I've been watching for a while now as the old school community debates the issues regarding "retro clone" games such as Labyrinth Lord. Never mind the fact that this game was created with old schoolers in mind. If you've still got your red book, then rock on and keep playing, but what if you don't?
People can debate whether it is right or wrong to even do what Goblinoid Games did by making LL, but there are two facts staring the critics in the face. It's here and available, and if the Wizards don't have a problem with it, what's the big damn deal?
Fact is, I have been impressed with the way LL has been handled since day one. Dan Proctor has calculated every move with this game since the announcement that it was being created. He also hasn't been working on a big budget. We're still talking $100's invested on a working man's salary, but we're also talking about thought going into it to get more bang for the buck.
Dan probably didn't consider back lash from the very community he's pitching this to, but maybe he did. There are those who want their old books and have other objections to LL. Fair enough. The problem is that you can't let those critics prevent you from trying to reach those in the old school crowd who would be interested.
Dan has been very level headed and has projected a good image on the net. This is another thing I respect about how he has handled things. It could be very easy to fall into that trap of getting negative, but he's had none of that. One of the important places to reach people about LL on the net is Dragonsfoot. It was a key place in the announcement of LL, Basic Fantasy and other games.
Where do you post about it, though? The General section isn't appropriate. Classic D&D would seem a good place, but some traditionalists don't like LL or OSRIC. That left the Other RPG's section. Dan used that section to announce LL. Problem is not everybody at the forum would know to look there. This was addressed recently when Basic Fantasy creator Chris Gonnerman and Skathros (don't know his name), two mods at Dragonsfoot, helped get a new section established.
The section is called Simulacrum Games. A witty name, I suppose. I'm not thrilled about it, because there are people who may be interested in what is there, but they won't look. They won't "get" what the name means. I would have preferred this to be a sub section of the Classic section with a name more to the point of what it's about. But, at least it has been created.
Baby steps, that's what it takes. Dan knows this, so Goblinoid Games is doing what it has to do. Labyrinth Lord is just one of GG's titles. There are a few others as well. What Dan has done is made announcements every few weeks to get the interest up. LL debuted a new cover for those who didn't like the old one a few weeks ago. Not long ago, Dan debuted a Monster Stat book for LL. Keep the word out and work within the budget.
When the Goblinoid Games forum was created, there was much excitement. Some good books have been created already. The Phoenix Barony campaign setting book, which I assisted in editing, was offered up by David Bezio. There are other books out there and more coming, but the initial excitement has died down. I've even heard some disappointment that more money wasn't generated yet.
Patience. It will take patience. If you are doing this as an independent, you can't expect big money over night. You've got to give it time. For instance, Dan has said he will wait a year or two to judge success or failure. In the meantime, he finds ways to keep putting the word out. This is what it takes. I know some have spent money on art work. If you are not putting this in a store, how important is art work, really? You spend how much to get it? Plus, are the players running through that dungeon even going to see the art in that book? Is the art needed if the cost is high enough?
This is a fair question. Why spend a couple hundred dollars on art if you don't have the outlet to recoup that money in a reasonable time? Are you looking to make enough money to take the wife out to dinner within a few weeks of the release of the book? Well, you need to consider how much money needs to be invested, Also, look around for art. There is public domain art and probably some artists willing to work with a person just trying to get started.
The work will be the thing. How is that dungeon or campaign setting? Have you created some new monsters that can challenge the group? Work on your writing and polish it until it shines. If you have created something that the player wants to play, it will sell. I know the pictures and that stuff look nice, but when you sit down at the table, the players are gonna roll the dice and play the game. If you wrote something fun and challenging, they will come back for more. Use clip art and that sort of stuff to make the book prettier.
But, most importantly and the reason for my post, be patient. It will take time for the word to spread. Go to the forums and spread the word. The more places you can get to, the better. Also, a free pdf sample of what you did can't hurt. If they don't know what you can do, why will they buy the book? I'm a big fan of Labyrinth Lord and what this game offers, but anybody creating mods for it needs to follow Dan's example and be patient.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Getting In The Door With The Game
First, the Basic Charts Edition of Heroes of the Dungeon Crawl is still available for free download. Over 130 hits on the Lulu site and 26 downloads as of now.
