December Update: Meh News/Good News
over 1 year ago
– Tue, Dec 03, 2024 at 11:03:19 PM
Greetings All!
Apologies for the delay with this update. It was originally planned as a November update, but due to scheduling conflicts and a bug, it’s now arriving in December. I’ve fallen into some old, unhealthy habits of burning the candle at all ends. That has led to a bit of overload, allowing a Holiday bug to wallop me into this week.
I’m working at setting better limits on time, mostly for health reasons, but I’ve been pretty wrapped up in it recently. I tend to funnel, losing track of the clock and calendar entirely. The only silver lining is that I’m perpetually on Discord, and I’m happy to chat directly whenever I pop up for air.
I spend long swathes of time buried in the project outside of consulting with freelancers, so I’d be happy to share tidbits of what I’m ‘eating of the elephant’ that day. Honestly, I was pretty shocked to realize it’s been two months.
The Meh News:
Timeline:
As you’ve probably guessed from my eagerness to share an update, along with the previous October update of needing layout assistance, I have not made the printing window for a December delivery.
Bad news sucks, I hate sharing it, I hate being the cause of it. I’m bummed, and probably will be until this entire project is on a boat that is making its way to you. I overextended myself, and both the project and I paid the price for it. Now it’s time to solve it.
The new printing date is planned for post-CNY (Chinese New Year), which is in February. This provides the necessary time to finish the remaining sections. That sets delivery for June or July 2025. Is it ideal? Not even close—but it’s the goal, and I’m sticking to it.
The product is moving from good to great, but most importantly, it just needs to get done.
Tariffs:
Am I worried about tariffs now that I’m shipping next year?
Absolutely. I’m utterly terrified. I’m terrified. Everything is paid for and in place, but this adds an extra layer of uncertainty. If tariffs become an issue, I’ll evaluate what that means and how to handle it. For now, though, it’s just a nagging concern—not a crisis.
It’ll go on the pile of worries to be ignored while I focus on tasks at hand. We stay on theme.
2024 Rules:
Are you updating all the items since this will release after the new rules are available?
If I had the bandwidth, I would try. If only to preserve the decks and books viability at tables and retail going forward. Unfortunately, I simply don’t. Right now, I’m holding everything together through sheer will. Thankfully, there should be significant crossover, and the differences will likely be minor. Ideally, an errata can address any discrepancies that arise.
Ask about 2024 Rules when the 2014 edition fully ships and there are no more loose ends.
Good News:
Things Are Moving:
Some late stragglers have been turning over art assets (not for items— those are still all me) for some outliers, and I’m thrilled to see those pieces finally moving along. The quality of the work has absolutely blown me away, and I can’t wait for you to see it all come together.
New Layout Tweaks:
I didn’t realize how much time I’d been wasting on layout until I handed it off to someone who specializes in it. While it was essential at the time, I’m definitely kicking myself now. The improvements range from minor to drastic, but the overall results are incredible. I’m so excited to share them with you once everything is in place, which leads into the next point.
Beta Share:
I’m targeting the end of January to share the beta. Feedback will be critical, as the final version will follow close behind in the next month. I’m really looking forward to getting it into your hands.
Manufacturing Front:
I have an in-person meeting scheduled with LongPack this week at PAXU for a project update. I’m looking forward to touching base and working to smooth out any remaining hiccups in the production process.
Various Etc:
There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, but it’s harder to get excited about it knowing I’ve missed the deadline—the one I didn’t want to miss. Books are hard, and this process has taught me so much compared to previous projects.
Because I can’t seem to help myself, I’ve also expanded a few things again—but more on that in the next update. There will also be a breakdown of a timeline for digital deliveries (fingers crossed) of several deliverables.
Final Thoughts:
Phew. This might not seem like much, but it took a while to gather and share all this. I’m hopeful that updates going forward will bring only good news. Things are moving; they just take time. I am also focused on the goal over perfection.
Your patience is beyond appreciated.
Be Safe, and Keep Playing.
