change to the design (mostly the back cover) that I am working on getting solved next week. Once this is finalized, it too will get moved into the production table.
Shiny Clackies (Dice):
Both dice productions are underway. We are currently still in the color testing phases. Normally this comes after unique molds. However, I have asked to swap the order as we focus on the dice colors and designs over immediate molding.
It’s been a challenge but I want these colors to pop and not be a muted mess. The team that’s working with me seems to want that as well, even if it takes multiple takes.
What does this mean?: I have the production company doing different passes of the colors for both the Cosmos (Color Blends) and Elder Dice (Pattern Approval). This is to ensure color quality before diving into the number molds.
Shard D4’s:
Funny enough, the initial passes of the ‘Shard D4’ for the Elder Dice were short (think d8) and blunted versions, opposed to the approved designs and images shared during quoting. This spiraled into a two week conversation on the correct sharpness for a specialty d4. Not a major detail, but just odd enough to share.
I’m excited to see the corrected version of these.
VTT’s:
Ingestor’s (term for those who take content and work it into Platforms) are officially hired after negotiations at PAX U, these include a re-polish or compendium upgrade for the original 250 Items to bring them up to standard.
This is a trusted team, just hyped each of them back for this project.
In Closing:
I realized that is a lot to go over, but there is a lot going on. Between this and some shipping issues from the previous project, I’ve been pretty much consistently in communication with fulfillment or production. It’s a lot.
I’m still hyped and a ball of excitement.
Thank you for making dreams real Buckle up! Only more good things to come.
I'll be back with another update later this month, so keep an eye out!
Be Safe, and Keep Playing.
Micro Update: D3 at Sea + Continual Progress
about 1 year ago
– Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 08:40:15 AM
Greetings All!
Just a small and simple update for this trip week.
I am setting sail with D3 at Sea this week, so I’ll have limited internet access for the next 8 Days. So in the meantime, how about an update!
While this will no doubt be an amazing experience, work is on the schedule. So, here is a small breakdown of what is happening in the meantime.
Magical Oddities:
-
Decks 7 & 8 are getting their 2nd and 1st editing pass (via Spectrecreations) this week.
-
Decks 9 & 10 are getting a final pass from me and then getting handed off next week.
- Boons are separated from the main decks.
- The originals are getting a 2nd edit pass.
- The new boons are getting their first overall pass next week.
- Checking through the rolodex for any additional items that can be added to the tome.
Dice:
- We are currently in the color sample stages. I will be sharing sample images once they are received and are to a quality that I approve!
Art:
- I’m enjoying taking some passes at some older items. Getting them to the updated quality expected for the new Tome & Cards!
Everything is moving along, which I couldn’t be more thankful for. I am hoping to have an Alpha Pass of some shape or form before PAXU (December 1st). So, I’m really taking advantage of this downtime.
I am diving in, and beyond excited to see what comes about from this week, I am hoping to treat it as a creative retreat with other D&D Enthusiast!
I’ll be back soon! Be Safe & Keep Playing!