There's a local game store that just opened up. Actually, it was at another smaller location for a couple years, and it was time to move up. Business was doing well enough, as I understand it, that he had to make the move to take it to the next level.
Let's face it, in this age of computers, any game store that can make it is doing well. I have a few within transit distance, and I'd rate this one about in the middle of them all in terms of product availability and charm of store. It ain't the best, but it ain't the worst.
One of my frustrations with the place is getting them to recognize other RPG's. This is definitely a D&D is the center of the universe type of store. Now, please don't think I'm trying to slam them for this, because I'm not. It's a business, even if it started out as a hobby. Once you have a store, you are invested in the deal.
The safe bet is D&D. Wizards controls a huge share of the market, after all, and this is the game most people have heard of. Ignore that fact at your own peril. What's interesting is I've heard the guy complain about the big book stores getting better treatment than the game stores by Wizards. That's not a very game store friendly attitude from a company that you would think needed these stores.
In the end, I know the money made off of these products justifies putting up with any crap you might have to put up with.
But, I couldn't help wondering if he could do himself a little bit of a favor by trying to increase awareness of one of the other games. Which one, I don't know. Let's use Castles & Crusades as an example. I know people play this one in the area. Get them to hold weekly games there in the game room and increase the visibility of the game with a better display. No, not a bunch more space, just better visibility.
The problem is I have only seen the Players Book on the shelf there. The other two core books were not on the shelf. Hackmaster was nowhere to be seen (yes I know Kenzer has made plans for a new version, but I'm talking earlier this year). In fact, he didn't have much nice to say about Kenzer. Nope, there are tons of D&D books on the shelf, and THAT is what this guy pushes. With all the space he has now, it's a disappointment.
I need to travel about 30 miles or more to see a Tunnels & Trolls book, Hackmaster, Castles & Crusades, Lejendary Adventures and so many others, and I might add I can see many of those books in more than one store.
Do I blame the store owner? No. It's his store, and he can run it as he wishes. Just because I think the lack of certain books there is not a good thing for the RPG companies doesn't make it so. IT IS A BUSINESS!!! He is there to make money, not to help promote smaller game companies that could use the help.
THIS is the problem that a game like Labyrinth Lord will have in being more than a net fad. With Heroes of the Dungeon Crawl, I'm not worried about getting rich or finding shelf space, because I simply don't have the money to make the push. I have a few ideas up my sleeves, don't get me wrong, but I have no visions of money here. I simply wanted to add s new basic element to the RPG that is very much in need of one.
I don't see this industry growing. The big boon period was probably the early 80's for this. Most people interested in this type of deal will just get the computer game. It's cheaper, easier and it takes less time. Look at the money made off of games like Everquest, Ultima Online and World of Warcraft if you need proof. Heck, Wizards knows this, which is why there are options for playing D&D on computer, and good ones at that.
Daniel and Goblinoid Games had good intentions with Labyrinth Lord, and there has been a nice buzz surrounding it. He spent money to make a nice book that you can even order in a Barnes & Noble for purchase there (no cards needed). I tried to get the attention of the local store to order it there and put him in touch with Goblinoid Games. Nothing happened. I had even offered to purchase a book through him. It didn't say D&D on it, and you only need the one book to play. Where's the money in that?
Daniel has a big challenge ahead to go further with this, but to his credit he has said he has no major goals for this game. At least he tried, and I have nothing but respect for what he did. But even the community he seeks to sell this to is divided. Because this book isn't red with Erol Otus or Larry Elmore art on the cover, some reject it. Why do we need it? Why isn't it just free (the pdf is)? So, he can't really market it in one forum the way other games I won't name are allowed to be pushed.
