Dungeon Scribe's Magical Oddities: Item Tome for D&D 5e.

July/August: GenCon + Manufacturer + New Digital Update!
over 1 year ago – Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 08:33:33 AM

Greetings All!

I apologize for the delay in this update. It was originally intended to go out before GenCon, but as you can see, that didn’t happen. So here we are with a slightly belated July update along with the extras added since!

Let’s catch up on what’s been happening.

GenCon 2024: GenCon is Magic

I’m always convinced that GenCon is pure magic. It’s a refreshing burst of energy and a great way to check in with fellow creators and enthusiasts. If you ever get the chance to attend, don’t miss it.

The biggest news from the convention is that I touched base with the manufacturer and got a clear list of what we need to move forward. The white and dice samples have a short checklist for me to tackle over the next 2 weeks!

Alpha Changes:

Here’s the big news: The Alpha was updated on Saturday morning to its final form of v1.5!

Right before GenCon, I finalized v1.4, which delivered the final layout and formatting for items up to page 86. After GenCon, I was able to lock in and finalize up to page 147. I’m confident I’ll be able to complete the remaining pages soon.

Here’s a quick rundown of the changes:

Format Changes (Additional Italics/Bolding):

This is a catch-all category, but each deck saw around 130-200 changes. This includes updates to the original decks as well. I’ve made numerous tweaks, including italics, bolding, and general formatting adjustments. If anyone is interested in a detailed list, I’m happy to provide it.

Art - Titling/Arrangement:

This small but long-overdue update involves adding names next to the artwork with the final format. This includes shifting and locking for the page changes.

Category Grouping:

Several items have been grouped together on pages, such as Arrow Types, Sling Bullets, and Watcher’s Eye. This was mainly done for related (published together) items, allowing easier searching.

New Digital Releases:

With all this progress, I’ve also updated the original files. Enjoy the new options!

Updated Digital Cards: Decks 1-5:

This update covers the first 50% of the digital card decks. Over the past week, I finalized the update for the original decks, prepping 250 items ready for home printing. These include both large and smaller prints in page and spread formats. Check them out!

For those from the last Kickstarter: These are now provided as PDFs instead of PNGs for added color vibrancy.

For those interested in the Digital Downloads!

Help: Backerkit - How do I access my digital downloads?

Here is the Backerkit Resource Page: https://help.backerkit.com/category/660-digital-downloads

Help: Backerkit - Can’t see your digital downloads?

Message me! It’s likely you were part of the Pre-Order portion of Backerkit. I’ve been in contact with them, and it should be resolved, but if the issue persists, we’ll find a way to get your downloads to you.

I’m excited to move into the Beta phase and finalize the remaining format and steps. The changes that  improve the project are always the priority, even if it snowballs into adjusting 250 items by hand. 

Stay safe and keep playing!

- Hos (Dungeon Scribe)

Mountains are Calling.
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 04:10:27 AM

Greetings All! 

Before I step away for a week, I wanted to share a small update. I’ll be back at it on the 7th. 

Don’t worry, I’m taking my laptop with me. However, I’ll have limited internet access as I spend some time outdoors with the family. Rest assured, things are still progressing, and moving my body around is always beneficial.

This means you won’t see the usual real-time updates on Discord while I work on the art.

Alpha Update! 

Last week, I released version 1.1, and this morning, version 1.2 dropped. If you're curious about the changes, I've been maintaining a detailed changelog for each version. This is in addition to sharing art updates on Discord.

The next version will be our first Beta release—lots to do! If you notice anything odd, please submit it through the FEEDBACK FORM.

Locked Outliers:

Recently, some of you submitted surveys but couldn’t access the Alpha. Your orders needed to be marked as ‘Locked,’ and you should now have access. If you’re still experiencing issues, let me know!

First 250 Cards: 

These will be shared when I return, available in PDF format and as Alpha versions.

For those following the changelog, I met with the editors and made a small format adjustment. This will apply to the 250 cards as well, so I’ll be revisiting them for updates once I’m back. The editors have already noted the necessary changes.

There won’t be any art changes—just new italics placements and minor format tweaks. All positive updates, and I’m excited to share these steps with you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to introduce a little human and a puppy to their first mountains.

Be Safe and Keep Playing!

- Hos (Dungeon Scribe)

Mini-Update: BK Charges & Alpha Weekend!
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Jun 07, 2024 at 02:23:49 PM

Greetings Everyone!

We're back with a mini-update and some exciting news!

Post Vacation Recap:
The weekend away was amazing, and I’m thrilled to share that I got both rest and sunshine—luxuries these days!

Backerkit Charging: All Orders & Pre-Orders
 

I've notified Backerkit that we’re ready to start processing charges. We expect to have the green light by tomorrow or the day after. Once the charges go through, you’ll be able to access the very first Alpha version in your Digital Downloads!

We want to make sure everyone is prepared, so consider this another friendly reminder about the upcoming charges, in addition to last week’s update.

Note: This isn't related to shipping; it mainly covers add-ons, pre-orders and items in your Backerkit cart.

Alpha Release Updates:

Despite my better judgment, I’ve been busy tinkering and had several productive meetings with our editors this week. These discussions led to some exciting tweaks and near-constant adjustments.

