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

Mini-Update: BK Charges & Alpha Weekend!
over 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!
over 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.
over 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)
 

Update for April 1st (Minus the Fools)
over 2 years 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!

• Hos (Dungeon Scribe)

KS2: CNY & Water Damage Update KS2: CNY & Water Damage Update
almost 3 years 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!

• Hos (Dungeon Scribe)