I never deluded myself into thinking any of this was going to be huge, but I am disappointed in certain reactions. The old school community ought to embrace Labyrinth Lord and OSRIC for what they bring to the table, professional quality new material for an old game, but they don't. Many see it as a money grab, and don't believe it should even be there. So, the cause is hurt at the very start by that, and getting the word out is a challenge that leads to frustration by those who tout it to the masses. Simply put, many will abandon early when results aren't what they hope.
Daniel made this book available through some distributors, including Barnes & Noble. It's a little too early to see how well that will go. I believe some stores, a few at least, might stock it if asked, but will anybody ask? Others, like my local store, will just ignore the request and pretend they never heard it. After all, Wizards has new books coming with the D&D logo, and that's what people want, or are told to want anyway.
What I have noticed during the year that I have returned to gaming is not all that encouraging for anybody looking for a basic game with an old school feel. When D&D finally dropped the Basic from the name in the early 90's, it was assumed everybody could just buy all the hard cover books and jump in. No basic game needed. In my opinion, That was a mistake, but it's not one that the company will lose any sleep over.
The little guy trying to get in the door with a new game has a huge challenge ahead of him. It's not a rich industry, and why does the store need your game when they have the great RPG Monolith that is D&D? It's not an easy road. As I said, it is a business for the store owner and game maker before being a hobby. Store owners have reason to be hesitant to try new or different stuff from outside of their comfort zone.
Why am I getting into this subject? No reason really. Just a few observations I have made. It is what it is until somebody is able to make the move that changes the way things are. It has happened before and will happen again. I just feel that having a basic game you can play in minutes will go a long way towards getting people off of their computers and back to the table for a good old fashioned gaming session.
To those trying to change things and get their feet in the door with that new game, I salute you.
There's a local game store that just opened up. Actually, it was at another smaller location for a couple years, and it was time to move up. Business was doing well enough, as I understand it, that he had to make the move to take it to the next level.
Let's face it, in this age of computers, any game store that can make it is doing well. I have a few within transit distance, and I'd rate this one about in the middle of them all in terms of product availability and charm of store. It ain't the best, but it ain't the worst.
One of my frustrations with the place is getting them to recognize other RPG's. This is definitely a D&D is the center of the universe type of store. Now, please don't think I'm trying to slam them for this, because I'm not. It's a business, even if it started out as a hobby. Once you have a store, you are invested in the deal.
The safe bet is D&D. Wizards controls a huge share of the market, after all, and this is the game most people have heard of. Ignore that fact at your own peril. What's interesting is I've heard the guy complain about the big book stores getting better treatment than the game stores by Wizards. That's not a very game store friendly attitude from a company that you would think needed these stores.
In the end, I know the money made off of these products justifies putting up with any crap you might have to put up with.
But, I couldn't help wondering if he could do himself a little bit of a favor by trying to increase awareness of one of the other games. Which one, I don't know. Let's use Castles & Crusades as an example. I know people play this one in the area. Get them to hold weekly games there in the game room and increase the visibility of the game with a better display. No, not a bunch more space, just better visibility.
The problem is I have only seen the Players Book on the shelf there. The other two core books were not on the shelf. Hackmaster was nowhere to be seen (yes I know Kenzer has made plans for a new version, but I'm talking earlier this year). In fact, he didn't have much nice to say about Kenzer. Nope, there are tons of D&D books on the shelf, and THAT is what this guy pushes. With all the space he has now, it's a disappointment.
I need to travel about 30 miles or more to see a Tunnels & Trolls book, Hackmaster, Castles & Crusades, Lejendary Adventures and so many others, and I might add I can see many of those books in more than one store.
Do I blame the store owner? No. It's his store, and he can run it as he wishes. Just because I think the lack of certain books there is not a good thing for the RPG companies doesn't make it so. IT IS A BUSINESS!!! He is there to make money, not to help promote smaller game companies that could use the help.
THIS is the problem that a game like Labyrinth Lord will have in being more than a net fad. With Heroes of the Dungeon Crawl, I'm not worried about getting rich or finding shelf space, because I simply don't have the money to make the push. I have a few ideas up my sleeves, don't get me wrong, but I have no visions of money here. I simply wanted to add s new basic element to the RPG that is very much in need of one.