Highlights:

Text Formatting: After experimenting this past week with different formats, the braintrust helped me settle on the best approach for categorizing and classifying italics. We locked this in with the editors on Wednesday, and we’ve been diligently updating the core deck documents.

• Expect these changes to roll out into the Alpha-Beta once we’ve double-checked everything.
• These changes will also carry through to the book versions of items in Decks 1-5. Keeping them all in sync is vital to my mission here.

Beta Preview: Some features are still awaiting final approval for the Beta release in July. These are marked ‘Coming in Beta.’ For more detailed notes on what’s currently in development for the Beta, refer to the previous update.

PDF Troubleshooting:

If you notice anything odd or out of place in the document, please let us know. Given the document's size and the daily refinements (plus the massive recent swap), some issues might slip through. Your feedback is invaluable!

The Feedback Form is Here! Use it however you like.

Look out for Alpha 1.0 in your Digital Downloads after the funds are processed. I’ll be monitoring it closely to ensure everything runs smoothly.

I’m incredibly excited about the progress we’re making. The learning curve has been a bear with layouts but it’s becoming more manageable every day. I hope you enjoy the Alpha as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it! I’m hoping to keep sneaking in new files whenever I get the chance to update based on feedback or add new sections!

Be Safe, and Keep Playing!

• Hos (Dungeon Scribe)

Alpha Release: Timeline Update!
almost 2 years ago – Fri, May 31, 2024 at 08:51:57 AM

Greetings All!

Back with a much needed Update!

I’ve been keeping my head down and working away, besides dealing with a nasty case of STARI (thank you, my single weekend camping trip). It has been thankfully uneventful, and I’ve been able to knock out a number of things and have been working towards even more.

Originally, Alpha 1.1 was dropping today. However, I am going to be pushing it to Next Friday. I overestimated the amount I could get out last night and got lost in the fine tuning of arrangements. Now, I still have over 40 items (Items T-X) that need to be slotted in, but if I miss the literal boat today, my wife will end all of us.

This update was written with that in mind, so please accept this sneak peak and get ready for next week. I know it’s a let down, but we are on a countdown now. So, the sooner you get eyes, the better.

How this is going to be Distributed (what to do):

• Backerkit Digital Files!: As mentioned previously, this is the safest way to release and to be able to easily update the available file for you.
• Mini-Update: I’ll post an additional update for the release next week.

What’s Included in the Alpha: 

• 475 Items - Immediately.
  Why 475 and not 500?: There aren’t actually going to be 500 items. It’s actually going to be more like 525 -530 (numbers not final). There are additional items being added to make up for the Boons being expanded and separated.

What’s Not Included:

The following features are still forthcoming for another edition of the Alpha or for the Beta. This is mostly additional content or standard book fair. 

• Beta: Boon Items
• Beta: Additional Deluxe Items & Details
• Beta: 3 Patrons (Sneak Peek Below)
• Beta: Item List (Item Name - Type - Rarity - Requires Attunement - Card # - Page #)
  Much like the reference numbers, things are still moving around. So, they aren’t finalized yet (for Decks 6-10).
• Beta: Extra Goods (Feat/Spell/Creatures) - Any extra goodies I can pack in.
• Post Printing: Creator’s Deck.
  These have always been a Digital Set. The book and timeline takes precedence, so it’s in the back burner for now.
• Post Printing: Heliana’s Item Crafting.
  I get to work directly with Loot Tavern on a regular basis.
  Post Printing: Valiant Changes.

Next Steps for You: (Post Release)

Where do we go from here? Well then, start the timer and the testing!  

• Dive In: Pop over to Backerkit and grab the Digital Download.
• Feedback: Besides good ole Discord, I have the following form to submit Feedback!

Next Steps for Me:

• Wedding Anniversary:
  Quite literally the BOAT: I’ll be back mid next week!
• Alpha 1.2 - Beta 1.3!
  If there is time before the Beta, I’d like to add in an update so you can see it progressing. I want you to see the feedback in action. This seems the easiest way.
• Updating Art & Layout!
  My bane and my true passion, showing my progress by updating older files. It takes a lot of time, but it honestly is how I unwind by leaving small notes in review. I can’t look through the files without finding a new tweak.
• New Art! 
  With splitting the boons and adding more boons/items, I’ve gotten even more items to craft custom art for. About 20-30 in total depending what time allows. 
  (Items are Edited, and I’ll be popping them in without Art as able!)
• Deluxe Sheets!
  A number of these are included, but several currently in book will be expanded (Extra Content for Review)

Now then, this will be live on Backerkit as soon as it starts processing through. That was going to start today, but next week is playing it safe. So please keep an eye out for the update.

I was hyped to get this into your long awaited hands this week. So, I’m a little bummed about that, but it’s looking so good. It’s a big boon to know that this is the worst that it will look, and it just keeps improving with every day.

I will be back Tuesday after a much needed Wedding Anniversary weekend and then right back into it.

Be Safe & Keep Playing!
Hos (Dungeon Scribe)
 

End of April: Reminders and Lockage.
almost 2 years 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)