-Hos
(Late) September Update - 1.7/Layout/Playtest Items!
almost 2 years ago
– Fri, Oct 04, 2024 at 01:21:17 PM
Greetings Everyone!
Time for a quick but important update on what’s been happening and what's coming soon! Apologies for the delay on this one. I’ve been keeping the plates spinning, and while these updates look slapshot, they take a good deal of time.
PDF - 1.7 Update!
I think this might be my favorite one yet, but I’m impartial. So, here are some notes of changes.
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Text Formatting: This is now included throughout the entire book, and almost every item (baring those needing additional review).
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Minor Formatting Update: Scores/Checks made to match in usage, this will be reflected in the decks once I have a chance to update the PDFs.
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Identifiers: Item names with the art!
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Comic Pages: 3 of the 6 included!
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Backdrop Boxes: Included for GM Notes, Cursed Items, Paired Attunement. These are special callouts, some still need minor adjustments upon review.
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Additional Items!: I updated the art for a load of items. Honestly, I can’t remember all of it. It starts to be a blur after enough caffeine and photoshop layers. I do remember some of my favorites!
- Heart of the Fire Elemental (reworked and updated art)
- Wall of MOR TÙR-BÌDEAG (Less flat, and energy teeth!)
It’s really coming together, I was hoping to be well into Beta at this point, but that plays directly into the next blurb.
New Layout Artist:
I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job thus far, but the more changes and adjustments I make the more I realize where my skill is falling short of my ambition/schedule. The biggest perk of taking on additional work, this means that I am able to hire out the layout for the following to a trusted designer.
Layout Help Sections: Item Index Chart, Shield Chart Page, More Oddities - Feat/Spell, The Trio, The Maps Sections: Plus some general touches for the item chapter.
I’m excited to see what they are able to expand on while I can split my time with the other remaining tasks.
Playtest Shares:
Here are some of the additional stretch goal playtests, if you catch anything or have notes. Please check out the Doc!
PLAYTEST: More Oddities
I have never made many spells or feats. There are others who do it far better and with more elegance than I could ever hope to achieve. That clearly stated, I have made them for my tables in the past, and I’ve included them in the book. Thank you to my peers who helped me with updating and refining these. One is tied to Attunement Slots and Magical Items (shocker), and the other offers an expansion to my favorite versatility spell: Greater Find Familiar!
Late Additional: Verbiage tweaked on the Feat to account for a class I can’t mention that might have over the standard 3 Attuned Items.
PLAYTEST: The Trio (Scratch/Shepherd)
Shockingly, most of my experience lies in making lower level creatures. I make small creatures for my tables. This was a massive switch. So again, thank you to my peers who have helped me these past weeks tempering these into challenging and interesting Tier 4 creatures.
These playtests are to get a feeling of the monstrous NPC’s that make up potential patrons. These are essentially just the stat blocks. Not included: Flavor Story, Origins, Role Playing, Story Hooks, Traits, Additional Traits, Tactics. Those will be included shortly, but they are still getting refinement (shortening) passes.
Late Additional: Red Font denotes any feature still in flux. Shepherd has had more playtesting. Scratch is still coming into its own Monstrosity.
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Old Scratch: Charm / Controller Link!
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Dusk Shepherd: Implacable Warrior Link!
Scribe should be available as well in the next week or so. I’m trying to lock in the feel of their silence and hand pawn abilities without overwhelming the DM.
How do I find my Digital Download?
Hos’s Guide - Via Desktop, this might be different for others.
Backerkit Website> User Icon (Normally on the Top Right)> Your Surveys> Select the Kickstarter Title> Get Your Digital Downloads (Blue Button)!
I wish I had more to update you on currently, but I’m just heads down. I'm chasing production and outlying art on the daily. As soon as I get a clearer picture of things, so will you.
With supreme gratefulness, Be Safe and Keep Playing.
- Hos
July/August: GenCon + Manufacturer + New Digital Update!
about 2 years 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.
about 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!
about 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!