I don't see this industry growing. The big boon period was probably the early 80's for this. Most people interested in this type of deal will just get the computer game. It's cheaper, easier and it takes less time. Look at the money made off of games like Everquest, Ultima Online and World of Warcraft if you need proof. Heck, Wizards knows this, which is why there are options for playing D&D on computer, and good ones at that.
Daniel and Goblinoid Games had good intentions with Labyrinth Lord, and there has been a nice buzz surrounding it. He spent money to make a nice book that you can even order in a Barnes & Noble for purchase there (no cards needed). I tried to get the attention of the local store to order it there and put him in touch with Goblinoid Games. Nothing happened. I had even offered to purchase a book through him. It didn't say D&D on it, and you only need the one book to play. Where's the money in that?
Daniel has a big challenge ahead to go further with this, but to his credit he has said he has no major goals for this game. At least he tried, and I have nothing but respect for what he did. But even the community he seeks to sell this to is divided. Because this book isn't red with Erol Otus or Larry Elmore art on the cover, some reject it. Why do we need it? Why isn't it just free (the pdf is)? So, he can't really market it in one forum the way other games I won't name are allowed to be pushed.
I never deluded myself into thinking any of this was going to be huge, but I am disappointed in certain reactions. The old school community ought to embrace Labyrinth Lord and OSRIC for what they bring to the table, professional quality new material for an old game, but they don't. Many see it as a money grab, and don't believe it should even be there. So, the cause is hurt at the very start by that, and getting the word out is a challenge that leads to frustration by those who tout it to the masses. Simply put, many will abandon early when results aren't what they hope.
Daniel made this book available through some distributors, including Barnes & Noble. It's a little too early to see how well that will go. I believe some stores, a few at least, might stock it if asked, but will anybody ask? Others, like my local store, will just ignore the request and pretend they never heard it. After all, Wizards has new books coming with the D&D logo, and that's what people want, or are told to want anyway.
What I have noticed during the year that I have returned to gaming is not all that encouraging for anybody looking for a basic game with an old school feel. When D&D finally dropped the Basic from the name in the early 90's, it was assumed everybody could just buy all the hard cover books and jump in. No basic game needed. In my opinion, That was a mistake, but it's not one that the company will lose any sleep over.
The little guy trying to get in the door with a new game has a huge challenge ahead of him. It's not a rich industry, and why does the store need your game when they have the great RPG Monolith that is D&D? It's not an easy road. As I said, it is a business for the store owner and game maker before being a hobby. Store owners have reason to be hesitant to try new or different stuff from outside of their comfort zone.
Why am I getting into this subject? No reason really. Just a few observations I have made. It is what it is until somebody is able to make the move that changes the way things are. It has happened before and will happen again. I just feel that having a basic game you can play in minutes will go a long way towards getting people off of their computers and back to the table for a good old fashioned gaming session.
To those trying to change things and get their feet in the door with that new game, I salute you.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Combat in HotDC
When I look at combat in Heroes of the Dungeon Crawl, I have had numerous thoughts on the subject. I want to keep it simple and I want to keep it unique. The Attack-Defense System was created with the second point in mind, while still trying not to forget the first point. Having tested the ADS, I can honestly say it works about how I hoped it would. The 0 Degree setup works well with it too. But, is it simple enough?
The new player has to determine an Attack Strength and a Defense Strength. In combat, both sides roll twice and factor in bonuses and negatives. There's more math in the works. Is that a good idea for a basic game? I like the idea of three characteristics instead of six. It speeds up the creation process, and it means three less things to worry about when starting out. Though I don't feel that the ADS is that difficult, would simplification in this area help?
In the article I'm working on for the next Hero's Chronicle, I take a look at combat. I don't want to get into everything here, but the stat I'm looking at is called Hit Factor at the moment. Basically, your hit factor is the number your opponent needs to equal or beat to score a hit. You would roll three six sided dice to determine success. The weapon damage as assigned now won't change, and the armor bonuses won't change much.
Basically, you roll three stats, determine a race and profession, decide if you will start at 0 Degree or 1st Degree, equip your character, set Hit factor and start playing. It's simple this way, and I feel it is still unique enough. I mean, the idea of rolling dice to determine success or failure is not something that can be owned, as I understand it. Now, the charts used back in the day are another thing altogether.
As of now, things are what they are. Nothing has been changed. As I say in the book, changes are possible in every area. I will continue to explore this issue in the weeks ahead.
The new player has to determine an Attack Strength and a Defense Strength. In combat, both sides roll twice and factor in bonuses and negatives. There's more math in the works. Is that a good idea for a basic game? I like the idea of three characteristics instead of six. It speeds up the creation process, and it means three less things to worry about when starting out. Though I don't feel that the ADS is that difficult, would simplification in this area help?
In the article I'm working on for the next Hero's Chronicle, I take a look at combat. I don't want to get into everything here, but the stat I'm looking at is called Hit Factor at the moment. Basically, your hit factor is the number your opponent needs to equal or beat to score a hit. You would roll three six sided dice to determine success. The weapon damage as assigned now won't change, and the armor bonuses won't change much.
Basically, you roll three stats, determine a race and profession, decide if you will start at 0 Degree or 1st Degree, equip your character, set Hit factor and start playing. It's simple this way, and I feel it is still unique enough. I mean, the idea of rolling dice to determine success or failure is not something that can be owned, as I understand it. Now, the charts used back in the day are another thing altogether.
As of now, things are what they are. Nothing has been changed. As I say in the book, changes are possible in every area. I will continue to explore this issue in the weeks ahead.
Friday, October 19, 2007
This, That And The Other
First, the Basic Charts Edition of Heroes of the Dungeon Crawl is still available for free download. Over 100 hits on the Lulu site and 19 downloads as of now.
The Next Step For HotDC
Though I'm not on schedule with Danger in the Dwarven Dungeon, I have done some work. A few days ago, I did computer versions of the map of the Stoutheart Farm and some of the dungeon below it. I have also begun stocking the rooms in the file I have opened for this project. So, yes, work has begun. I'm still excited about this adventure, and I hope you will be too once it's done. It will be fun and challenging, while offering an interesting plot and plenty of opportunity to role play or hack n slash. And, This will be made for the HotDC system. I have other stuff in the works for Labyrinth Lord.
While splitting my time between HotDC and LL, I have begun to consider what the next step will be for the HotDC rules. I have a few ideas in mind, and I have begun looking at combat. I'm not budging on the six sided dice thing, but combat is on the table. The reason being that I want to keep it as simple as possible. I'll get more into this in future posts, and the second issue of The Hero's Chronicle as well. After looking at some other stuff and getting my hands on some art, I am considering an update to the HotDC Basic Charts Edition. This would take place after the Dwarven Dungeon is completed.
I am still working on things and learning as I go, which is why HotDC is free to download. You can buy a copy at any time of you wish to support the cause. This hasn't happened yet, but I'm not losing any sleep over it either.
Labyrinth Lord
While it wasn't in the plans to get as involved with LL as I have out of the gate, I really felt compelled to do it. I've had my worries over the whole "can they really do this" issue, as you know, but here it is. It's out there, and Goblinoid Games has recaptured something pretty special from my youth. I have been active in the community supporting the cause and will continue to do so, but I do want to get back to HotDC as well
While keeping up with things at LL, I have assisted in editing two projects. The first is an uncredited effort (I didn't ask) called The Pheonix Barony by David Bezio. This is a campaign setting and offers lots of details of people and places. He has some adventures in the works, and I will assist in editing if he asks. I really like what he has done so far and recommend it.
The second is Fortress of the Mountain King by Moritz Mehlem. It has not been released yet, but he discusses it little in his thread on the Labyrinth Lord forum. I'm not sure what he plans to do with it as far as downloads and purchases, but I'm guessing it will be a Lulu offering as well.
I have offered some ideas of my own in a thread I created on the Labyrinth Lord forum. I even put the very first map created in my time of gaming by my brother in that thread. You have heard me discuss it in this blog. The adventure was called When In Doubt, Seek It Out. I have done a computer version of that map that I haven't released yet. Originally, my intent was to use it in the Secret City of Moldayvia project.
The other adventure idea I discuss in that thread is the Wizard's School Adventure. That is actually the first one I intended to do for LL, but it turns out I have done more work on When In Doubt. It may be the first one that sees the light of day. What I'm trying not to do is get sidetracked from HotDC, which needs more attention.
What's interesting to note is that people there are pretty excited about that game, but I hope they will be patient and understand that it won't all happen at once. The worst thing they can do is get impatient and give up. I really believe a more focussed game plan is needed there, but as I don't have a financial stake in tings there, I don't want to come off as somebody who is trying to tell them what to do.
There has been a little news in the Basic RPG movement, which I still think can be a boon to bringing new players into the game if done right.
A thread over at Enworld asks, Why No Beginner Boxed Set For D&D
Well, as we have reported here, there was a Basic D&D announced, and Chris Perkins told me at Gencon that it would cover at least three levels, which is what it covered back in the TSR days. My concern is whether this will be a boxed set like the old ones that allowed you to create adventures and play several sessions with what is included in the box, or will it be like the current Basic Set for D&D 3.5 that has a couple adventures and then tells you to get the three core books?
In that thread, Scott Rouse of Wizards of the Coast said:
Keep on the Shadowfell will be an intro product for existing players to help transition to 4e rules.
In the fall of 2008 we have a product planned that will be a starter for new RPG players that will teach the basics.
As for what will be included in the Basic Set, we still wait for details. I know it's not the priority over at Wizards, but a few details would be nice. I think they'd be surprised at the reaction they would get if they do it in the style of Moldvay Basic with stripped down 4e rules. Time will tell.
The Basic Set that will likely be in that style is the one being prepared by Troll Lord Games. I'm talking about the C&C Basic Set, which has been discussed in this thread of their forum.
Steve, and I believe that is Steve Chenault, posted this recently in that thread.
The new cover has been sent to the web-master. I'm working on the detailed TOC so we can post that and people can get a better idea of what is coming.
Steve
Could that mean a Christmas release for Basic C&C? Time will tell.
Anyway, to wrap this long winded post up, work will continue on HotDC. I want to get back to focusing more on it in the days ahead. To those who have downloaded the HotDC Basic Charts Edition, thank you very much for looking. You have seen it at an early stage, and the plan is to clean it up, explain things better and improve this game in the months ahead.
Stay Tuned!!!
Gimme Basic And Other Stuff
There has been a little news in the Basic RPG movement, which I still think can be a boon to bringing new players into the game if done right.
A thread over at Enworld asks, Why No Beginner Boxed Set For D&D
Well, as we have reported here, there was a Basic D&D announced, and Chris Perkins told me at Gencon that it would cover at least three levels, which is what it covered back in the TSR days. My concern is whether this will be a boxed set like the old ones that allowed you to create adventures and play several sessions with what is included in the box, or will it be like the current Basic Set for D&D 3.5 that has a couple adventures and then tells you to get the three core books?
In that thread, Scott Rouse of Wizards of the Coast said:
Keep on the Shadowfell will be an intro product for existing players to help transition to 4e rules.
In the fall of 2008 we have a product planned that will be a starter for new RPG players that will teach the basics.
__________________
Scott Rouse
SR. Brand Manager - Dungeons & Dragons
Wizards of the Coast
Scott Rouse
SR. Brand Manager - Dungeons & Dragons
Wizards of the Coast
As for what will be included in the Basic Set, we still wait for details. I know it's not the priority over at Wizards, but a few details would be nice. I think they'd be surprised at the reaction they would get if they do it in the style of Moldvay Basic with stripped down 4e rules. Time will tell.
The Basic Set that will likely be in that style is the one being prepared by Troll Lord Games. I'm talking about the C&C Basic Set, which has been discussed in this thread of their forum.
Steve, and I believe that is Steve Chenault, posted this recently in that thread.
The new cover has been sent to the web-master. I'm working on the detailed TOC so we can post that and people can get a better idea of what is coming.
Steve
Could that mean a Christmas release for Basic C&C? Time will tell.
Anyway, to wrap this long winded post up, work will continue on HotDC. I want to get back to focusing more on it in the days ahead. To those who have downloaded the HotDC Basic Charts Edition, thank you very much for looking. You have seen it at an early stage, and the plan is to clean it up, explain things better and improve this game in the months ahead.
Stay Tuned!!!
Friday, October 12, 2007
More Progress Made On TKI-1 And Other Stuff
First, the Basic Charts Edition of Heroes of the Dungeon Crawl is still available for free download. Nearly 100 hits on the Lulu site and 13 downloads as of now.
As you've seen here on the blog, I put out issue 1 of The Hero's Chronicle and released my own version of Dungeon Squad. They will probably be moved to the Lulu site for free download soon.
HotDC has been sort of in the back seat lately as I have assisted in some stuff over at Goblinoid Games with Labyrinth Lord. In fact, I recently went to Barnes & Noble and bought LL there. Daniel has shown a path to getting books into the store that I didn't realize was there, and at some point, I will be doing the same thing.
I have offered some creative ideas at the LL forum and worked a little on my own project. I'm working on monster conversions for LL as well. Also, David Besio recently released a campaign setting for LL called The Phoenix Barony that is pretty nice. He has been spreading the word about that game and is pretty excited about it. After looking at the layout, I volunteered to proof read it, so that has been my main project this week. Actually, this book is on my get list for a hard copy, which I will be buying soon.
As it turned out, it rained today, so I took advantage of the extra computer time to work on maps for TKI-1, Danger in the Dwarven Dungeon. With that done, I will be typing the rest of the hand written notes for it (already typed the back story and that stuff), and that will make more progress. The editing of another book might cut into time a little, but there will be time made for this project.
Also, I have picked out articles for The Hero's Chronicle, Issue 2. However, there will also be original material. For sure, I want to include Stupid Things We Did At The Table (already written) and Another Look At The Combat System For HotDC (mostly written) as new pieces for the magazine. But, an ETA on completion of any of this is not set.
I do know I want to complete TKI-1 and get back to work on First Edition HotDC, but as I am considering rules, I don't want to rush it. TKI-1 will be compatible with the Basic Charts Edition of HotDC. That's the status of things at the moment.
As you've seen here on the blog, I put out issue 1 of The Hero's Chronicle and released my own version of Dungeon Squad. They will probably be moved to the Lulu site for free download soon.
HotDC has been sort of in the back seat lately as I have assisted in some stuff over at Goblinoid Games with Labyrinth Lord. In fact, I recently went to Barnes & Noble and bought LL there. Daniel has shown a path to getting books into the store that I didn't realize was there, and at some point, I will be doing the same thing.
I have offered some creative ideas at the LL forum and worked a little on my own project. I'm working on monster conversions for LL as well. Also, David Besio recently released a campaign setting for LL called The Phoenix Barony that is pretty nice. He has been spreading the word about that game and is pretty excited about it. After looking at the layout, I volunteered to proof read it, so that has been my main project this week. Actually, this book is on my get list for a hard copy, which I will be buying soon.
As it turned out, it rained today, so I took advantage of the extra computer time to work on maps for TKI-1, Danger in the Dwarven Dungeon. With that done, I will be typing the rest of the hand written notes for it (already typed the back story and that stuff), and that will make more progress. The editing of another book might cut into time a little, but there will be time made for this project.
Also, I have picked out articles for The Hero's Chronicle, Issue 2. However, there will also be original material. For sure, I want to include Stupid Things We Did At The Table (already written) and Another Look At The Combat System For HotDC (mostly written) as new pieces for the magazine. But, an ETA on completion of any of this is not set.
I do know I want to complete TKI-1 and get back to work on First Edition HotDC, but as I am considering rules, I don't want to rush it. TKI-1 will be compatible with the Basic Charts Edition of HotDC. That's the status of things at the moment.
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